Lexington, KY 40546
Online at: www.uky.edu/KPN
Number 1225
CORN
-Stability of Hybrid Response to Fungicide
“Plant Health” Effect
TOBACCO
-Managing Target Spot and Rhizoctonia
Damping-Off in the Float System
WHEAT
-Wheat Rusts are a “No Show” So Far
SHADE TREES & ORNAMENTALS
-Botrytis Disease Can Destroy Tulips
CORN
Stability of Hybrid Response to Fungicide “Plant
Health” Effect
By Paul Vincelli
Headline® is a very effective fungicide for control
of certain corn diseases, especially gray leaf spot
and northern leaf blight. It is also being marketed
as a growth regulator, with claims of yield increases
even in the absence of significant disease pressure.
Yield increases are, in fact, possible under low
disease-pressure conditions. But few university
scientists recommended fungicides in the absence
of significant disease pressure since these yield
increases don’t seem to happen often enough or
predictable enough to rely on as a crop management
strategy.
But maybe it isn’t that simple.
I t seems well-established scientifically that corn
hybrids differ in how they react to fungicides under
low disease pressure. In some experiments, certain
hybrids show a “growth-regulator yield boost” from
fungicide; others don’t. But can growers count on
it, year after year, in field after field?
April 13, 2010
LANDSCAPE
-Clover Mites on the Crawl
HOUSEHOLD INSECTS
-Termite Swarmers
PESTS OF HUMANS
-Lone Star Ticks Active
DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTS
The publically available, validly conducted research
thus far indicates that this effect may not be very
stable in most corn hybrids. In other words, it
seems that few corn hybrids consistently provide a
significant yield benefit from one year to the next
when disease pressure is low.
I risk sounding like a “broken record”, repeating the
same thing over and over, but the research keeps
pointing to the same conclusion: The best reason to
apply a corn fungicide is when pressure from foliar
diseases is moderate to high on a susceptible
hybrid. Any other reason for applying a
fungicide—more stress tolerance, improved growth
efficiency, stronger stalks—runs a significant risk
of unnecessarily increasing production costs,
environmental contamination, and pesticide
residues in the kernels. It may happen, but it is
more likely that it won’t.
TOBACCO
Managing Target Spot and Rhizoctonia
Damping-Off in the Float System
By Kenny Seebold
This past winter was colder than normal, and it
looks like we’re making up for this with a spring
season that has, thus far, featured below-average
rainfall and above-average temperatures. In terms
of float-bed diseases, these conditions generally
don’t favor foliar problems like collar rot and target
spot. Warmer conditions such as those we see now
can promote root and stem diseases like Pythium
root rot (KPN No. 1224, 6 April 2010) and
Rhizoctonia damping-off. To date, we’ve seen just
a few cases of Pythium root rot and damping-off;
however, it won’t be long before target spot begins
to crop up around the Commonwealth. This week’s
article will focus on both Rhizoctonia damping-off
and target spot, along with management options for
these problems.
Damping-off
Description and development. The float-system is
an ideal location for Rhizoctonia solani, the causal
agent of damping-off (or soreshin). Two strains of
R. solani can be found in the float system – one
which causes only damping-off, and another which
can cause both damping-off and target spot.
Damping-off usually occurs early in the
development of the tobacco seedling and first
appears as a
water-soaked
lesion at the
base of the
plant. Later,
the lesion will
take on a
sunken, brown
Figure 1. Early symptoms of Rhizoctonia
appearance
damping-off on tobacco seedlings. and will
eventually
girdle the plant. Girdled seedlings collapse and
eventually die (Figure 1). In many cases, the entire
stem of affected plants will be discolored, and
decay spreads
into the leaves
(Figure 2).
Infested
leaves in
contact with
the surface of
Styrofoam
Figure 2. Stem and leaf rot of tobacco trays or peat-
seedlings caused by R. solani. based media
can become
infected and will first develop water-soaked lesions
that enlarge over time, often spreading to the stems
on young seedlings (Figure 3). Seedlings with mild
infections of R. solani that are later transplanted
may succumb to soreshin in the field, and might be
more susceptible to black shank and Fusarium wilt.
Figure 3. Leaf infection (at arrow)
caused by R. solani.
High humidity and float-bed temperatures above 68
°F are optimal for growth of R. solani. A common
inhabitant of agricultural soils, R. solani can survive
on organic matter and will colonize growth media
used in tobacco transplant production. Primary
infections occur when actively growing hyphae, or
fungal threads, come in contact with roots or stems.
Hyphae then form infection cushions that produce
enzymes that will degrade plant tissues. Infections
can spread from plant to plant, and organic matter
(plant debris) can serve as a bridge between
infected and healthy seedlings. Survival structures
called sclerotia are formed after the food source has
been exhausted.
Control. Infested soil or Styrofoam trays are the
most common sources of R. solani in transplant
production. Dormant hyphae associated with
organic debris and sclerotia are the principal resting
structures of R. solani. These can be found easily on
the surfaces of infested trays and in cracks and
crevices in older Styrofoam trays. Infested trays
thus become a source of inoculum in subsequent
years if not sanitized properly or replaced.
Good sanitation is the best way to manage soreshin
in the float system. The first step is to limit the
amount of fungal inoculum in the transplant system.
New trays will all but eliminate the risk of carrying
over inoculum from previous transplant cycles, but
this option can be expensive and may create issues
with disposal of old trays. Used trays should be
sanitized properly (see ID-160, The 2009-2010
Kentucky-Tennessee Tobacco Production Guide,
for more information) to reduce carryover of
inoculum.
Proper ventilation, which minimizes leaf and stem
wetness, and maintenance of fertility are important
considerations as well. While Rhizoctonia damping-
off can’t be controlled completely with fungicides,
we get reasonable suppression with the mancozeb-
based fungicides Dithane DF, Manzate Pro-Stick,
and Penncozeb. These products are applied at a rate
of 0.5 lb/100 gallons of finished spray solution (or 1
level teaspoon per gallon) once plants have reached
the size of a dime. Use 3-5 gallons of the fungicide
solution per 1000 square feet, applied as a fine
spray (to ensure good coverage) on younger plants;
and increase spray volume to 6-12 gallons on older
plants. Begin applications before symptoms
develop, or immediately after the first symptoms
are observed at the latest, and continue on a 5-7 day
schedule until plants are ready to go to the field.
Target Spot
Description and development. Target spot is caused
by the sexual stage of R. solani, known as
Thanatephorus cucumeris. Target spot begins in
localized areas, or foci, and commonly occurs after
the plant
canopy has
fully formed.
Small, water-
soaked lesions
appear on
leaves and will
expand rapidly
Figure 4. Early-phase lesions of target during periods
spot on tobacco transplants.
of warm
temperatures (> 75 °F) and high humidity (Figures
4 & 5).
Lesions
normally have
a transparent-
light green
appearance and
may be
surrounded by
Figure 5. Expanded target spot lesions a chlorotic
showing typical 'bullseye' pattern. (yellow) halo.
Dead leaves will turn brown and adhere to the float
tray. Web-like strands (mycelia) of fungal growth
may be present on leaves, stems, and growth media
when humidity is high. The target spot pathogen
will damp-off of younger transplants as well.
Seedlings with target spot that are transplanted can
contribute to epidemics in the field later in the
season.
Inoculum carried over in infested trays is the most
common way for the T. cucumeris to enter the float
system, although inoculum may move in on air
from sources outside the transplant facility.
Basidospores generated by T. cucumeris are
released under favorable conditions and contribute
to spread of the disease within the float system.
Control. As with soreshin, sanitation and good
growing practices are the best defense against target
spot. Research suggests that plants that are
nitrogen-deficient show increased susceptibility to
target spot. Severe outbreaks of target spot have
occurred in cases where nitrogen has dropped
below 50 ppm, a common scenario in outdoor float
beds that have received significant rainfall resulting
in dilution of fertilizer levels. Maintaining nitrogen
within the recommended range of 75-125 ppm will
help suppress, but not eliminate, this disease.
Mancozeb fungicides, as described for damping-off,
should be applied when conditions favor disease.
These products are the only labeled options for
managing Rhizoctonia diseases of tobacco
seedlings, and work reasonably well when used in
conjunction with sound management practices.
WHEAT
Wheat Rusts are a “No Show” So Far
By Don Hershman
Over the past couple of years, wheat scientists, crop
consultants, and wheat producers have heard a lot
about the new races of wheat stem rust, loosely
referred to as UG99 (Figure 6), that have the
potential to greatly impact the world’s wheat
supply. The big “hubbub” is due to the fact that
most of the wheat varieties grown throughout the
world, including many in the U.S., are fully
susceptible to the disease. This is big change in the
status of stem rust because, prior to finding UG99
(named for being found in Uganda in 1999), stem
rust was adequately controlled using resistant
varieties.
Because of the potential importance of UG99 to the
U.S. wheat crop, new monitoring and
communication activities targeting wheat stem rust
have recently been initiated. This has resulted in a
lot more people looking harder than ever before for
wheat stem rust in most states east of the Rocky
Mountains. In the process of looking for stem rust,
other rusts--leaf rust (Figure 7) and stripe rust
(Figure 8)--are also being monitored and survey
results are being reported to stakeholders.
Increased rust monitoring and reporting activities
have greatly increased our awareness of where rust
diseases are at present and to what extent.
Based on all of this activity, there have been
numerous reports from the South indicating that
leaf rust, stripe rust and stem rust (not UG99) are all
present. Many growers in Kentucky have heard
these reports and this has generated some concern
that our risk for one or more rust disease is higher
than normal. I do not think this is the case.
Personally, I see no evidence that rust diseases in
the South are more widespread or severe for this
time of the year than usual. And to date, no rusts
(leaf, stripe, or stem) have been observed in
Kentucky. My guess is that our rust risk is normal
to below-normal based on the general lack of rainy
weather since the wheat crop has greened up.
Things could change if conditions turn wet, but for
now we are in good shape. I am quite certain we
will see one or more rust diseases in Kentucky –we
always do. But for the most part, they are held in
check by resistant varieties here and elsewhere.
We have stepped up monitoring activities for UG99
and are part of the national UG99 monitoring effort.
All evidence suggests that UG99 will not arrive in
the U.S. by natural means. By that I mean it will not
likely enter the U.S. via a hurricane, as was the case
with soybean rust. There are numerous rational
reasons for this which I cannot go into with this
article. Suffice it to say that all evidence suggests
that when we find UG99 in the U.S., the origin will
Figure 6. Stem Rust (source: Identifying Rust Diseases of
be associated with human activity (commerce
Wheat and Barley published by NCERA-184 & WERA 97
related, or by researchers, terrorists, hobbyists, or multi-state Extension and Research Committees for
tourists). Small Grains Diseases and USDA, 2010).
Figure 7. Leaf rust.
Figure 8. Stripe rust.
 SHADE TREES & ORNAMENTALS
Botrytis Disease Can Destroy Tulips
By John Hartman
Tulips are in bloom now and are a showy part of
many Kentucky landscapes. Last year’s cool, rainy
weather may have favored blight disease in some
tulip beds. Once a tulip bed becomes infested, the
disease may become progressively worse in each
succeeding year. The causal fungus, Botrytis
tulipae, can overwinter here and inoculum could be
available in high amounts to attack tulips this
season. If the weather turns cool and wet, tulip
blight, also called tulip fire, could quickly appear
and be very destructive.
Symptoms. Tulip fire causes lesions on the leaves
which first appear as minute, yellowish spots
surrounded by a darker water-soaked area. The
lesions may give the leaf a speckled appearance and
as they enlarge the lesions become whitish gray,
turning brown. As the lesions continue to enlarge
and coalesce dead patches develop, sometimes
taking up the entire leaf. Blighted leaves may
harbor a gray growth of the causal fungus during
humid weather. This fungal growth contains many
conidia which can be moved by air currents or
splashing rain to healthy tulips nearby, causing
additional infections.
• Choose a new planting site where tulips
have not been grown within the past three
years. Practice crop rotation where tulip
beds are to be dug up and replanted.
• Inspect tulip plantings frequently for
evidence of symptoms and signs of the
fungus.
• Remove and destroy blighted flowers,
leaves, or entire plants for sanitation as
needed. Do this when the plants are dry so
as to avoid further disease spread.
• Avoid overhead watering of tulips.
• Fungicide sprays may help protect plants
from infections, especially during cool, wet
spring weather. Fixed copper products
such as CuPro (copper hydroxide) or
others, Serenade (QST 713 strain of
Bacillus subtilis), and Camelot (copper salts
of fatty and rosin acids) or other fungicides
might be suitable for this use. Be sure to
check the label to see that Botrytis blight of
tulips or ornamentals is approved.

Lesions on the flowers begin as tiny spots that are

whitish to light brown (Figure 9). As the spots
enlarge the entire flower may become blighted
(Figure 10). Blighting may take place when the
flower is still in the bud, preventing it from Figure 9. Spotting and blighting of tulip flower due
opening. Lesions on the stalk resemble those of the to Botrytis.
leaves and may cause the stem to break over at the
lesion. Lesions may be found on the brown, outer
bulb scales where small black bodies the size of a
pinhead may be present. These dark structures are
the sclerotia, or resting bodies of the fungus and
they can also be found on rotting leaves, flowers
and stems.

Tulip fire disease management. Effective control of

tulip fire may be accomplished with good cultural
practices.
• Inspect new bulbs before establishing the
Figure 10. Botrytis rotting a tulip flower and stem (C.
tulip bed and discard those showing
Kaiser photo).
evidence of lesions or sclerotia.
 LANDSCAPE
Clover Mites on the Crawl
By Lee Townsend
Clover mites are accidental invaders that can be a
temporary nuisance during the early spring. These
tiny, reddish brown
creatures with very
long front legs appear
as moving dark spots
to the naked eye. Sheer
numbers, plus the
resulting red-brown
stain left behind if they
are crushed, make
Figure 11. Clover mite (S. them unwelcome
Stoltz photo). visitors. Clover mites
are not blood feeders
and will not harm people or pets; nor will they
infest household products. Those that make it
indoors will soon die.
Clover mites feed on clover and grasses. They can
be especially abundant in the heavy, succulent
growth of well-fertilized lawns during the cool
spring and fall months. They usually enter a home
around windows or doors so they are usually seen
crawling along sills or thresholds.
A soapy rag or wet sponge can be used to clean
mites off of surfaces. Wipe carefully to avoid
crushing the mites and causing stains. The crevice
tool of a vacuum cleaner may also be used to pick
up mites. Rely on non-chemical control indoors. Do
not apply insecticides to kitchen counters or other
interior surfaces.
There is an increased potential for invading
structures when grass extends up to the foundation.
A plant bed or open area will provide a barrier that
will stop many mites and provide a long term
solution to persistent problems. Avoid over-
fertilizing lawns. This creates situations that are
ideal for mites to increase to tremendous numbers.
Many may be removed by a strong hosing with
water but this will need to be repeated as necessary.
A barrier spray of a lawn and garden pyrethroid
insecticide (e.g., permethrin, cyfluthrin, or
cyhalothrin ) may reduce movement of the mites
from grasses to patios, decks, or house walls. Use a
compressed air or hose end sprayer to treat at the
base of all exterior doors, garage and crawl space
entrances, around foundation vents and utility
openings, and up underneath siding. It may also be
useful to treat around the outside perimeter of the
foundation in a 2 to 6- foot-wide band along the
ground, and 2-3 feet up the foundation wall.
Follow label directions.
HOUSEHOLD INSECTS
Termite Swarmers
By Lee Townsend
Termite swarmers are active from March into June
in Kentucky. That is when winged reproductive
forms disperse to start new colonies and when
homeowners discover infestations. Flight is
triggered by
warmer air
temperatures
and rainfall.
Swarmers
have dark
bodies to
yellow-brown
bodies and are
Figure 12. Termite swarmers- top about ¼ inch
(upper) and bottom view (lower). long (picture at
right). The two
pairs of wings are of equal length and break off
easily. The pair of long straight antennae are
missing in these specimens. Termites have a broad
waist in contrast to the narrow waist of ants.
While termites can cause extensive damage to
structures, they work relatively slowly. There is
plenty of time to confirm the identification, learn
some basics about termite control, and get
competitive bids from licensed pest control
operators. You can become informed about termites
by reading this Entfact -
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef604.a
sp
 PESTS OF HUMANS
Lone Star Ticks Active
By Lee Townsend
Outdoor activity can bring you in contact with lone
star tick and American dog ticks. Hungry ticks sit
on grass blades and other vegetation along trails,
woods margins, and overgrown areas with
outstretched front legs waiting to latch on to passing
"meals".
Repellents and frequent tick checks are keys to
protecting yourself from ticks. Here are some tips
from the Centers for Disease (CDC).
Figure 13. Lone star tick - note long
mouthparts extending from front of head.
To reduce the possibility of being bitten by ticks
and other blood-feeding arthropods, you should―
1. Use a repellent on exposed skin. EPA-
registered repellents include products
containing DEET (N,N-
diethylmetatoluamide) and picaridin (KBR
3023). DEET concentrations of 30% to
50% are effective for several hours.
Picaridin, available at 7% and 15 %
concentrations, needs more frequent
application. DEET formulations as high as
50% are recommended for both adults and
children over 2 months of age. Protect
infants less than 2 months of age by using a
carrier draped with mosquito netting with
an elastic edge for a tight fit.
2. Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be
more easily seen. Tuck long pants into
socks to keep ticks from reaching the skin.
3. Inspect your body and clothing for ticks
during outdoor activity and at the end of the
day. Remove ticks as soon as they are
found (see below).
4. Apply permethrin-containing products (e.g.,
Permanone) or other insect repellents to
clothing and shoes for greater protection.
Permethrin is not labeled for use directly on
skin. Most repellent is generally removed
from clothing and gear by a single washing
but permethrin-treated clothing is effective
for up to 5 washings.
For removal of attached ticks:
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or protect your
fingers from direct contact with a tissue,
paper towel, or rubber gloves.
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as
possible and pull upward with steady, even
pressure. Don't twist or jerk the tick; this
may cause the mouthparts to break off and
remain in the skin. (If this happens, remove
mouthparts with tweezers. Consult your
healthcare provider if infection occurs.)
3. Do not squeeze, crush, or puncture the body
of the tick because its fluids may contain
infectious organisms.
4. Do not handle the tick with bare hands
because infectious agents may enter
through mucous membranes or breaks in
the skin. This precaution is particularly
directed to individuals who remove ticks
from domestic animals with unprotected
fingers. Children, the elderly and immune-
compromised persons may be at greater risk
of infection and should avoid this
procedure.
5. After removing the tick, thoroughly
disinfect the bite site and wash your hands
with soap and water.
6. You may wish to save the tick for
identification in case you become ill within
2 to 3 weeks. Your doctor can use the
information to assist in making an accurate
diagnosis. Place the tick in a plastic bag and
put it in your freezer. Write the date of the
bite on a piece of paper with a pencil and
place it in the bag.
More information on ticks in Kentucky can be
found in
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/entfact
pdf/ef648.pdf and
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/entfact
pdf/ef618.pdf
 DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTS
By Julie Beale and Paul Bachi

Recent samples in the PDDL have included

Rhizoctonia damping off and Pythium root rot on
tobacco transplants; Phomopsis leaf blight on
strawberry; Fusarium dry rot on potato tubers; and
Sclerotinia stem rot and ethylene injury on tomato.

On greenhouse ornamentals we have seen wet feet

problems on calibrachoa; Botrytis blight on coleus;
bacterial soft rot on African violet; growth regulator
injury on petunia; and spider mite infestation on
verbena and bacopa.

On landscape samples we have seen Pseudonectria

canker on boxwood; and winter injury on many
species including holly, boxwood; cherrylaurel and
juniper.