Padgett Suggests Growers Evaluate Variety Options

Avoid Being Misled

WINNSBORO, LA.

   Dr. Boyd Padgett, Extension Specialist, Plant Pathologist LSU AgCenter, spoke recently about disease management in corn, soybeans and cotton. Genetic resistance to diseases and variety evaluation, “is certainly going to be the first line of defense that a producer would utilize to manage diseases,” said Padgett.

   “In the absence of disease resistant varieties, one alternative would be fungicides. We do evaluate fungicides. There are some new fungicides that are available in corn and soybean as well as some seed treatments that are available in cotton.”

   Padgett is also looking at the problems associated with resistance to some of the fungal pathogens to the strobilurin class of fungicides that has been going on in Illinois, Tennessee and Kentucky. “It has probably expanding into other states. This resistance is being conferred by the frogeye leaf spot pathogen (cercospora), a cousin to the cercospora foliar blight pathogen that we have; therefore, we have initiated studies to screen for resistance. In addition we are looking for potential hosts in the field for these fungal pathogens thatmay serve as a bridge from season to season.”

   Padgett suggests growers do their research. “Try to find a high-yielding variety that has good genetic resistance. In many cases, growers will not need to implement any other practices. This will free up their time to do other things in the field;managing weeds, insects or any other agronomic practice. When growers need assistance, the LSU AgCenter has a website where growers can look at disease ratings for varieties. They can also get additional information on fungicide evaluations conducted at other land grant universities; Mississippi State, University of Arkansas and build a strong data set.”

   “We have some very progressive growers in Louisiana. I’m very proud of the way they produce their crop. They do their research so they won’t be misled.” Δ

REGINA LAROSE: Associate Editor, MidAmerica Farmer Grower

Dr. Boyd Padgett, Extension Specialist, Plant Pathologist LSU AgCenter, explains genetic resistance to diseases and variety evaluation is the first line of defense that a producer would utilize to manage crop diseases.

 Photo by John LaRose, Jr.