Power of protection

Spring production is one of the busiest times of the year and often one of the most difficult because the variety of plant material in production can be susceptible to a wide range of diseases. By preparing early, growers can limit the amount of disease surprises. As spring approaches watch for the following common diseases.

Botrytis

Botrytis is the most common disease that affects ornamental plants. Thriving in cool, humid environments, spring production is prime time for Botrytis. Initial signs of Botrytis include small, water-soaked spots of foliage and flowers. Additional symptoms to look for when scouting:

• Small, light brown spots on flowers
• V-shaped, tan-brown lesions of foliage
• Sunken, discolored cankers on stems
• Fuzzy brown or gray spores
• Plant wilting

Powdery mildew

Many spring bedding plants and perennials are susceptible to powdery mildew pathogens. Powdery mildew first appears as white, talcum-like spots called “colonies” on leaves, stems and flowers. As the colonies spread, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow, brown and then drop if left uncontrolled.

While powdery mildew is often found first on the upper surface of the plant’s leaves, both sides can develop colonies, making it important to scout the upper and lower leaf surfaces.

Perfect your program with Postiva

Postiva™ fungicide is a trusted solution that offers growers reliable control of Botrytis, powdery mildew, leaf spots, rusts and many more difficult-to-control diseases while also suppressing bacterial pathogens caused by Xanthomonas spp. and Pseudomonas spp.

Growers can apply Postiva to ornamental crops, vegetable plants and non-bearing fruit and nut plants in greenhouses and nurseries, including field- and container-grown plants, as well as conifer nurseries.

Postiva can be applied as a spray, including aerial application, a drench, chemigation and through automated cold fogging in greenhouses.

Trial information: Treatments applied 9/6 and 9/13. Plants inoculated 9/9. Rates listed per 100 gal. 2019 – Hausbeck & Harlan, Michigan State University.

Rotating fungicides

The two modes of action within Postiva provide a strong defense against various pathogens and when rotated with Mural®, Palladium® and Daconil® brand fungicides, Postiva can help strengthen season-long disease management programs.

To help support its customers, Syngenta has developed a variety of agronomic programs that address the most common diseases while rotating these and other powerful Syngenta fungicides to give growers the benefit of multiple modes of action. Among our library of agronomic solutions are programs designed for Botrytis and powdery mildew control. To view these programs, visit GreenCastOnline.com/Solutions.

To perfect your disease rotation program and combat Botrytis, powdery mildew and more, visit GreenCastOnline.com/Postiva.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or internal Syngenta evaluations. Trials reflect treatment rates and mixing partners commonly recommended in the marketplace.

© 2024 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Daconil®, GreenCast® Mural®, Palladium®, Postiva™ and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners.