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Deer Park, WI

On Sunday during the "Heavy Hitter" panel Q&A session, Mr. LaRiviere posed a question to the group regarding preferred fungicides for pythium.

I believe Mr. Wolf, on the panel, deferred to me for an answer. I was not on the panel, and therefore wanted to offer my two pennies on this matter here on the forum as follow up.

I've battled pythium for a decade and as of last year, believe I've found a program with promise. Here's my thoughts. They are not a silver bullet, but have given me hope.

Soil structure: if you grow in heavy, wet soils, find a way to open them up. More pore space. Air. so they can breath. Promote drainage. PERLITE. lots of it.

Chemistry: I used Ethaboxam (Elumin) for the first time last year. and I was satisfied with the outcome. 4 plants and first time in over a decade I did not watch a day 30 pollination come to a screeching halt and then watch my canopy turn baby poop yellow immediately afterwards.

Elumin must be part of a COMPREHENSIVE program designed to target root pathogens. I rotated this with metalaxyl (Ridomil) as well as foliar phosphite (TKO).

Control started the day transplants were put into the garden and continued through end of Sept.

Lastly, make sure to do your homework on fungicides as well as the pathogens you are targeting. Recognize there are two major classes of fungal diseases we need to worry about: above ground and below ground. Every fungicide out there targets different pathogens.

"Eagle" was discussed as a go-to fungicide for pumpkin patches. That's great if ur trying to slow down leaf disease but it does NOTHING for root disease.

Moral of the story- identify your pathogen, select your fungicide of choice. If you dont know much about this stuff, ask someone who does for help.

Lots of newer classes of fungicides coming to market targeting common root pathogens. Exciting times indeed.

3/18/2019 7:20:54 PM

Putnam Ct.

Joe, Thank you for answering my Question. I was not sure the panel got what I was asking. I Appreciate The help.

3/18/2019 10:16:50 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Joe where do you find Elumin that is not in a Gallon Jug?

3/19/2019 1:13:31 PM

Deer Park, WI

2 suggestions, Shannon- #1 Know a guy who has some to share (chances are you do) #2 get to know the Valent Chemistry rep in your area and convince them that their product is the key to your success.

3/19/2019 6:16:43 PM

Partlow,Va

Thanks for the follow up Joe. It was nice to meet you and Gene also.

3/19/2019 8:45:21 PM