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Southern California grows warm-weather flowers throughout the year such as sunflow- ers and marigolds. The region also has peren- nial plants that flower in the winter—South African and Australian natives, and a wax flower plant—that are used as filler flowers in bouquets all over the world. Southern California is ideal for growing these flowers. The arid climate means there is reduced pest pressure compared to other re- gions of the world as far as fungal pathogens are concerned. The main issue for Southern California cut flowers are fungal diseases.Weather changes during transitional times of the year—fall and spring—will result in fungal diseases. While there are several disease problems, botrytis cinerea is one of the biggest issues, and is also a problem for grapes. Humidity, cooler temperatures, and rain satu- rating the flowers that have sugar inside of them create problems with botrytis, and defoliation of the flowers. In turn, the flowers will be lost before
harvest or during transportation in the boxes. Powdery mildew can also be problematic, but it’s mainly a problem on the new growth that emerges in the fall. It can also happen in the spring, but fall treatment is critical coming into winter. Management involves keeping the plants pruned and properly spaced, and using vari- eties that have tolerance to various diseases. Fungal spray applications and some chemi- gation through irrigation water are used for control. Some of the more susceptible variet- ies will be treated twice a month leading into Valentine’s Day for fungi, and any type of pest, to protect the flowers. Chemical rotation with either a tank mix of multiple chemistries or rotation of chemistries is advised to reduce the risk of resistance building. With supply-chain issues, consider ordering chemicals six months in advance. It’s expected that these supply chain issues will continue until mid-2022, and higher prices are antici- pated as well.
P E S T C O N T R O L A D V I S O R
What are ways to protect flowers from fungal diseases?
Chris Boisseranc, PCA, Southwest Ag Consulting, Inc., Redlands
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January 12, 2022 Ag Alert 15
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