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growers hoping to use an integrated ap- proach should begin by identifying which disease infests their ground. Verticillium has plagued strawberry production since the 1930s. Fusarium and macrophomina charcoal rot emerged after methyl bromide was phased out in 2005, with allowable criti- cal use exemptions for strawberries end- ing in late 2016. The three key strawberry diseases can all cause plants to collapse at different times during the season, but they should be managed differently. Verticillium can live in the soil for eight years, while fusarium and macrophomi- na can remain viable for more than three years, said Joji Muramoto, a UCCE spe- cialist based in Santa Cruz. “Using clean, disease-free transplants is very important,” Muramoto said. The life of pathogens in the soil is es- sential for developing a crop rotation scheme, which is required under or- ganic regulations. “You must know which disease you have,” Muramoto said. “You need at least two years out of strawberries to avoid fusarium. But raspberries are a host that can increase fusarium in the soil.” Broccoli is widely used as a rotation crop by organic growers because it suppresses
As regulations restrict the use of some chemical fumigants, researchers say applying steam, such as in this strawberry field near Watsonville, is an effective alternative.
verticillium pathogens in the soil. Verticillium can be hosted by many crops that are widely grown in the Central Coast region, including caneberries, arti- chokes, lettuce and spinach. In a UC Santa Cruz study, a four-year rotation of broccoli and lettuce in- creased subsequent strawberry yields
20% more than a two-year rotation. Researchers are analyzing the econom- ics of this longer rotation. Another important tool for integrat- ed disease management is resistant varieties. But Muramoto said, “There is no variety that is resistant to all the pathogens.” While many varieties show resistance or tolerance of verticillium or fusari- um, progress is still being made in de- velopment of a variety that can hold up under macrophomina. Muramoto has worked extensively with anaerobic soil disinfestation, in which organic matter is incorporated into the ground and then tarped with material impermeable to oxygen and irrigated. He said anaerobic soil disinfestation al- most completely eliminated macropho- mina in pot experiments for strawberries.
This treatment is effective against ver- ticillium but can be used only during the warmer summer months to manage fu- sarium. Fusarium can be made worse if disinfestation is attempted when it is too cool. “The goal is to reduce the pest com- munity in the soil to the point it allows profitable strawberry production,” Fennimore said. While researchers are making progress toward this goal as regulations contin- ue to restrict use of chemical fumigants, there is no silver bullet. “We’re making progress, but it takes persistence and patience,” Fennimore said. “It takes a lot of time and money to develop a new machine.” (Bob Johnson is a reporter in Monterey County. He may be contacted at bjohn11135@gmail.com.)
2023 Retirement Plan
Hanford teacher wins Ag Educator of the Year award
A teacher at Hanford High School in Kings County has been honored as California’s 2022-23 Ag Educator of the Year. Jason Ferreira received the Golden Owl Award during the California FFA State Leadership Conference in Ontario on March 18. “Receiving the Golden Owl Award re- minds me of the powerful impact that FFA advisors have on our community,” Ferreira said after winning the top edu- cator prize. “I am humbled and proud to be a positive representative for California agricultural education.” Award finalists included: Brian Kim of Sunny Hills High School; Emily Brown of Corning Union High School; Celeste Morino of Ripon High School; Beth Swehla of Anderson Valley High School; and Lauren Peterson of King City High School.
The Golden Owl Award comes with a $3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to the agricultural education program of the honored teacher. Each finalist receives a $500 donation to support future educa- tional efforts. Nationwide is also donating $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation. Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to shed light on the contributions of California’s leading agricultural teach- ers. The award is given in partnership with the California FFA Foundation and the California Farm Bureau. “As a company deeply rooted in ag- riculture, we are proud to collaborate with our state partners to recognize out- standing agriculture teachers, who are not only critical to the communities they serve but also to the farming industry as a whole,” said Brad Liggett, president of Nationwide Agribusiness.
California’s state retirement plan mandate expanded on January 1 to include those employers with one or more employees. Ensure you are prepared to comply with the new California retirement plan mandate. Join us at one of our webinars presented by Nationwide. Members, enjoy access to free classes! Register for the upcoming webinars.
For a list of class dates and to register, visit cfbf.com/FBE or call (800) 698-FARM for assistance.
You will receive a Zoom link and details two days prior to your selected webinar date.
8 Ag Alert April 5, 2023
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