Vegetable and Fruit Crops Pathology

I. Phytophthora Blight of Peppers

Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is a devastating disease on both bell and non-bell peppers. P. capsici was first described by Leonian in 1922 on chili pepper in New Mexico. The disease was subsequently reported in many pepper growing areas in the world. Phytophthora blight causes yield losses up to 100% in pepper fields in Illinois. P. capsici has a broad host range, among which cucurbits, eggplants, and tomatoes are severely affected in Illinois.

No single strategy should be used to control Phytophthora blight of pepper and other crops. Strategies recommended for management of Phytophthora blight of pepper include preventing the pathogen from being moved to the field, reduction of soil moisture, reduction of Phytophthora spores in the soil, utilization of resistant varieties, and applying fungicides. Cultivars ‘Emerald Isle,’ ‘Paladin,’ and ‘Rainger’ have moderate to high resistance against P. capsici isolates of Illinois. Also ‘Arda,’ and ‘Revolution,’ and ‘Alliance’ have been reported to be resistant to P. capsici. When growing resistant pepper varieties, implement the cultural practices recommended above

For more information on Phytophthora blight of peppers, click here and here and visit the following websites: http://veg-fruit.cropsci.uiuc.edu/Vegetables/Main/vegetables.htm and (http://www.entm.purdue.edu/entomology/ext/targets/ID/index.htm).

II. Illinois Summer Horticulture Day

Illinois Summer Horticulture Day will be held in Edwards Apple Orchard near Poplar Grove, Illinois, on June 16, 2005.Edwards Apple Orchard is located near Poplar Grove, Illinois, approximately fifteen miles northeast of Rockford and 80 miles northwest of Chicago. Robert (Sr.) and Audrey Edwards raised corn, soybeans and livestock on the farm through the early 1960's. In 1963, Robert (Jr.) and Betty Edwards purchased the property and began the transition from dairy and row crop production to apple orchard and farm market. Ken and Barb (Edwards) Hall joined the family business in 1984, and purchased the business from Bob and Betty (Barb's parents) in 1990. Today, their focus continues to be on apples. They currently grow eleven varieties of apples (including Honey Crisp) forty-five acres. The trees are of dwarf and semi-dwarf types. Pumpkins and raspberries are also important crops and they grow small amounts of gourds, squash, ornamental corn and chrysanthemums. Pick-your-own apples has been a popular activity there for more than thirty years. they also offer pumpkins and raspberries as pick-your-own crops. For more information on Edwrds Apple Orchard, celick here.

May 20, 2005
	I. Phytophthora Blight of Peppers Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is a devastating disease on both bell and non-bell peppers. P. capsici was first described by Leonian in 1922 on chili pepper in New Mexico. The disease was subsequently reported in many pepper growing areas in the world. Phytophthora blight causes yield losses up to 100% in pepper fields in Illinois. P. capsici has a broad host range, among which cucurbits, eggplants, and tomatoes are severely affected in Illinois. No single strategy should be used to control Phytophthora blight of pepper and other crops. Strategies recommended for management of Phytophthora blight of pepper include preventing the pathogen from being moved to the field, reduction of soil moisture, reduction of Phytophthora spores in the soil, utilization of resistant varieties, and applying fungicides. Cultivars ‘Emerald Isle,’ ‘Paladin,’ and ‘Rainger’ have moderate to high resistance against P. capsici isolates of Illinois. Also ‘Arda,’ and ‘Revolution,’ and ‘Alliance’ have been reported to be resistant to P. capsici. When growing resistant pepper varieties, implement the cultural practices recommended above For more information on Phytophthora blight of peppers, click *here* and *here* and visit the following websites: http://veg-fruit.cropsci.uiuc.edu/Vegetables/Main/vegetables.htm and (http://www.entm.purdue.edu/entomology/ext/targets/ID/index.htm). II. Illinois Summer Horticulture Day Illinois Summer Horticulture Day will be held in Edwards Apple Orchard near Poplar Grove, Illinois, on June 16, 2005.Edwards Apple Orchard is located near Poplar Grove, Illinois, approximately fifteen miles northeast of Rockford and 80 miles northwest of Chicago. Robert (Sr.) and Audrey Edwards raised corn, soybeans and livestock on the farm through the early 1960's. In 1963, Robert (Jr.) and Betty Edwards purchased the property and began the transition from dairy and row crop production to apple orchard and farm market. Ken and Barb (Edwards) Hall joined the family business in 1984, and purchased the business from Bob and Betty (Barb's parents) in 1990. Today, their focus continues to be on apples. They currently grow eleven varieties of apples (including Honey Crisp) forty-five acres. The trees are of dwarf and semi-dwarf types. Pumpkins and raspberries are also important crops and they grow small amounts of gourds, squash, ornamental corn and chrysanthemums. Pick-your-own apples has been a popular activity there for more than thirty years. they also offer pumpkins and raspberries as pick-your-own crops. For more information on Edwrds Apple Orchard, celick here.