Integrated disease management

Question 1

Define Integrated Disease Management

Answer 1

Usually integrated for diseases, insect pests and weeds.

ecologically based, environmentally conscious method that combines or integrates biological and non-biological control techniques to suppress weeds, insects and diseases

A sustainable approach to managing pests and diseases by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks

Question 2

Describe how apple scab can be successful managed with IP practices. How does each management practice affect disease development?

Answer 2

To apply integrated control we have to understand the biology of the pathogen.

use fungicides to reduce primary infection, depends on weather conditions, cultivar and inoculum pressure in the orchard

implement orchard sanitation to prevent the dormation of pseudothecia:
Apply nitrogen in autumn to accelerate the rate of leaf decomposition, or shred leaves to prevent pseudothecia development
Some fungicides applied in autumn would also prevent the development of pseudothecia
Removal of infected fruit from orchard

reduce secondary infections
Apply fungicides before/after infection period
adjust tree spacing
pruning
resistant cultivars

Question 3

Describe how a soilborne disease such as Phytophtora cinnamomi can be successfully managed in fruit trees with IP practices. How does each management practice affect disease development?

Answer 3

Hygiene / Sanitation
- Disease free nursery stock
- sterile planting medium
- Quarantine
- Stock sampling

Cultural measures
- Improved organic matter
- Mounding
- Irrigation control

Fungicides
- Metalaxyl drench
- Fosetyl-Al foliar spray
- Phosphonates
- Trunk injection

Biological control
- Suppressive soils
- Microbial antagonists

Resistant rootstocks