Compiled by: Jean L. Williams-Woodward,
Extension Plant Pathologist
It is estimated that 2002 plant disease losses,
including control costs, amounted to approximately $576.65 million. The value
of the crops used in this estimate was approximately $4.376 billion, resulting
in a 13.18 percent total disease loss across all crops included in this summary.
The estimated values for most crops used to compute these disease losses are
summarized in: Georgia Agricultural Statistics Service, Georgia Farm Report
Vol. 03, No. 4 and the 2001 Georgia Farm Gate Value Report (AR-02-02). Estimates
for tobacco are based on Market News Service figures for growers' net sales and
do not include warehouse resales. Some estimates for grapes, ornamentals, and
turf rely on specialists' knowledge of the industry and industry sources for
information.
2002 Plant Disease Clinic Annual Summary
Extension Plant Pathology maintains three clinics as educational resources for county Extension agricultural faculty to use to aid their clients in
diagnosing and correcting disease-related plant problems. Plant samples are submitted directly to the county Extension faculty who, at their
discretion, forward samples to the appropriate clinic. Commercial fruits, legume forage crops, forestry, Christmas tree, and ornamental greenhouse
and nursery samples are sent to the Plant Disease Clinic in Athens. Diagnoses of and control recommendations for commercial samples of field
crops, grain forages, pecans and vegetables are handled by the Plant Disease Clinic at the Rural Development Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Commercial turf, landscape ornamentals, and all non-commercial homeowner plant samples are sent to the Plant Disease and Homeowner IPM
Clinics in Griffin for disease diagnoses and recommendations. Diagnoses and educational recommendations are returned to the county faculty. The
clinics maintain a computerized database of samples and their diagnoses, as well as a reference library for use by Extension agents, specialists,
researchers, and students.
Ornamentals (trees, herbaceous and woody ornamentals) and turf comprised most of the samples received in 2002. Due to staffing losses, the
Homeowner IPM Clinic formally located in Athens was officially closed from January to September 2002 when it was re-opened in Griffin.
Although the Homeowner IPM Clinic was "closed," a total of 776 sample diagnoses were rendered to assist county extension faculty and the
clients they serve. This total was approximately 48 percent less than the number of diagnoses provided in 2001, and is the primary reason that total
sample diagnoses provided from the three plant disease clinics were approximately 27 percent less than provided in 2001. Total commercial
sample diagnoses were reduced by 12 percent from 2001 totals due mostly to a 31 percent reduction in the number of turf disease diagnoses
compared to 2001. The reduction may have been due to the loss of an extension turf pathology position. Other commercial crop sample numbers
have been fairly consistent over the last five years.
Clinic Summaries: 2002 Plant Specimen Diagnosis |
Crop |
Commercial
Samples |
Homeowner
IPM Clinic |
Total |
Field
Crops |
208 |
|
208 |
Vegetables |
359 |
57 |
416 |
Fruits
& Nuts |
92 |
37 |
129 |
Herbaceous
Ornamentals |
277 |
94 |
371 |
Woody
Ornamentals |
326 |
197 |
523 |
Trees |
136 |
107 |
243 |
Turf
& Forages |
431 |
275 |
706 |
Miscellaneous |
14 |
9 |
23 |
TOTAL |
1843 |
776 |
2619 |
Apple
Apples generally had high disease pressure in 2002. Due to wet, warm conditions during bloom, fire blight was prevalent if antibiotic sprays were
not applied. Summer rots, particularly bitter rot, were of major concern as the season progressed; there is a strong need for more efficacious
fungicides for control of bitter rot. Cost of control included increased pesticide usage for fire blight and summer rots. Often, chemical fungicides
did not adequately suppress disease.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Thousands) |
Cost of Control ($ Thousands) |
Total
($ Thousands) |
Fire Blight |
1.0 |
20.0 |
45.0 |
65.0 |
Bitter Rot |
10.0 |
200.5 |
100.0 |
300.5 |
Bot Rot |
1.0 |
20.0 |
52.0 |
72.0 |
Black Rot |
0.1 |
2.0 |
33.0 |
35.0 |
Alternaria Leaf Spot |
0.1 |
2.0 |
—1 |
2.0 |
Powdery Mildew |
0.1 |
2.0 |
11.5 |
13.5 |
Sooty Blotch |
0.1 |
2.0 |
—1 |
2.0 |
Fly Speck |
0.1 |
2.0 |
—1 |
2.0 |
Cedar Apple Rust |
0.1 |
2.0 |
—1 |
2.0 |
Scab |
0.05 |
1.0 |
—1 |
1.0 |
Other Diseases |
0.05 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
Total |
12.7 |
254.6 |
241.5 |
496.1 |
1Controlled
with fungicides applied for other diseases.
Estimated by Phil Brannen, Extension Plant Pathologist. |
Blueberry
In 2002, mummy berry and rot diseases were observed at very low levels, largely
due to dry conditions and good fungicide programs. Botrytis blight was essentially
absent, as no predisposing freezes occurred during bloom. In southern highbush
cultivars, problems due to foliar diseases and dieback were observed, but the
advent of new fungicides helped to reduce these diseases. Rust was also observed.
In general, disease pressure was minimal.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Thousands) |
Cost of Control ($ Thousands) |
Total
($ Thousands) |
Mummy Berry |
0.1 |
17.8 |
250.0 |
267.8 |
Botrytis Blight |
0.1 |
17.8 |
50.0 |
67.8 |
Foliar Disease |
1.0 |
178.2 |
20.0 |
198.2 |
Dieback |
1.0 |
178.2 |
10.0 |
188.2 |
Phytophthora Root
Rot |
0.1 |
17.8 |
5.0 |
22.8 |
Total |
2.3 |
409.9 |
335.0 |
744.9 |
Estimate by Phil Brannen,
Extension Plant Pathologist
|
Bunch Grape
Disease pressure, especially from downy mildew, was very high among bunch grape vineyards in 2002, due largely to wet conditions during
harvest. For the first time, Petri disease, also known as "black goo," was observed in north Georgia wine grape vines. This disease resulted from
stressful drought conditions during mid to late summer. Pathological issues resulted in a substantial value loss in 2002.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Thousands) |
Cost of Control ($ Thousands) |
Total
($ Thousands) |
Botrytis |
5.0 |
91.0 |
30.0 |
121.0 |
Downy Mildew |
10.0 |
182.0 |
20.0 |
202.0 |
Black Rot |
1.0 |
18.2 |
20.0 |
38.2 |
Powdery Mildew |
5.0 |
91.0 |
5.0 |
96.0 |
Phomopsis Cane Blight |
2.0 |
36.4 |
—1 |
36.4 |
Crown Gall |
0.5 |
9.1 |
5.0 |
14.1 |
Pierce's Disease |
0.5 |
9.1 |
5.0 |
14.1 |
Total |
24.0 |
436.9 |
85.0 |
521.9 |
1 Controlled
with fungicides applied for other diseases.
Estimate by Phil Brannen, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Corn
In 2002, corn was planted on 340,000 acres and harvested from 290,000 acres. Dry weather during the season affected much of the corn that was
planted but not harvested. The average yield in 2002 was 115 Bu/A, down from 134 Bu/A in 2001. The 2002 crop was valued at $88,378,000. In
2002 southern corn leaf blight and southern rust were severe in some fields. Use of varieties with some resistance to these diseases seems to be the
most effective management strategy at this time. Problems associated with mycotoxins, primarily aflatoxin, were likely increased in 2002 from
2001 because conditions were more favorable for growth of Aspergillus flavus (hotter and drier).
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost of Control ($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Root & Stalk Rot |
0.1 |
0.09 |
0.0 |
0.09 |
Nematodes |
2.0 |
1.78 |
1.0 |
2.78 |
Mycotoxins |
8.5 |
7.51 |
0.0 |
7.51 |
Leaf Diseases |
4.0 |
3.53 |
0.0 |
3.53 |
Total |
14.6 |
12.01 |
1.0 |
13.91 |
Estimate by Robert Kemerait, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Cotton
Rainfall was not as abundant during the growing season in 2002 as it was in
2001 and because of this yields and also disease severity were down. Yields
were also reduced across much of the state because extensive rain at the end
of the season kept growers from timely harvests. Delays in harvest hurt the
cotton yields and quality. Cotton was planted on 1.45 million acres in 2002
and harvested from an estimated 1.36 million acres. The average lint yield was
582 lb/A for a total production of 1.65 million bales. The crop was valued at
$320,961,000. Losses to boll rot and seedling diseases decreased in 2002 from
2001, largely due to dry weather during the growing season. Seedling disease
in Georgia is largely caused by Rhizoctonia solani (soreshin); however
there is evidence that Pythium spp. may play a greater role in this
disease complex than previously thought. Other diseases, such as Fusarium wilt
and various fungal foliar diseases, were only of minimal importance. Losses
to nematodes, primarily southern root-knot nematode, continue to be important
problems for cotton growers in the state. In a recent survey, the level of southern
root-knot nematode was found to be above the economic threshold (100 southern
root-knot nematodes per 100 cc soil) in 25 percent of the nearly 1,800 fields
that were sampled. This is largely a result of inadequate crop rotation in many
areas. Reniform and Columbia lance nematodes were much less of a problem across
the state; however they can be devastating in localized areas.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost of Control ($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Boll Rot (lint) |
2.5 |
8.0 |
0.0 |
8.0 |
Nematodes |
7.0 |
22.5 |
8.0a |
30.5 |
Seedling Disease |
1.5 |
4.8 |
2.2b |
7.0 |
Fusarium Wilt |
Trace |
— |
— |
— |
Total |
11.0 |
35.3 |
10.2 |
45.5 |
a This figure is based upon an estimation that approximately 25% of the
cotton acreage in the state is treated with a nematicide rate of Temik
(5 lb/A or greater) and approximately 0.5% of the acreage was treated
with Telone II.
b This figure is an estimate of the cost of fungicides, both in the seed
treatments and additional hopper box and in-furrow applications, that
are used to manage seedling diseases. For this figure it is estimated
that approximately 15% of the cotton acreage in Georgia is treated with
a fungicide in addition to the seed treatment to manage seedling disease.
Estimate by Robert
Kemerait, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Muscadine Grape
Dry conditions resulted in minimal disease pressure in most muscadine vineyards. When rots were observed, Macrophoma rot was the
predominant disease observed. Black rot was observed on leaves, but this did not translate to fruit rots.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Thousands) |
Cost of Control ($ Thousands) |
Total
($ Thousands) |
Bitter Rot |
1.0 |
15.3 |
40.2 |
55.5 |
Macrophoma Rot |
2.0 |
30.6 |
35.0 |
65.6 |
Ripe Rot |
1.0 |
15.3 |
15.0 |
30.3 |
Angular Leaf Spot |
0.1 |
1.5 |
5.0 |
6.5 |
Black Rot |
0.1 |
1.5 |
—1 |
1.5 |
Phomopsis Dead Arm |
0.1 |
1.5 |
1.0 |
2.5 |
Total |
4.3 |
65.8 |
96.2 |
162.0 |
1Controlled
with fungicides applied for other diseases.
Estimate by Phil
Brannen, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Ornamentals
The estimated value of the ornamental industry (excluding turf) was $1.23 billion
in 2002. Farm gate values for field and container nursery and greenhouse sales
was estimated at $406.6 million, with landscape industries (including re-wholesalers)
making up the bulk of the total ornamental crop value. Root rot diseases account
for the largest percentage of disease loss to ornamentals. Incidence of daylily
rust and other foliar fungal diseases was greater in 2002 compared to 2001.
Daylily rust control alone increased the cost of disease control (plant loss
and increased fungicide use) for nurseries, re-wholesalers, and landscapers.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost of Control ($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Bacterial diseases
(fire blight, leaf spots) |
0.3 |
3.69 |
0.9 |
4.59 |
Fungal leaf spots,
branch and stem cankers |
0.8 |
9.84 |
6.5 |
16.34 |
Root and crown rots |
2.8 |
34.44 |
8.1 |
42.54 |
Powdery mildew |
0.4 |
4.92 |
1.8 |
6.72 |
Botrytis blight |
0.1 |
1.23 |
1.0 |
2.23 |
Virus (TSWV, INSV,
CMV) |
0.05 |
0.62 |
0.0 |
0.62 |
Minor diseases
(rust, downy mildew, nematode) |
1.8 |
22.14 |
2.3 |
24.44 |
Total |
6.25 |
76.88 |
20.6 |
97.48 |
Production Category |
% Reduction1
in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost
of Control
($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Field Grown Stock |
3.0 |
1.70 |
2.1 |
3.80 |
Containerized Nursery
(including Liners) |
7.1 |
11.09 |
5.5 |
16.59 |
Floriculture |
6.9 |
12.39 |
4.4 |
16.79 |
Landscape |
5.3 |
30.45 |
5.7 |
36.15 |
Re-wholesale |
8.6 |
21.25 |
2.9 |
24.15 |
Total |
6.25 |
76.88 |
20.6 |
97.48 |
1 This
column not additive due to way losses are tabulated
Estimate by Jean
Williams-Woodward, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Peach
Peach production in 2002 experienced very limited disease, due to dry conditions throughout much of the season. Though brown rot and scab were
present, with good spray programs, disease was limited. The same was true of bacterial spot, which was virtually nonexistent. Problems with
Armillaria root rot and phony peach were observed. In addition, some losses were incurred from nematodes and crown gall. Cost of control
included cost of pesticides, equipment, and labor. Costs associated with certain cultural practices (flail mowing to reduce gummosis; detailed
pruning for control of Phomopsis shoot blight) are directly related to disease control and were therefore considered in the assessment.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Thousands) |
Cost of Control ($ Thousands) |
Total
($ Thousands) |
Brown Rot |
2.0 |
822.8 |
1,500.0 |
2,322.8 |
Scab |
1.0 |
411.4 |
1,110.0 |
1,151.4 |
Bacterial Spot |
0.1 |
41.1 |
20.0 |
61.1 |
Phony Peach |
0.5 |
205.7 |
230.0 |
435.7 |
Gummosis |
0.1 |
41.1 |
20.0 |
61.1 |
Armillaria Root Rot
|
1.0 |
411.4 |
50.0 |
46.1 |
Phomopsis Constriction
Canker |
0.05 |
20.5 |
10.0 |
30.6 |
Total |
4.8 |
1,954.2 |
2,940.0 |
4,894.2 |
Estimate by Phil Brannen, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Peanut
In 2002, peanut was planted on an estimated 510,000 acres and harvested from approximately 505,000 acres. Due to drier conditions during the
growing season and increased rainfall at harvest, yields were down in 2002 from 2001. Yields in 2002 averaged 2,600 lb/A for a total production of
1.3 billion pounds, valued at $229,775,000. Diseases early in the season, such as Aspergillus crown rot, Diplodia collar rot, and Rhizoctonia
seedling blight were only of sporadic importance. Reduced rainfall across much of the production region lead to fewer problems with common
fungal diseases such as leaf spot diseases, especially early leaf spot, Rhizoctonia limb rot, and white mold. Cylindrocladium black rot (CBR) was
not nearly as severe in 2002 as it had been in 2001. White mold generally appeared during the latter part of the season and caused problems for
growers who were not able to make late-season applications of fungicides effective against soilborne fungal pathogens. Tomato spotted wilt, the
most devastating disease of peanut in Georgia in recent years, was more severe in many areas in 2002 than in 2001. Some growers who were not
severely affected by spotted wilt in 2001 (the disease was fairly light across the state in 2001) began planting peanuts in April, which often led to
high incidence of the disease. The peanut root-knot nematode caused marked losses in some fields, especially in sandier fields in the southwestern
corner of the state.
Note: For 2002, the damage to the peanut crop is based upon
the figure of $355/ton of peanuts.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Valuea |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost of Control
($ Millions) |
Total
($Millions) |
Leaf spots |
1.5 |
3.5 |
24.1b |
27.6 |
White mold |
3.0 |
6.9 |
11.6c |
18.5 |
Limb Rot |
2.0 |
4.6 |
—d |
4.6 |
Pod Rot |
0.5 |
1.2 |
—e |
1.2 |
Nematodes |
3.0 |
6.9 |
8.0 |
14.9 |
Cylindrocladium Black
Rot |
1.5 |
3.5 |
0.26f |
3.76 |
Seedling Disease |
0.5 |
1.2 |
0.5 |
1.7 |
Tomato Spotted Wilt
Virus |
4.5 |
10.4 |
0.0 |
10.4 |
Diplodia Collar Rot |
Trace |
— |
0.0 |
0 |
Total |
16.5 |
38.2 |
44.46 |
82.66 |
a The value used to determine the value of the crop was $355/ton based upon
the recent farm bill.
b It
was estimated that 55% of peanut acreage in Georgia receives some irrigation
and that most of this acreage was sprayed with fungicides 7 times during
the season. Fungicide treatments for leaf spot control alone are about
$8/acre per application. Growers usually sprayed non-irrigated fields
less often, perhaps 4-5 times per season. This figure is based upon the
cost to growers if they ONLY used fungicides (e.g. chlorothalonil) for
leaf spot control.
c This
figure reflects the additional cost BEYOND control of leaf spot if growers
chose to use products such as azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, or flutolanil
to control soilborne diseases.
d Cost of control for limb rot is included in treatments for white mold.
e The
cost of gypsum treatments applied to reduce pod rot has not been estimated.
f It was estimated that approximately 1% of the total peanut acreage is
treated with metam sodium to control CBR at $50/A.
Estimate by Robert
Kemerait, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Pecan
Abundant June-July rain resulted in some scab at a number of locations. Loss potential for 2002 was variable as usual ranging from <10 to >80
percent and generally greater than the past several years.
Disease |
%
Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost
of Control
($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Scab² |
2.00 |
1.60 |
12.10 |
13.70 |
Brown Spot |
0.00 |
0.00 |
—1 |
0.00 |
Downy Spot |
0.00 |
0.00 |
—1 |
0.00 |
Powdery Mildew³ |
Trace |
0.00 |
—1 |
— |
Zonate Leaf spot |
0.00 |
0.00 |
— |
— |
Total |
2.00 |
1.60 |
12.10 |
13.70 |
1 This data is based on the response of unsprayed trees ("Desirable") in
test plots.
2 Seven treatments on 150,000 acres @ $11.50/A; scab sprays also effective
against downy spot, brown spot, and powdery mildew in most cases.
Estimate by Paul Bertrand, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Soybean
In 2002, soybean was planted on approximately 160,000 acres and harvested from an estimated 140,000 acres. Dry weather during the growing
season saw the average yields drop from 27 Bu/A in 2001 to 21 Bu/A in 2002. The total soybean production for Georgia in 2002 was valued at
nearly $15,729,000. Nematodes remain an important problem of soybean in Georgia; diseases are less important.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost of Control ($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Soybean cyst nematode |
3.0 |
0.47 |
0 |
0.47 |
Root-knot nematodes |
3.5 |
0.55 |
0 |
0.55 |
Other nematodes |
0.25 |
0.04 |
0 |
0.04 |
Anthracnose |
0.20 |
0.03 |
0 |
0.03 |
Brown leaf spot |
0.0 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.00 |
Charcoal rot |
0.3 |
0.05 |
0 |
0.05 |
Diaporthe/Phomopsis
complex |
0.3 |
0.05 |
0 |
0.05 |
Downy mildew |
0.0 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.00 |
Frogeye leaf spot |
0.25 |
0.04 |
0 |
0.04 |
Red crown spot |
0.5 |
0.08 |
0 |
0.08 |
Pod and stem blight |
0.2 |
0.03 |
0 |
0.03 |
Purple stain |
0.1 |
0.02 |
0 |
0.02 |
Seedling diseases
(Rhizoctonia/Pythium/Fusarium) |
0.1 |
0.02 |
0.1 |
0.12 |
Southern blight |
0.1 |
0.02 |
0 |
0.02 |
Stem canker |
0.5 |
0.08 |
0 |
0.08 |
Fusarium Wilt |
0.0 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.00 |
Virus diseases |
0.0 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.00 |
Bacterial diseases |
0.0 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.00 |
Total |
9.3 |
1.48 |
0.1 |
1.58 |
1 Resistant varieties are used to manage most nematode and disease problems.
Typically, the only fungicides used are seed treatments to reduce seedling
diseases.
Estimate by Robert
Kermerait, Extension Plant Pathologist; Dan Phillips, Research Plant Pathologist |
Strawberry
Disease pressure was severe in strawberries throughout most of the state in 2002. As a result of freeze damage, angular leaf spot was observed
early in the season. Anthracnose and Botrytis (gray mold) diseases were also prevalent throughout the state, due to wet, warm conditions during
bloom and fruit development. Root rots were also observed in some locations, resulting in additional yield losses and control costs.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Thousands) |
Cost of Control
($ Thousands) |
Total
($ Thousands) |
Gray Mold |
5.0 |
384.6 |
72.0 |
456.6 |
Fungal Leaf Spots |
1.0 |
76.9 |
34.0 |
110.9 |
Anthracnose |
10.0 |
769.2 |
8.0 |
777.2 |
Root Rots & Nematodes |
3.0 |
230.8 |
50.0 |
280.8 |
Angular Leaf Spot |
2.0 |
153.8 |
1.0 |
154.8 |
Total |
21.0 |
1,615.4 |
165.0 |
1,780.4 |
Estimated
by Phil Brannen, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Tobacco
2002 saw the largest loss to spotted wilt seen so far. About 1,000 acres were destroyed for insurance before topping. The remainder with some
exceptions was heavily damaged.
Blue mold flared up early in a number of counties along lines from Moultrie to Hazelhurst and Moultrie to Nahunta. Hot and dry weather in April
ended the mini epidemic without much damage. Blue mold flared in single fields in 2-3 counties following a wet July and some minor damage
occurred.
Black shank caused major losses in a small number of fields. The incidence of black shank in NC-71 and NC-72 is increasing. All Phytophthora
parasitica recovered from these varieties proved to be race 1.
TMV was present in trace amounts.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost of Control
($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Blue Mold |
Trace |
0.00 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
Black Shank |
0.05 |
0.06 |
0.83 |
0.89 |
Target Spot |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
Root Knot Nematode |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.30 |
2.30 |
TSWV1 |
20.00 |
18.50 |
0.87 |
19.37 |
TMV |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
Total |
20.05 |
18.56 |
4.01 |
22.57 |
1 Loss is 20% of quota. The average stand loss to TSWV is estimated to be
41%.
Estimate by Paul
Bertrand, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Turf
It is estimated that there are 1.64 million acres of turf with the maintenance value of $1.60 billion in Georgia. Soilborne diseases are present
wherever turf is grown and are responsible for much of the disease losses. Foliage diseases continue to be problematic during hot, humid summers.
Nematodes have been attributed to increase damage and stress. This stress has predisposed turfgrass to soil borne and foliage diseases. Soil test for
nematode to verify problems.
Diseases |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost of Control
($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Soil Diseases |
4.0 |
64.0 |
32.0 |
96.0 |
Foliage Diseases |
1.8 |
28.8 |
17.6 |
46.4 |
Nematodes |
4.5 |
72.0 |
8.0 |
80.0 |
Total |
10.3 |
164.8 |
57.6 |
222.4 |
Estimate by Alfredo Martinez, Extension Plant Pathologist |
Vegetables
About 191,000 acres of vegetables are grown in Georgia worth a total of ca. $631 million. Vidalia onions realized significant losses from
Stemphylium leaf blight and sour skin (caused by the bacterium Burkholdaria cepacia). Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus incidence was extremely high
in the spring and caused severe losses in tomatoes and peppers. Dry spring weather reduced losses to fungal and bacterial pathogens in most
vegetables. In the fall, Cabbage Leaf Curl Virus ravaged collards and cabbage in several southwest Georgia counties due to extremely high
whitefly pressure.
Major Vegetable Crops |
% Reduction in Crop Value1 |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost of Control
($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Watermelon |
6.0 |
4.8 |
4.1 |
8.9 |
Squash (yellow + zucchini) |
4.0 |
1.7 |
1.2 |
2.9 |
Tomato |
10.0 |
7.7 |
2.5 |
10.2 |
Other Vegetable Crops |
% Reduction in Crop Value1 |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost of Control
($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Pepper (bell) |
7.0 |
3.1 |
1.2 |
4.3 |
Cucumber |
3.0 |
1.3 |
1.1 |
2.4 |
Snap Bean |
6.0 |
1.7 |
0.8 |
2.5 |
Greens |
4.0 |
1.5 |
0.84 |
2.3 |
Cabbage |
10.0 |
3.1 |
0.33 |
3.4 |
Onion (dry) |
30.0 |
25.0 |
2.1 |
27.0 |
Cantaloupe |
4.0 |
0.8 |
0.93 |
1.7 |
Eggplant |
5.0 |
0.8 |
0.18 |
0.97 |
Total |
10.0 |
51.5 |
14.48 |
66.57 |
1 This column is not additive due to the way losses for vegetables are tabulated.
Total values for vegetable commodities are taken from the 2001 farm gate
values (AR-02-02).
Estimated by David
B. Langston, Jr., Extension Plant Pathologist |
Wheat
Harvested wheat acreage for 2002 was 200,000 with an average yield of 41 bu/A. Yields were lower than previous years due mostly to less
favorable growing conditions rather than significant change in diseases. There were no reports of stinking smut in 2002.
Disease |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Damage
($ Millions) |
Cost of Control
($ Millions) |
Total
($ Millions) |
Leaf Rust |
1.0 |
0.21 |
0.5 |
0.71 |
Glume Blotch |
1.0 |
0.21 |
—1 |
0.21 |
Powdery Mildew |
0.2 |
0.04 |
0.2 |
0.24 |
Barley Yellow Dwarf
Virus |
1.0 |
0.21 |
0.1 |
0.31 |
Stinking smut |
— |
— |
— |
— |
Foot rot |
1.0 |
0.21 |
— |
0.21 |
Total |
4.2 |
0.88 |
0.8 |
1.68 |
1 Fungicides used to control leaf rust also control glume blotch. Estimated
that 20% of the wheat acreage received fungicide treatment costing approximately
$13.50/acre.
Estimate by Barry
Cunfer, Research/Extension Plant Pathologist |
Summary
Summary of Total Losses Due to Disease Damage and Cost of Control |
Crop or Commodity |
Estimated Crop Value ($ Millions) |
% Reduction in Crop Value |
Value of Damage ($ Millions) |
Cost of Control ($ Millions) |
Total Disease Loss (Damage & Control) ($ Millions) |
Total % of Loss 1, 2 |
Apple |
1.78 |
12.7 |
0.257 |
0.242 |
0.496 |
27.86 |
Blueberry |
17.42 |
2.3 |
0.410 |
0.335 |
0.745 |
4.27 |
Bunch
Grape |
1.47 |
24.0 |
0.437 |
0.085 |
0.522 |
35.51 |
Corn |
88.38 |
14.6 |
12.01 |
1.0 |
13.91 |
15.73 |
Cotton |
320.96 |
11.0 |
35.3 |
10.2 |
45.5 |
14.17 |
Muscadine
Grape |
1.47 |
4.3 |
0.066 |
0.096 |
0.162 |
11.02 |
Ornamental |
1230.0 |
6.25 |
76.88 |
20.6 |
97.48 |
7.90 |
Peach |
39.27 |
4.38 |
1.954 |
2.94 |
4.894 |
12.46 |
Peanut |
229.8 |
16.5 |
38.2 |
44.46 |
82.66 |
35.97 |
Pecan |
80.0 |
2.0 |
1.60 |
12.10 |
13.70 |
17.12 |
Soybean |
15.73 |
9.3 |
1.48 |
0.10 |
1.58 |
10.04 |
Strawberry |
6.36 |
21.0 |
1.62 |
0.165 |
1.78 |
27.98 |
Tobacco |
90.54 |
20.05 |
18.56 |
4.01 |
22.57 |
24.92 |
Turf |
1600.0 |
10.3 |
164.8 |
57.6 |
222.4 |
13.90 |
Vegetable |
631.3 |
10.0 |
51.5 |
14.48 |
66.57 |
10.54 |
Wheat |
20.95 |
4.2 |
0.88 |
0.8 |
1.68 |
8.02 |
Totals |
4375.43 |
9.28 |
405.95 |
169.21 |
576.65 |
13.18 |
1 This column is not additive.
2 Total % loss for each
crop and the grand total is figured on the basis of: Value
of Damage + Cost Control |
Crop
Value |
|
ATTENTION! Pesticide Precautions
- Observe all directions, restrictions and precautions on pesticide labels. It is dangerous, wasteful and illegal to do otherwise.
- Store all pesticides in original containers with labels intact and behind locked doors. "KEEP PESTICIDES OUT OF REACH OF
CHILDREN."
- Use pesticides at correct label dosage and intervals to avoid illegal residues or injury to plant and animals.
- Apply pesticides carefully to avoid drift or contamination of non-target areas.
- Surplus pesticides and containers should be disposed of in accordance with label instructions so that contamination of water and other hazards
will not result.
- Follow directions on the pesticide label regarding restrictions as required by State and Federal Laws and Regulations.
- Avoid any action that may threaten an Endangered Species or its habitat. Your County Extension Agent can inform you of Endangered Species
in your area, help you identify them and through the Fish and Wildlife Service Office identify actions that may threaten Endangered Species or
their habitat.
Trade names are used only for information.
Status and Revision History
Published on Aug 07, 2003
Published on Feb 10, 2009
Published on May 04, 2009
Published with Full Review on May 02, 2012