Farm406

FARM 406 46 • Written by Mary Burrows, Extension Plant Pathology Specialist, Montana State University P lant diseases can have a detri- mental impact on the yield and quality of crops. In 2011, Mon- tana saw a widespread outbreak of stripe rust in wheat, in 2016 Wheat streak mosaic virus was severe, and Fusarium head blight (scab) has become increasingly important in recent years associated with increased corn acres and relatively high moisture levels around heading. Several important diseases of pulse crops are also emerging as acres increase including Ascochyta blight, white mold, viruses and root rots. It is preferable to avoid problems than manage them, and to accomplish this we use the principles of Integrated Pest Manage- ment (IPM). Most farmers practice these principles, even if they don't use these specific terms. The foundation of IPM is prevention of the pest problem. In the case of plant diseases, there are a few important con- cepts that we use to prevent diseases in field crops including crop rotation, mod- ifying planting date to avoid the patho- gen, choosing resistant varieties, and establishing a healthy crop through good nutrition, using healthy seed, appropriate seeding rate and planting depth, and seed treatment fungicides. In addition to the above, be careful about sanitation of equipment between IPM (integrated pest management) for CROP DISEASES Ascochyta blight of pea is a fungal disease important in the pulse crop industry. Use of clean seed, crop rotation, and establishing a healthy crop are important methods of IPM for this disease. Fungicides are also available for management.

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