Crops
Protection methods
It is not normally necessary to put in place protective methods to control Phomopsis sclerotioides in squash crops, as it appears to be low on these Cucurbits. On the other hand, if you are occasionally subjected to substantial damage in certain plots, we recommend that you follow the following measures.
- During cultivation
It is quite difficult to stop the spread of Phomopsis sclerotioides when it is in progress. However, we can propose measures that will aim to ensure maximum comfort to the plants and limit its root progression.
For this, we can butter the plants cultivated in soil to promote the emission of new roots.
Basins can be carried out at the hottest times of the day to partially compensate for significant evapotranspiration. They must be carried out taking into account the risks associated with airborne diseases prevalent in the shelter. Be wary of not overwatering and thus amplifying root degradation by asphyxiation.
Root systems, especially diseased plants, will be carefully pulled up and removed during and at the end of cultivation.
- Next crop
The nursery will be carefully monitored to check for the possible presence of P. sclerotioides . If this is the case, soil disinfection should be considered. Subsequently, the plants will be produced on a healthy substrate. Clods or trays will not be placed on the ground, especially if it has not been disinfected. It is best to place them on plastic wrap or better on shelves.
The rotations are difficult to envisage as this fungus survives very long time in the ground, despite the culture of non-susceptible species.
A soil disinfection can be envisaged with a fumigant or steam.
In sunny regions, solar disinfection of the soil ( solarization or pasteurization) is increasingly used to control P. lycopersici . It consists of covering the floor to be disinfected, which will have been very well prepared and moistened beforehand, with a polyethylene film 35 to 50 µm thick. This is kept in place for at least a month at a very sunny time of the year. This method is economical, efficient, and makes it possible to control the colonizing fungi of the superficial zone of the soil. Note that solarization has been successfully associated with partial soil fumigation.
The rotations are difficult to envisage as this fungus survives very long time in the ground, despite the culture of non-susceptible species.
A soil disinfection can be envisaged with a fumigant or steam.
In sunny regions, solar disinfection of the soil ( solarization or pasteurization) is increasingly used to control P. lycopersici . It consists of covering the floor to be disinfected, which will have been very well prepared and moistened beforehand, with a polyethylene film 35 to 50 µm thick. This is kept in place for at least a month at a very sunny time of the year. This method is economical, efficient, and makes it possible to control the colonizing fungi of the superficial zone of the soil. Note that solarization has been successfully associated with partial soil fumigation.
To our knowledge, no variety of courgette sold in France is resistant. Note that F1 hybrids between Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata, used as rootstock on melon, are resistant or tolerant. The rootstock Benincasa cerifera is sensitive to this fungus.
When planting, avoid planting plants in soils that are too wet or too cold; the irrigations carried out at this stage of the crop should not be too excessive.
Several biopesticides have been tested around the world with degrees of success against P. sclerotioides : varying Clonostachys rosea f. rosea ( Gliocladium roseum ), Trichoderma harzianum , Coniothyrium minutan s, Bacillus subtilis ...
* Chemical control : As the number of pesticides available for a given use is constantly changing, we advise you to always confirm your choice by consulting the e-phy site of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries which is an online catalog of products phytopharmaceuticals and their uses, fertilizers and growing media approved in France. This also applies to all organic products based on microorganisms or natural substances.