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Using Raised Beds to Manage Phytophthora Blight in Summer Squash
| Name | Anthony P. Keinath | | Situation | Phytophthora blight is a destructive disease of vegetables in the cucuribt (vine crops) and solanaceous (fruiting vegetable) groups. It can be particularly severe on certain farms in Lexington County that grow summer squash each year. One grower has experienced losses of $250,000 between 2002 and 2004 on his 200 acres of yellow and zucchini squash. | | Response | At the vegetable growers meeting in Lexington County in 2005, the Extension agent discussed various cultural practices that improve soil drainage and reduce the risk of Phytophthora blight. One of these practices is to use raised beds for all crops, including crops grown without plastic mulch. | | Impact | The grower mentioned above reported in 2006 that he had used raised beds for all of his squash crops in 2005, based on the Extension agent's recommendation. The acres lost to Phytopthora blight were greatly reduced in 2005 compared to previous years. He also found that he had a better stand of squash during a rainy period in the Spring than he would have had without raised beds. |
Last update7/3/2008
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