Potassium Phosphite Mixed with Other Fungicides Reduces Yield Loss to Downy Mildew on Collard

Abstract

Downy mildew of collard occurs frequently in the southeastern United States, and fungicides have become an essential part of economical control strategies for the disease. Fungicides were evaluated in 2007 and 2008 either alone or combined with a reduced rate (2 pt/acre) of potassium phosphite. Two formulations of potassium phosphite also were tested alone at the full rate (4 pt/acre). Presidio, Presidio plus Pro-Phyt (2007) or K-Phite (2008), K-Phite, Amistar plus ProPhyt, and Aliette reduced downy mildew severity at the final rating and also reduced AUDPC over the two years. Presidio plus potassium phosphite and Amistar plus ProPhyt increased the weight of healthy leaves and stems over the water control and also increased economic return calculated after fungicide and other production costs were subtracted from the crop value. The yields with Ranman, Sonata, and Presidio applied in combination with potassium phosphite were 16% greater than with the fungicides applied alone. Potassium phosphite may be useful in a tank-mix with other fungicides applied to collard to prevent yield loss to downy mildew. Accepted for publication 7 July 2010. Published 23 August 2010.