Interested Members of the University Community are invited to attend the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Science of Plant Agriculture of Christine Dervaric from the Department of Plant Agriculture.

Date: Tuesday, August 29th, 2023
Time: 10 AM
Via: ZOOM Meeting

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96364627438?pwd=WFRncUljbWpuRVVsWC9QbnUxZC90Zz09
Meeting ID: 963 6462 7438
Passcode: 453637

Thesis Title: Additional fungicides for the management of Cercospora beticola of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)- efficacy and integration

Advisory Committee
Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald, Advisor
Dr. Linda Hanson
Dr. Jocelyn Smith

Examination Committee
Dr. Joshua Nasielski, Chair
Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald
Dr. Linda Hanson
Dr. Melanie Kalischuk                                                                               

ABSTRACT

Field trials were conducted in 2020 and 2021 to investigate the efficacy of a phosphite-based fungicide and integration of this fungicide into spray programs for the management of Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) (Cercospora beticola Sacc.) of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). Results showed that phosphites were not as effective as the standard fungicide, mancozeb. The addition of the phosphites based fungicide did not decrease the area under the disease progress stairs or disease severity on the final rating date. Applying fungicides using calendar- based timing resulted in fewer fungicide applications per year in comparison to BEETcastTM timing of applications. Studies on the direct and indirect effects of phosphites on C. beticola and CLS showed that phosphites did not directly affect mycelial growth of the pathogen or indirectly reduce the number of lesions on leaves of sugar beet. More exploration is needed into the mode of action of phosphites on Ascomycetes.