Essential Information for Home Gardeners and Hobby Farmers Regarding Microbial Resistance
In an effort to combat the growing issue of microbial resistance in vineyards and wineries, the upcoming Field Day, titled 'From Grape to Glass: Microbial Resistance in the Vineyard and Winery Field Day', scheduled for June 30th, 2025, aims to provide practical tips and insights for all scales of growers and winemakers.
Small-scale growers, including those in home gardens and hobby farms, can take proactive measures to prevent fungicide resistance. One key strategy is to rotate fungicides with different modes of action. By alternating or mixing fungicides from different FRAC (Fungicide Resistance Action Committee) groups, growers can prevent pathogens from adapting to a single active ingredient.
Regular use of preventive protectant fungicides is another effective strategy. Products such as sulfur, oils, chlorothalonil, or copper, when applied weekly before symptoms appear, especially when disease risk is forecasted or reported nearby, can significantly reduce disease pressure and the need for curative treatments.
Cultural controls also play a crucial role in disease management. Practices like crop rotation with non-host plants, removing and destroying infected debris, pruning for better air circulation, proper plant spacing, and sanitation of tools can reduce fungal inoculum and disease spread, lowering reliance on fungicides.
Growing resistant or tolerant varieties is another valuable strategy. Choosing cultivars with documented resistance to common fungal pathogens helps reduce disease incidence and fungicide use.
Proper application of fungicides is essential. Using the highest effective rates to control moderately resistant isolates, and timing applications based on local disease forecasts and scouting, can help ensure the effectiveness of treatments.
To avoid the repeated use of high-risk fungicide groups, it's advisable to combine fungicides with different modes of action and integrate non-chemical methods. This approach delays resistance onset and promotes sustainable disease control.
Staying informed about research and local disease trends is crucial in making smart decisions in agriculture. Resources such as the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic, which can be followed on social media, and local Extension events, which may focus on disease and insect trends, can provide valuable updates.
The Field Day is supported by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and a grant from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. For more information and to register for the Field Day, please see the vineyard and winery field day news article. By adopting this integrated approach, small-scale growers can sustainably control fungal diseases and minimise fungicide resistance development in their home gardens and hobby farms.
- In the realm of home-and-garden gardening, rotating fungicides with differing modes of action is a strategic move to combat the development of microbial resistance.
- Regular application of protective fungicides like sulfur, oils, chlorothalonil, or copper can significantly reduce disease pressure, thus aligning with the health-and-wellness principle of preventive care.
- The science of gardening reveals that cultural controls like crop rotation, debris removal, proper pruning, sanitation, and air circulation are crucial in managing fungal diseases and maintaining a productive lifestyle.
- Educational resources such as the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic and local Extension events can serve as diagnostic tools, equipping growers with knowledge about local disease trends and sustainable practices in agriculture.
- By combining fungicides with various modes of action and integrating non-chemical methods, the fitness-and-exercise of sustainable agriculture is maintained, ensuring resilience against disease and minimizing the potential for fungicide resistance.
- The upcoming Field Day, 'From Grape to Glass: Microbial Resistance in the Vineyard and Winery Field Day', offers practical tips for small-scale growers, fostering an understanding of the importance of nutrition and lifestyle choices in maintaining a thriving home garden or hobby farm.
