May 29, 2018

Do Your Homework When Using Regional Pest Management Guides

By: Rebecca A. Melanson, MSU Extension Plant Pathologist, Central MS Research and Extension Center, Raymond, MS

     Regional pest management guides, such as the Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook and the Southeastern Peach, Nectarine and Plum Pest Management and Culture Guide, are excellent resources for commercial growers. These guides list products available for use against various diseases, insects, and weeds and often provide efficacy information for those products against specific pests.

     However, every product listed in these regional guides may not be registered for use in Mississippi. Before purchasing and applying a product, be sure that the product is registered for use in Mississippi. State registration information can be obtained from a number of online databases. Please see the MSU Extension publication Pesticide Label Databases for a list of databases that provide state registration information. And remember, the label is the law. Be sure to read and follow all label directions.

Clearing Up the Confusion: Plant Diagnostic Lab vs. Soil Testing Lab

By: Clarissa Balbalian, Diagnostician and Lab Manager, MSU Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, Starkville, MS

     As sample submission season gears up, it is important to review the difference between services provided by the MSU Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab and the MSU Extension Soil Testing Lab as well as which forms should accompany samples submitted to these labs.  The Plant Diagnostic Lab analyzes soil for plant parasitic nematodes and plant tissue for disease.  The Soil Testing Lab analyzes soil for nutrients, pH, and soluble salts and plant tissue for nutrients.  The two labs handle samples in vastly different ways.  Please make every effort to submit your samples to the proper lab with the proper paperwork. This will help ensure the sample will be handled appropriately and will not accidentally be damaged to the point that it cannot be used for its intended purpose.

     The tables below outline the services provided by each lab and the form that should be used to accompany samples submitted to those labs. 

Plant Diagnostic Lab

190 Bost North, Rm. 09

Box 9612

Mississippi State, MS 39762

662-325-2146

Website: http://extension.msstate.edu/lab

Lab Director: Clarissa Balbalian

*Forms are also available on the Plant Diagnostic Lab website.

Soil Testing Lab

190 Bost North, Rm. 01

Box 9610

Mississippi State, MS 39762

662-325-3313

Website: http://extension.msstate.edu/lawn-and-garden/soil-testing

Lab Director: Dr. Keri Jones

*Forms are available from the Soil Testing Lab or your local county Extension office.

January 26, 2018

Sample Collection and Assistance for Disease Identification

By: Rebecca A. Melanson, MSU Extension Plant Pathologist, Central MS Research and Extension Center, Raymond, MS

     Diagnosis is the first step in disease management. It is important to know what disease and pathogen is affecting a plant or crop so that appropriate disease management actions can be taken. When seeking assistance from county agents or specialists, it is important to provide relevant information that can help your local county agent or specialist to identify the problem in a timely manner and determine the best management options. It is always a good idea to provide at least the following information: the affected plant host and variety, the extent of the damage, a description of the symptoms, and your preferences for disease management, which may range from conventional to strictly organic. Additional information such as disease history and recent pesticide use is also valuable.

     Often times, digital images (photos) of plants are also received from growers or homeowners wanting to know what is wrong with their plant. These images can be very valuable and provide additional information regarding a situation, but it is often not possible to diagnose a disease problem from a digital image. Information about the types of images that are most useful and examples of good images are available in MSU Extension publication P3022 Taking Photos of Plant Disease Problems. If sending photos to your local county agent or specialist, please remember to make sure that your photos are in focus and that you also provide the information requested above.

     Despite the valuable information that can be provided through words and images, it is often still necessary to examine a physical sample for diagnosis. Samples submitted for diagnosis should not be in an advanced stage of decay. They should also be fresh and arrive undamaged. Instructions for collecting and packaging samples for diagnosis are available in MSU Exteension publication M1562 How to Collect and Package Plant Disease Specimens for Diagnosis.

(The majority of this article originally appeared in the April 2017 issue of the North MS Fruit and Vegetable Newsletter.)