Several fungi can cause a head mold of millet, including Alternaria spp, Aspergillus spp., and Fusarium spp. among others. Infection by these pathogens is favored by cool, wet weather, and tends to be worse on late-planted millet. Insect feeding and mechanical injury can aggravate head mold. Head mold pathogens may be disseminated by splashing water, windblown spores, or infested seed. Infested crop debris, other plants, and seed can support over-wintering populations of head mold fungi.
Head mold symptoms vary depending on the casual pathogen, but may include a white, mealy coating (Oidium tenellum), a black, wooly mat (Helminthosporium spp.), pink mycelial growth (Fusarium spp.), or others diverse symptoms.
No biological control strategies have been developed for head mold.
Timely harvest of millet is the only practical disease management strategy available. Varieties that do not head or mature during the wettest parts of the growing season may escape severe infection.
No chemical controls are available for foliar treatment of head mold. Seed should be treated with a broad-spectrum fungicide to reduce surface contamination.
Product List for Head Mold:
Pesticide |
Rate per 100 lb seed |
Application Frequency (days) |
Remarks |
|
Captan—various formulations available |
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|
Captan 75 |
6-9 oz |
Seed treatment |
Broad spectrum, but weak against Pythium |
|
Fludioxonil |
|
|
|
|
Maxim 4FS |
0.034-0.068 fl oz |
Seed treatment |
Suppression of Fusarium and Rhizoctonia spp. |
|
Metalaxyl/Mefenoxam |
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|
Apron XL LS |
0.32-0.64 fl oz |
Seed treatment |
Suppression of Pythium and Phytophthora spp. |
|
Allegiance-FL |
0.75-1.5 fl oz |
Seed treatment |
Suppression of Pythium and Phytophthora spp. |
|
Ridomil Gold EC |
0.25-1 pts |
Broadcast application |
Suppression of Pythium and Phytophthora spp. |
|
Thiram |
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|
42-S Thiram |
8 fl oz |
Seed treatment |
Broad spectrum |
|
Thiram 50WP |
8 oz |
Seed treatment |
Broad spectrum |
|
The information herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and that listing of commercial products, necessary to this guide, implies no endorsement by the authors or the Extension Services of Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. Criticism of products or equipment not listed is neither implied nor intended. Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the Extension Services can assume no liability for the suggested use of chemicals contained herein. Pesticides must be applied legally complying with all label directions and precautions on the pesticide container and any supplemental labeling and rules of state and federal pesticide regulatory agencies. State rules and regulations and special pesticide use allowances may vary from state to state: contact your State Department of Agriculture for the rules, regulations and allowances applicable in your state and locality. |
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Categories: Millet, Disease, Head Mold
Date: 03/22/2005