Issues with Phytophthora capcisi, an aggressive, soil-born pathogen of several crops like cucurbits and lima beans, have spread throughout the Mid-Atlantic. It causes yield and quality loss. Current recommendations include rotation away from vegetables to agronomic crops for at least two seasons. However, some evidence suggests soybeans may host the pathogen, though it is unlikely to cause yield loss. However, if soybeans serve as a latent host, it may allow the organism to increase in abundance and potentially result in greater losses in vegetables in subsequent seasons. This project assesses the efficacy and movement of P.capcisis in asymptomatic tissues and efficacy of infested soybean residue to infect important vegetable crops.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents, vegetable companies