CRIS Project Title:   Methyl Bromide Alternatives for Management of Soilborne Pathogens in Ornamental Crops

INTRODUCTION:   Conducts research on fungal and bacterial diseases of ornamental crops. Emphasis is currently on non-pesticidal approaches to control soilborne and foliar fungal pathogens utilizing biocontrol agents and natural plant products. Also responsible for pathology and entomology studies to support the 'minor use' pesticide registration program (IR-4).

PROGRESS:   Botanical preparations derived from Melaleuca, Clove, Jojoba, Arisaema, Cymbopogon, Yarrow, and Pomegrante along with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of culinary herbs were screened in vitro against target soilborne fungal pathogens. Clove oil had the most activity of these materials and subsequently a water emulsifiable formulation of rectified clove oil has been evaluated in bioassays utilizing Rhizoctonia and Pythium in pre-plant, post plant, and seed treatment applications. In addition to direct fungitoxic activity, volatile activity was determined in vitro and in vivo. A patent application has been filed to protect potential commercialization opportunities of clove oil as a plant fungicide. Initial studies with the fungal biocontrol agent, Gliocladium virens, have been initiated using fusarium wilt of carnation and pythium root rot of geranium as bioassay systems. In both systems, pre-colonization of growing media with Gliocladium has reduced and/or delayed the onset of symptoms.

PLANS:   Expanded evaluation of clove oil as a soil treatment fungicide in more diverse cropping/pathogen systems utilizing cooperators for "field" evaluations with the goal of developing a registration package for submission to EPA in cooperation with a CRADA partner. Further concentration on utilization of both registered biocontrol agents and isolates of reported activity against a range of soilborne fungal pathogens using chrysanthemum as the model system. Attempt to integrate botanical and biocontrol approaches to provide broad-based protection against the diversity of soilborne pathogens currently controlled by methyl bromide fumigation.

CRIS Project Title:  Minor Use Pesticide Special Research Project -- Ornamental Entomology and Pathology

PROGRESS:  Approximately 134 ornamental projects have been completed, involving some 15 different products, for submission to the Minor Use Pesticide Project Headquarters.

PLANS: Continue to undertake approximately 70 priority ornamental projects per year involving bedding, foliage, flowering pot, and nursery crops. Emphasis will be placed on alternative products (biologicals, oils, soaps, etc.) which provide greater safety to both the user and the environment.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS:

1994. Carter, M. R. and J. C. Locke. Evaluation of two botanical oils for control of powdery mildew on hydrangea. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 9:160.

1994. Carter, M. R. and J. C. Locke. Evaluation of botanical oils applied prior to inoculation for control of snapdragon rust. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 9:165.

1995. Locke, J. C. Effects on viruses and organisms - Fungi. pp. 118-127 in The Neem Tree, Sources of unique natural products for integrated pest management, medicine, industry and other purposes. H. Schmutterer ed., VCH, Weinheim, Federal Republic of Germany. 696 pp.

1995. Locke, J. C., D. R. Fravel, R. D. Lumsden, J. A. Lewis, D. P. Roberts, and D. J. Chitwood. USDA, ARS, Beltsville Area programs directed at development of methyl bromide alternatives for pre-plant applications. Proc. Ann. Intl. Conf. Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions 2:103.

1996. Jacobs, K. A., M. A. Carter, and J. C. Locke. Inhibition of Botryosphaeria dothidea mycelial growth and conidial germination by botanical extracts, insecticidal soap and clove oil, 1994-95. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 11:47.

1996. Locke, J. C. Production without methyl bromide - the alternatives. GrowerTalks 60:130, 132.

1997. Bowers, J. H. and J. C. Locke. Effect of botanical extracts on soil populations of Fusarium and other soilborne pathogens.  Proceedings of the 1997 Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions. 4:2.1-2.4.

1998. Horst, R. K. and J. C. Locke. Soil treatment for disease control. pp. 97-104 in Ball RedBook, 16th Edition. V. Ball ed., Ball Publishing, Batavia, IL. 802 pp.

1998. Locke, J. C., J. H. Bowers, and M. C. Normoyle. Evaluation of natural products from plants as biopesticides to control soilborne fungal plant pathogens. Proceedings of the 7th International Congress of Plant Pathology 5.2.38.

1998. Lumsden, R. D., J. A. Lewis, and J. C. Locke. Development of SoilGard: From discovery to implementation. Proceedings of the 7th International Congress of Plant Pathology 5.2.6.

2000. Bowers, J. H. and J. C. Locke. Effect of botanical extracts on the population density of Fusarium oxysporum in soil and control of Fusarium wilt in the greenhouse. Plant Dis. 84:300-305.

2000. Bowers, J. H. and J. C. Locke. Effect of formulated botanical extracts in combination with biological control organisms as an integrated strategy to control Fusarium wilt, 1998-1999. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 15: (In Press)

2000. Locke, J. C. Woody nursery plant safety with foliar applications of Heritage 50. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 55: (In Press)

2000. Locke, J. C. Herbaceous plant safety with foliar applications of Heritage 50. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 55: (In Press)
 

PATENTS:

1994. Locke, J. C., J. F. Walter, and H. G. Larew. Fungicide compositions derived from neem oil and neem wax fractions. U.S. Patent No. 5,298,251. Issued 3/29/94.

1994. Locke, J. C., J. F. Walter, and H. G. Larew. Hydrophobic extracted neem oil-A novel fungicide. U.S. Patent No. 5,356,628. Issued 10/18/94.

1994. Locke, J. C., J. F. Walter, and H. G. Larew. Hydrophobic extracted neem oil-A novel fungicide use. U.S. Patent No. 5,368,856. Issued 11/29/94.

1994. Locke, J. C., J. F. Walter, and H. G. Larew. Insecticidal compositions derived from neem oil and neem wax fractions. U.S. Patent No. 5,372,817. Issued 12/13/94.

1995. Locke, J. C., J. F. Walter, and H. G. Larew. Hydrophobic extracted neem oil-A novel insecticide. U.S. Patent No. 5,405,612. Issued 4/11/95.

1995. Locke, J. C., J. F. Walter, and H. G. Larew.  Fungicidal compositions derived from neem oil and neem wax fractions.  U.S. Patent No. 5,409,708.  Issued 4/25/95.

1995. Locke, J. C., J. F. Walter, and H. G. Larew. Hydrophobic extracted neem oil-A novel insecticide. U.S. Patent No. 5,411,736. Issued 5/2/95.

1997. Walter, J. F., J. C. Locke, and M. C. Normoyle.  Clove oil as a plant fungicide. U.S. Patent Number 5,679,351. Issued 10/21/97.

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