IPM practices to reduce disease fall into three categories: those that promote vigorous plant growth, those that reduce disease-spreading inoculum, and those that limit the rate of pathogen reproduction. These practices are almost all either preventive or designed to limit damage. In general, IPM practices do not 'cure' diseases once they have occurred. For a few diseases, enough information has been gathered to predict disease outbreaks so that fungicide applications can be timed appropriately.

This chapter focuses on cultural practices to reduce disease and on disease management practices allowable in organic certification programs. However, individual certification programs should be consulted before using any practice given here. (See The National Orgainc Program) lists organizations providing organic certification in the south. The reader should also consult current state recommendations for particulars on fungicide application. As is also true for insects and weeds, correct identification of the disease is critical. The more common diseases of vegetables in the south and their control practices are described briefly in this chapter. Local and state clinics and the books listed in Appendix 4 - Resources are additional sources of information.

Disease Management Practices

Practices and Materials Permitted in Some Organic Certification Programs

Vegetable Diseases and their Management

Plant Disease Reference List

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