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Posts by Phil Brannen

About Phil Brannen

Phil Brannen is a Professor in the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia for his undergraduate degree in Plant Protection and Pest Management, where he also received an M.S. in Plant Pathology, followed by a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Auburn University. He has extensive experience with disease management programs in numerous cropping systems. He serves as the extension fruit pathologist for Georgia – conducting research and technology transfer for multiple fruit commodities. His efforts are directed towards developing IPM practices to solve disease issues and technology transfer of disease-management methods to commercial fruit producers. He also teaches the graduate level Field Pathology Course, the History of Plant Diseases and their Impact on Human Societies Course, team-teaches the IPM Course, coordinates the Viticulture and Enology in the Mediterranean Region Course (Cortona, Italy), and guest lectures in numerous other courses throughout the year.

Neopestalotiopsis Warning

Dec 20, 2022 | Written by

Neopestalotiopsis is now showing up in Florida strawberries. Last year was relatively benign for this disease in Florida, and the same was generally true in Georgia. However, wetter conditions may be the trigger. We know from a trial conducted last year near Baxley, GA that no amount of fumigation or…
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Captan Registration Review

Jun 21, 2022 | Written by

Captan is currently under review by the EPA. The review document is below, and it can be perused for the impact of EPAs potential actions on strawberry disease management. EPA is proposing several mitigations for the continued use of Captan. Any responses are currently due by 27 June, but you…
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Botrytis Testing for Fungicide Resistance

Apr 18, 2022 | Written by

Clemson University has picked up the resistance testing for Botrytis. This is not a free service at this time. However, it is very useful and worth the funds to determine which Botryticides are working. See the attached form for information needed. Additional information from Dr. Guido Schnabel. I worked with…
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Neopestalotiopsis Article

Oct 31, 2021 | Written by

The link to the article below provides the best synopsis to date of information on Neopestalotiopsis and its management. It is a very discouraging disease, but every effort should be made to keep from spreading it from one location to another.
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Additional Information on Neopestalotiopsis Management

Oct 27, 2021 | Written by

Dr. Natalia Peres (University of Florida) shared some additional information with me concerning possible fungicides to use in rotation with Switch and Thiram. Keep in mind that none of these fungicides are providing great control of this disease, but they are providing increased yields by comparison to untreated plots. Rhyme…
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Neopestalotiopsis Update

Oct 25, 2021 | Written by

A lab in Florida has confirmed that the Neopestalotiopsis we are observing in the one Georgia site mentioned in the last post is in fact the pathogenic strain. This matches the fact that the disease has spread rapidly in the field and is causing significant damage. Again, be on the…
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Neopestalotiopsis Update and Warning

Oct 22, 2021 | Written by

We do now have one likely site with Neopestalotiopsis in Georgia strawberries. We had several sites that were decimated by this disease last year, but this is the first for this year. Symptoms and presumptive spores of the pathogen are showing up in this site, and the plants were obtained…
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Neopestalotiopsis Movement on Farm Equipment

Apr 21, 2021 | Written by

There is at least anecdotal evidence that this new pathogen of strawberries can be moved from field to field on farm equipment (possibly by laborers as well). Keep this in mind as we move forward. Washing equipment (soap and water) after use in a field with Neopestalotiopsis may or may…
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