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UGA Extension Viticulture Blog

Phil Brannen

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.

  • Downy Mildew Alert

    Phil Brannen

    I have had a few questions relative downy mildew management, especially with the floods of the last week. Relative Abound fungicide, I would not trust any of the strobilurins alone for downy mildew management. If using Abound, I would use the high rate, and I would add some Captan to the mix.  When using any…

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  • Botrytis Sighting and Botrytis Sampling for Fungicide Resistance

    Phil Brannen

    There is a big hairy beast starting to show up out there, and unfortunately, it is not Big Foot.  We are starting to observe Botrytis in some vineyards, so it is time to scout for this pathogen.  Cain Hickey took this photo, and he states the following: “This is a reminder to pay attention to…

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  • Tightening Wine Grape Spray Schedule with Heavy Rains

    Phil Brannen

    As I am writing this, the water is gushing down.  Needless to say, we have experienced significant rainfall as of late. When it hasn’t been raining, it has been cloudy and humid. This is “great” fungal disease weather – especially for downy mildew and black rot. With the rain we have been experiencing, contact chemicals…

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