Emergency Use Registration of Maestro 80 DF Fungicide
Application Rates
Other Notes
New Crops Workshop

Emergency Use Registration of Maestro 80 DF Fungicide 
Foliar Phytophthora continues to show up in ginseng gardens. The current wet weather has the potential to cause an extended period of sporulation and infection. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has approved an Emergency Use Registration for Maestro 80 DF (captan) fungicide for control of Phytophthora rot of ginseng. Many thanks are due to Jim Chaput, Provincial Minor Use Coordinator, OMAFRA, Arysta LifeScience North America, and the Ontario Ginseng Growers Association for their efforts in securing this Emergency Use registration. 

Application Rates
For the control of Phytophthora rot (Phytophthora cactorum) of ginseng, apply Maestro 80 DF as a broadcast foliar spray at a rate of 4.2 kg/ha (3.36 kg ai/ha) with a maximum of 4 applications in 2009 with a minimum interval of 7 days between applications. Applications can be made up to 12 days before harvest. This Emergency Use expires on December 31, 2009. 

The application rate should be based on 4.2 kg/ha applied in the appropriate volume of carrier to achieve thorough coverage of all plant surfaces. For example, if you apply 1000 L water/ha, thoroughly mix 4.2 kg of product in 1000 L water and thoroughly cover all above-ground plant surfaces for optimal disease control. Use care in mixing and application to avoid exceeding rates of 4.2 kg product/ha regardless of spray volume. 

Other Notes
Maestro (captan) fungicide is the only registered product that can control Phytophthora in dead or dying leaf tissues. This is essential for preventing sporulation in these tissues and preventing continued spread of the spores across and between gardens. It is also the only product proven to control Phytophthora root rot under high disease pressure. However, to avoid resistance developing in the pathogen to Maestro (captan), maintain applications of Ridomil and Aliette. Ridomil and Aliette can provide good control of the root rot phase of Phytophthora, especially when disease pressure is reduced through a Maestro (captan) application.

Consult the Maestro (captan) label for complete application procedures. For a copy of the revised label, please contact Arysta LifeScience North America.

New Crops Workshop
New Crops, Old Challenges:
Non-traditional crops integrated crop management workshop

Come out to the Simcoe Research Station to learn about:

• Non-traditional and specialty crops: demonstration plots of example crops       
• Pest management and sprayer technology: discuss with provincial specialists       
• Cover crops: opportunities to save your nitrogen dollars        
• Current nitrogen research conducted by the University of Guelph

Enjoy refreshments, meet with other producers and take the opportunity to talk with University of Guelph staff and OMAFRA specialists

Date: Tuesday August 18, 2009
(Rain Date: Thursday August 20, 2009)
Time: 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Place: Simcoe Research Station

PLEASE RSVP BY AUG. 14 BY CALLING 519-426-7127 ext. 323

Questions about ginseng can be directed to Sean Westerveld, OMAFRA’s Ginseng and Medicinal Herbs Specialist at 519-426-4323; E-mail: sean.westerveld@ontario.ca.