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Identifying and Controlling Botrytis in Controlled Environment Tomato Production
Botrytis, also known as gray mold, is caused by a fungus known as Botrytis cinerea. This disease is known to be devastating to tomato crops grown in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The fungus spreads rapidly when outdoor temperatures are cool and heating is used in the greenhouse.
June 2, 2021
Rutgers University has released an advisory on identifying and controlling Botrytis on controlled environment tomato production. Here are some of the most important things growers need to know.
About Botrytis
Botrytis, also known as gray mold, is caused by a fungus known as Botrytis cinerea. This disease is known to be devastating to tomato crops grown in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The fungus spreads rapidly when outdoor temperatures are cool and heating is used in the greenhouse.
Botrytis is found everywhere and prefers to attack injured plant tissue, meaning any dying or dead tissue on the tomato crop is at high risk for infection.
Infection Symptoms
The fungus is known to attack the flowers, fruit, stems, and leaves of the crop, especially after the crop has been pruned. Infections can also occur in cracks and leaf scars. The spores remain dormant until they sense stress from the plant.
Lesions on stems can turn into concentric rings that wrap the stem, causing the crop to wilt.
How to Prevent the Spread
The fungus spores can remain dormant for about 12 weeks. The spores prefer a temperature of 64°F to 75°F with high humidity. Leaves do not need to be wet for an infection to occur.
Using a horizontal fan to maintain airflow and keeping humidity levels low can help mitigate any infection risk. This is especially important on warm summer days that are followed by cooler nights.
Be sure to keep your facilities clean from any organic debris. All pruning material should be removed immediately.
To learn more, click here.
Lead photo: Botrytis infection on tomato fruit, showing rotted tissue and spores. Photo: Shawn Butler, NCSU
6 Major Microgreen Health Benefits That Will Boost Your Overall Health
These micro plants aren’t just decorative additions to food dishes, but they also pack a nutritious, healthy punch
Microgreens are tiny leafy vegetables that come with a multitude of health benefits. These micro plants aren’t just decorative additions to food dishes, but they also pack a nutritious, healthy punch. Some microgreen species can even be 40 times more potent than their regular, larger counterparts. In this article, we’re going to discuss the 6 major microgreen health benefits that will boost your overall health.
1) Reduce Your Risk for Heart Disease
One of the crucial microgreen health benefits is that these tiny vegetables contain a high number of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been linked to lowering the risk for heart disease. Antioxidants are known for their ability to prevent free radicals from growing. Free radicals are reactive compounds that cause cell damage and diseases. Not only are microgreens a carrier of polyphenols, but they also contain a higher number compared to their mature vegetable counterparts.
2) Minimize Risk of Certain Cancers
Since microgreens carry a large amount of polyphenols, they can lower the risk for different kinds of cancer. Vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants can be a fantastic addition to disease prevention.
3) Nutrient-Dense Vegetables
Even though they’re small for their size, microgreens have a vast array of health benefits. These tiny vegetables can have up to 40 times as much nutrients compared to mature vegetables. Knowing this, it can be life changing to incorporate small amounts of microgreens in every meal because they’re packed with nutritional benefits.
4) Can Improve Eyesight
Another wonderful microgreen health benefit is that these leafy greens contain lutein, which is a phytochemical seen in vision health. When you’re staring at your screen for too long, the intense rays can cause headaches, eye strain, and more. Lutein makes it easier for your eyes to absorb any excess light intensity to relieve headaches or other harm caused by excess light.
5) Reduces the Risk of Diabetes
One of the major microgreen health benefits is that they’re packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants can help lower the stress that prevents sugar from entering cells. Fenugreek is a specific microgreen known for its ability to increase sugar uptake in cells.
6) Lowers Chance of Alzheimer’s
Foods that are high in polyphenols may be able to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli are high in Vitamin B and carotenoids which may lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to cognitive decline. The microgreen version of cruciferous vegetables will be packed with even more vitamins and nutrients and should be incorporated in a daily diet to prevent disease.