Plant Doctor as IPM Consultant

Dr. Christian F. MillerGlades Crop Care, Inc.

Miller: Professional BackgroundOriginally from Palm Beach County, FLGraduated with Botany BS from UF (1996)Designed & maintained interiorscapesLandscape consultant & spray technicianUF DPM Program (2000) & graduate (’02)Glades Crop Care, Inc. (Spring ’03)

Crop Management SpecialistLeaf, radishes, turf, ornamentals, rice, sweet corn & beans

Multidisciplinary DPM = Crop Diversity

Duties & ResponsibilitiesScouting

TimelyAccurate

ConsultingThresholds Recommendations

EducatingClients, self & colleagues

DPM: Wildlife ManagementAmphibian SOPMitigate risk to lettuceProcess

Read researchCommunicateBalance cost/benefitsImplementMonitorAdjust

Integrating Key Elements

Planting location within fieldWeed managementFrog Monitoring Stations

Function by providing shelter & humidity

DPM: MicroscopySymptoms 1st seen as landscape consultantSigns seen as DPM intern at UF PDCTurf Take-all Root Rot

(Gaeumannomycesgraminis var. graminis)

Learned rating system from Dr. L. DatnoffJoint study symptoms & disease developmentApplied: Sprig selection for new sod fields

Photo courtesy of L. Datnoff

DPM: Integrated Pest ManagementInitial observation

Dead tips then tops

Inspect damageFind larvae & pupaSubmit samples DPI

Research pine pestsLepidopterans

Research pesticidesMake Recommendation

Pine IPM Procedure (cont.)

Consult with J. Garces, DPM (’03)Research pheromones

Rhyacionia frustrana vs. R. subtropicaImplement & monitor

Case Study: Sod RescueEvaluate poor quality fine texture sod farmInitial observations

Good top growthTraffic patternsSandy soilShallow water tablePoor root qualityAnaerobic respiration

Sod Rescue: Recommendations

Lower water levelsAlternate vehicle traffic patternsSubmit root samples to UF PDC

No pathogens

Causal agent = abiotic

DPM: Weed ID & ManagementNew winter weed in sodSimilar to annual sedge when mowed

Rain = no mowingWeeds taller now

Leaves softer Purple pigmentation

Diagnostic keyAnnual RyegrassLolium multiflorum

Dr. C. Rainbolt confirms

DPM: Insect IdentificationNorthern distributor reports bugs in lettucePhotos sent to growerCalled in to IDStop scouting to address problem

Anything missed?Issue severity?

Insect ID: Rove Beetles1st seen in DPM

Also night collectionNever seen in field or on yellow sticky trapsStaphylinids

Hunters/scavengersAttracted to lights during evening harvest

DPM: Plant Pathogen ID

1st report Spring ’05Pathogen or residue?Dr. R. Raid confirms

Erysiphe heracleiPowdery mildew

Resurfaced Spring’06

Case Study: Radish RejectionEvening call to meet at the packing houseHarvested crop being rejected

Grading out at +40% wireworm damageScouting report indicates 6%

Grower, quality control officer, line supervisor & crew await evaluation

Radish Rejection: Evaluation

“Wireworm” counts = mostly mechanical damage Higher than report due to lag time & dry conditions

Grower: “If I charged Chris $1 for each one he missed, I wouldn’t feel right taking his money.”

DPM: Key Program Points SummaryDPM Program covers the bases

Plant science, pathogens, insects, nematodes, weeds, abiotics problems

Creates & promotes communication networksResearch, extension, peers, grower communities

Whole system approach for problem solvingAddressing the cause not just the symptoms

Provides knowledge & skills for practical IPM application

Contact InformationChristian F. Miller, DPM

Cmiller@gladescropcare.com561-798-3988 (home)561-261-2499 (cell)

UF Plant Medicine Programhttp://www.dpm.ifas.ufl.edu

Glades Crop Care, Inc.http://www.gladescropcare.com561-746-3740949 Turner QuayJupiter, FL 33458

DPM: Applied Knowledge/SkillsWildlife Management

GCC Food SafetyAmphibian SOP

Light MicroscopySod sprig selection to limit Take-All

Arthropod IPM Pheromone traps for Subtropical Pine Tip Moth

Cultural PracticesAnaerobic sod rescue

Abiotic DamageRadish rejection

Pest & Pathogen IDAnnual RyegrassRove beetlesPowdery mildew of parsley