Recognizing Fruit Rots of Vine Crops
Elisabeth Hodgdon, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Phytophthora (fi-tof-thor-a) is a serious, long-persistent, destructive disease that can easily be spread from farm to farm on infected fruit. This disease can last a decade in the soil and attacks (blights/melts) vine crops, solanaceous crops, and legumes. The disease is caused by an oomycete, which is a different kind of organism from a fungus. Most fungicides don't control oomycetes. Growers with phytophthora have to rely on specialized control chemistries and often must make substantial changes to their production plans and planting systems. You do NOT want this showing up on your farm, especially not because of some rotting fall vine crops brought in from elsewhere.
Recognizing Fruit Rots of Vine Crops (pdf; 498KB)
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Upcoming Events
Field Day at Philia Farm
August 6, 2026
Johnstown, NY
Visit organic seed production trials and tour the farm to see small-scale production systems at work, including tarping, cover cropping, and the use of assorted mulches and covers to modify the growing environment.
Capital Region Orchard Twilight Meeting
August 11, 2026
Rexford, NY
Join the ENYCHP and Cornell scientists on August 11 for the Capital Region Orchard Twilight meeting in Saratoga! We will be touring Bowman Orchards and reviewing seasonal recommendations for pests and diseases for apples, plums, and berries, as well discussing crop insurance.
NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits: 1.25 in categories 22, 1A, & 10. Refreshments will be provided.
Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect.
Champlain Valley Orchard Storage Meeting
August 26, 2026
Chazy, NY
Join various experts from Cornell and Cooperative Extension at an orchard storage meeting for the Champlain Valley in Chazy from 1 to 4PM on August 26th. Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect.