ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF SERENADE~(R) BIOFUNGICIDE IN FRESH MARKET TOMATOES

摘要

Bacterial spot of tomato, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv vesicatoria, is one of the most widespread and damaging pathogens in Florida. Growers routinely apply from 11 to 22 bactericide applications per season to control this disease. The effect of bacterial spot on tomato yield and quality can be dramatic, with associated yield and quality limiting parameters being weakened plants, loss of photosynthesis, sun scalded fruit, and reduction in grade due to fruit infection. Due to the inherent variability of yields in tomato field plot experiments, and disease incidence, very few trials have been initiated to look at the association of disease severity and yield reduction. Serenade~(R) Bacillus subtilis biofungicide (QRD 137, QRD 131, QRD 132) is anew biologically based fungicide/bactericide registered for use against bacterial spot, early blight, powdery mildew, and late blight (suppression) in tomato. This analysis clearly shows the economic benefit of the use of Serenade~(R) and other bacte-ricides in control programs in fresh market tomatoes.