the plant thereby limiting support to the upper portion of the plant. As a result the plant wilts

and eventually dies. Young plants such as seedlings are especially susceptible, but as the plant

becomes more woody, it becomes more resistant to attack (Florida Plant Disease Control Guide,

1993).

 If a field inspection reveals plants infected with southern blight, the plants should be

removed and disposed of by burying or burning. It is recommended to avoid excess water in

the field by following proper irrigation and drainage practices. Flooding can lead to spreading

of the disease by dissemination of sclerotia, however they are too heavy to spread by

atmospheric means such as wind. It is also recommended to plow under crop residue at least

6 inches in depth to reduce increases in populations of soil pathogens (Florida Plant Disease

Control Guide, 1993).

 In Table 4.4 a list of chemicals that can be used to control southern blight is presented.



Table 4.4. Chemicals for the control of southern blight.

 Common Name Trade Name
 Chloropicrin 96.5 Chlor-O-pic/Picfume
 Methyl Bromide 68 Brom-O-Sol/Brozone
 Methyl Bromide + Chloropicrin 67:32 MC-33/Terr-O-Gas 67
 Metam Sodium 32.7 Vapam/Fume V
 PCNB 75 Terraclor 75WP

NOTE: For rate, use, and application to seed bed and field, refer to pp. 440-461 of the Florida
 Plant Disease Control Guide, 1993.