Effects of Nozzle Type and Spray Pressure on Control of Alternaria Leaf Blight of Muskmelon with Chlorothalonil

Abstract

Methods of fungicide application were evaluated for their influence on the chemical control of Alternaria leaf blight of muskmelon in 1997, 1998, and 1999. Chlorothalonil was applied through either flat-fan or hollow-cone nozzles and with spray pressures ranging from 207 to 1,034 kPa. In all 3 years, unsprayed controls had significantly more disease than any of the sprayed treatments. There was no significant effect of nozzle type on disease severity or yield in any year. Spray pressures of 207, 414, or 620 kPa did not significantly affect disease severity or yield in 1997. In 1998, the 827-kPa pressure significantly lowered disease severity compared with the 207-kPa and 414-kPa pressures, but a similar decrease in the number of lesions per leaf did not occur. Yield responses in 1998 did not support a relationship between spray pressures and disease control. In 1999, spray pressure of 1,034 kPa did not significantly decrease the area under the disease progress curve as estimated from weekly ratings of the disease severity ratings or counts of lesions per leaf made on two dates. Results indicate no differences in disease control due to any of the application methods examined.