MITIGATING THE INCREASING THREAT POSED BY FUSARIUM CANKER IN HOP

We will characterize the diversity of Fusarium sambucinum isolates recovered from hop plants in commercial yards and propagative rootstock material, and will determine if additional Fusarium species are involved in cankered bines. Cover crops commonly rotated in hop yards will be examined to discern whether they are potential hosts for F. sambucinum in greenhouse evaluations. We will determine the impact of cultural practices related to irrigation drip tube placement and spring pruning methods on development of Fusarium canker. We will broadly communicate results to stakeholders throughout the region.Objective 1. Resolve basic aspects of the epidemiology and ecology of Fusarium canker.Characterize the diversity of Fusarium spp. associated with cankered hop stems.Clarify the host range of F. sambucinum derived from hop on common cover crop spp.Objective 2. Develop non-chemical management approaches for Fusarium canker that reduce the impact of the disease.Quantify the impact of cultural practices related to irrigation placement and spring pruning method on Fusarium canker.Characterize the prevalence, incidence, and population differentiation of F. sambucinum and other Fusarium spp. associated with planting rootstock.Objective 3. Broadly communicate results to stakeholder partners to accelerate learning and adoption of best management practices developed in this project.