Crop management and anthracnose development in caraway (Carum carvi L.)

Abstract

A reduction of leaf wetness duration was positively correlated (r² = 0.71; P < 0.001) with a decrease in severity of anthracnose of caraway, caused by the fungus Mycocentrospora acerina. Lodging and higher plant density prolonged leaf wetness duration. Disease incidence and severity of anthracnose were reduced by crop management activities minimizing leaf wetness duration. Reduction of nitrogen levels reduced the risk of anthracnose development in spring and biennial caraway. Decreasing the sowing rate from 8 to 4 kg/ha resulted in a lower disease severity and an increase of seed yield in spring caraway, but not in biennial caraway. In biennial caraway disease severity decreased with wider row spacing. A damage threshold between 6% and 12% disease severity is proposed. Positive financial results of crop management activities are indicated.