Evaluation of annual and herbaceous perennial plants for susceptibility to Phytophthora root and crown rot in the Southeastern United States

Abstract Annual and herbaceous perennial ornamental bedding plants are popular, high value crops in the southeastern United States. However, many of these subject to root or crown rot caused by Phytophthora species. In North Carolina, nicotianae Breda de Haan, drechsleri Tucker, cryptogea Pethybr. & Laff., and/or tropicalis Aragakia J.Y. Uchida cause this disease greenhouse production systems landscape. Because practical management options for landscapers homeowners limited, objective study was identify annual landscape that perform well Phytophthora-infested beds at three locations western central Carolina. Although were artificially inoculated with P. nicotianae, drechsleri, sensu lato, tropicalis, most frequently isolated species from symptomatic only confirmed be active all both years study. Eighteen cultivars annuals twenty-one perennials performed have been recommended landscapes growers