SOD: SOLUTIONS FOR ORGANIC FARM DISEASES: SUPPRESSING SOILBORNE PATHOGENS IN VEGETABLE HIGH TUNNELS

Crop pathogens that disperse through the soil are a significant problem for organic farmers, especially when theyinfect vegetables during high tunnel production in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. Steaming the soil to high temperatures and Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) are two disease management methods that have the potential to kill problematic plant pathogens without using synthetic fungicides or fertilizers. This project will 1) compare the efficacy of soil steaming and ASD for suppressing soilborne diseases of vegetables including a focus on high tunnel tomatoes, 2) determine soil microbial community recovery (composition/diversity) after steaming and/or ASD and impacts on plant health, and 3) understand the factors that affect farmers' willingness to adopt sustainable soilborne disease management practices. We aim to share best practices with organic growersfrom these two promising, innovative organic farming practices. Results will be disseminated at farmer conferences and meetings, through peer-reviewed publications, extension materials, factsheets, and webinars. The target audiences will include partnering organically certified farmers, those who are interested in or who are in transition to organic production, industry partners, federal and academic scientists, and the public at large.