Garden mums are most often produced outdoors and can be subject to weather conditions favorable for insects and diseases. A comprehensive rotation of proven products can help prevent infestations before they develop.

Troublesome Garden Mum Insects
Thrips, aphids and worms are common insect pests that can affect garden mums in production. Controlling thrips and aphids is especially important as it can prevent the spread of viruses. Thrips act as a vector for the tospoviruses: Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). Aphids can spread Chrysanthemum Virus B (CVB). As a broad-spectrum insecticide, Mainspring^® GNL can provide excellent control of thrips, aphids, worms and other insect pests on garden mums.

Common Mum Diseases to Prevent 
Pythium and Fusarium pathogens are likely to emerge under higher temperatures and moist conditions. Fusarium is generally observed later in production (August or September) but infections can begin as early as July, so protection during this time is critical. Foliage first appears to be lighter in color in a section of the canopy and plants appear to have a one-sided wilt progressing from the bottom up. Fusarium problems occur more frequently when plants are stressed, so attention to proper growing practices is essential. Plants are often infected simultaneously by Fusarium and Pythium.

Pythium occurs more commonly in southern geographies in the presence of rain and hot temperatures. Roots can be compromised by this repeated wetting and drying resulting in the development of wounds which increase the risk of a Pythium infection. Left uncontrolled, Pythium causes root and stem rot, sometimes resulting in wilt and leaf rot. It can spread in water and potting medium as well as by tools and worker handling. Apply fungicides like Mural^® and Medallion^® WDG early in the crop to avoid losses, and use good sanitation practices for the most effective preventive treatment. Growing media with high soluble salts can cause root burn and make the plants more susceptible to Pythium attack.

Fusarium infection – early stages	Fusarium infection – late stages

An Agronomic Approach
The following agronomic program can provide a framework of how to position different products to control the primary insect and disease problems you may encounter on mums. Medallion and Mural are important components for protection against Fusarium infections. Since Mural will also provide protection against Pythium and Rhizoctonia, it can be applied as a drench as well, giving you the benefit of systemic protection inside the plant.

View a complete agronomic program for garden mums on GreenCastOnline/Solutions.

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