Basil downy mildew has been reported in the Vineland area. Basil downy mildew was also confirmed on June 28 in Morris County. All basil growers should scout on a daily basis and should add a labeled downy mildew specific fungicide to their weekly fungicide program. Phosphite fungicides (FRAC code 33) have shown the best efficacy in trials at RAREC. Both ProPhyt and K-Phite have downy mildew labels under herbs. Actinovate (OMRI- approved) is also labeled for downy mildew control. Please remember, all abandoned basil fields should be sprayed with gramoxone or worked under immediately after last harvest to kill the foliage!
Abandoned fields left unattended after use will only serve as a source of inoculum for other fields.