Evaluation of Tobacco Fungicides and Application Methods Against Black Shank in North Carolina, 2024

Black shank, caused by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora nicotianae, is among the most devastating diseases of flue-cured tobacco in tobacco-producing regions throughout the world. Symptoms include yellowing, wilting, blackening and discing of the pith, and plant death. This report evaluates the efficacy of conventional fungicide programs for the management of black shank. The trial was conducted in 2024 in Johnston County, NC, on flue-cured variety ‘NC 196’. Results from these trials will help advise tobacco growers in developing integrated management programs for this disease.