Effects of oxathiapiprolin on Phytophthora nicotianae, the causal agent of black shank of tobacco

Oxathiapiprolin is a new fungicide active against oomycetes. In vitro assays and field studies were conducted to examine the effect of oxathiapiprolin on Phytophthora nicotianae (Pn), the causal agent of black shank. The efficacy of oxathiapiprolin on mycelial growth, sporangia production, zoospore motility, and zoospore germination was assessed with four Pn isolates. EC50 values were low ranging from 0.0039 to 0.0049 μg a.i./mL for mycelial growth, 0.00052-0.00081 μg a.i./mL for sporangia production, 0.0035-0.0051 μg a.i./mL for encysted zoospore germination, and 0.0055-0.0166 μg a.i./mL for zoospore motility. Sixty six Pn isolates, 60 from tobacco and six from ornamental plants were examined for sensitivity to oxathiapiprolin at 1 μg a.i./mL. Mycelial growth at 1 μg a.i./mL was observed in only one isolate from tobacco whereas the six Pn isolates from ornamental plants five of which were resistant to mefenoxam at 100 μg a.i./mL, were found to be sensitive to oxathiapiprolin. The efficacy of oxathiapiprolin against black shank was assessed in three field studies in North Carolina. Treatments of oxathiapiprolin were equal or superior to mefenoxam against black shank in each field study. Our results suggest that oxathiapiprolin is a highly efficacious fungicide against P. nicotianae, and will be a useful tool in controlling black shank of tobacco.