Abstract
Aerial surveys were conducted over portions of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growing region of Virginia during September, 1974. The flights were conducted to determine the spectral, spatial, and temporal characteristics of Cylindrocladium black rot disease in peanut fields utilizing false color infrared and natural color imagery. The disease, caused by the soil-borne fungus Cylindrocladium crotalariae (Loos) Bell and Sobers, was detected on imagery obtained at 19,803 m above mean sea level. The disease was easily detectable on either false color infared or natural color imagery at 3,504 m above mean sea level. With its unique spectral/spatial signature, the disease was distinguishable from other diseases of peanuts such as Sclerotinia blight. Disease patterns that were difficult to observe from the ground were easily detected with aerial photography. Analysis of field soil samples for C. crotalariae microsclerotia confirmed results of imagery analysis. Detection of the disease by aerial surveys will permit prompt control measures to minimize spread of the disease. Information from this study will provide permanent records that can be used to monitor the change in extent and severity of the disease in future growing seasons.
Author notes
1Cooperative investigations of the Department of Agronomy, Department of Plant Pathology and Physiology, and the Research Division at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and the Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture. Research supported in part by NASA Wallops Flight Center, Virginia, under NASA Contract No. NAS6-2388.
6Mention of a trademark, code name, or proprietary product is for identification purposes and does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or the U. S. Department of Agriculture, nor imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable.