Sick Plants? Rotate Fungicides to Prevent Resistance

Aug 13, 2025

By Christopher Enroth

We have hit the other side of the precipitation pendulum. In 2023 and 2024, we experienced drought conditions. Now in 2025, the sump pump sales have surely hit a high note. For instance, Macomb's total July 2024 rainfall averaged around two inches. In 2025, many Macomb rain gauges recorded over ten inches during July.

Outside our waterlogged basements, most of our landscapes have been enjoying the abundant rain. However, with more moisture comes increased pressure from plant disease. In the last month, there has been an increase in plant questions stemming from fungal infections.

Identify the Pathogen

Disease management in the home landscape can seem daunting. According to Michigan State University Extension, around 85 percent of plant diseases are caused by fungi or fungus-like organisms, which often leads to the use of fungicides. Yet at your local garden center, there may be over a dozen fungicide products to choose from to help control plant disease. How do you know which fungicide is right for your situation?

Source : illinois.edu

Video: How Can We Grow More Food With Less Impact?

For over two decades, Dr. Mitloehner has been at the forefront of research on how animal agriculture affects our air and our climate. With deep expertise in emissions and volatile organic compounds, his work initially focused on air quality in regions like California’s Central Valley—home to both the nation’s richest agricultural output and some of its poorest air quality.

In recent years, methane has taken center stage in climate discourse—not just scientifically, but politically. Once a topic reserved for technical discussions about manure management and feed efficiency, it has become a flashpoint in debates over sustainability, regulation, and even the legitimacy of livestock farming itself.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist with the CLEAR Center sits down with Associate Director for Communications at the CLEAR Center, Joe Proudman.