Management of brown rot, caused by Phytophthora nicotianae or P. palmivora, is needed on both processing and fresh-market fruit. While the disease affects all citrus types, it is usually most severe on Hamlin, Navel, and other early-maturing sweet orange cultivars. See chapter 32 in this guide, Phytophthora Foot Rot, Crown Rot, and Root Rot, for information on other phytophthora diseases.

Phytophthora brown rot is a localized problem, usually associated with restricted air and/or water drainage. It commonly appears from mid-August through October following extended periods of high rainfall. It can be confused with fruit drop from other causes at that time of year. If caused by P. nicotianae, brown rot is limited to the lower third of the canopy because the fungus-like organism is splashed onto fruit from the soil. P. palmivora produces abundant sporangia on infected fruit that can splash onto fruit throughout the canopy.

Early-season inoculum production and spread of Phytophthora spp. are minimized with key cultural practice modifications. Skirting of trees reduces the opportunity for soilborne inoculum to contact fruit in the canopy. The edge of the herbicide strip should be maintained just inside of the dripline of the tree to minimize the exposure of bare soil to direct impact by rain. This will limit rain splash of soil into the lower canopy.

Fruit on the ground become infected and produce inoculum, especially in P. palmivora, where fruit-grown sporangia can readily splash upward into the tree canopy. The sporangia can infect green fruit and result in brown rot infection in the canopy as early as July. The beginning of the epidemic is very difficult to detect before the fruit are colored and showing typical symptoms. Boom application of herbicides and other operations dislodge low-hanging fruit. Furthermore, trees affected by huanglongbing (HLB; citrus greening) are prone to premature fruit drop. Application of residual herbicides earlier in the summer may reduce the need for postemergence materials later and minimize fruit drop throughout this early stage of inoculum production from fallen fruit.

Usually a single spray application of Aliette, Phostrol, or ProPhyt before the first signs of brown rot appear in late July is sufficient to protect fruit through most of the normal infection period. No more than 20 lb/acre/year of Aliette should be applied for the control of all phytophthora diseases. Aliette, Phostrol, and ProPhyt are systemic fungicides that protect against postharvest infection and provide 60–90 days control. Copper fungicides are primarily protective but are capable of killing sporangia on the fruit surface and thus reducing inoculum. They may be applied in August before or after the appearance of brown rot and provide protection for 45–60 days. If the rainy season is prolonged into the fall, a follow-up application of either systemic fungicide at one-half of the label rate or copper in October may be warranted. If a second application is needed, follow the preharvest intervals carefully (see chapter 45, Pesticides Registered for Use on Florida Citrus). With average-quality copper products, usually 2–4 lb of metallic copper per acre are needed for control.

Precautions should be taken during harvesting to exclude fruit affected by brown rot from field containers because this could result in rejection at the processing or packing facility.