NOTES: For the disease control products listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 26 and Fungicides and Bactericides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients.

The symbol ^OG   indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.

Pesticide use in greenhouses and high tunnels:

Pesticides can be used on high tunnel and greenhouse crops if: 1) the crop and pest/disease is on the label, AND the products specifically says it can be used in the greenhouse; OR 2) the crop and pest/disease is on the label, AND the product is ‘silent’ about use in the greenhouse in the greenhouse. Products that specifically prohibit greenhouse use cannot be used in greenhouses or high tunnels regardless of the crops or pests/diseases listed on the label.

Purchase disease-free seed. Use resistant varieties where feasible. Promptly remove any stock plants that are diseased or low in vigor. Use separate greenhouses for herb production and keep stock plants separate from production areas. There are few fungicides or bactericides registered for herbs.

Bacterial Leaf Spot (Pseudomonas cichorii )

Disinfect all benches, equipment, and pots. Purchase culture-indexed plants and disease-free seed. Avoid overhead irrigation. Discard infected plants. Clean production areas thoroughly after harvest as bacteria can survive in dead leaves.

Botrytis blight and stem canker (Botrytis cinerea)

Management of environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity and duration of leaf wetness is vital to Botrytis control. Control weeds and remove plant debris between crops and during production. Provide good air circulation and reduce humidity within the plant canopy by proper plant spacing, plant height, and fertility. Water in the morning, never late in the day.

• Bacillus amyloliquefaciens F727 (Stargus^OG): 2.0 to 4.0 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. Apply preventatively in a minimum of 50.0 gallons of water/A.
• cyprodinil plus fludioxonil (Switch 62.5 WG): 11.0 to 14.0 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 9 & 12. Do not make more than 2 consecutive applications.
• potassium bicarbonate (PB 133, MilStop SP^OG): 2.5 to 5.0 lb/100.0 gal; PHI 0d, REI 1h, Group NC. See label for small volume application rates.
• Ulocladium oudemansii U3 strain (BotryStop^OG): 2.0 to 4.0 lbs/A; REI 4h, Group NC. Begin application when conditions are conducive to disease development.

Damping-off, Crown and Root Rot (Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Fusarium spp. & Phytophthora spp.)

Use pasteurized soil or soil-less mixes for transplant production. Disinfect all flats, pots, and tools. Use bottom heat to promote rapid seed germination. Avoid over-watering, over-fertilizing, and overcrowding. Promptly rogue out infected plants. Manage fungus gnats and shore flies. 

• Bacillus amyloliquefaciens F727 (Stargus^OG): 2.0 to 4.0 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. Apply preventatively in a minimum of 50.0 gallons of water/A.
• mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold SL): 0.5 to 1.0 pt/A; PHI 21d, REI 48h, Group 4. Pythium and Phytophthora ONLY.
• fludioxonil (Maxim 4FS): 0.08 to 0.16 oz/100 lb seed; REI 12h, Group 12. For protection against seedborne and soil-borne fungi. Does not control Pythium or Phytophthora.
• potassium phosphite (K-Phite 7LP): 1.0 to 4.0 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P07. Apply in a minimum of 20.0 gal water/A.

Downy Mildew (Peronospora belbarhii)

Downy mildew of basil can be serious in both field and greenhouse production. Start with certified, disease-free seed. Scout crops regularly and promptly remove and destroy infected plants. Reduce leaf wetness duration by plant spacing, improving air circulation, and watering when plants will dry quickly. In the greenhouse, use a combination of heating and venting to reduce humidity and condensation, especially when warm days are followed by cool nights. Varieties with some resistance to downy mildew are available (see varieties).

• azoxystrobin (Heritage): 0.18 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. See label for instructions.
• Bacillus amyloliquefaciens F727 (Stargus^OG): 2 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. Apply preventatively in a minimum of 50.0 gallons of water/A.
• copper octanoate (Cueva): 16.8 gal/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group M01. Begin applications when environmental conditions favor disease development. 
• cyazofamid (Ranman 400SC): 2.75 to 3.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 21. Registered for greenhouse use.
• fenamidone (Reason 500 SC): 6.0 fl. oz/A; PHI 2d, REI 12h Group 11. Greenhouse and field. Do not alternate with other Group 11 fungicides.
• fluopicolide (Presidio 4SC): 4.0 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 43. Field use only. Must be tank mixed with a fungicide with a different mode of action. 
• hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid (Oxidate 2.0^OG): 1:2 to 1:4 dilution; PHI 0d, REI 0h. Do not tank mix with copper. 
• laminarim (Vacciplant): 14.0 to 22.0 fl oz/A; PHI od, REI 4h, Group P04. See label for application methods and restrictions. 
• mandipropamid (Micora): 8.0 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Group 40. NOTE: greenhouses use limited to structures with permanent flooring ONLY. Not labeled for field use.
• mandipropamid (Revus): 8.0 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Group 40. Labeled for field use.
• mefenoxam (Subdue Maxx): 2.0 pt/A; PHI 21d, REI 48h, Group 4. Tank mix with fungicides from other groups. 
• oxathiapiprolin (Segovis): 1.1 to 2.4 fl.oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 49. Begin foliar application prior to disease development. Use the higher rate when disease is present. 
• potassium bicarbonate (PB 133 AKA MilStop SP^OG): 2.5 lb/100 gal; PHI 0d, REI 1h, Group NC. Thorough coverage is essential. Registered for greenhouse and field use. See label for small volume application rates.
• potassium salts of phosphorous acid (Fosphite): 1.0 to 3.0 qt/100.0 gal/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P07. Do not apply to plants that are heat or moisture stressed.
• Streptomyces lydicus (Actinovate^OG): 6.0 to 12.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 1h, Group NC.
• thyme oil (Guarda): See label for rate; PHI 0h, REI 0h, Group NC. See label for application methods and rates. Ensure thorough coverage to the point of runoff ( 15-25 gallons per acre.)

Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilici)

Fusarium wilt is very difficult to manage as it can persist in the soil or hydroponic system for many years. Practice strict sanitation. Begin with disease-free seed or treat seed with hot water or dilute bleach. The basil varieties Aroma 2, Nufar, Newton and Rutgers Obsession have some resistance to Fusarium wilt. Fusarium is a soil inhabitant that can become established in the field. Promptly remove and destroy all infected plants, infested soil, and plant debris. Rotate crops, excluding members of the mint family, which can be symptomless carriers of Fusarium.

NOTES: For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (AI) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same AI. Please see Table 27 and Insecticides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on these insecticides.

The designation (Bee: L, M, or H) indicates a bee toxicity rating of low, moderate, or high. See the Protecting Honeybees and Native Pollinators section for more details.

The symbol * indicates a product is a restricted use pesticide. See Pesticide Safety and Use for more details.

The symbol ^OG   indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details. 

Aphids

For more information on biology, see aphids in the pepper section.

• azadirachtin (Azatin O^OG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
• Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol ESO^OG): 8 to 32 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. Treat when populations are low and thoroughly cover foliage. Takes 7 to 10 days after application to see control.
• Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (Grandevo^OG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Group UN.
• imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil, 1.2 oz/A foliar; PHI 14d soil, 7d foliar, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
• insecticidal soap (M-Pede^OG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. Repeat application every 2-3 days until pest is under control. For enhanced and residual control apply with companion labeled insecticide.
• Isaria fumosorosea Apopka Strain 97 (PFR-97 20% WDG^OG): 1 to 2 lb/A (foliar); PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
• pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.

Japanese and Oriental Beetles

Beetles move into basil after emerging from soil in turf, pastures, or fallow areas, starting in late June and peaking in July.  Adult beetles skeletonize leaves as they feed. Row covers can prevent feeding, but watch for build-up of aphids due to exclusion of natural enemies. The basil variety Nufar is very attractive to Japanese beetles and can be used for a trap crop.

• azadirachtin (Azatin O^OG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group UN. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake. 
• Isaria fumosorosea Apopka Strain 97 (PFR-97 20% WDG^OG): 1 to 2 lb/A (soil applications only); PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
• pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A. Japanese beetles only.

NOTES: For the herbicides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient along with preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), resistance management group number, and example of rates and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. However, not all products with the same active ingredient are registered for use in a crop. Always check the product label to be sure that the crop is listed before using.  

Many growers choose to grow basil on plastic mulch. Basil usually grows quickly and shades the planting hole in plasticulture, out-competing weed growth. Apply the plastic at least 2 to 3 weeks prior to planting and kill the weeds between the mulch prior to setting the basil plants on the plastic. On bare ground culture, keep cultivations shallow to protect crop roots. Do not move soil into the crop row as basil plants may be more susceptible to diseases when soil is mounded against the stems of the crop.

Stale Seedbed 

See Stale Seedbed Technique for information on the use of these herbicides or flaming.  

• glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): PHI 14d, REI 4h, Group 9. 
• pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 0. 

Preemergent Herbicides (before weeds germinate)

• clomazone (Command 3ME): PHI 50d, REI 12h, Group 13. Apply 10.7 oz/A per application, only 1 application per year. Apply before seeding or transplanting, or after seeding but prior to crop emergence. Place seed, or roots of the transplants, below the chemical barrier when planting.Apply in a minimum of 10 gal/A of spray. Use the lower rate on sandy soils and the higher rate on silt and clay soils.  
• napropamide (Devrinol 2-XT): REI 24h, Group 0. Apply 2-4 qt/A per application, only 1 application per year. Can only be applied to transplants before planting. Use the lower rate on sandy soils and the higher rate on silt and clay soils. Incorporate 2-4” into the soil with shallow cultivation or water through irrigation or rainfall within 24 hours of application. If using plastic mulch irrigate with sufficient water to wet to a depth of 2-4” if soil is dry, incorporate into the soil, and then lay mulch on the same day as application.

Postemergent Herbicides (after weeds germinate)

• carfentrazone (Aim EC): REI 12h, Group 14. Apply up to 2 oz/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 6.1 oz/A per year. Can be applied to row middles of emerged crops with hooded sprayers to control emerged weeds, including crops grown on mulch or plastic.  Prevent any spray from contacting the crop, or injury will occur.  For best results, make application to actively growing weeds up to 4” tall and rosettes less than 3” across.
• clethodim (Select Max): PHI 14d, REI 24h, Group 1. Apply 9-16 oz/A per application, up to 4 applications allowed per year, a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not exceed 64 oz/A per year.  Apply to actively growing grasses. Add 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (1 qt per 100 gal of spray).  Can also be used as a spot-spray by mixing 1/3% to 2/3% (0.44 to 0.85 oz per gallon) Select Max and 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (0.33 oz per gallon).  Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution. Has not been tested on all varieties, crop tolerance should be verified before treating the entire field. If no crop response is evident seven days after treatment, Select Max Herbicide may be used on the entire field at the rate tested.
• glyphosate (Roundup PowerMax): PHI 7d, REI 4h, Group 9. Apply 10 oz to 3.1 qts/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 5 qts/A per year. Rate based on target weed species. Can be applied during fallow intervals, prior to planting or transplanting, at planting, or before crop has emerged. Could cause injury when applied prior to transplanting or direct-seeding into plastic mulch. Remove residual product from plastic mulch with a 0.5” of water through irrigation or rainfall prior to planting.  
• Pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 24h, REI 12h, Group 0. Apply a 3-10% solution (3-10 gallons per 100 gallons of spray). Apply in 75-200 gal/A of spray. Can use preplant, or as a directed and shielded spray during crop growth. Avoid contact with foliage or crop damage may occur. Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.