Celery Blight Efficacy Trials on California’s Central Coast

From late fall through early spring, cool, moist coastal weather in Salinas Valley, San Luis Obispo and Guadalupe/Santa Maria reliably drives Septoria apiicola (celery late blight), enabling credible, field-real efficacy data. We’re booking plots now. 

Quick Specs

• Crop/Target: Celery – Septoria apiicola (late blight)
• Region & Sites: California Central Coast; trial stations in Salinas, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria/Guadalupe
• Windows: Setup late fall; primary ratings through winter/early spring (weather-dependent).
• Designs: RCBD or split-plot; 3–4 reps typical; plot sizes scaled to celery beds
• Endpoints: Incidence, severity, AUDPC, marketability/trim loss; phytotoxicity screens
• Deliverables: Clean data package, photo log, summary tables/figures ready for internal use

Trial Formats (choose what fits your stage)

• Stand-Alone Trials — Full protocol control, positive control included; expanded endpoints for label or late-stage decisions.
• Add-On Screening — Insert a single treatment into our program with positive + negative controls for a fast, cost-efficient read.

​Why Ag Metrics Group for Celery

• Proven Central Coast footprint for leafy crops (lettuce, spinach, celery) with stations in Salinas Valley, San Luis Obispo and Guadalupe/Santa Maria.
• Plant Pathology depth with regional labs and access to pathogen cultures/inoculum support when appropriate.
• Celery experience as part of our leafy-vegetable portfolio at Pacific Ag Research (California). 

Next Steps​ (windows are limited)

• Email your draft protocol for a 48-hour feasibility check or let us help you draft your protocol.
• Hold a plot slot for your preferred window
• Decide format (Stand-Alone vs. Add-On) based on your objectives

​Contact Brad Booker at [email protected] (805) 471-0537 or at our website to hold a plot and request a 48-hr protocol feasibility check.