All/multiple crops:
Multiple aphid species have been found at high levels in vegetable transplants both in the greenhouse and in the field. Releases of beneficial insects can be effective in the greenhouse when aphid populations are low, but proper identification of the aphid species is crucial for success. See more information on aphid identification and biocontrol here. Beneficial insect releases are far less effective once transplants are in the field. Michigan State University summarizes insecticide options for aphid management here, but not all of the products referenced are registered for use in NYS (for example, Scorpion, Venom, and PQZ). Organic growers can apply labeled azadirachtin products, but thorough coverage is essential and at least two applications are generally necessary for complete control. Insecticidal soaps like M-Pede and Des-X can also help reduce populations, but frequent applications are required for suppression and can cause phytotoxicity to delicate transplants.
With the recent rains, there are lots of weeds germinating between rows of plastic and in general. If you plan on cultivating, please don’t wait for the weeds to get big – most weeds are more easily killed when they are under two inches tall – especially those that can re-root like ragweed, lambsquarters and purslane! Typically, they are shallowly rooted during this time and cultivating shallow is better, so you don’t bring a whole fresh batch of weed seeds to the surface. When weeds are big, we tend to cultivate deeper to try and dislodge them. Cultivate sooner and if need be, an extra time or two, shallowly!
Alliums:
Stemphylium leaf blight symptoms are beginning to pop up in the earliest transplanted onions in Orange County, especially where aggressive applications of POST herbicides Buctril and Goal were made. The 2022 Onion Fungicide Cheat Sheet is still being updated but summarizes management options for both SLB and botrytis leaf blight. SLB populations in Orange County have developed known resistance to FRAC groups 2, 7, 9, and 11 and are developing quantitative resistance to FRAC 3, meaning that tank mixing two FRAC 3 products is typically more effective than applying just one. Research in Orange County has found that adding a phosphoric acid fungicide (FRAC P07, Rampart, ProPhyt, etc) to a tank mix can help maintain greener foliage and reduce SLB severity, but avoid mixing these products with mancozeb and copper.
Asteraceae:
Complaints of tipburn in head lettuce have been arising in various parts of the region. Tipburn occurs during hot and humid weather when plants are unable to translocate calcium from the soil into the ends of the leaves via soil moisture. Even and adequate water availability can help prevent tipburn. Heat and drought in May, along with humid conditions in high tunnels likely were the cause of this issue.
Brassicas:
Raised, scabby areas of oedema on the lowers surface of kales and collard greens have been observed. Cool nighttime temperatures along with high humidity and cloudy conditions suppresses transpiration, increasing the tendency for oedma to occur. Adjusting irrigation so soils are drier under cool, humid conditions may help alleviate symptoms.
Flea beetles are between generations in many locations, so growers may notice a drop in pressure for now. Keep scouting to catch the next emergence in a timely fashion.
Lots of imported cabbageworm (ICW) moths flying around this week so be on the lookout in your brassicas as they were busy laying eggs. ICW eggs are laid singularly on the leaves, yellowish in color and are somewhat “bullet” shaped. ICW larvae are green and fuzzy looking and often have a yellow stripe running down their back. With the warmer temperatures this week, Bt’s such as Dipel, Javelin, XenTari should work well. Pyrethroids like Warrior, or other materials like Endigo, Coragen etc. should also work well.
Swede midge damage observed in Clinton County. Swede midge emerges in mid-late May, and adults mate and lay eggs into the meristems of brassica crops. Larvae feed on the growing point and plant damage is typically observed about 3 weeks later. Damage is irreversible once symptoms are present. To protect late summer and fall brassicas, rotate away from infested fields and protect transplants with a systemic insecticide or with insect exclusion netting. Admire Pro, Assail 30G, Movento, Warrior II, and Senstar are insecticides labeled for swede midge in NYS. No OMRI-listed insecticides are effective.
Cucurbits:
Seedless watermelons continue to be transplanted into the field and questions have been arising regarding pollenizer placement. Studies by Gordon Johnson of Univ. Delaware Extension have shown that pollenizers planted in- row with seedless watermelons, rather than in separate rows between seedless rows, maximizes yields and field space and reduces incidence of hollow heart. Learn more about pollenizer systems and spacing by clicking here.
No new news on Cucurbit Downy Mildew since being reported in Atlantic County, New Jersey last week. With the current high pressure over the upper Hudson Valley, the risk should be minimum – however, that front is supposed to shift later this week and bring with it showers and thunderstorms with increased risk as that front moves out. Consider continuing a preventative fungicide program, especially with cucumbers and melons. Chlorothalonil (Bravo, Initiate etc.), mancozeb or Gavel 75 DF which contains mancozeb plus another active ingredient are good choices, especially for cucumbers and early green and yellow squash that are NOT being harvested. Mancozeb has a 5-day Pre-harvest interval, so please be aware of that.
Cucumber beetles are making a strong descent upon cucumbers and summer squash this week in the Capital District – if you seeded FarMore treated seed and then transplanted, there is a pretty good chance that the Farmore is no longer active so an over-the-top plant application may be required. If you just direct seeded vine crops with FarMore, they should be protected for at least 10 days. Pyrethroids (Warrior, Baythroid etc.) or Pyganic should work fine, but may need additional applications if beetles continue to colonize the field. Note insecticide days to harvest on early squash you may be harvesting or getting close to harvesting.
Nightshades:
We are continuing to see above average numbers of tunnels experiencing negative effects from spray drift, particularly in the Mohawk Valley. Both on-farm applications and neighboring farm applications have been implicated. Take care to avoid spraying herbicides when it is hot or windy to avoid non-target applications and remind neighbors of your sensitive crops.
Lots of nice-looking tomato plants out there! If you are staking and tying tomatoes, here are a couple of reminders: First, try not to work when plants are wet from rains or heavy dews as this may spread diseases like bacterial canker or spot. Second, do not prune suckers that are larger than the diameter of a pencil – this is a major shock to the plant and does more harm than good. Not only is it a shock to the plant, but it results in a large gaping wound for pathogens to enter the plant. Pruning early and often when suckers are small is best. Lastly, stakes are expensive, but don’t try to extend the number of plants past 2-3 between stakes – as the fruit load gets heavier and heavier, this puts more stress on the stakes and if not spaced properly, stakes can break or topple over, especially during a thunderstorm with strong gusty winds.
Corn:
Lots of corn tasseling this week. Take note of European Corn Borer trap catches and scout where tassels are emerging. If at 15% infestation or higher, initiate an insecticide program. The best time to treat ECB is when about half or more of the tassels have emerged. followed by a second application when the rest of the planting has tasseled. ECB larvae ride up the tassel before burrowing into the stalk where they become much harder to control.
Upcoming Events:
Onion Update Meeting: July 6th, 12-1 (lunch provided). Pine Island Legion. 1 NYSDEC credit approved. More info or to register, click here.
Field meeting at Philia Farm, Johnstown (Fulton County) on July 13th from 4-6 pm: tour a research project studying the effect on tarps as a way to terminate cover crops and improve nutrient cycling. Various cover cropping strategies and farm-scale tarp applications will also be part of the tour. Growers are invited to stay for a potluck dinner after the meeting. More information can be found here. Please contact Crystal at cls263@cornell.edu if you have questions.
Airblast Sprayer Calibration Workshop : Tuesday, July 18 – 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Porpiglia Farms, 71 Porpiglia Drive, Marlboro, NY 12542
Calibrating pesticide sprayers for best results.
University of New Hampshire Extension Field Specialist Emeritus, George Hamilton will demonstrate the importance of and best techniques to calibrate air blast sprayers. Proper calibration will ensure effective, efficient, economical and legal spraying. Inadequate spray coverage is usually the cause of poor spray efficacy and additional spray applications. Overuse of some sprays results in unhealthy residues and can lead to fines.
Calibration should be done several times each season, or when you incorporate any new equipment or repairs – from the tractor to the nozzle. Join us for a refresher or send new employees for training. This workshop is open for any grower that relies on either an airblast sprayer to deliver plant protectants to fruit or vegetable crops or a boom sprayer. Please note that locations and times vary for each workshop. This is the July 18th airblast workshop. For simultaneous Spanish translation and boom sprayer calibration, please sign up for the July 19th workshop here.
Both workshops will provide audio amplification, handouts and refreshments.
DEC Pesticide applicator recertification credits will be available in categories 1A, 22, 23, 10 for 2 credits
$20 per farm – Pre-registration is required. Click here to register.