Alliums: 

The second flight (first generation) of leek moth is beginning now in Vermont. No trap catches reported yet on participating farms in Essex County and little damage has been observed in garlic from the first flight.

The transition to shortening day lengths after the summer solstice triggers bulbing in long day onions grown in our region. Maintaining consistent soil moisture during bulbing is critical for achieving target yields. As early transplants begin to dry down, the necrotic tissue left behind on leaf tips can also be areas where Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB) can establish and spread to green tissue. More information on SLB management can be found in Christy Hoepting’s Onion Fungicide Cheat Sheet.

Brassicas:

Brassica downy mildew (BDM) has been found on transplants in the Hudson Valley. BDM typically does not continue to spread once plants are spaced out in the field this time of year; however, the combination of high humidity and moderate temperatures could promote more spread than usual. Transplants with BDM under row covers are more prone to continue to spread the disease.

 Chenopods (Beets, Chard, Spinach):

Cercospora leaf spot observed in high tunnel beets.

Cucurbits:

Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) was recently reported in the province of Québec in two locations, including the municipality of Les Jardins-de-Napierville, which borders Clinton County. Cornell plant pathologists recommend North Country producers begin protective sprays. Recent weather patterns have been perfect for spore transport and spreading into areas as far south as the Capital District. Growers should really be paying close attention to cucumbers and early green and yellow squash.  Chlorothalonil (Bravo, Initiate etc.), mancozeb, copper or Gavel 75 DF (which contains mancozeb plus another active ingredient) would be good choices, especially for cucumbers and early green and yellow squash that are NOT being harvested yet – mancozeb has a 5-day pre-harvest interval.  For organic producers, copper or copper plus Regalia biofungicide are the preferred fungicides for CDM.  Look for the classic bright yellow spots on the leaves with a purply gray cluster of spores on the underside of the spot – especially early the morning when it is dewy or humid.  This sporadic pattern of CDM distribution (southern NJ, WI, and now southern QC) is highly unusual. If you suspect CDM on your farm, please let us know so that we can report it. To view CDM reports and current distribution across the U.S. and Canada, click here.

Nightshades: 

Potatoes – Colorado Potato Beetle pressure remains high in much of the region.  Target treatments for smaller larvae when possible as this is probably your best chance of controlling them.  Do not use foliar neonicotinoids if you used a neonicotinoid at planting or seed piece treatment like Cruiser Maxx or Crusier (IRAC Group 4A).  Other options include:  Rimon (novaluron Group 15), Radiant or Blackhawk (spinetoram Group 5), or chlorantraniliprole (Group 28) containing products like Coragen, Vantacor or premixes of chlorantraniliprole (Group 28) and pyrethroids (Group 3) such as Besiege (will also control leafhoppers) or Elevest.  And for organic growers, Entrust (spinosad Group 5) or products that contain the active ingredient azadirachtin like Azera can work, especially if applied to smaller larvae.  However, spray coverage of the foliage is essential for any of these products to work.

Tomatoes – Humid conditions are causing Botrytis issues in tomatoes, including ghost spots and shoulder rot on tomato fruit in high tunnels. To prevent Botrytis infection, maintain good air flow throughout the tunnel and crop canopy and apply labeled fungicides as needed.

Early blight (EB) or Alternaria is showing up on lower leaves of early-maturing tomato varieties that can serve as an inoculum source throughout the season. These may require earlier sprays than later maturing varieties. Protectant fungicides (chlorothalonil, mancozeb, or copper) are recommended until disease is detected, then switch to a targeted fungicide and tank-mix with protectant fungicides.  Alternate based on FRAC code and label restrictions, ex: Inspire Super (FRAC 3+9) alternated with Miravis Prime (FRAC 7+12).  Tolerant strains of EB to FRAC 11 fungicides (i.e. Quadris, Cabrio) have been identified in NY for some time now.  A number of OMRI listed biopesticides (Double Nickel, Serenade, Regalia) can be used in organic management in combination with copper products like Badge X2 or Cueva.

Corn:

Low levels of damage observed in sweet corn in the north from European corn borer. For more information go to  NY Sweet Corn Trap Network

Miscellaneous: 

 Reminder to File Crop Acreage Reports with FSA

The following acreage reporting dates are applicable in New York:

July 17, 2023 – Corn, Soybeans, Spring Planted Small Grains, and most other crops including CRP and cover crops

August 15, 2023 – Cabbage and Beans

For more information see:  USDA FSA Crop Acreage Reporting