Cooperative Extension Service  ________________________________________________ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Warm dry weather has been the rule over the past two weeks.  Temperatures have averaged several degrees above normal, with daytime temperatures in the low to mid 80’s, while nighttime lows have ranged between the mid 50s and to low 60s.

Warm  dry weather has favored crop growth and recovery of freeze damaged plants.  The weather has assisted planting and harvesting progress but warm breezy conditions have increased the need for irrigation.

A number of  respondents continue to report salted related problems and salt damage in plantings.  There have also been indications of rising salt levels in well water being pumped in coastal areas

The FAWN Weather Station in Immokalee has not reported any rain since the beginning of February.  Many mornings have seen dense fog and heavy dews.

Pepper and snap bean planting is slowing seasonally.  Growers are actively planting cucurbits and potato harvesting has begun.  Most crops are in fair to good condition. Vegetables available include tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, squash, potatoes, strawberries, snap beans, radishes, eggplant, lettuce, escarole, endive, Chinese cabbage, and specialty crops.

As might be expected insect pressure has increase significantly in response to warming temperatures.  Disease pressure remains at fairly low levels.

The National Weather Service in Miami forecast is calling for warm windy conditions with temperatures in the 80’s through next Wednesday.  It will be partly cloudy with a slight chance of afternoon showers each day.

IMMOKALEE Weather Summary:

Date	Air Temp o F		Rainfall	Hours Below Certain Temperature          (hours)
	Min	Max	(inches)	40 o F	45o F	50o F	55o F	60°F	65°F	70°F	75°F
2/9-22	52.9	88.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	7.4	39.7	116.6	177.1	216.7

Water restrictions imposed on November 29th, by the South Florida Water Management District remain in place and have been extended to east coast production areas.  Restrictions vary by area.  More detailed information about water-use restrictions is available on the District's web site at http://www.sfwmd.gov.   Maps of the affected areas are also on the web site under "water shortage."

Phase 2 restrictions for water use, are now in effect for South Florida. This includes; Palm Beach, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Hendry, Lee, and parts of St. Lucie, Glades, Charlotte, and Okeechobee counties.  Agricultural users dependent on Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River remain under Phase 3 restrictions.

Reports from a number of locations indicate continued strong leafminer pressure on a variety of crops.  Some growers have indicated a cyclical nature to leafminer pressure while other report that pressure has been constant.

Worm activity is picking up as temperatures moderate.

Respondents indicate increased numbers of tomato fruitworms and southern armyworms in a number of areas.   At least one report indicated a major outbreak of southern armyworms in tomato.

Several respondents have reported scattered occurrence of melonworm in squash.

Winged aphids have become fairly active across the area in a variety of crops.  Numbers are generally low and incidence is spotty.  Respondents indicate that a few potato and pepper fields have required treatment for aphids where colonies became established.   Fairly high aphid populations are being seen in some potato fields.  Admire has given good control on pepper and tomatoes.

Reports indicate that whitefly populations are slowly increasing but remain at fairly low levels across SW Florida.

A number of reports indicate a rise in thrips activity on pepper and tomato.  Populations have reached moderate levels in some fields.  Respondents indicate that they are primarily seeing Florida flower thrips (Frankliniella bispinosa) at this time.

Growers are advised to be alert for spider mites.  Several respondents have reported problems in watermelons and eggplants.  Recent field surveys have indicated high populations of mites on nightshade along ditch banks and field margins, which represents a potential source of infestation.  Given projections for continued dry conditions,  spider mites will remain a threat to a variety of crops.

Several growers are reporting renewed broad mite activity in pepper after several weeks of no broad mite activity being reported.

There have been no further reports of late blight after initial findings of the disease on potato around Immokalee.

A number of reports are indicating increased incidence of powdery mildew on squash.  Incidence is moderate in some older fields.  Weather forecasts for this spring suggest that powdery mildew may be a major concern this season.

There have been several reports of gummy stem blight on seedling watermelon.

Several respondents report an increase in the incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl.  Incidence remains low around 1 plant per acre in the most severely affected fields.

Sanitation is important as is the control of the whitefly vector.  Admire (imidicloprid) has shown excellent results in controlling whiteflies in tomato.   Later in the season, alternative materials may be needed as Admire wears off.  Infected plants should be rouged on identification.  Crops in fields that have been harvested should be cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent the carry over of insect populations and disease inoculum.

Reports indicate target spot is causing some serious foliage loss to inner foliage in some older tomato fields.

Several respondents indicate observing some new early blight activity in both tomato and potato fields.

A number of growers have reported that bacterial leaf spot slowly increasing in some pepper and tomato plantings. Foggy mornings and heavy dews in recent weeks have created favorable conditions for bacterial leaf spot activity.  Overall,  incidence remains low and occurrence is spotty.  Several growers have indicated seeing bacterial leaf spot activity in plantings where overhead irrigation was employed for freeze protection.

Dr Pam Roberts indicates that the severity of bacterial spot of pepper and tomato caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria can by affected by the nutritional status of the plant. The most clear-cut response is the effect of magnesium (Mg) on bacterial spot of pepper.  An increase in foliar disease severity was seen by application of magnesium (Mg) to pepper leaves by foliar spray or soil applications.  Therefore, caution should be exercised in foliar feeding of bell peppers with Mg so as not to enhance disease severity.

The effect of nitrogen (N) and potassium (P) on disease is not as definite as Mg.  On other crops, high N and/or low P favored development of diseases on such as bacterial spot on peach, bacterial blight on lima bean, and angular leaf spot of cucumber.

On tomato, one study showed that high N with either low or high P reduced disease severity of bacterial spot  (Nayudu and Walker, 1960).  However more recent studies (Jones et al. 1983; Csizinszky et al. 1988; Jones et al. 1988) looked at both the effect on disease severity and yield.  These studies found that increased N resulted in decreased disease severity but yield was relatively unaffected.  Increased K had little to no effect on disease severity of bacterial leaf spot and yield was decreased or unaffected.

In summary, higher levels of N can reduce the amount of disease seen but this reduction in disease symptoms may not be expressed as increased yield.  Higher levels of K did not greatly affect either disease symptoms or yield.  Magnesium definitely increases the amount of disease symptoms of bacterial leaf spot.  Yield data is unavailable for Mg.

GAP’S FOR VEGETABLE PRODUCTION

Good agricultural practices (GAP’s) to minimize microbial risks on the farm begin before planting, continue through the growing season, and proceeds through post harvest handling.

Select fields that are not downwind or downstream from animal feedlots or similar containments, use caution in spreading manure, and maintain detailed records for all farming activities.

During production, ensure optimal irrigation water quality, exclude animals and birds (wild and domestic) from the crop, do not sidedress with fresh manure, and ensure employee hygiene with adequate facilities and training.  Maintain records of water testing results and employee training sessions.

At harvest, use well-cleaned and sanitized bins and containers and harvest aids such as knives.  Keep storage facilities washed, rinsed, and sanitized and ensure that the temperature is maintained at desired levels by using a recorder.
In the packing house, maintain cleanliness by washing, rinsing, and sanitizing equipment, walls, and floors, exclude birds and rodents, use clean and properly chlorinated water to wash produce, and ensure proper employee hygiene.  Keep accurate records to document all procedures and maintenance activities.

All workers should be educated about the importance of restroom use and proper hand washing.  Workers should be provided proper gloves, aprons, and hairnets to minimize contamination.  Implementing well-documented GAP’s can facilitate an expeditious traceback procedure so that suspected microbial contamination can be traced to the field or point of origin.

Product Updates:

Aventis Crop Science advises that their new product Previcur-Flex has been registered by the EPA for control of late blight on potatoes. The active ingredient in this product is propamocarb which was one of the active ingredients in Tattoo C.  Recommended rates are from 0.7 – 1.2 pts/acre depending on disease pressure.  No more than 6.0 pts/A may be applied in a single season.  PHI is 14 days.  Propamocarb gives the grower the flexibility to mix other materials of his choice with it.

Registration of the product is also being sought in Florida.  Because propamocarb is a newly registered active ingredient, the Florida  Department of Agriculture will conduct a rather extensive review of the data base.  The Review Board's next meeting is scheduled for March 15.  A decision on the registration of Previcur Flex will be available at the earliest on March 31.  Any requests for additional data will delay the registration in Florida.

Since the registration of propamocarb on tomatoes has not yet been  obtained, a Section 18 on tomatoes could be granted in 2001 if the State of Florida submits an application.  A Section 18 on potatoes could not possibly be granted since EPA has already registered this use.

BASF has confirmed registration for Acrobat 50WP on potatoes & tomatoes in the state of Florida by the State Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.  Acrobat 50WP is said to offer superior protection
against late blight in both crops.

Acrobat 50WP Facts Sheet

Active Ingredient: Dimethomorph
Formulation: 50% Wettable Powder
Rates: 4 to 6.4 ounces per acre for potato late blight, 6.4 ounces on tomatoes, do not exceed 32 oz/A/season
Packaging: 4 lb bag
REI: 12 hours
PHI: 4 days
Mode of Action : Cell wall disruption. Unique to any other compound. Will be an excellent rotation partner.
Tank Mixes: For resistance management, MUST be tank mixed with labeled late blight fungicides , except Mefenoxam or Metalaxyl.

Syngenta Crop Protection is currently seeking a Section 18 label for Actara in Florida for use on peppers for the control of pepper weevil.  Experimental results from trials conducted here in SW Florida by Dr Phil Stansly have indicated efficacy in the control of pepper weevil.

Growers who have experienced difficulties controlling pepper weevils with Vydate and who feel they need a more efficacious product are invited to communicate with the State Department of Agriculture and express their interest regarding their support for this Special Local Need (Section 18) label.

They should address their concerns to Mr. Charlie Clark at DACS and send a copy to Mike Aerts with FFVA.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Attn. Mr. Charlie Clark
Environmental Administrator
Pesticide Registration Section
3125 Connor Blvd.
Building # 6
Tallahassee , FL 32399-1650

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
Attn: Dr.Mike Aerts
4401 E. Colonial Ave.
Orlando, FL 32814

Letters should indicate that growers are having difficulty controlling pepper weevil with available materials.

Other points that might be included in your letter would include the following:

- the need to use the maximum rate and the maximum number of applications to achieve control of weevils,
- old standbys are losing their efficacy against pepper weevils,
- the adverse effect of alternative materials on beneficial insects, and
- the fact the need for more sprays raises production costs.

AgraQuest  announces registration of it’s Serenade® Biological Fungicide by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for use on vines, fruits, vegetables, walnuts and hops.

The bio-fungicide is registered for use on the following vegetables - cucurbits, leafy vegetables, peppers, and tomatoes. It is claimed to be effective against a number of other economically important diseases including other powdery mildews, downy mildews, early blight and walnut blight.

"Serenade is the first foliar applied, Bacillus-based bio-fungicide strong enough to stop foliar diseases of fruits and vegetables," according to Pamela Marrone, AgraQuest 's President and CEO.  “The result is a fungicide that can compete head to head with conventional pesticides on performance, reliability and ease of use.”  Serenade is produced via a sustainable fermentation technology  which utilizes a natural microbe and agricultural raw materials such as crop proteins and carbohydrates.

Serenade is a biological product with a unique mode of action.  At field rates, it is gentle on the environment, does not harm beneficial insects or cause secondary pest outbreaks and can be applied up to and including the day of harvest. Serenade fits into IPM programs, particularly those aimed at resistance management. It can be applied as a foliar spray alone, in alternating spray programs or in a tank mix with other EPA registered products.  Recommended rates range from 3 – 8 lbs per acre on vegetables.  REI is 4 hours and the product may be applied up to and including the day of harvest.

Serenade stops plant pathogen spores from germinating, disrupts germ tube and mycelial growth and inhibits attachment of the plant pathogen to the leaf by producing a zone of inhibition restricting the growth of these disease causing pathogens. The patented strain of Bacillus subtilis contained in Serenade has also been shown to colonize pathogens, thus causing inhibition of the pathogen's germ tube elongation. Serenade also activates the production of plant anti-fungal enzymes, inducing the plant's Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) response.

Gordon Smith to retire as Editor Emeritus of Citrus & Vegetable Magazine.

Gordon has been a long time supporter of agriculture and has been a regular feature in Citrus and Vegetable Magazine over the years.  You are cordially invited to a reception honoring Gordon Smith, retiring Editor Emeritus of  Citrus & Vegetable Magazine.

Date: March 30, 2001
Location: Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, Florida
Time: 1 - 3p.m.
Please RSVP before March 28, 2001
Contact Sandi at 800-362-1571.

Hope to see you there.

Quality Tests for Lab-Raised Beneficial Insects

A few simple tests adapted by the Agricultural Research Service can now help commercial insectaries determine the quality of beneficial insects raised on artificial diets.

In biological control programs, researchers have in hand a variety of predatory insects, including the big-eyed bug, Geocoris punctipes, and the lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea. Beneficial insects such as these are used to
check the spread of damaging crop pests like aphids, scale insects and mealybugs.

Instead of feeding the beneficials their natural diets, researchers have developed a variety of artificial ones-mainly composed of cooked chicken eggs, lima bean meal, wheat germ, soy flour, yeast, vitamins and preservatives-that provide the necessary nutrition at a fraction of the cost.

To determine which diet recipe produces the most vigorous insects, researchers have measured differences in the weight, longevity, biomass accumulation and fecundity the insects achieve. Now scientists with ARS'
Biological Control and Mass-Rearing Research Unit in Mississippi State, Miss., led by entomologist Allen C. Cohen, have adapted biochemical and immunological tests that will allow producers to measure the insects'
overall health.

The scientists found a correlation between the artificial diets and an increase in insects' egg production. Insects reared on a diet made of chicken egg and a plant product-rather than chicken egg and a meat paste-had
more yolk proteins in their eggs, which is predictive of a healthier insect. The researchers have also adapted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)--which are based on the ability of an antibody to recognize and bind to a specific antigen-to identify possible pathogens in the insects.

According to Cohen, these tests will help producers quickly and accurately predict whether a specific diet or rearing condition is good or bad for the insect, saving time and money in the process.

Scientific contact: Allen C. Cohen, ARS Biological Control and Mass Rearing Research Unit, Mississippi State, Miss.; phone (662) 320-7380, fax (662) 320-7571, acohen@bcmrru.msstate.edu.

Websites

Agricultural Research Magazine is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's science magazine.  It is published monthly by the Agricultural Research Service and provides updates on the latest news and research developments at ARS.  It can be viewed online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/index.html.

 Up Coming Meetings:

February 27-28, 2001         Florida Weed Science Society Annual Meeting
                                           Gainesville, Florida
                                            For information call 941-722-4524

March 5 –8, 2001              Florida Post-Harvest Horticulture Industry Tour
                                          For information contact Abbie Fox 352-392-1928 ext. 235

March 13, 2001                Vegetable Growers Meeting
                                          Identification, Sampling and Management of Nematodes
                                         Hendry County Extension Auditorium
                                          1085 Pratt Boulevard
                                          LaBelle, Florida
                                          For information contact 863-674-4092

March 27-28, 2001          Pesticide Applicator License Training and Examinations
                                         March 27 AM  - CORE Class
                                         March 27 PM – Private Ag or Commercial/Public Row Crop category
                                         March 28 AM – Commercial/Public Tree Crops category
                                         March 28 PM - – Commercial/Public Aquatic category

                                       Hendry County Extension Auditorium
                                        1085 Pratt Boulevard
                                        LaBelle, Florida
                                        For information contact 863-674-4092

                                        There will be a $5 registration fee for each days program.
                                       For registration information contact 863-674-4092

March 17-19, 2001       United 2001 Annual Conference & Trade Show
                                      Tampa, Florida.

                                        This is a great opportunity to meet with your colleagues and counterparts in the vegetable
                                        industry from around the world!  Highlights include a comprehensive educational program including
                                        produce technology, food safety, packaging, and commodity specific workshops. Vegetable
                                        growers, shipper, packers and others in the vegetable industry can take advantage of special
                                        discount registration rates by calling Gene McAvoy at the Hendry County Extension Office at
                                        863-674-4092 or Claire E. Kratch at the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association
                                        703-836-3410 ext.125.

April 22-26, 2001          85th Annual Meeting of the Potato Association of America (PAA 2001)
                                      St. Augustine, Florida.

                                      Hosted by the University of Florida/IFAS Hastings Research and Education Center, the
                                      conference will provide a forum for the presentation of new scientific information, conduct
                                      business of the association and facilitate fellowship among colleagues. The conference
                                      theme is Potato Plant Health into the New Millennium. Three days of stimulating paper
                                      sessions will be kicked off with a dynamic symposium entitled, "Impact of New and
                                      Emerging Diseases and Technologies on Potato Seed Certification" co-sponsored by the
                                      Certification and Pathology Sections of the PAA. Emphasis will be on challenging soil-borne
                                      diseases.

                                     Oral and poster abstracts are being accepted through January 10, 2001. For more
                                      information visit the conference website: http://www.ifas.ufl.edu/~conferweb/paa/ or contact
                                      the University of Florida, IFAS Office of Conferences by phone (352) 392-5930 or by fax
                                     (352) 392-9734, or by Email: mtatlock@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu

August 3, 2001            Florida Certified Crop Advisor Exam
                                     South Florida Community College
                                    Avon Park, Florida
                                    Call FFAA at (863) 293-4827 for registration information.

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Contributors include: Karen Armbrester/SWFREC, Jim Connor/SWFREC, Bruce Corbitt/West Coast Tomato Growers, Marty Gross/SWFREC, Ed English/Pacific Tomato Growers, Fred Heald/Farmers Supply, Sarah Hornsby/AgCropCon, Cecil Howell/H&R Farm, Leon Lucas/Glades Crop Care, Gene McAvoy/Hendry County Extension, Alice McGhee/Thomas Produce, Tim Nychk/Nychk Bros. Farm, Chuck 0bern/C+B Farm, Dr. Pam Roberts/SWFREC, Wes Roan/6 L's, Kevin Seitzinger/Gargiulo, Jay Shivler/ F& F Farm, Ben Stanaland/Pacific Tomato Growers, Mike Stanford/MED Farms, Dr. Phil Stansly/SWFREC, Eugene Tolar/Red Star Farms, and Dr. Charlie Vavrina/SWFREC.

The SW Florida Pest and Disease Hotline is compiled by Gene McAvoy and is issued on a biweekly basis by the Hendry County Cooperative Extension Office as a service to the vegetable industry.

Gene McAvoy
Extension Agent II
Vegetable/Ornamental Horticulture             863-674-4092 phone
Hendry County Extension Office                863-860-8811 mobile
PO Box 68                                                863-674-4097 fax
LaBelle, FL 33975                                  gmcavoy@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu

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