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Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
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________________________________________________ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences |
SOUTH FLORIDA
VEGETABLE PEST AND DISEASE
HOTLINE
September 23, 2006
Welcome back and best wishes for a successful season!
Extremely hot and unseasonably dry weather have been a problem for growers in South Florida since mid August. Daytime highs have been mostly in the low to mid 90’s with heat indices reaching into the low 100’s, except when passing storms have bought cloud cover, which has moderated daily highs temperatures. Nighttime lows have been mostly in the 70’s.
In general, South Florida production areas have been spared last years experience with damaging hurricanes and tropical storms. The big exception has been the Homestead area, which experienced high winds and rain from Hurricane Katrina resulting in flooding and wind damage to crops. Planting schedules there were reportedly delayed by up to two weeks and losses have been tallied in the millions.
FAWN Weather Summary
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Fall planting is in full swing across south Florida and with the exception of the Homestead, most producers report being on schedule. Dry conditions have caused irrigation management to be a real challenge in some fields. Moisture stress, exacerbated by wind is also causing some problems including poor stand establishment, transplant scald, flower abortion, fruit drop and reduced tissue nutrient levels. Heavy irrigation coupled with high evaporation rates has promoted in soluble salt buildup around plant holes resulting in some reports of crop injury. Growers report that plantings are growing rapidly, but note that cooler nighttime temperatures would improve fruit set.
The short-term forecast from the National Weather Service in Miami calls for high pressure to move over the Southeast, which will dominate our weather and keep things on the dry side with only a 20 - 30% chance of isolated scattered through the week. No major weather systems are predicted to affect our area for the forecast period. For additional information, visit the National Weather Service in Miami website at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/newpage/index.html
Insects
Whiteflies
Growers in Hillsborough County are reporting heavy whitefly pressure in early tomato plantings accompanied by TYLCV in a number of places across the county.
Respondents in Manatee County report a similar situation with an early influx of silverleaf whitefly bringing in some early virus infection. Over all whitefly numbers are quite variable with nymphs already being seen in some fields. Whitefly numbers are also high in eggplant in some fields.
Around Immokalee, whiteflies are present in a number of areas and it seems that drier weather has helped them to increase quicker than normal. Some scouts are reporting large spikes in adult counts over the past 7-10 days and a few nymphs starting to form in some early plantings.
Reports from Palm Beach indicate that whiteflies a few whiteflies are being seen on tomato, eggplant and okra.
Worms
Reports from Southwest Florida indicate worm pressure has been high this season. Some comments received from respondents indicate that they have seen more worms this season than the last few years combined, another commented that numbers have been unbelievable especially on farms surrounded by pasture. Report note that hornworms, loopers, fruitworms, beet armyworms, and southern armyworms are all present in large numbers. Scouts report finding large numbers of egg masses as well as finding eggs on plants were in the ground less than a week. Report good control with rotations of Intrepid, Avaunt, and Bts.
Respondents from the Glades indicate that worms are exceptionally low for this time of year but not that this situation could change rapidly and growers should be observant.
Growers and scouts on the east Coast report finding a mixed bag of worms including southern and beet armyworms, loopers and a few hornworms.
Reports from the Bradenton area indicate armyworms being seen with egg deposition higher in the last week or so, possibly correlating with the heat and the full moon. Respondents report low fruit worm counts but indicate that pressure as been steady each week. A few looper eggs are also being found but the predominant worm is beet armyworm. A few pinworms have been noted.
Scouting is extremely important in detecting worms early before they can do significant damage. The Florida Tomato Scouting Guide indicates a pre-bloom threshold of 1 larva/6plants and post-bloom threshold of 1 egg mass or larva/field. The different armyworms are similar in color, size and markings and can be difficult to tell apart.
The following information was excerpted from the Florida Tomato Scouting Guide to help growers identify these different worms. The guide can be found on the web at the Florida Tomato Scouting Guide has excellent color photographs to help you identify these and other common tomato pests. It can be found on the web at http://FTSG.ifas.ufl.edu/intro.htm .
· Beet armyworm: (Spodoptera exigua) is generally less numerous than southern armyworm but is more difficult to control. The larva is generally green, mottled with white spots with black spot over the middle pair of true legs. 1 ?1 1/4 in. long at maturity. The adults have light brownish gray front wings with indistinct lines and are active at night. The eggs are laid in masses of 50?75 eggs covered with a felt?like mass of scales from female's body. Eggs are generally found on underside of leaves and hatch in 3 days.
· Southern armyworm: (Spodoptera eridania) The larva is a dark caterpillar with a yellowish brown head and a yellowish line along the side of body that is interrupted by a large dark spot on first abdominal segment. Approximately 2 in. long at maturity. Large larvae have 2 rows of dark triangles on dorsal surface. The young larvae feed on under surface of leaflets leaving upper epidermis intact to give a "window pane" appearance. The adult has the front wing streaked with cream, gray, light brown and black and hind wing white with some dark on margins. Large masses of 100?200 eggs covered with moth body scales are found on underside of leaves
· Tomato fruitworm: (Helicoverpa zea) Larval color is variable, ranging from very dark to light green or pink with alternating longitudinal dark and light stripes. The skin is covered with short sharp micro?spines. Adults are active at night, with a 1-½ in. wingspan. Males display a cream?colored forewing with orange or olive cast, while females have a light yellow brown forewing with indistinct vertical lines. Eggs are waxy white and ribbed, with a flat base, and are deposited singly usually on lower surfaces of leaves adjacent to or near flowers. Eggs hatch in 2?3 days.
Cabbage or soybean looper: (Trichoplusia ni or Pseudoplusia includens) Larva is pale green with white line along side of body and only 3 pair of prolegs. Mature size 1 – 1 1/4 in. Adult is a grayish?brown moth that is active at night. Front wings marked near center with a figure 8?shaped, silver?white spot. Eggs are greenish?white, ridged but flattened laterally and are found singly on upper or lower leaf surfaces of upper canopy leaves. Hatches in 2?3 days.
A Key to Common Caterpillar Pests of Vegetables – excellent photos.
Most applies to Florida go to
http://lubbock.tamu.edu/ipm/AgWeb/2004publications/Cat_Pests_Vegetab_B6110.pdf
Leafminers
Respondents in the Manatee/Ruskin area report some limited leafminer activity around field margins and locations near wooded areas.
Spider Mites
Around Southwest Florida, spider mites are building up in some weedy field margins on nightshade and other weeds but have not been reported to be causing problems on crops at this time. If warm dry weather persists grower should be alert to the possibility of these moving into crops.
Broad mites
Around Southwest Florida a few early broadmite are beginning to show up in pepper.
Mole Crickets
A few scattered problems with mole crickets attacking seedlings have been noted around the region.
Diseases
Over all disease pressure has been quite low across the region
Bacterial Leaf Spot
Respondents in Southwest Florida note that the incidence of bacterial sot is mostly low with some patchy occurrence at higher levels. Some plants appear to be arriving from the plant house with infections. Bacteria has been reported in both tomato and pepper.
Reports from Manatee County indicate that bacterial leaf spot is relatively low in most fields due to dry weather. The testing that has been conducted indicates it is still mostly copper resistant strains.
Bacterial Wilt
Respondents in Manatee County report that bacterial wilt has been diagnosed in at least 2 fields. This disease has shown up in scattered plants and is one that is traditionally more of a problem in North Florida.
Symptoms include wilting of upper leaves during the warmest part of the day. The wilted leaves initially retain their green color and do not fall as the disease progresses. Vascular tissues in the lower stem will show a dark brown discoloration. A cross section of the stem will produce a white, bacterial streaming when suspended in clear water.
Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, bacterial wilt has a wide host range that insures a long-term survival in soil in the absence of the main susceptible crop. The pathogen can survive in the rhizophere of non-host plants, including weeds. High temperature, high soil moistures and moderate pH can increase severity. Disease-free areas can be infested through infected transplants, contaminated irrigation water, stakes and/or machinery. Laborers that work in infested fields can also spread inoculum to disease free fields.
Bacterial wilt is very difficult to manage once established in a field, partly because soil fumigation with chloropicrin has been reported to achieve only limited success. Removal of infected plants in the field is not on the list of management strategies because unless it is done carefully (i.e. place immediately in plastic bag and seal), this has the potential to increase spread of the disease. At the same time, as the plant dies, it releases more bacteria into the soil, which would seem to be a benefit to careful removal.
Recommended management strategies from Dr. Tim Momol, IFAS pathologist in Quincy, include the following:
Preplant
· Choose resistant or moderately resistant cultivars, or graft
susceptible cultivar onto resistant rootstock.
· Consider a preplant soil amendment or fumigation for infested
fields against Ralstonia solanacearum and nematodes (i.e., antibacterial
product and Telone mixture).
· Apply 2-3 years rotation and cover crops for infested fields
to reduce Ralstonia solanacearum, weeds and nematodes.
· Do not irrigate rotation and cover crops with Ralstonia solanacearum
contaminated pond or surface water, avoid reinfestation.
· Use well-drained and leveled fields, or do not use low-lying
areas of the field.
· Raise soil pH to 7.5-7.6 and increase available calcium (liming).
· Consider using infested fields during cooler months for tomato
production (i.e., spring season for north Florida).
Production
· Exclude the pathogen by applying strict sanitation practices
(pathogen free irrigation water, transplants, stakes, machinery, etc.).
· Chlorinate your irrigation water continuously if you are using
surface water or infested pond water.
· Irrigate based on water need, avoid over irrigation.
· Apply Actigard (Syngenta) if you are using moderately resistant
cultivars (i.e., FL 7514).
After harvest
· Plow under crop residue immediately.
· Start with suitable rotation and cover crops (i.e., rye for
winter, sudan-sorghum for summer in north Florida) to avoid weeds that
support R. solanacearum populations.
Frogeye Leafspot
Dr Ken Pernezny, Plant Pathologist UF/IFAS EREC has reported an outbreak of frogeye leaf spot on pepper in Palm Beach County.
Cercospora leaf spot, sometimes known as frogeye leaf spot, is most common in northern Florida during the summer. It is rare in production areas south of Orlando.
Symptoms occur on leaves, stems, petioles, and fruit stalks. The leaf lesions are very distinctive and permit ready recognition in the disease in the field. Spots are circular to oval, with light tan centers and dark red border. Under conditions of high moisture, the fungus Cercospora capsici may be observed growing in the middle of the spot, especially if a good hand lens is used. Under a microscope, one can observe many long, thin, colorless, multicelled spores, characteristic of Cercospora fungi.
The fungus can survive on crop debris. The spores are readily transmitted via wind. The disease is usually most severe during warm, wet weather. Prompt destruction of abandoned pepper crops and crop rotation are non-chemical methods of control. Fungicides can control the disease.
Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
Reports from around southwest Florida indicate that a few TYLCV infected plants are around but the incidence and occurrence remains very low.
Growers and scouts in Manatee County report that TYLCV is being seen around the area. An early flight of whiteflies in the first plantings apparently started some early virus infections going, but the incidence of new infections has slowed.
Pythium and Phythophthora
Although these diseases are often problems in the early fall – dry conditions have resulted in very low incidence in most growing areas this season. There have been some exceptions reported on very early plantings in Palm Beach County where losses of 30% or more have been reported.
Pepper Stem Scald
Growers across the region are reporting widespread problems with heat girdling this season, mostly on pepper. This is a physiological condition known by such names as "heat stress," "plastic damage," "heat girdling" or "stem scalding.”
This often happens within hours of transplanting. The outward appearance is an hourglass like pinching in of the stem just above the plastic mulch that is usually discolored tan or light brown. The stem will eventually collapse so completely that the plant falls over. Depending on the severity of the condition, the plant (even fallen plants) may survive for several days before finally dying all together.
Many assume (incorrectly) that this phenomenon is caused by the "flap" made by stretching the plastic mulch during the mechanical hole punching operation and hence the term "plastic damage." However, the phenomenon occurs even in the absence of the plastic "flap." What than causes heat girdling?
Dr. Charlie Vavrina conducted several studies to look at the phenomena. A study designed to look at transplant plug moisture levels in the field revealed that heat girdling occurred in all treatments regardless of plug moisture levels.
Another trial was conducted to examine the effect of planting time on the incidence of heat girdling. Fully saturated, pepper transplants were set in a well-irrigated field at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on September 9, 1997. A water wagon was pulled across all plots at 4 p.m.
Plants set at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. exhibited 40 percent and 25 percent heat girdling respectively compared to 3 percent and 8 percent for plants set at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
In theory, plants set well before (9 a.m.) or well after (3 a.m.) the noonday sun were able to adjust their water usage to minimize heat girdling. Plants set during the peak sun hours basically bypassed the adjustment phase just trying to cool themselves (i.e., transpiration) and when the transplant plug ran out of water heat girdling occurred!
Other factors also come into play (air and soil temperatures, stem pressure potentials, drying winds, etc.) but time of day definitely makes a difference.
Your production schedule may not allow you to discontinue planting from 11 a.m. to noon for example, but if you do, your incidence of stem scald and need for resets may be reduced.
When planting pepper in the summer perhaps you should take a cue from the old saying "only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noon day sun." Perhaps there's a lesson here for the pepper grower as well!
News You Can Use
Easy Way to Earn CORE CEUs
Many growers have taken advantage of the CORE CEUs available through Citrus and Vegetable Magazine’s CORE CEU program, sponsored by Bayer CropScience. If you haven’t, this is an easy, convenient way to earn the 4 CORE CEUs that you now need to renew your pesticide license. You just read an article, available in the magazine or online, request and complete the question set and return to the author, and you can earn one CORE CEU for each article. The latest CORE CEU article on Sprayer Calibration is available in the September issue of Citrus and Vegetable Magazine.
Please note that these articles are not valid indefinitely. While some are valid for one year from the date of publication, others are valid for shorter periods, at the discretion of the author. So don’t delay. You can earn these CEUs at any time prior to renewing your license. Back articles are available online at Citrus & Vegetable Magazine’s website.
Officials Find New Spider Mite in Florida
The Florida. Dept. of Ag & Consumer Services, Div. of Plant Industry, has identified a new exotic spider mite, Tetranychus piercei that was detected in Florida. It is closely related to two-spotted spider mite (T. urticae) and has a host range of more than 30 plants. Officials indicate that it could become a serious pest if it becomes established. Plant hosts include the palm family (Palmae), banana (Musa), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), and common bean. Immature stages and adults spin webs that resemble spider webs beginning on the lower parts of a plant and progressing upwards. Adults are dark red and range in length from 1/3-1/2mm
Whitefly Q Biotype
The whitefly Q biotype is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region where it is now the most prevalent strain of the sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci. It has plagued greenhouses in southern Spain for years, increasing insecticide costs. The Q biotype was first identified in the U.S. in March 2005 by scientists at the University of Arizona and California on poinsettia plants in Arizona that originated from a nursery in California. More recently, the Q biotype has been confirmed in an ornamental greenhouse in northern Georgia; thus, it may be just a matter of time before it’s found in Florida.
The Q biotype is visually indistinguishable from the B biotype (also called the silverleaf whitefly), currently the only biotype of B. tabaci in Florida fields. The two biotypes can only be identified by analyzing enzymes, or DNA. The B biotype reproduces and develops more rapidly than the Q biotype on most host plants in the absence of insecticides, and both have a wide range of host plants (more than 500 species from 74 families). However, Q outcompetes B in the presence of many insecticides, and Q can transmit TYLCV faster and more efficiently than the B biotype.
The major problem facing Florida growers is that Q is resistant or tolerant to many of our commonly used insecticides for managing whiteflies, including the nicotinoids such as imidacloprid (Admire) and the insect growth regulators Knack and Courier. Resistance to endosulfan is uncertain, and, while Oberon still seems to be active, the Q biotype does have reduced susceptibility to the nicotinoids Admire, Assail and Platinum. A new nicotinoid from Valent called Venom has yet to be tested under commercial field conditions in Florida, but reportedly is effective. The level of resistance that we see in this pest will depend in part on the origin of the invasion and the history of previous exposure. Unfortunately, and unlike the B biotype, resistance in biotype Q is stable, and does not diminish over time. With the B biotype, susceptibility to the nicotinoids returns after 2-3 generations without exposure to the nicotinoids. This is not the case with the Q biotype, where tolerance to the nicotinoids persists for over a year in the lab, even when the whitefly is not exposed to the nicotinoids. Fortunately, biotype B appears to out-compete biotype Q; that is, in the absence of insecticide use (i.e. organic farm), biotype B predominates.
What can growers do? Keep in mind that if both biotypes are present and we spray heavily, we are selecting for the Q biotype. Thus, there is even more pressure to follow resistance management recommendations, including rotation of chemicals, proper use of nicotinoids (i.e. only once per season) and, especially, the inclusion of a 2-3 month crop-free period into the production cycle. This latter permits biotype Q to move into non-crop, non-sprayed host plants where it will be displaced by biotype B, and also permits the dissipation of any nicotinoid tolerance that may have developed in biotype B. Perimeter spraying is not recommended, because this will increase unnecessary exposure of the whitefly population to insecticides. Additionally, natural enemies such as parasitic wasps are killed that can be helpful in controlling whiteflies, especially the Q biotype. Growers are also urged to refrain from using nicotinoid products on crops where they aren’t necessary to further decrease exposure to these important insecticides.
Early detection will be key to any attempt to control this pest. Growers should maintain good scouting activities and good cultural practices (chemical rotation, rouging of infected plants, etc.). Unusual whitefly activity or higher than normal control difficulty, even under an optimal control program, should be reported immediately. As to what the future holds in store….no one knows for sure. There are varying opinions as to how big the potential problem could be, but until we actually have to deal with the pest, this is all speculative. When the B biotype was first confirmed back in the late 1980’s, the A biotype was the primary biotype. Biotype A was not a large problem and not well established, so the B biotype established quickly. This time, the B biotype is well established; so some think Q may have a harder time getting established. Looking at the resistance situation, and knowing it can out compete the B biotype, we can only hope this will be the case. Time will tell. (P. Gilreath, Manatee County Extension Service, Palmetto, D. Schuster, GCREC-Balm, P. Stansly, SWFREC, Immokalee)
Reference:
FDACS-DPI Pest Alert on Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (biotype
‘Q’): A potential new biotype for Florida’s vegetable and ornamental crops,
4/21/05.
If you notice whitefly populations that appear to be showing some pesticide
resistance, samples can be sent to Cindy McKenzie USHRL-ARS-USDA
in Fort Pierce for bio-typing – see shipping address below.
Whitefly Sampling for Biotype Determination
Sampling unit. Whenever possible, no more than one whitefly should be
collected from any plant and plants sampled should be at least 10 meters
(i.e., paces) apart.
Sample. The ideal sample will consist of 50 individuals. The minimum
number necessary to submit a sample for testing will be 10.
Stages to be sampled. Large nymphs (3rd or 4th instar), pupae, or adults
may be collected in any combination - adults are easier for us to process.
Collection process. Adults may be aspirated off leaves and exhausted
into micro-centrifuge tubes or other vials. Nymphs and pupae should be
excised from leaves using a scalpel or Xacto knife, with care given to
limiting the amount of leaf material.
Hosts to be sampled. All hosts infested with B. tabaci are suitable for sampling.
Preserving samples. All samples should be placed in 95 -100% ethyl alcohol that is free of any denaturants and placed into small vials. It is critical that the sample remain fully immersed in alcohol - drown the insects. Thus, attention must be paid to filling the container fully with alcohol and/or keeping the containers upright. Contact Cindy McKenzie if you need vials with alcohol.
Information to be Submitted with Whitefly Samples
Collector contact information (business card)
· Collector's name
· Collector's organizational affiliation
· Office telephone number
· Mobile telephone number
· Email address
· Mailing Addresses
Sample information (required)
· Date Collected
· State in which collection was made
· County in which collection was made
· Host plants or plants from which collection was made
List location information that applies
· Greenhouse
· ? 100 m of a greenhouse, but not in a greenhouse
· Vegetable field
· Other (please specify)
Site Specific information (optional but helpful)
· Approximately how many whitefly treatments were made to the
typical greenhouse at this site in the past year?
· Which insecticides are most commonly used to control whiteflies
at this site?
· Have whitefly control problems been more common in the past
12 to 24 months?
· Was there anything unusual or notable that prompted the collection
being made at this site?
Shipping Instructions
Overnight in padded envelope is best
Ship to:
Cindy McKenzie
USHRL-ARS-USDA
2001 South Rock Road
Fort Pierce, FL 34945
cmckenzie@ushrl.ars.usda.gov
772.462.5917
2007 Farm Bill Listening Session
A 2007 Farm Bill listening session hosted by the United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA) will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2005at the
Omni Orlando Resort. This is open to the public. Agriculture Secretary
Mike Johanns will lead this session of a nationwide listening tour aimed
at gaining public input in preparing for the next Farm Bill.
This is an excellent opportunity for people affected by the Farm Bill
to tell the Secretary what is working for them and what is not. We are
fortunate to have Secretary Johanns coming to our community to hear first-hand
about issues that concern Florida producers. Florida’s agricultural is
unique, and its diversity of crops is unlike that of any state in the nation
Please spread the word by encouraging producers in your area to participate in this public listening session. Your help is very important to the success of the Forum and is greatly appreciated. The listening session is being held in conjunction with Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association’s Annual Convention, which will be held Sunday through Tuesday of the same week.
The Farm Bill listening session will be held on Tuesday, September 27, in the International Ballroom 1 at the Omni Orlando Resort, 1500 Masters Blvd, Champions Gate, Fla., from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Exit 58 on I-4 — first exit east of U.S. 27).
The listening session is open to the public and seating is on a first come basis. Speakers are not required to register, and will have two minutes to make their comment. Written comments may be submitted to USDA at the listening session or via the website at www.usda.gov/farmbill. Select “Comment on the 2007 Farm Bill”, which is the last item located in the middle section, to send your message.
When participating in the forums, the public is invited to respond to
one or more of the following six questions. The format of the forum will
allow an open comment period for general farm bill comments.
1. How should farm policy address any unintended consequences and ensure
that such consequences do not discourage new farmers and the next generation
of farmers from entering production agriculture?
2. How should farm policy be designed to maximize U.S. competitiveness and our country's ability to effectively compete in global markets?
3. How should farm policy be designed to effectively and fairly distribute assistance to producers?
4. How can farm policy best achieve conservation and environmental goals?
5. How can Federal rural and farm programs provide effective assistance in rural areas?
6. How should agricultural product development, marketing and research-related issues be addressed in the next farm bill?
The Farm Bill Forums provide an opportunity for USDA to hear directly from America's producers and other stakeholders who have tremendous insight to offer. The feedback Johanns receives from Florida producers will be useful and help to set the course for a new farm bill.
If you have any questions or are in need of special accommodations (handicap accessibility, etc.) for the meeting, please contact Cynthia Portalatín, FSA Public Affairs, at 352-379-4562 or cynthia.portalatin@fl.usda.gov.
Operation CleanSweep – Statewide Pesticide Pick-UP
Operation CleanSweep is a mobile pesticide collection program that provides a safe way to dispose of cancelled, suspended and unusable pesticides at no cost. The program is available to farms, groves, greenhouses, nurseries, golf courses, forestry, and pest control services. Pesticide dealers can participate for a fee.
For more information contact, Kim Hainge - haingek@doacs.state.fl.us or Keith Myhre – myhrek@doacs.state.fl.us
Plastic Disposal Possibility
Safety and Environmental Systems, Inc is interested in purchasing agricultural film (low & high density polyethylene plastic). They indicate that they have a contract with an overseas consumer and will buy 10,000 metric tons now. They will furnish the overseas containers and all the farmers have to do is load them. At the end of each day I will pay the farmer via wire transfer for everything that is shipped each day.
They also plan on putting in 6 bio-diesel units across the US and will
be able to convert the plastic to diesel fuel.
Contact: Gerry Girardeau
Safety and Environmental Systems, Inc.
2327 Red Root Road
Ruffin, SC 29475
Ph# 843-909-1192
Email: g_girardeau@yahoo.com
Job Opportunity
AgraQuest Inc. is seeking an experienced capable individual to serve as a Technical Representative for the SE USA. Contact Steven Melchert, AgraQuest Southeast Regional Manager at 239-437-4350.
Up Coming Meetings
Manatee County
December 8, 2005
Cucurbit Production Workshop 1:30 PM – 4:30 P.
GulfCoast Research and Education
Center
Wimauma, Florida
For more information, contact
Phyllis Gilreath at 941-722-4524 or prgilreath@ifas.ufl.edu
or Alicia Whidden at 813-744-5776 or AJWhidden@ifas.ufl.edu
December 13, 2005 CORE/Private Applicator Ag Pesticide Training and Testing 9:00 AM
Manatee County Extension
Service
2 CORE CEUs
Palmetto, Florida
For more information, contact Phyllis Gilreath at 941-722-4524 or prgilreath@ifas.ufl.edu.
Southwest Florida
October 3-4, 2005 Pesticide
Applicator Training and Testing
Hendry County Extension
Office
1085 Pratt Boulevard
Oct 3 – CORE, Private,
LaBelle, Florida 33935
Oct 4 – Row Crop Tree Crop, Aquatic
Contact 863-674-4092 for details
October 10-11, 2005 Spanish
Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing
Hendry County Extension
Office
1085 Pratt Boulevard
Oct 10 – CORE
LaBelle, Florida 33935
Oct 11 – Private
Contact 863-674-4092 for details
– Note: the tests will be given in English
October 11, 2005 Does
Phosphorus deserve to be called a macronutrient? 6:00 PM
and BASF Product Update
UF/IFAS - SW Florida Research
and Education Center
Hwy 29 N
Immokalee, Florida
Contact Gene McAvoy at 863-674-4092
October 18, 2005 What
you Need to Know about PACA – Perishable Agricultural Commodity Act
and Update on Florida’s
Agricultural License and Bond Law 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
UF/IFAS - SW Florida Research
and Education Center
Hwy 29 N
Immokalee, Florida
Contact Gene McAvoy at 863-674-4092
Other Meetings
October 19-20, 2005 Workshop on the Management
of Tomato Diseases
UF/IFAS, North Florida Research and Education
Center
155 Research Road
Quincy, Florida 32351
Registration fee is $20 payable by October 1, 2005
Contact Laura Ritchie at: LSRitchie@ifas.ufl.edu
Websites
Tomato Institute Proceedings - The last four issues of the Tomato Institute Proceedings can now be accessed online at http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/vegetables.htm
Florida Tomato Scouting Guide – This University of Florida publication is an excellent reference to the pests and diseases affecting tomatoes in Florida. Check it out at http://ftsg.ifas.ufl.edu/
A Key to Common Caterpillar Pests of Vegetables – A Texas A&M Publication with excellent photos and user-friendly key to help identify common vegetable caterpillar pests. Most applies to Florida go to http://lubbock.tamu.edu/ipm/AgWeb/2004publications/Cat_Pests_Vegetab_B6110.pdf
Quotable Quotes
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity... An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. - Winston Churchill
I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have! - Thomas Jefferson
The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn. - Unknown
There is a real magic in Enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment. - Norman Vincent Peale
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
On the Lighter Side
Prison vs. Work
Just in case you ever get these two environments mixed up, this should help make things a little bit clearer...
IN PRISON..........you spend the majority of your time in a 10X10 cell.
AT WORK...........you spend the majority of your time in an 8X8 cubicle.
IN PRISON..........you get three meals a day.
AT WORK...........you get a break for one meal and you have to pay
for it.
IN PRISON..........you get time off for good behavior.
AT WORK...........you get more work for good behavior.
IN PRISON..........you can watch TV and play games.
AT WORK..........you could get fired for watching TV and playing games.
IN PRISON.........you get your own toilet.
AT WORK..........you have to share the toilet with some people who
pee on the seat.
IN PRISON..........they allow your family and friends to visit.
AT WORK...........you aren't even supposed to speak to your family.
IN PRISON..........all expenses are paid by the taxpayers with no work
required.
AT WORK...........you get to pay all your expenses to go to work, and
they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners.
IN PRISON..........you spend most of your life inside bars wanting to
get out.
AT WORK ..........you spend most of your time wanting to get out and
go inside bars.
IN PRISON ........you must deal with sadistic wardens.
AT WORK...........they are called managers.
Management 101
Lesson One: An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing?"
The eagle answered: "Sure, why not."
So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Management Lesson - To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Contributors include: Joel Allingham/AgriCare, Inc, Karen Armbrester/SWFREC, Kathy Carbiener /Agricultural Pest Management, Jim Connor/SWFREC, Bruce Corbitt/West Coast Tomato Growers, Dr. Kent Cushman/SWFREC, Dr. Phyllis Gilreath/Manatee County Extension, Fred Heald/Farmers Supply, Sarah Hornsby/AgCropCon, Cecil Howell/H&R Farm, Loren Horsman/Glades Crop Care, Bruce Johnson/General Crop Management, Dr. Mary Lamberts/Miami-Dade County Extension, Leon Lucas/Glades Crop Care, Gene McAvoy/Hendry County Extension, Alice McGhee/Thomas Produce, Jimmy Morales/Pro Source One, Tim Nychk/Nychk Bros. Farm, Chuck Obern/C+B Farm, Teresa Olczyk/ Miami-Dade County Extension, Darrin Parmenter/Palm Beach County Extension, Dr. Ken Pernezny/EREC, Dr. Pam Roberts/SWFREC, Dr. Nancy Roe/Farming Systems Research, Wes Roan/6 L's, Kevin Seitzinger/Gargiulo, Jay Shivler/ F& F Farm, Ken Shuler/Stephen’s Produce, Ed Skvarch/St Lucie County Extension, John Stanford/LNA Farm, Mike Stanford/MED Farms, Dr. Phil Stansly/SWFREC, Eugene Tolar/Red Star Farms, Dr. Charles Vavrina/SWFREC, Mark Verbeck and Donna Verbeck/GulfCoast Ag, and Alicia Whidden/Hillsborough County Extension.
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.
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