![]() |
________________________________________________ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences |
SOUTH FLORIDA
VEGETABLE PEST AND DISEASE
HOTLINE
January 31, 2003
South Florida vegetable growers are again breathing a collective sigh of relief after dodging the icy bullet once again this season. Temperatures in most areas dipped to near or below freezing on January 18 and 19 and again on January 24 and 25. Fortunately temperatures did not fall as low as predicted on January 24 when forecaster had predicted temperatures to plummet as low as 25 degrees in normally colder interior locations and most crops were spared major damage.
Reports indicate that in most places crop damage consisted mostly of windburn from cold desiccating winds that accompanied the frontal passage with very little true frost damage except for the more sensitive crops like corn, beans, cucurbits and some tropical vegetables, which are displaying varying amounts of freeze burned top foliage. Nighttime lows have been ranging in the 30s, 40s and 50s for the period with daytime highs mainly in the 60s and low 70’s.
Most locations recorded no measurable precipitation for the period and surface water levels are beginning to drop perceptibly in many areas.
Abnormally cold weather over the past 6 weeks has slowed plant growth and fruit maturation, and will definitely have some amount of negative impact on crop yield and quality. Cold windy conditions have beat up many crops especially those, which were left covered.
FAWN Weather Summary
| Date | Air Temp °F) | Rainfall |
|
||||||||
| Min | Max | (Inches) | 40°F | 45°F | 50°F | 55°F | 60°F | 65°F | 70°F | 75°F | |
| Ft L'rdale | |||||||||||
| 1/15 – 30/03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fort Pierce | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Homestead | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Immokalee | |||||||||||
| 1/15 – 30/03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vegetables coming to market include beans, cabbage, celery, cilantro, cucumbers, eggplants, endive, escarole, lettuce, parsley, peppers, radishes, specialty crops, squash, strawberries, sweet corn, and tomatoes. Quality is mostly good although volume is down due to adverse weather conditions. Very good prices on most items have compensated for problems.
The short term forecast from the National Weather Service in Miami calls for generally mild weather through next week with mostly clear skies. Daytime highs will be in the mid 70’s and lows in the low to mid 50’s.
For additional information, visit the National Weather Service in Miami website at http://www.srh.noaa.gov.mia
Insects
Unseasonably cold weather over the past few weeks has contributed to generally lower insect pressure. It should be noted that in most places many of the weedy host plants around the perimeter of farm fields and in uncultivated areas have been burned down by the cold weather, this may result in increased pressure over the next few weeks as insects to move into crops to seek food.
Leafminers
Reports from all areas indicate that leafminer pressure have dropped to low levels following the cold weather of the past two weeks although several growers and scouts have noted increased activity over the past few days. Several have indicated that they have had to treat young tomato and melons in the past week.
Whiteflies
Around southwest Florida, whiteflies numbers are mostly low with 1 to 2 adults per plant although there are some reports of blocks with up to 7 to 10 adult whiteflies per plant along with nymphs.
Respondents from Palm Beach note that whitefly pressure is low to moderate.
Scouts in Homestead report mostly low whitefly counts.
Growers reminded of the importance of promptly destroying old fields after harvest in order to reduce carryover to the next crop. Remember that a break between crops is an important tool in managing whitefly populations in spring plantings. Whenever possible susceptible crops should be separated as much as a possible by time and distance.
I have heard of more than one story of old fields where TYLCV is running down the rows in the tops of the plants in close proximity to young plantings. This is scary! Growing crops is difficult enough without setting the stage for self-inflicted injury.
Aphids
Growers and scouts around Homestead note that aphids are active in squash and potato. Reports indicate that Fulfill has given good results where applied. The incidence of mosaic on squash is reportedly increasing as aphid populations build.
Respondents in Palm Beach report that they are seeing a few more winged aphids over the past few days. Some colony formation has been noted especially in older pepper.
Around southwest Florida, a slight increase in winged aphids is being reported across a variety of crops but colony formation remains low. Where systemic insecticides have been applied there is generally no reproduction. In some places, where growers have left row covers in place for extended periods aphid populations have built up under the covers warranting control measures.
Worms
Respondents in southwest Florida indicate that worm pressure has been very low although there has been an increase in southern armyworm in trap counts in recent days.
Around Palm Beach County, growers and scouts in indicate that worm pressure has been mostly low to non-existent. A few diamondback moths are being reported in brassicas were spraying has been reduced following cold temperatures.
Reports from Homestead indicate that worms are mostly low although they are beginning to rebound in corn as temperatures moderate.
Pepper Weevil
Reports from Homestead indicate that weevil pressure has dropped over the last few weeks.
Around southwest Florida, respondents note that pepper weevil pressure remains low.
On the east coast, growers and scouts indicate that pepper weevil pressure is mostly low but continue to report scattered hotspots and some fruit damage.
Thrips
Reports from Homestead indicate that melon thrips (Thrips palmi) are rebounding in beans and continue to cause problems in pepper. Thrips pressure in other crops has declined in recent weeks.
Growers and scouts in Palm Beach are reporting low levels of mostly flower thrips in pepper although they continue to note the occasional appearance of symptoms consistent with Thrips palmi on pepper foliage.
Respondents around Immokalee indicate that thrips numbers remain low and there have been no reports of problems.
Mites
Respondents in Palm Beach report broadmite pressure remains low but they continue to be seen here and there in pepper. A few two spotted spider mites have been reported showing up on eggplants.
Around Immokalee, reports indicate that broadmite populations have fallen to very low levels in pepper and eggplant.
Growers and scouts in Homestead report that mite pressure has been picking up with drier weather. Low levels of broad mites are present in pepper and eggplant and spider mites are causing scattered problems in eggplant and strawberry. Reports indicate sulfur has given good result if mites are detected early, especially now that the weather is cool and sulfur is less likely to burn foliage.
Diseases
Cool dry air has resulted in reduced disease pressure over the past two weeks. Growers are applying additional fungicides on all crops to help reduce the possibility of disease coming in on frost and wind burned plants as temperatures moderate.
Bacterial Spot
Reports from Homestead indicate that bacteria spot activity has slowed down in recent weeks but new infections are being seen where overhead sprinklers were employed for freeze protection.
Respondents in Palm Beach note that bacterial spot has slowed dramatically but continues to spread slowly in older plantings with new infections being reported in young pepper and tomato.
Around southwest Florida, reports indicate bacterial spot is still hanging around and is slowly moving around the canopy of infected plants. There have been some isolated reports of infected transplants coming out of the greenhouse.
Early Blight and Target Spot
Growers and scouts on both coasts report that foliar diseases are drying up in response to drier weather but indicate that early blight and target spot continue to cause some problems on the inside foliage of older plants.
Alternaria is also present on beans and eggplant around the area.
Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
Around Southwest Florida, Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl virus pressure is increasing in a number of sites. Overall incidence of the disease remains fairly low, but there have been some reports of localized hotspots with up to 30% infection rates. Growers are rouging out infected plants in younger plantings.
Reports from around Palm Beach indicate that the incidence of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl is slowly increasing in a number of areas.
Respondents in Homestead are reporting some new TYLCV activity. Incidence remains low with the highest reported infection rates at around 3%.
Dr Jane Polston reports that pepper has found to be a host of TYLCV – see article below beginning on page 7.
Sclerotina
Around southwest Florida, growers and scouts have noted the occurrence of white mold in tomato and pepper.
Sclerotina is being reported at low levels on tomato, pepper and eggplant in Palm Beach production areas.
Low levels of white mold on beans has been noted in Homestead.
Phytophthora
Scouts in Palm Beach continue to report scattered cases of Phytophthora capsici on pepper and note that incidence has increased in some spots where water levels were held high for frost protection.
Around southwest Florida, Phytophthora capsici continues to be reported on pepper and squash from a number of widely scattered sites from Naples to Immokalee. Some increase in activity has been associated with sites where water has been held up for cold protection.
Powdery Mildew
Respondents around southwest Florida note that powdery mildew has slowed down but is still active on a squash.
Grower and scouts in Palm Beach report the occurrence of powdery mildew on strawberries and squash.
Reports from Homestead also indicate finding new powdery mildew infections in squash.
Downy Mildew
Reports from around South Florida indicate that downy mildew has been mostly inactive over the past two weeks.
Mosaic
Growers and scouts continue to report finding mostly low levels of virus in squash in scattered locations across South Florida. Some locally heavy hotspots with a higher incidence of the disease have been reported.
Reports from Homestead indicate that mosaic is increasing in older picked squash.
Fusarium
Growers and scouts around southwest Florida are also noting some increases in the incidence of fusarium crown rot in tomato particularly where water levels have been held high for frost protection.
Reports from Palm Beach also indicate that there has been some increase in the incidence of fusarium crown rot in pepper and tomato over the past few weeks.
Rhizoctonia
Respondents in Homestead indicate that rhizoctonia is widespread and is currently the primary problem in beans.
Rhizoctonia is also causing scattered problems in beans and pepper around southwest Florida.
Anthracnose
Growers and scouts operating in the Palm Beach area are reporting the occurrence of anthracnose on pepper. Incidence and occurrence is mostly low although a few hot spots with higher infection rates have been noted.
Anthracnose has also been reported on strawberries in Palm Beach and Homestead.\
Recognizing Snake Oil
A number of growers have reported that this seems to be the year for snake oil with a number of new products seemingly coming out of the woodwork. Here are some tips that may help sort them out.
New agricultural products appear on the market in a steady stream. Many of these have real merit; they have important qualities that make farming less problematic and more likely to turn a profit. Meanwhile, other products are of questionable value, grossly overpriced, or both. These are often sold by honestly enthusiastic persons who use scientific-sounding sales talk that promises great benefits.
It's human nature to want something for little or nothing (when was the last time you bought a lottery ticket?). And it is human to hope that science will provide an easier and cheaper way of solving our farming problems. After all, it has done it before. Perhaps some new truth has just been discovered that will bring great benefits to agriculture. Promoters capitalize on these hopes.
So how does one discern between products of value and those without? One way is to look for one or all of the following characteristics in the sales approach:
1. Product contains secret or unknown ingredient, very potent, "environmentally safe," almost magical in its benefits.
2. Produces remarkable results because it operates on a "newly discovered" secret principle or involves an entirely "new approach;" operates by action of mysterious forces too difficult to understand (e.g., magnetism, catalytic action, activation, release, enzymatic action, etc.); always buried in "scientific" language that can be persuasive to potential buyers, but usually meaningless to reputable scientists.
3. Discovery is so new that scientists haven't heard about it yet; or University and USDA scientists refuse to conduct research on it.
4. Tests performed under controlled conditions by reputable scientists are played down or nonexistent; or experiments don't illustrate the true value to "production agriculture."
5. Numerous desirable and beneficial side effects are claimed but are shrouded in words of mystery.
6. Claimed benefits are supported by large numbers of "unsolicited" testimonials. Closer examination reveals that claims are largely opinions, not supported by data from research trials conducted by responsible investigators.
7. Instructions usually recommend standard practices of good management, which alone produce good results.
If you are faced with buying a product you're unsure of, you may save yourself some time, money, and disappointment by doing the following:
1. Consult a responsible, experienced person before buying. Take along any promotional literature, label, or material safety data sheet (MSDS). Often a label or MSDS will not be available because the product contains a special blend of patented materials or organisms.
2. Ask about the exact ingredients and how they work. You may find that your soil or plants already have sufficient amounts.
3. If you decide to try the product, buy enough to treat a small portion of your field. Compare results with the non-treated areas of similar size, where all other farming practices have been identical.
It's prudent to carefully evaluate all new products. Researchers who have performed sound research trials on many types of products indicate that very few have real benefits over long-standing accepted practices. Before you invest, INVESTIGATE!
From: Mark Lancaster, Agricultural
Extension Agent
NC State University, PayDirt, March
1999
New Species of Root-knot Nematode
A root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne mayaguensis Rammah and Hirschmann, 1988, a new continental US record, has been detected and identified in regulatory samples collected in a number of locations around south Florida. Samples were taken from several ornamental plants in a nursery in Boynton Beach on March 7, 2002; Hibiscus sp. in a nursery in Broward Co. on July 5, 2002; tropical fruit trees in a nursery in Redlands, Dade Co. on March 7, 2002; and with unidentified plant species (weeds) in a commercial tomato field, on March 1, 2002 in LaBelle.
Previous distribution includes: Brazil, Cuba, Malawi, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Senegal, South Africa, Tobago, Trinidad and West Africa (Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso).
Known hosts: Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is the type host, first reported in Puerto Rico. Other recorded hosts include vegetable and agronomic crops such as, bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), soybean (Glycine max), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). Guava (Psidium guajava) is also a good host of this nematode. Spanish needle (Bidens pilosa) a weed host was also identified. In Cuba, reproduction was observed on coffee (Coffea arabica), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), beet (Beta vulgaris), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis), celery (Apium graveolens), horsebean (Cannavalia ensiformis), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), potato (Solanum tuberosum), and pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.). In Florida, this nematode has been found in roots of angel trumpet (Brugmansia sp.), cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis), glory bush (Tibouchina 'Compacta' and Tibouchina elegans), ajuga (Ajuga reptans), and Uganda glorybower (Clerodendrum ugandense).
Economic importance: Populations of Meloidogyne mayaguensis able to overcome resistance in tomato, soybean, and sweet potato are reported in West Africa. Damage to coffee has been observed in Cuba where it also reproduces on tomatoes with the Mi resistance gene. So far, no information is available on the host preference of Florida populations of M. mayaguensis. Experiments will be conducted under quarantine conditions (Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gainesville, FL) to determine whether the Florida populations of M. mayaguensis are able to reproduce on resistant tomato (+ Mi gene) cultivars. Sampling is also under way to determine the occurrence of this species in Florida.
Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Found to Host Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
Dr. Jane Polston and her team have found that pepper (Capsicum annuum) can be a host of TYLCV. Infected pepper plants showed no symptoms in leaves or fruit even weeks after infection. Not all pepper cultivars may be susceptible. A cultivar tested several years ago and retested more recently could not be inoculated. This suggests that some pepper cultivars may be immune to TYLCV. A study under way to determine which cultivars commonly grown in Florida might be immune to TYLCV. Results will be made available in late spring.
Transmission tests demonstrate that whiteflies could transmit TYLCV from tomato to pepper. However, transmission from pepper back to tomato was only achieved using whiteflies that were reared on infected pepper plants. Whiteflies reared on tomato plants and placed on infected pepper plants were unable to transmit TYLCV to tomato. It is not clear yet how efficiently the whiteflies can move TYLCV from pepper to tomato. These findings are of particular concern since Florida has experienced an annual increase in whitefly populations in pepper over the last 4 years.
The bottom line for growers is that pepper fields are a potential source of TYLCV for tomato fields. Whitefly populations in pepper fields should be managed in order to reduce TYLCV incidences and yield losses in nearby tomato fields. Dr. Dave Schuster recommends that movement of whiteflies from pepper fields to tomato fields be reduced by strict adherence to cultural practices and applications of insecticides targeting whiteflies.
Cultural Recommendations:
Because foliar applications of a nicotinoid (Actara) are made for pepper weevil control and because soil applications of nicotinoids (Admire and Platinum) are made on tomato for whitefly control, additional foliar and soil applications of nicotinoids should not be made on pepper as part of a resistance management program for the nicotinoid insecticides.
Monitor whitefly populations in pepper and apply insecticides in chemical classes other than the nicotinoids: These include:
TALLAHASSEE -- With threats of bio-terrorism around the globe, a recent national survey confirms that consumers want to see the country of origin listed on fresh fruits and vegetables, and that they are willing to pay more for produce grown in the United States. Armed with this new information on consumer attitudes toward labeling, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson will attend the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s Mid-year Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., on January 31.
“There has been some reluctance on the part of retailers to go to the trouble of providing country-of-origin information, but this survey should help provide assurance that consumers want to know where their food comes from,” Bronson said. “I urge my fellow Commissioners of Agriculture to encourage their state’s retailers to start identifying the country of origin now, rather than waiting until it becomes mandatory.”
Under the 2002 Farm Act, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture must create guidelines for mandatory point-of-origin labeling no later than September 30, 2004. Until then, compliance is voluntary and based on guidelines issued by the Secretary in 2002.
The new survey was designed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and conducted by Mid-Florida Marketing and Research, Inc. Telephone interviews were conducted days, evenings and weekends, and gauged the shopping habits of 2,500 consumers in eight major cities: New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Tampa, Birmingham, Charlotte, and Cincinnati.
Consumers indicated that country-of-origin information is an important factor in their buying decisions, and that they have more confidence in the quality of domestic produce. They also believe that food produced in the United States is safer than food imported from other countries.
According to the survey:
• If the country of origin was clearly identified on fruits and vegetables, 37 percent of consumers said they would be willing to pay between 10 and 20 percent more for the same produce.
• More than two-thirds of consumers at least sometimes notice the country where fresh produce is grown. One-third notices the produce’s country of origin “always” or “often.”
• 56 percent of consumers think that produce grown in the United States is safer than imported produce.
• 41 percent rate U.S.-grown produce as being of higher quality than imported produce.
• If price and appearance were equal, 61 percent of consumers would select U.S.-grown produce.
• 62 percent would purchase U.S. produce if it had a logo or label identifying its country of origin.
• When evaluating factors that influenced their purchase of U.S.-grown produce, consumers ranked safety higher than price or health.
• 30 percent of consumers would prefer to see the country of origin indicated on a sticker on the item; 27 percent preferred a display sign; 41 percent preferred both.
Highlights and graphs of the survey data can be viewed at www.florida-agriculture.com.
EPA Award to Glades Crop Care
EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) has selected Glades Crop Care, Jupiter, FL, as a PESP Champion based on its outstanding efforts in promoting integrated pest management (IPM) toward the reduction of pesticide risk and its extraordinary level of commitment to protecting human health and the environment.
As documented in their PESP Strategies, the PESP Champions used most if not all of the following IPM tools to reduce pesticide risk: sampling to accurately determine pest population levels; training and demonstration of IPM practices; biologically based technologies to control or manage pests; cultural practices, such as crop rotation or removing food and habitat for structural pests; using less toxic or reduced-risk pesticides such as insect growth regulators; and using conventional pesticides only when absolutely necessary.
Opportunity – Exhibitors wanted for the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting to be held in Orlando in July 2004. This is a great opportunity to present your products to the more than 2500 County Extension Agents from all over the United States that are expected to attend this meeting.
To reserve a place contact Ed Jennings at 352-793-6376.
Websites
Featured Creatures – Need more information on that insect? This UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology website provides in-depth profiles of insects, mites, nematodes, and other organisms that are of interest to Florida's residents. It is an excellent resource for professionals in agriculture, horticulture, and urban pest control. Featured Creatures is available at http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/
Behind the Name – names serve several purposes, most importantly to distinguish us one from another. This site provides the history, origin and meaning of first names. Go to http://behindthename.com
Up Coming Meetings
Palm Beach County
February 12, 2003
General Standards/Core Test Review 8 AM - 10 AM
Private Applicator Test Review 1 PM - 3 PM
Testing - Any Category 8 AM - 4 PM
Belle Glade Extension Office
2976 State Road 15
Belle Glade, Florida
Contact 561-996-1655.
Southwest Florida
February 4, 2003 Advanced Compost Training
Collier County Cooperative Extension Service
14700 Immokalee Road
Naples, Florida
To register contact Dr Monica Ozores-Hampton at 239-658-3400
or email Ozores@mail.ifas.ufl.edu
February 18, 2003 Roundup Herbicide and Vegetable Application Updates - 6 PM
UF/IFAS SW Florida Research and Education Center
SR 29 N
Immokalee, Florida
Contact Gene McAvoy at 674-4092
St Lucie County
February 11, 2003
IR4 and the Florida Greenhouse Vegetable Producer:
Registration of pesticides for vegetable crops
3:30 – 6:00 PM
St. Lucie County Hurricane House
8400 Picos Road
Fort Pierce, Florida
Contact 772-462-1660
February 12, 2003 Vegetable Disease Identification for Greenhouse and Field Production
Indian River Research and Education Center
2199 Rock Road
Fort Pierce, Florida
Contact 772-468-3922
Other Meetings
March 10 –13, 2003 Florida Post-Harvest
Horticulture Industry Tour
Contact Steve Sargent at 352-392-1928
March 11 –13, 2003 2003 Greenhouse Tomato Short Course
Mississippi State University
Crystal Springs, Mississippi
Contact Dr Rick Snyder at 601-892-3731
April 29-30, 2003
FACTs - Florida Agricultural Conference and Trade Show
Lakeland Center, Lakeland, Florida
Quotable Quotes
Once the game is over, the king and pawn go back in the same box. -- Italian Proverb
It's easy to carry the past as a burden instead of a school. It's easy to let it overwhelm you instead of educate you. -- Jim Rohn
When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free. -- Charles Evans Hughes
Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience. -- George Washington
Of all God's creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the leash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat. -- Mark Twain
Progress is risky. You can't steal second and keep your foot on first. – Anon.
On the Lighter Side
With Friends Like This, You Don't Need Enemies
Two men went bear hunting. While one stayed in the cabin, the other went out looking for a bear. He soon found a huge bear, shot at it but only wounded it.
When the enraged bear charged toward him, he dropped his rifle and started running for the cabin as fast as he could. He ran pretty fast but the bear was just a little faster and gained on him with every step. Just as he reached the open cabin door, he tripped and fell flat.
Too close behind to stop, the bear tripped over him and went rolling into the cabin.
The man jumped up, closed the cabin door and yelled to his friend inside, "You skin this one while I go and get another!"
The Magician and The Captain's Parrot
A magician was working on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. The audience was different each week, so the magician allowed himself to do the same tricks over and over again. There was only one problem: The captain's parrot saw the shows each week and began to understand how the magician did every trick.
Once he understood, he started shouting in the middle of the show: "Look, it's not the same hat" "Look, he is hiding the flowers under the table" "Hey, why are all the cards the Ace of Spades?"
The magician was furious but couldn't do anything; it was, after all, the captain's parrot. One day the ship had an accident and sank. The magician found himself on a piece of wood in the middle of the ocean with the parrot, of course. They stared at each other with contempt, but did not utter a word. This went on for days. After a week the parrot said: "OK, I give up. You got me on this one ... where's the boat?
Contributors include: Joel Allingham/AgriCare, Inc, Karen Armbrester/SWFREC, Kathy Carbiener /Agricultural Pest Management, Jim Connor/SWFREC, Bruce Corbitt/West Coast Tomato Growers, 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, 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 Charlie Vavrina/SWFREC, Mark Verbeck and Donna Verbeck/GulfCoast Ag.
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 Nextel agnet 28950
PO Box 68
863-674-4097 fax
LaBelle, FL
33975
GMcAvoy@mail.ifas.ufl.edu
The Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences is an Equal Employment Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer
authorized to provide research, educational information and other services
only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race,
color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORK IN AGRICULTURE,
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES, SEA GRANT AND 4-H YOUTH, STATE OF FLORIDA,
IFAS, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AND BOARDS
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COOPERATING