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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
February 15, 2002
Unsettled weather accompanying a weak cold front bought scattered rain and a few hard showers to most of South Florida over the past week. Total precipitation was generally higher in eastern parts of Collier and Hendry Counties and in east coast production areas. In most places, rainfall totals ranged between 2 – 4 inches for the period although some parts of southwest Florida received only a few tenths of an inch of rain while some locations in Palm Beach County reported as much as nine inches. Heavy rains in some areas disrupted planting and harvesting schedules for a few days although in most locales work was able to progress normally.
Although temperatures have moderated somewhat over the past two weeks, unseasonably warm weather continues to blanket the area with temperatures ranging 2- 3 degrees above normal. Daytime highs have ranged from the mid 70’s to low 80’s with most nights dropping into the 50’s and 60’s.
Crops across the area are in mostly fair to good condition. Planting is beginning to slow seasonally while growers continue to conduct cultural operations such as staking, pruning, tying and spraying as needed. Potato harvest is increasing seasonally. Vegetables available include tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, celery, eggplant, endive, escarole, lettuce, parsley, potato, radishes, snap beans, squash, sweet corn, strawberries and specialty vegetables.
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The short term forecast from the National Weather Service in Miami calls partly cloudy skies today becoming mostly cloudy over the weekend with a 20 – 30 percent chance of showers tonight and tomorrow as a front drops down across south Florida. Skies will clear on Sunday bringing cooler temperatures to the area. Daytime highs will range in the mid to upper 70’s with lows in the 40’s and 50’s through the middle of the week. For additional information, visit the National Weather Service in Miami website at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mia/newpage/cgi-bin/master.pl?suite=home
Whitefly populations have exploded across southwest Florida over the past two weeks. In some areas, scouts report counts as high as 50 whiteflies per plants in some fields. Although many locations are reporting high numbers of adult whiteflies it appears that systemic insecticides are working, as scouts report finding many dead adults on the plastic and no crawlers or nymphs. Along with the high whitefly numbers, growers are reporting a dramatic increase in the incidence of TYLCV.
It appears that several factors are contributing to this situation. A strong tomato market late in the season lead many growers to hold plants longer than usual – many going back for a third pick and then continuing on to pinhook the crop thereby allowing whitefly populations to increase. In addition to this, unseasonably warm weather this winter has favored whitefly growth and reproduction while the absence of any really cold weather has not helped knock back populations as it did last year. Lastly holding the fall crop longer caused some growers to run tight on time to get double crop melons planted and in some locations they did not get a very good kill of the old tomato crop and now have many tomato plants re-sprouting.
Reports from Palm Beach County indicate that whiteflies numbers are also beginning to increase but not at the levels being seen around Immokalee.
The silverleaf whitefly developed into a major economic pest in Florida around 1986. At first it was thought to be a biotype of the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). In 1994, the new biotype was described as a new species, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring and named based on its ability to induce silverleaf disorder in squash. In addition to tomato whiteflies are major pests of squash, cucumber, beans, eggplant, watermelon, and cabbage.
Adults whiteflies typically fly short distances moving around on the same plant or over to adjacent plants. Migrating individuals that develop on senescing plants may migrate up to several miles. These migrations can be massive and lead to infestation of nearby crops.
In many instances growers report applying multiple pesticide applications in an attempt to knock down adult whiteflies flying into new plantings. After the residual effects of soil-applied nicotinoids abate, growers may turn to a variety of materials to suppress whitefly populations. These include insecticidal soaps and oils, IGR’s such as Knack and Applaud and insecticides such as endosulfan –Thiodan, Phaser, Monitor, Neem based materials and some of the pyrethroids. With Knack® or Applaud, growers will need to work around the 14 and 7 day PHI’s where treatment is needed at harvest. In recent trials, pymetrozine – (Fulfill- Syngenta) has been demonstrated to be effective in preventing viral transmission by whiteflies.
Some reports indicate that some growers are resorting to foliar applications of nicotinoids (Actara, Provado) on top of soil-applied nicotinoids (Admire, Platinum). Growers should refrain from this practice and observe good resistance management techniques. If you think whiteflies are tough now – just think back to the days before Admire – I don’t think that anybody would want to the “good old days” of whiteflies.
Organic growers can use biocontrols like Mycotrol - Beauveria bassiana, insecticidal soaps, oils and Neem based materials for whitefly management. (Note: use of Neem products is provisionally allowed but regulated – check OMRI for status)
Growers are also reminded of the importance of sanitation and rapid destruction of crop residues once harvest is complete. If whitefly counts are high in abandoned fields prior to destruction, growers would do themselves and their neighbors a big favor by spraying the residue before crop destruction to prevent the migration of large numbers of whiteflies to new fields.
East Coast growers report that leafminer pressure remains low to moderate with sprays being directed toward young crops. Beneficial insect populations are increasing in older crops and are helping to keep leafminers under control.
Reports from around southwest Florida, indicate that leafminer pressure is still present and at levels that continue to warrant control. In new tomato plantings respondents indicate that most fields require treatment within a week or two of planting. Growers also report problems with leafminers in range of crops including tomato, potato, pepper, cucurbits and beans.
Growers and scouts on both coasts are reporting scattered occurrence of low to moderate numbers of armyworms. These are mostly southern armyworms although reports from Palm Beach indicate that growers are also finding some loopers and that beet armyworms are also beginning to show up. Several growers report using B. t.’s with good effect.
Pinworms are beginning to show up in scattered locations across south Florida. Most reports are on tomato but there have been some finds on eggplant in Palm Beach County. Numbers remain low in most areas but populations have reached threshold levels in some hotspots with growers applying pheromone sprays. Around Naples traps have detected as many as 20 moths per night.
As with all pests early detection of pinworms is important. Pheromone traps can help provide an early warning. At planting, place a minimum of one trap per 10 acres at least 25 paces inside of field. When 3 to 5 moths are caught per trap per night, then mating disruption should be initiated. If pinworms are present, increase trap numbers to ensure an accurate estimate of the population. Pinworms can be controlled with mating disruption techniques and pesticides. Mating disruption is most successful where fields are isolated or whole areas are treated.
If using insecticides, treatment must begin when populations reach economic thresholds. The UF/IFAS Florida Tomato Scouting Guide Tomato has recommends season-long action thresholds of 5 adults/trap/night to initiate the application of mating disruptants and an action threshold of 0.7 larva per plant for the initiation of control measures.
Once begun, treatments may be required until harvest. Treat again when populations return to damaging levels. If nearby infested tomato fields are terminated or abandoned, adults can immigrate into later planted fields in large numbers. If scouting detects a significant movement, consider border treatments.
Pheromone-based mating disruptants, such as No Mate TPW spirals or Checkmate TPW dispensers provide a very effective means of combating pinworm. These should be applied according to label instructions with good distribution throughout field.
Chemical controls include Agri-Mek (Abemectin) and Spintor which both have the advantage of being effective against leafminers as well as the additional benefit of being soft on beneficials. Lannate (Methomyl) and a variety of synthetic pyrethroids are also effective materials for the control of pinworm. Development of resistance to Lannate has been documented in pinworms in some parts of the country and excessive use of these broad-spectrum insecticides may result in outbreaks of leafminers and mites if they are present.
Organically acceptable biological and cultural control methods include the use of mating disruptants, field sanitation, and pyrethrin. Parasites can also be important in aiding in pinworm control.
Broadmites continue to hang on across south Florida in both pepper and eggplant. Populations are relatively low in most places with no reports of fruit damage coming in. In most instances broadmites are being found in older plantings although there have been a few reports of finds in new plantings.
Pepper weevils are still around at mostly low levels. Reports from the east coast indicate that they are being found across the area, especially in the Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Ft. Pierce areas. Some pod damage (mostly less than 1% in harvested fruit) has been found and some growers are targeting sprays for weevil control. Weevils are not being reported in young pepper prior to first harvest.
Respondents from southwest Florida indicate that pepper weevils are around at low levels in a number of locations but that they have not really “fired up” yet. Growers continue to spray for weevils but indicate that they seem to be under control with few new infestations reported.
Growers in Palm Beach report a noticeable increase in aphid populations in pepper and tomatoes. Growers are starting to spray for control in some places. A few scattered colonies of aphids are being found in plantings where harvesting has already begun.
Around southwest Florida, aphid populations are beginning to build in some locations and have required some control. Colony formation has been noted in pepper and on oriental brassicas. Severe infestations have been observed in some pepper fields targeted for termination.
Reports from Palm Beach indicate that thrips populations are increasing with low numbers of T. palmi being found among the other species. Areas where thrips are increasing seem to be related to having older crops nearby or are in areas where there is a history of outbreaks in the past. In most cases numbers are low. Thrips counts in young pepper blooms are running around one thrips per 10 blooms while older blooms have a few more thrips – 2 - 3/bloom. They are still not considered a problem.
Scouts in southwest Florida are also starting to see a few more thrips. Some native trees are blooming and the citrus bloom is just starting so growers can expect that thrips populations will be increasing. Reports from a few locations indicate detecting low levels of Thrips palmi.
Late blight has been confirmed on tomato in the Devils Garden area of Hendry County. The disease is widely present over one block about eight weeks old with nearly every plant in places showing symptoms. To date there have been no additional reports from southwest Florida or east coast growing areas. Growers are advised to be alert since this disease can easily devastate a tomato or potato field within a few weeks if it is not properly controlled.
Late blight can spread rapidly and can affect potato as well as tomato, so growers should scout their fields thoroughly each day, especially when the cool, wet conditions conducive to disease development prevail. Since late blight symptoms may be confused with symptoms of other diseases, the following diagnostic pointers may help growers distinguish between the late blight and other diseases.
Late blight symptoms on leaves appear as irregularly shaped brown to purplish lesions with indefinite border lesions can span veins. The lesions may be seen any time of day, on any stage of plant growth and on leaves of any age. Velvety, white fungal growth may appear on the lower surface of affected leaflets early in the morning before leaves dry and/or in the lower canopy.
On stems, purplish lesions may be seen any time of day and may be found any where on the stem. Cottony, white growth of fungus on stems with lesions can often be seen early in the morning and/or in the lower canopy. Stems with lesions are brittle and break easily. Lesions are confined to epidermis and cortex. Leaf rolling and wilting is often associated with stem lesions and purpling of leaflets may occur in some varieties.
Currently fungicides are the most effective means of controlling late blight and will remain the primary tool until cultivars with resistance to this disease become available. Fungicides slow the rate at which the disease develops in the field by creating a protective barrier on the foliage. Just applying a chemical, however, does not necessarily equate with effective disease control. The relative effectiveness of a product, coverage, and timing must be factored into the equation for maximum benefit.
Numerous fungicide products are registered for late blight control. They are often grouped as protectants or systemics. Protectants, as the name implies, protect foliage from infection by spores. Protectant chemicals must be well distributed over the leaf surface and must be applied before spores land on leaves. They are ineffective against established infections.
Systemics products become distributed locally within plant tissues and protect foliage from infection by spores. They may kill some established infections and may suppress production of new spores. Systemics include Acrobat 50 WP (dimethomorph).
Protectants include a range of materials including a number of copper, maneb, mancozeb, chlorothalonil and mefenoxam compounds. Recently, Super Tin 80WP (triphenyltin hydroxide) and Quadris (azoxystrobin) have gained favor with potato growers. Serenade - a biological is certified for use in organic crops and is labeled for late blight control.
Although growers have been able to effectively control late blight by sanitation, cultural methods and judicious use of fungicides. This situation became more complicated in recent years by the development of resistance to certain fungicides such as metalaxyl. Growers should be aware of this problem and be careful to incorporate fungicides with diverse modes of action into their spray programs.
Growers on both coasts continue to report dramatic increases in the incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus compared to a few weeks ago. Scouts in Palm Beach report SLWF populations are on the increase as is incidence of TYLCV. In a few fields, reports indicate 5-10% of plants have been infected with TYLCV prior to first pick. A number of these “hot spots” are near old tomatoes, which are being taken out of production.
A number of growers and scouts around southwest Florida are reporting an explosive increase in the incidence of TYLCV from a number of widely scattered areas. At least one worst-case scenario account of a young field with a TYLCV incidence around 50 percent has been received. Many other growers have reported 3 – 10% infection rates in spring plantings at first to second tie. Growers in southwest Florida have also noted the occurrence of “hotspots” typically adjacent to older crops. In several cases, growers indicate that whitefly numbers are low in infected fields.
Growers should be prepared to use alternative whitefly control measures including IGR's as Admire begins to wear off and whitefly populations increase or where large numbers of adults are migrating into new plantings. Growers should rogue out infected plants as identified. It is disturbing to see some fairly large infected plants in fields that have apparently been left in place for several weeks or more. A complete IPM approach including sanitation, eradication (roguing) and chemical control of the whitefly vector is essential in controlling this disease.
Growers and scouts around Immokalee report that early blight remains active in tomato and potato. Incidence and severity is low to moderate in most cases although several reports indicate that recent foggy mornings have resulted in increased disease pressure and activity.
Target spot continue to be a problem in tomato in all areas. Incidence and severity is mostly low. It has been especially problematic in grape tomato undoubtedly due to the logistics of obtaining good coverage on a large rank bush.
Reports from Palm Beach indicate that bacterial leafspot is increasing on tomato and pepper. Around Immokalee reports bacterial spot has quieted down with little movement and most lesions drying up.
There have been reports of scattered problems with Rhizoctonia in beans in addition to tomato and potato fields around Immokalee.
Several respondents have reported outbreaks of Phytophthora capsici in scattered locations on both coasts. Scouts report increases in phytophthora on older pepper being harvested as well as some new infections on young pepper.
Powdery mildew remains active on squash. Powdery mildew is widespread in older cucurbits especially squash. Incidence and severity is generally low to moderate although some severe infections have been noted in older plantings.
Reports from Palm Beach indicate that powdery mildew continues to increase in severity in pepper, especially attacking jalapenos and older bell peppers.
Fusarium crown rot in tomato remains widely present around southwest Florida. Reports from Palm Beach County indicate that Fusarium crown rot is increasing in locations of older tomatoes where there is a history of the disease.
Rust is widely present on snap beans in the Devil's Garden area. This is early for rust at the level of severity observed, so growers should be especially vigilant in managing this disease. Dr Ken Pernezny indicates that rust is likely to get worse as the spring season progresses. He cautions that rust is tough to control, but that he has had ok results in tests with Bravo (chlorothalonil) and has also had some positive results with flowable sulfurs.
Prompt crop destruction after harvest is very important in the control of rust. If fields are abandoned after picking and not destroyed, rust can continue to develop and serve as a major source of inoculum for fields in production. Brown clouds made of literally millions of rust spores have been observed above abandoned fields on gusts of wind. Such inoculum loads can make it difficult to control rust even with the most intensive spray schedule.
Currently, the most important method for rust control is periodic application of protectant fungicides. Aircraft or ground equipment may be used, but the latter is much preferred because of superior coverage of the underside of leaves and better penetration of the spray into the plant canopy. Initiate the spray program prior to the first sign of rust if rust is an annual problem. Where rust is sporadic in occurrence, begin the spray program at first sign of the disease. Subsequent sprays may have to be at 5 to 7 day intervals.
Dr Rick Raid has reported the first outbreak of downy mildew on lettuce in as number of years and cautions growers to stay on a pretty tight fungicide schedule. Cool rainy conditions are ideal for further development of this disease.
Low levels of gummy stem blight have been diagnosed on watermelon plants and transplants in southwest Florida.
Symptoms appear as light to dark brown circular
spots on leaves or as a light to dark brown to black, often gummy, lesions
on stems. Prior to the occurrence of chlorosis or necrosis, tissues
may appear watersoaked. Wilting, followed by death of young plants
may occur. Stem lesions enlarge and slowly girdle the main stem resulting
in a red-brown-black canker that cracks and may exude a red to amber gummy
substance. Vine wilting is usually a late symptom. Use of a hand lens will
reveal small, clear white (when young) to black (when old), pimple-like
pycnidia embedded in older diseased tissue.
Gummy stem blight typically progresses from the
central stem of the plant to growing tips. Leaf spots are variable in shape,
red-brown in color and initial infections are generally seen on leaf margins
and veinal areas.
Because other plant disorders can cause exudation of a gummy substance, “gummy-ness” should not be relied upon for diagnosis of gummy stem blight. Anthracnose and inadequate liming can both cause stem lesions and gumming.
The fungus ( Mycosphaerella citrullina) that causes gummy stem blight produces two spore stages, a sexually produced spore (ascospore) and an asexually produced spore (pycnidiospore). The ascospore is windborne and can be disseminated from field to field serving as a primary source of inoculum. The pycnidiospore functions mainly in secondary spread of the disease. Pycnidiospores are released in a gummy substance that makes them more adaptable for spread by splashing water.
Growers often comment on this disease occurring “overnight.” What they are actually seeing are the results of secondary spread, which is more difficult to control than primary spread simply because of increased spore numbers with increased diseased tissue.
Nighttime temperatures and moisture conditions are ideal during much of the crop-growing season in south Florida. Gummy stem blight is most severe in wet years since moisture is necessary for spore germination. The optimum temperature for infection is 61 to 75°F. After a spore germinates on a susceptible host, the fungus penetrates the plant tissue and symptoms can appear in 7 to 12 days. Wounds assist in promoting infection.
Gummy stem blight can be successfully managed if the grower utilizes a combination of control strategies. Control of primary sources of inoculum is important. Growers should purchase clean seed from reputable companies and avoid transplants that have gummy stem blight or other diseases.
In addition to seed, the most important source of primary inoculum is organic debris from previous cucurbit crops. After harvest, crop debris from should be plowed under to reduce inoculum. Volunteers and wild cucurbits provide an additional source of inoculum. Crop rotation and destruction of weed hosts are important for gummy stem blight control.
Multiple applications of fungicides are necessary to control gummy stem blight. It is important to begin a fungicide program prior to the first sign of gummy stem blight. Manzate, Bravo and Benlate have given good results locally. In south Florida, the spray program should be initiated soon after emergence. When vines are small, band applications of fungicide over the crown area are effective and help reduce application costs.
Growers in Palm Beach are experiencing problems with sclerotinia on tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. Ken Shuler reports moderate levels of Sclerotinia have been found in tomatoes in south Palm Beach County. The disease has been made worse by large amounts of foliage, which makes it difficult to obtain good coverage with fungicides. Heavy night dews and morning fogs also contributed to disease development.
Several tomato producers around Immokalee and Devils Garden have also reported a higher incidence of sclerotinia compared to past seasons.
Sclerotinia prefers cool, moist weather and can causing diseases of great intensity when temperatures range from 60 - 70°F (15 - 21°C). High humidity with dew formation supports the spread and increases the severity of infections.
In tomato, infection typically starts at flowering. Water-soaked spots are usually the first symptom, which is followed by invasion of the stem, girdling, and death of the upper part of the stem that turns a light gray resembling the bleached bones of a small animal.
The disease can also begin where the plant contacts the soil or infected plant debris. In this case, large portions of the field may become diseased, producing large, circular, areas of dead plants. The black pea sized sclerotia formed by the fungus are often found inside infected stems.
In tomato, in tomato Benlate 50 W and Quadris 2.08 FL are labeled for control. The bio-fungicide Serenade (Bacillus subtilis) is also labeled and is certified for use on organic produced crops.
Benlate, the former product of choice for Sclerotinia is no longer being manufactured and may be unavailable to growers unless they have a reserve stock on hand. Several growers report continuing problems with sclerotinia stem blight, despite an aggressive spray program of Quadris. Ken Shuler reports that he is investigating the possibility of obtaining a Section 18 for sclerotinia control. The top candidates would be Topsin and Rovral.
Low levels of anthracnose have been detected in pepper on both coasts.
Low levels of gray mold have been reported on tomato across south Florida. The casual organism Botrytis cinerea affects many species of plants. Cool, wet weather worsens the disease. The tomato disease - gray mold, is often seen in south Florida during period of cold damp weather. As the name implies, symptoms appear as a gray, velvety coating on flowers and fruit. This disease can affect foliage, flowers, and fruit. Senescing flowers are very susceptible to the gray mold fungus and when these infected flower parts contact the fruit, fruit infection results.
Ghost spots, which are circular, whitened areas with distinct rings develop on green fruit. If cool, overcast conditions predominate, the disease progresses and a fuzzy gray mold develops on the fruit. If conditions are warm and sunny, only the ghost spots remain without any further disease progression.
Reports from Palm Beach indicate that gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) has been found on pepper, mostly in the branches. In Devils Garden, pepper fruit have been diagnosed with ghost spot caused by Botrytis.
Low levels of angular leaf spot (Pseudomonas syringae) have been found in cucumbers in Palm Beach, but sprays have not been targeted for control yet.
Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) has been reported in some fields in the Devils Garden area. Because foliar symptoms can be mild, infected plants may not be noticed until the fruit symptoms are evident resulting in spread to neighboring plants and higher losses.
Symptoms caused by PMMoV on pepper plants may vary between cultivars. Infected leaves are frequently puckered and mottled yellow or light green. Leaf symptoms are more evident on younger leaves. Plants can be stunted, especially when the infection occurs early in the plant’s development. Although infected fruit can be some-what reduced in size and show variations in color (mottling and color changes at maturity), the most obvious symptom is the distorted or lumpy appearance of the fruit. Older fruit may develop brown streaks or splotches. Most cultivars and species of pepper are susceptible to PMMoV.
ATTENTION ALL FARMERS, NURSERIES, PEST CONTROL OPERATORS, and GOLF COURSES, bring your cancelled, suspended, and unusable PESTICIDES for FREE DISPOSAL, no questions asked!
Dr Norm Nesheim has passed on the following information from Burt McKee, the coordinator for the Cleansweep pesticide collection program for canceled/suspended or otherwise unusable pesticides.
This program, funded by the State, has been collecting these pesticides disposing of them at no cost to the people who bring them in. The program has been focusing on N. Florida this year, but finds that it will have some funds to be able to come to SW Florida later this spring. It may be sometime before this program is available in your area again.
Cleansweep is NOT FOR RESIDENTS. If homeowners show up, they will be directed to their county Household Hazardous Waste Program or to the Solid Waste Department. Participants, who bring other hazardous waste, i.e. auto batteries or used oil, will also be directed to their county HHW or Solid Waste Department.
A web site with details on the Cleansweep program can be found at:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/cleansweep-pesticides/
The following SW Florida Collection Events have been added to the schedule:
Collier/Lee/Hendry - April 23, 2002
Location: Immokalee Landfill
700 Stockade Road (off Hwy 846)
Immokalee, Fl
Contact: Gary Morocco, Collier County Solid Waste
(941) 732-2508
Charlotte/Sarasota (Glades?) - April 24, 2002
Location: Charlotte Zemel Road Landfill,
Zemel Road
Punta Gorda
Contact - Barbara Kula (941) 764-4380
For more information about Florida’s Operation Cleansweep, you may contact Jack Price at (850) 488-0300.
This is a great opportunity – don’t miss it, as it may be several years before it comes around again.
Up Coming Meetings
February 15-18, 2002
United 2002 Convention.
Orlando, Florida
For more information check out the convention
link at United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable
Website at: http://www.uffva.org or see attached information.
February 19, 2002
Pepper Variety Field Day - 10AM
Thomas Produce, Horse Farm, Boca Raton, FL
West of US 441, 1 mi. N of Clint Moore Rd. and
2 mi. S of Atlantic Blvd.
Contact: Ken Shuler, 561-233-1718
February 20, 2002
National Watermelon Promotion Board - 12:00 noon
Quality Inn
6525 US Highway 27 N.
Sebring, Florida
Contact Diana Musto, Research Associate, toll-free
at (877) 599-9595.
March 6, 2002
Composting Tour and Hands-On Training - 9 AM – 4 PM
Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority and Green
Cay Farms
Contact Dr Monica Ozores-Hampton at 941-658-3400
for details.
March 19, 2002
Restricted Use Pesticide License CORE Training (Spanish)
Hendry County Extension Office
1085 Pratt Boulevard
LaBelle, Florida
(Note: test will be in English)
Contact 863-674-4092 for more information.
March 20, 2002
Restricted Use Pesticide License Private Applicator Training (Spanish)
Hendry County Extension Office
1085 Pratt Boulevard
LaBelle, Florida
(Note: test will be in English)
Contact 863-674-4092 for more information.
March 28, 2002
WPS – Train the Trainer
Hendry County Extension Office
1085 Pratt Boulevard
LaBelle, Florida
Contact 863-674-4092 for more information.
December 8-12, 2002
Cucurbitaceae 2002
Naples Beach and Golf Club, Naples, Florida
Contact Don Maynard at 941-751-7636 ext 239 or
dnma@mail.ifas.ufl.edu.
Make plans to attend Florida Day at the United 2002 Annual Business Conference & Expo in Orlando!
On Sunday, February 17, Florida Day at United will welcome the Florida Produce industry to a day featuring a presentation by Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman, along with an exposition featuring the latest in new technology and innovative new product development and research.
Florida Day can be yours for the low price of $100! You can register on site at the Orlando Convention Center or contact United’s Convention Center at 703-836-3410.
National Watermelon Promotion Board Holds February 20 Convention to Nominate Producers and Handlers to Serve as District 1 Directors
The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB)
will hold a lunchtime nomination convention February 20, 2002 at 12:00
noon at the Quality Inn, 6525 US Highway 27 N. Sebring, Florida to nominate
four qualified watermelon producers and four watermelon handlers to serve
as directors for District 1
of the Board. Lunch will be provided from the
menu.
District 1 is comprised of the Florida counties of Brevard, Broward, Collier, Dade, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk and St. Lucie
For additional information regarding the elections and nomination procedures contact Diana Musto, Research Associate, toll-free at (877) 599-9595.
PARwin – A New Pesticide Record-keeping Program for Windows
PARwin is a user-friendly very efficient computer program for recording, reporting and keeping track of your pesticide spray applications.
PARwin complies with FIFRA and WPS and can be self installed either by downloading from the Internet via http://parwin.spraytec.com or ordering a free CD Rom from Bill Hunt Company at bilihun@spraytec.com
Downloading or installing the CD will give the user 20 sessions to try the product, after which it must be registered at a cost of $ 149.95 for unlimited use. Try PARwin, you'll like it and find out how easy it is to do the spray records!
Contact the Bill Hunt Company
World-Wide Agricultural Spray Technology
14400 SW 149 Terrace
Miami FL 33186
Tel: 305-238-0991 Fax: 305-254-6319
Internet: www.spraytec.com
Summary of Rule Changes to 5E-9 - Pesticide Certification and Licensing - Effective March 1, 2002
Fee Increases. License fees will
increase for pesticide applicators and dealers licensed under the Florida
Pesticide Law, Chapter 487, Florida Statutes, effective March 1, 2002.
The new fees are as follows:
Private Applicator $60 for
a 4-year license
Public Applicator $60
for a 4-year license
Commercial Applicator $160 for a
4-year license
Pesticide Dealer $175 for a
1-year license
Aerial Category. The aerial category will change from a secondary to a primary category for commercial, public, and private applicators. This means aerial applicators will be able to get licensed with only the aerial category on their license. No additional category will be required. However, an individual licensed with only the aerial category will only be authorized to make aerial applications and no ground applications. If licensed with only the aerial category, aerial applications can be made to any type of treatment area (agricultural row crop, agricultural tree crop, aquatic, etc.) as long as the treatment area is within the scope of the license type the individual has. To make ground applications, the individual must be licensed in each appropriate category based on the type of area to be treated (agricultural row crop, agricultural tree crop, forestry, etc.).
Aerial CEUs. The number of CEUs required to renew the aerial category is being increased from 8 to 16 CEUs. Like other applicators, aerial applicators will be required to have a minimum of 2 core CEUs for each primary category, including the aerial category. So of the 16 CEUs required to renew the aerial category, at least 2 must be core CEUs, and at least half must be aerial CEUs. The remainder of the required CEUs for the aerial category can be either core or aerial CEUs.
Core CEUs. Effective January 1, 2005, all applicators licensed under Chapter 487, F.S., who renew their licenses using Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be required to have 4 core CEUs in addition to the number of category CEUs now required. At that time, all category CEUs must be approved for the specific category. There will no longer be a requirement for having 2 core CEUs per primary category, and core CEUs will no longer apply to the required number of category CEUs. Applicators will have the option of retaking the core and/or category exams if they do not have enough CEUs for renewal. Example: Effective January 1, 2005, private applicators will be required to have 4 core CEUs plus 8 CEUs approved for the private applicator agriculture pest control category. A private applicator that has 8 private applicator CEUs and only 2 core CEUs may choose to take the core exam instead of earning 2 additional core CEUs, if desired.
Educational Modules. The CEU program approval rule is being revised so Department-approved educational modules can be approved for CEU credit in addition to professional training meetings and seminars.
Pesticide Dealer Records. The record keeping requirements for pesticide dealers are being revised to require records to be kept for product exchanges as well as sale of restricted use pesticides. Also, the information to be kept in the records was modified to require both the name of the licensed applicator and the name of the authorized purchasing agent making the purchase, if applicable. This change will be effective about April 1, 2002.
Direct Supervision. Licensed applicators who supervise unlicensed individuals who mix, load, or apply restricted use pesticides will now be required to be immediately available by voice communication to the unlicensed individuals to provide direction and instruction during all times restricted use pesticides are being used.
Forms. Updated versions of the following
Department forms were adopted:
Application of Pesticide Dealer License (DACS-13337),
Rev. 1/02
Request for Granting Continuing Education Units
(CEUs) for Renewal of Pesticide Applicator Licenses
(DACS-13326),
Rev. 1/02
Record of Attendance for Continuing Education
Units (CEUs) (DACS-13325), Rev. 1/02
Websites
Thrips KnowledgeBase – Dr Charles Mellinger of Glades Crop Care indicates that Glades Crop Care, Inc.'s website houses a thrips knowledgebase that contains information for identifying and managing the thrips commonly infesting vegetable crops in the US. Go to http://www.gladescropcare.com.
The Lighter Side
A Moment With The Preacher...
One Sunday morning, the preacher noticed little Billy was staring up at the plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. It was covered with names and small American flags were mounted on either side of it. The seven-year-old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the preacher walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly: "Good morning, Billy."
"Good morning, Preacher," replied the young man,
still focused on the plaque. "Preacher, what is this?"
"Well, son, it's a memorial to all the young
men and women who died while in the service." Soberly, they stood together,
staring at the plaque.
Little Billy's voice was barely audible when he asked: "Which service, the 9:00 or the 11:00?"
Quotable Quotes
"Life is like an ice-cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time." -- Charles M. Schulz, as "Charlie Brown", Peanuts, cartoon strip
Contributors include: Joel Allingham/AgriCare, Inc, Karen Armbrester/SWFREC, Jim Connor/SWFREC, Bruce Corbitt/West Coast Tomato Growers, Fred Heald/Farmers Supply, Sarah Hornsby/AgCropCon, Cecil Howell/H&R Farm, Bruce Johnson/General Crop Management, 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, Dr Ken Pernezny/EREC, Dr. Pam Roberts/SWFREC, Nancy Roe/Farming Systems Research, Wes Roan/6 L's, Kevin Seitzinger/Gargiulo, Jay Shivler/ F& F Farm, Ken Shuler/Palm Beach County Extension, Ben Stanaland/Pacific Tomato Growers, John Stanford/LNA Farm, Mike Stanford/MED Farms, Dr. Phil Stansly/SWFREC, Eugene Tolar/Red Star Farms, Dr.Charlie Vavrina/SWFREC, Donna Verbeck/GulfCoast Ag. and Mark Verbeck/Bayer Crop Protection.
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@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu
Ken Shuler
Extension
Agent IV
Vegetables
Palm Beach
County Extension
559 N Military
Trail
561-233-1718 phone
West Palm
Beach, FL 33415-1311 kds@gnv.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