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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
April 11, 2003
Record breaking warm weather, which characterized most of the month of March, was ended by a strong cold front which moved across the area on March 31st bringing strong winds and a few nights which saw lows in the low 40’s and high 30’s to most of growing areas of South Florida. Since then temperatures have been running a few degrees below normal with daytime highs in the low to mid 80’s. Nighttime lows have been mostly in the 50’s and 60’s.
Growers and scouts report that the rainy weather and foggy mornings that preceded the cool down caused an overall increase in disease pressure across the area. Cold winds that accompanied the front resulted in some reports of desiccation and foliar damage as well as fruit scarring in some places. Sensitive crops like beans and cucurbits where most affected although problems have been reported on crops like peppers and eggplant as well.
Total rainfall for the period has varied widely from around an inch in some areas to over three inches in Homestead. Most areas received several widely scattered showers over the past few weeks. Cooler drier weather over the last few days has allowed most growers to get a leg up on disease pressure, which picked up toward the end of March
FAWN Weather Summary
| Date | Air Temp °F) | Rainfall |
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| Min | Max | (Inches) | 40°F | 45°F | 50°F | 55°F | 60°F | 65°F | 70°F | 75°F | |
| Bradenton | |||||||||||
| 3/19 – 4/11/03 | 40.4 | 86.7 | 1.26 | 0.0 | 5.8 | 18.6 | 42.5 | 78.1 | 182.1 | 272.7 | 386.9 |
| Ft L'rdale | |||||||||||
| 3/19 – 4/11/03 |
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| Immokalee | |||||||||||
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Vegetables coming to market include beans, cabbage, cantaloupe, celery, cilantro, cucumbers, eggplants, parsley, peppers, potatoes, radishes, specialty crops, squash, strawberries, sweet corn, and tomatoes. Quality is mostly good and volumes are picking up on many items. Watermelon harvest began in the Immokalee area this week and will pick up steam across south Florida production areas over the next few weeks. Potato and corn harvest is winding down and is rapidly coming to an end in Homestead and Southwest Florida.
The short-term forecast from the National Weather Service in Miami calls for clear skies and cool conditions with highs in the mid 70’s to around 80 over the weekend with a chance of isolated showers on Monday. Partly cloudy conditions and moderate temperatures in the low to mid 80’s will prevail through much of the remainder 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
Hotline expands Coverage
The South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline has expanded coverage to include the Manatee/Ruskin area, thanks to efforts and cooperation of Phyllis Gilreath, Vegetable Extension Agent with the Manatee County Extension Office. The hotline now covers over 120,000 acres representing all major South Florida vegetable production areas.
Insects
Growers and scouts report that insect pressure is variable depending on the crop, location and insect being considered. Longer day length and higher temperatures have accelerated the life cycle of many insects.
Whiteflies
Around Southwest Florida, whiteflies continue to build in almost all locations several locations on nearly all crops. As the end of the season approaches older crops are being destroyed and this is adding to the pressure. Scouts report whitefly counts are ranging from moderate to high with counts of 50 –100 per plant not unusual in places. Some irregular ripening has been noted on tomato and some honeydew problems have been reported on pepper.
Reports from the Manatee/Ruskin area indicate that silverleaf whitefly situation is quite variable in tomatoes and cucurbit fields, with mostly low to moderate pressure but a few hot spots have been reported.
Growers are reminded that spraying foliar nicotinoids such as Actara and Assail for adult whitefly control may seem like an option in the short run but in the long run may likely cause problems for everyone due to resistance issues, since the majority of fields have received soil applications of either Admire or Platinum. Other insecticide materials such as Endosulfan, Fulfill, etc. still demonstrate efficacy on adults.
Reports from Palm Beach indicate that whitefly pressure remains with high whitefly counts being noted in tomato, pepper, eggplant and squash. Heavy whitefly infestations on squash have resulted in the appearance of silverleaf symptoms on squash in some locations. Growers in Martin and St Lucie Counties are also reporting higher whitefly numbers than in past years on tomatoes and cukes with some spill over onto peppers as well.
Respondents in Homestead indicate that whiteflies are increasing in a variety of crops including beans, cucurbits, eggplants, and tomato. Some new cases on bean golden mosaic have been noted in association with the whitefly buildup in beans.
For more information on whiteflies, be sure to check out the
UF/IFAS Whitefly Knowledgebase at
http://whiteflies.ifas.ufl.edu/
as
well as the UF/IFAS Featured Creatures website at http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/veg/leaf/silverleaf_whitefly.htm.
Pepper Weevil
Respondents in from Palm Beach indicate that pepper weevils are becoming more common in pepper, especially in older plantings.
Around Southwest Florida, pepper weevil populations remain low but growers and scouts are reporting some increased activity. A few scattered hotspots have been reported around LaBelle and in Devils Garden where pressure is moderate and adults have been reported feeding on young leaves and flowers on younger plants in a few places.
Reports from Homestead indicate that pepper weevils are building in pepper and a few adults have been spotted feeding on eggplant blooms.
Although pepper weevils typically do not reproduce in eggplant, adults are not unusual in eggplant and growers may wish to avoid planting eggplant and pepper side by side since both are hosts for pepper weevil.
Leafminers
Growers and scouts in Manatee County report moderate leafminer pressure in tomatoes and also in melons.
Respondents indicate that leafminer pressure is declining in the Homestead area and most crops are past the stage where controls are being applied.
Leafminers remain a threat in several crops around Southwest Florida and are still active in cantaloupe, squash, tomato, and watermelons. Pressure is variable with some hotspots being reported. In some locations growers have discontinued control behind the crown pick.
Around Palm Beach, leafminer pressure is variable but most reports indicate pressure is declining and few problems are being reported.
Worms
Growers and scouts in Homestead report heavy looper, tomato fruitworm and southern armyworm pressure along with the occasional pinworm in tomato. In corn, silk flies, fall armyworm and corn earworm pressure remain constant and moderate to high levels but most of the corn harvest will be complete over the next week or so. Melon worms are also widely present in cucurbit crops.
In the Palm Beach area, worm pressure remains low to moderate with a mix of beet and southern armyworms. Diamondback moths are active in brassicas.
Around the Manatee/Ruskin area, pinworm pressure in tomatoes has decreased. Some beet armyworm activity and a few looper eggs have been noted in tomatoes.
Around Southwest Florida, growers and scouts report that worm pressure has been pretty quiet but is beginning to increase in places. Growers are finding southern armyworms, beet armyworms, tomato fruitworms and loopers eggs and larva. Reports indicate that a few tomato pinworms are still around at low levels. Melonworms have been found in cucurbits.
Thrips
Reports from Homestead indicate that thrips pressure remains high in beans, pepper, eggplant, and cucurbits. Respondents note that Thrips palmi are widely present.
Growers and scouts in Palm Beach report reduced thrips activity. Reports indicate these are mostly Florida flower thrips (Frankliniella bispinosa), although symptoms consistent with Thrips palmi damage have been noted in a few scattered locations on cucumber, pepper and eggplant.
Reports from the Ruskin area indicate that thrips have finally calmed down after extremely heavy populations following a rapid citrus peak bloom period. Heavy feeding in some cucurbit fields have actually caused leaf distortion resembling virus.
Phyllis Gilreath notes that Tomato spotted wilt (TSW) virus seems to be increasing each year in the Manatee/Ruskin area, but presently levels remain low in most fields in the area. The primary vector is the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), which has a very wide host range with many common weed species serving as hosts. Infected weed plants are a major host of the virus in vegetable fields. Although F. bispinosa can also transmit TSW virus, they are more transient in nature. Once F. occidentalis finds a home, they generally don’t move much. Because such a short feeding time is required for transmission, broad-spectrum insecticide sprays have had limited success in preventing primary infection and may do more harm by killing beneficials. Much work has been done and success reported, especially in North Florida by Dr. Joe Funderburk and his colleagues, with the use of reflective mulches.
Respondents around Southwest Florida note that thrips (Frankliniella bispinosa) populations are declining, with present counts of around 5 - 10 per bloom compared to the more than the 50 plus a few weeks ago. Scouts also note finding low levels of minute pirate bugs beneficial insects that feed on thrips. Melon thrips (T. palmi) remain low in a few isolated locations.
Mites
Reports from the Manatee/Ruskin area indicate that earlier mite pressure reported in melons seems to have quieted down.
Respondents in Palm Beach report declines in mite pressure in most areas. Low numbers of broad mites are being reported in eggplant and pepper. Some red and two spotted spider mites are present at low levels on tomato and eggplant.
Around Immokalee, broad mites are widely present on pepper in a number of sites. Spidermite pressure has increased in cantaloupe, watermelon, squash, eggplant and tomato and several fields have required treatment.
Growers and scouts in Homestead report increasing levels of red and two spotted mites in cucumbers and squash. Broad mites are increasing in pepper and eggplant.
For further information on two-spotted spider mites, visit the UF/IFAS Featured Creatures website at http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/orn/twospotted_mite.htm.
Aphids
Respondents in Palm Beach report low numbers of winged aphids in scattered locations
Around Southwest Florida, aphids continue to be sporadic, mostly in potatoes and peppers.
Diseases
Disease pressure increased significantly following a period over warm rainy weather towards the end of March. Cooler drier weather, which followed in early April helped most growers get a leg up on most problems.
Bacterial diseases
Around Immokalee, growers and scouts indicate that bacterial spot remains active in both tomato and pepper. Some pepper plantings have experienced hot spots with defoliation. Bacterial leaf spot (Pseudomonas sp.) has also been diagnosed in scattered locations on cantaloupe and watermelon.
In the Ruskin area, bacterial leaf spot pressure increased significantly in tomatoes following the rainy period in mid March, but recent dry weather has helped slow things down. Bacterial spot is showing up in peppers but pressure is quite variable depending on location.
Reports from Homestead lots of new bacteria spot activity on pepper and tomatoes. Scouts in the Homestead continue to report finding bacterial blight in beans.
Potatoes growers in Homestead and Southwest Florida are experiencing some problems with blackleg, caused by the bacterium Erwinia carotovora. This is a common bacterial disease of potatoes and is typically associated with wet soils.
Angular leaf spot (Psuedomonas sp.) has been reported on cucumbers in the Homestead area. Angular leafspot has also been reported on cantaloupe in the Manatee/Ruskin area. Incidence and occurrence is sporadic and severity is low.
Respondents in Palm Beach note that incidence of bacterial spot appears to be increasing in pepper and tomato.
Early Blight
Reports from the East coast indicate that early blight is present on tomato but the incidence and severity remains low to moderate.
Growers and scouts around Immokalee report there has also been some recent increase in early blight on tomatoes and potatoes.
Some early blight is also beginning to show up in Manatee County at low levels.
Around Homestead, early blight is increasing in tomato.
Alternaria (leaf mold) is also present on beans in Homestead and Southwest Florida.
Target spot
Respondents in Southwest Florida indicate that target spot continues to build on inner foliage of tomatoes and has moved into the upper foliage and onto maturing fruit in some locations.
Target spot is also present on tomato in the Homestead area.
Reports from Manatee County note that some target spot is showing up in a few fields.
Around Palm Beach County, there are scattered reports of target spot on tomato and eggplant. In a few cases, post harvest problems have been noted.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is widely present on cantaloupe, squash and watermelons in numerous locations around Southwest Florida. Favorable conditions (fog and rain) towards the end of March resulted dramatic increase in the incidence, occurrence and severity of this disease in many places.
Downy mildew is present on cucumbers and squash around Palm Beach.
Reports indicate that downy mildew is present in squash in the Manatee/Ruskin area with very heavy pressure in at least one field where fungicide applications have slowed but not stopped disease progression.
Scouts in Homestead note that downy mildew is widely present in squash.
Downy mildew caused by the fungus Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is found annually on squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, muskmelons, and other cucurbits in all areas of Florida. Although downy mildew of all cucurbits is caused by the same species, strains within the species seem to exist. It is not uncommon to see squash, cantaloupe, and cucumber severely diseased by downy mildew whereas nearby watermelons show no signs of the disease.
Leaf symptoms can be used to diagnose downy mildew in the field in some cases. On cucurbits other than watermelon, small yellowish areas occur on the upper leaf surface. Later, a more brilliant yellow coloration occurs with the internal part of the lesion turning brown. Downy mildew lesions typically start away from the leaf margins as opposed to gummy stem blight lesions, which normally begin at the leaf margin. When the leaves are moist, a downy grayish fungal growth can sometimes be seen on the underside of individual lesions. On watermelons, lesions may or may not be angular and later turn brown to black in color. On watermelons an exaggerated upward leaf curling often occurs that growers sometimes liken to a dead man’s hand.
Spores are produced on the underside of the leaf within the downy fungal growth associated with diseased tissue. Spores are easily dispersed by wind from one leaf spot to another leaf in a field or to another nearby planting. Spore movement occurs primarily during late morning to midday. Under ideal conditions spores may be transported for many miles from one field to another. When a spore contacts a leaf and the leaf is wet, the spore germinates and penetrates the leaf tissue. Within four to seven days, new lesions capable of producing spores are produced. As this cycle continues, an epidemic situation occurs and control becomes increasingly difficult.
Since nighttime temperatures between 55 and 75° F and relative humidity above 90%, provide ideal conditions for infection, cucurbits planted in South Florida are always at risk from downy mildew and may be infected as early as the appearance of the first true leaves.
Spray programs for downy mildew are most effective when initiated prior to the first sign of disease since once a planting becomes infected; it becomes more and more difficult for fungicides to control downy mildew. A range of fungicides is available for the control of downy mildew depending on the crop. Rotations of maneb, Dithane, Bravo, Ridomil MZ, Ridomil Gold/Bravo, Ridomil Gold/Copper, and strobulurin fungicides such as Quadris and Cabrio have all shown efficacy against the disease. Coverage is important and failure to gain adequate control may be related to using too low a spray volume particularly when the vines are full grown. Use of Bravo should be avoided on watermelon after fruit set as it may increase the risk of sunburn.
Strobulurin fungicides must be rotated with other materials to prevent the buildup of resistance.
Gummy Stem Blight
Gummy stem blight is widely present on watermelon around Southwest Florida and like downy mildew has incidence and occurrence has increased significantly over the past few weeks. Strobulurin fungicides such as Cabrio and Quadris provide good control, but growers are reminded of the need to practice resistance management as resistance to these materials has appeared in a number of places. Strobulurins should be rotated with the white (chlorothalinil) and yellow (manzate/mancozeb) fungicides and applications should not exceed labeled amounts.
Gummy stem blight has also been reported at low levels on watermelon in scattered locations around Manatee County.
Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
Around Southwest Florida, Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl virus incidence continues to increase slowly although most local fields are approaching the age where yield reductions on newly infected plants will be minimal. Most spring plantings are showing 5-10% symptoms but there are some locations with over 50%.
Reports from around Palm Beach indicate that the incidence of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl is increasing in a number of areas. Overall incidence remains low but a few hotspots have been noted.
Respondents in Homestead continue to report new TYLCV activity. Incidence varies with most fields now in the 5-10% range with a few over 20%.
TYLCV is still generally low in most locations in the Manatee Ruskin area. Growers are urged to rogue young infected plants to limit secondary spread.
Phytophthora
Growers in the Palm Beach reported some increase in Phytophthora capsici in squash and pepper but drier weather over the past few days has helped slow the spread.
Around Southwest Florida, Phytophthora capsici has been reported on eggplant, pepper and squash from several widely scattered sites. Some increase has been noted in pepper and eggplant in recent days.
Powdery Mildew
Respondents around Southwest Florida note that powdery mildew remains active especially in older squash. Incidence and severity is high in some fields.
Grower and scouts in Palm Beach report the occurrence of powdery mildew on a variety of crops including cucumber, pepper, and squash.
Reports from Homestead also indicate widespread occurrence of powdery mildew in squash.
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. Incidence of mosaic has increased in watermelon and is widely present in many fields.
Reports from Homestead indicate that mosaic is increasing in older picked squash.
In addition to fungal pathogens, one of the most important problems affecting cucurbits has been aphid-transmitted viruses, generically referred to as mosaic. Both yield and fruit quality can be significantly reduced.
Papaya ringspot virus type W (PRSV-W), previously known as watermelon mosaic virus one (WMV 1), and watermelon mosaic virus two (WMV 2) are the most common viruses affecting cucurbits in Florida.
Virus surveys conducted by Dr Susan Webb indicate that papaya ring spot virus (> 85 %) followed by zucchini mosaic is the predominant mosaic virus found on cucurbits in SW Florida. The situation has been somewhat different in Homestead and Palm Beach where the two viruses occur in nearly equal amounts.
PRSV-W occurs in tropical climates and predominates in the southern half of the state. PRSV-W may occur in the northern half of the state but usually appears during the late spring, summer, or fall months. Host weeds include two cucurbitaceous weeds, balsam apple and wild or creeping cucumber.
WMV 2 is more common in north Florida. It has a broad host range and infects over 160 species. Many legumes including showy crotalaria and hairy indigo are susceptible.
Symptoms caused by PRSV-W and WMV 2 typically include interveinal chlorosis with a characteristic green/yellow mosaic pattern. Fruit may be bumpy and misshapen and display abnormal coloration. In watermelon, runners often rise above the canopy in a characteristic snake-like fashion.
In Florida a large number of aphid species are known to vector mosaic viruses. It is important to note that many of these species do not reproduce on watermelon, but they may land and probe while searching for their preferred host. Some of the aphid vectors are root feeders and may escape detection by growers and scouts.
Primary inoculum comes from weed hosts, nearby or abandoned cucurbit fields, and volunteers cucurbits. Viruses are introduced into the crop by aphids.
While aphid-transmission is the most important way of transmitting these viruses, spread by mechanical means is possible. This may be a factor where multiple harvests occur. Seed transmission has not been demonstrated for PRSV-W or WMV 2.
Insecticidal sprays are not effective in controlling watermelon mosaic viruses. By the time the aphid has received a lethal dose the virus has been transmitted. Most studies have demonstrated no control, slight control, or even increased disease when aphids are agitated and pushed to unaffected crops.
Oil sprays, such as JMS Stylet Oil, may reduce progress of aphid-transmitted diseases. Multiple sprays must be applied at high pressure (400 psi) using special nozzles.
Reflective mulches are repellent to aphids and can delay the onset of mosaic in some cases. Row covers have also been used with partial success in reducing mosaic incidence in melons. Destruction of weedy hosts should not be overlooked.
Anthracnose
Scouts in the Palm Beach area report some increase in the incidence and occurrence of anthracnose in pepper following rainy weather in March.
Anthracnose has also been reported in older peppers in the Manatee/Ruskin area.
Fusarium
Growers and scouts around Southwest Florida report that fusarium crown rot and fusarium race 3 are continuing to cause scattered problems in tomato.
Reports from Palm Beach indicate that fusarium crown rot has increased in tomato in recent weeks. A few reports note that the situation has progressed from bad to worse in the most severely affected fields.
Sclerotinia
Respondents in Homestead are reporting white mold activity on potato and tomato.
Growers in some areas of Palm Beach County continue to experience problems with white mold on tomatoes and pepper although pressure seems to be abating in resent days.
Mike Aerts of FFVA reports that attempts to seek a crisis exemption for the use of Topsin for control of Sclerotinia have been unsuccessful as EPA with not grant an exemption until tolerances have been established.
Southern Blight
Southern blight is also present in tomato and eggplant in scattered places around Southwest Florida. Incidence and severity is mostly low although losses approaching 50 % have been reported in at least one location on eggplant.
Bean Golden Mosaic
Growers and scouts around Homestead are reporting some new occurrence of Bean Golden Mosaic Virus.
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Detected in American Black Nightshade (Solanum americanum) in Vegetable Field in Southeast Florida
Symptoms consistent with a virus infection were observed on American black nightshade (Solanum americanum) plants in a vegetable field in southeast Florida in March 2003. A chlorotic mosaic was present on leaves, frequently accompanied by slight distortion. Symptoms were generally most noticeable on new growth. The presence of a tospovirus was confirmed by symptoms induced on indicator host plants and by inclusion body morphology. Serological tests (ELISA) were used to identify the tospovirus as Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). It is believed this is the first report of TSWV infection of American black nightshade in Florida although several other viruses have previously been reported to infect this weed. Since American black nightshade is a common weed in vegetable fields, it can potentially provide a source of TSWV for infection of the crop.
TSWV infects tomatoes, peppers and a wide range of other vegetable, agronomic and ornamental crops in Florida. The Solanaceae and Compositae families contain the largest numbers of susceptible plant species. TSWV is transmitted exclusively by several species of thrips, including the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and the tobacco thrips (F. fusca). Only larval thrips can acquire TSWV, while both the larval and adult thrips can transmit the virus in a persistent, though often sporadic fashion. TSWV replicates in its thrips vectors in addition to its plant hosts. Virus and vector are frequently spread through transport of ornamentals and vegetable transplants.
The extremely wide and overlapping host range of the virus and its thrips vector makes control difficult. A scarcity of host plant resistance genes and a large number of weed and ornamental hosts providing between-crop virus reservoirs exacerbate the situation. The use of virus-free transplants is a necessity. Thrips-proof screens can prevent or delay infection in greenhouse production. Chemical control of the vector is generally not recommended, as it is difficult to achieve good coverage of the thrips and to kill them before they transmit the virus. Scientists at the University of Florida’s North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy have recently developed integrated TSWV management strategies for tomato making use of highly reflective, metalized mulches and Actigard and demonstrated a significant reduction in tomato spotted wilt incidence (http://tmomol.ifas.ufl.edu/TSWMangm.pdf).
Additional information on this virus can be found at:
http://image.fs.uidaho.edu/vide/descr837.htm
and http://thrips.ifas.ufl.edu/Background.htm
For more information contact:
Scott Adkins
Carlye A. Baker
Larry T. Markle
FDACS-DPI
Erin N. Rosskopf
Gainesville, FL 32614
USDA-ARS-USHRL (352)-372-3505 x150
Fort Pierce, FL 34945 bakerca@doacs.state.fl.us
(772)-462-5885
SAdkins@ushrl.ars.usda.gov
Note: the hotline has also received reports of scattered cases of TSWV showing up on tomato in the Fort Pierce area on tomato in recent days.
Product Updates:
Knack (pyriproxyfen) (Valent) – The EPA has granted approval for a Section 18 for the use of Knack Insect Growth Regulator for the control of silverleaf whitefly on legume vegetables (Crop Group 6, except soybeans). Knack Insect Growth Regulator may be applied by ground or air equipment at the rate of 8 – 10 fl. oz. of product per acre. Up to two applications may be made if needed at a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not apply Knack within 7 days of harvest. REI is 12 hours. Knack may not be applied through any type of irrigation system. This emergency exception will expire on February 7, 2004.
Fulfill (pymetrozine) (Syngenta) has been granted a Special Local Need – 24 (c) label for greenhouse use for the control of Green Peach Aphid and Potato Aphid, and Suppression of Whitefly in Tomatoes Grown for Transplant in Florida
Use directions – Rate: apply at 1.5 oz. / 100,000 plants in sufficient water volume to ensure uniform application to the plants. Do not exceed a total of 2 applications for tomatoes grown for transplant. Allow a minimum of 7 days between applications. Two more foliar applications of 2.75 oz per acre may be used in the field. Do not exceed 4 applications per crop season (two applications to transplant tomatoes and two applications in the field). The SLN label must be in the possession of the user at the time of application.
Websites
The Weed Science Society of America promotes research, education,
and extension outreach activities
related to weeds. This website features sections on weed identification,
herbicides and control, society publications and other useful information.
Go to http://www.wssa.net/
Farmscaping to Enhance Biological Control - This Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) publication contains information about increasing and managing biodiversity on a farm to favor beneficial organisms, with emphasis on beneficial insects. This document is on line at http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/farmscape.html. The PDF version of this document is available at http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/farmscaping.pdf
NEMABASE – The NEMABASE database was developed by the University of California IPM program to give fast, easy access to the host status of plants to plant-parasitic nematodes throughout the world, and helps with rotation and cover cropping decisions for nematode management. The database can be downloaded to your computer or accessed on line. Visit http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/NEMABASE/index.html
Up Coming Meetings
Hillsborough County
May 5, 2003 Vapam/K-Pam Certification Program 6 PM
Hillsborough County Extension Office
5339 S CR 579
Seffner, Florida
Contact Alicia Whidden at 813-744-5519
May 5, 2003 Pesticide License Testing
Hillsborough County Extension Office
5339 S CR 579
Seffner, Florida
No pre-registration required
Manatee County
May 7, 2003 Vapam/K-Pam Certification Program 6 PM
Gulfcoast Research and Education Center
5007 60th Street E
Bradenton, Florida
Contact 941-722-452 for more information
Palm Beach County
May 8, 2003 Vapam/K-Pam Certification Program 6 PM
Delray Fire Station
Boynton Beach, Florida
Contact 561-233-1725 for more information.
May 14, 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 Laura Powell at 561-996-1655.
May 20, 2003 Compost Tour And Hands-On Training 9AM – 4 PM
Various locations including Amerigrow Recycling and Green Cay Farms
Contact Dr. Monica Ozores Hampton at 239-658-3400
or email Ozores@mail.ifas.ufl.edu
Southwest Florida
April 23, 24, 2003 Spanish Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing
Hendry County Extension Office
April 23 – CORE
1085 Pratt Boulevard
March 26 – Private
LaBelle, Florida 33935
Contact 863-674-4092 for details – Note: the tests will be given in English
May 8, 2003 Vapam/K-Pam Certification Program 6 PM
UF/IFAS SW Florida Research and Education Center
SR 29 N
Immokalee, Florida
Contact Gene McAvoy at 674-4092
May 13, 2003 Spring Vegetable Field Day 10 AM
UF/IFAS SW Florida Research and Education Center
SR 29 N
Immokalee, Florida
Contact Gene McAvoy at 674-4092
St Lucie County
May 9, 2003 Vapam/K-Pam Certification Program 12 Noon
USDA Agricultural Research Station
Rock Road
Fort Pierce, Florida
Contact Ed Skavarch 772-462-1660.
Other Meetings
April 29-30, 2003
FACTs - Florida Agricultural Conference and Trade Show
Lakeland Center, Lakeland, Florida
Quotable Quotes
Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home. -- Phyllis Diller
I have noticed that the people who are late are often so much jollier than the people who have to wait for them. -- E. V. Lucas
I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. -- Mark Twain
To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. -- Thomas A. Edison
It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help. --Judith Martin
The illusion that times that were are better than those that are, has probably pervaded all ages. -- Horace Greeley
On the Lighter Side
The Rest of the Story - The South Bronx in 1950’s was the home of a large and thriving Jewish community, offering synagogues, mikvas, kosher bakeries, and kosher butchers -- all the comforts one would expect from an observant Orthodox Jewish community.
The baby boom of the post-war years resulted in many new young parents. As a matter of course, the South Bronx had its own baby equipment store. Sickser's specialized in "everything for the baby" as its slogan ran. The inventory began with cribs, baby carriages, playpens, and high chairs, changing tables, toys and went way beyond these to everything a baby could want or need. Mr. Sickser, assisted by his son-in-law Lou Kirshner, ran a profitable business out of the needs of the rapidly expanding child population.
The language of the store was primarily Yiddish, but Sickser's was a place where not only Jewish families but also many non-Jewish ones could acquire the necessary for their newly arrived bundles of joy.
Business was particularly busy one spring day, so much so that Mr.Sickser and his son-in law could not handle the unexpected throng of customers. Desperate for help, Mr. Sickser ran out of the store and stopped the first youth he spotted on the street.
"Young man," he panted, "how would you like to make a little extra money? I need some help in the store. You want to work a little?" The tall, lanky black boy flashed a toothy smile back. "Yes, sir, I'd like some work." "Well then, let's get started."
Mr. Sickser was immediately impressed with the boy's good manners and
demeanor. As the days went by, Sickser and Lou both became
impressed with the youth's diligence, punctuality and readiness to learn.
Eventually Mr. Sickser made him a regular employee at the store.
It was gratifying to find an employee with an almost soldier-like willingness
to perform even the most menial of tasks, and to perform them well. From
the age of thirteen until his sophomore year in college, the young man
put in from twelve to fifteen hours a week, at 50 to 75 cents an hour.
Mostly, he performed general labor: assembling merchandise, unloading trucks and preparing items for shipments. He seemed, in his quiet way, to appreciate not only the steady employment but also the friendly atmosphere Mr. Sickser's store offered.
Mr. Sickser and Lou learned in time about their helper's Jamaican origins, and he in turn picked up a good deal of Yiddish. In time the young man was able to converse fairly well with his employers, and the many Jewish customers who’s English was not fluent. At the age of seventeen, the young man, while still working part-time at Sickser's, began his first semester at City College of New York. He fit in just fine with his, for the most part Jewish classmates; hardly surprising considering that he already knew their ways and their language. But the heavy studying in the engineering and later geology courses he chose proved quite challenging. The young man would later recall that Sickser's offered the one stable point in his life those days.
In 1993, in his position as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff two years after he guided the American victory over Iraq in the Gulf War- General Colin Powell visited the Holy Land. Upon meeting Israel's Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir in Jerusalem, he greeted the Israeli with the words "Mer ken reden Yiddish" (We can speak Yiddish). As Shamir, stunned, tried to pull himself together, the current Secretary of State continued chatting in his second-favorite language.
Colin Powell never forgot his early days working at Sicksers.
Contributors include: Joel Allingham/AgriCare, Inc, Karen Armbrester/SWFREC, Kathy Carbiener /Agricultural Pest Management, Jim Connor/SWFREC, Bruce Corbitt/West Coast Tomato Growers, 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, 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.
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 III
Regional Vegetable/
Horticulture
863-674-4092 phone
Hendry County
Extension Office
239-860-8811 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