Archives for May 2016

Syngenta Crop Protection released Orondis, a new fungicide with a new mode-of-action for use in vegetable production this past winter. Because of its winter registration, Orondis was not included the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Guide.

Orondis (oxathiapiproplin, U15) targets the oxysterol binding protein that is a part of the fungal cell wall. The active ingredient inhibits growth of the fungus as well as sporangia production and zoospore germination. Orondis has a low solubility (i.e., locally systemic), is translaminar; and will protect new growth.

Orondis is currently sold as a co-pack with either mefenoxam (Orondis Gold), chlorothalonil (Orondis Opti), or mandipropamid (Orondis Ultra). Growers will be required to tank mix Orondis with its partner during 2016 season. In 2017, the partners will be formulated together. Importantly, Orondis will not receive an individual label in the US.

Orondis has different use rates and restricted seasonal use. The labels need to be followed carefully and accordingly to help manage fungicide resistance development. Simply, if Orondis is applied via drip system, it cannot be used as a foliar spray (and visa-versa). If Orondis is applied as a foliar application it cannot be used via the drip. Thus, growers planning on using Orondis need to plan ahead of time and accordingly! The rates for Orondis and it counterpart will differ by crop, pathogen, and desired use (drip vs. foliar). [Read more…]

Unfortunately, closed greenhouses retain heat and humidity which can spell problems if left unchecked.

Remember, high relative humidity equals wet leaves which favor the development of fungal diseases such as Botrytis or bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf spot. To avoid potential problems, do your best to vent out as much humidity as possible in the late afternoon and/or early morning. Turn on circular fans to promote air movement and finish watering earlier enough in the day so leaves have enough time to dry out before nightfall.

As a side note, stressed transplants where water and/or fertility have been withheld are also more prone to disease development. A light fertilizer application may go a long way in improving transplant health before setting in the field.

Please see Table E-14 and pages E52-E54 of the 2016-2017 Commercial Vegetable Recommendations Guide for a list of control options.

Note: The black light trap network has been deployed and is being monitored by IPM Program personnel. The corn earworm (CEW) pheromone trap network is not yet deployed. As adult European corn borer (ECB) and CEW begin to arrive in traps, population maps of these pests will be published in the Plant and Pest Advisory on a weekly basis. Additionally, maps of the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) will also appear in this publication. As the CEW pheromone traps in southern NJ begin to register catches, maps of these pest captures will also be published.

Cole Crops

Last week’s warm, sunny days, resulted in some infestations of crucifer flea beetle. Current cold, wet conditions are less favorable for flea beetle activity. These beetles can build to high populations quickly, especially where wild mustard and related cruciferous weeds are common. Mustard greens, radishes, arugula and Tuscan kale are favored hosts. Extreme feeding on small transplants can cause irreversible damage if not controlled promptly.

While flea beetles may be controlled with foliar applied insecticides, it is possible to get 2-3 weeks of protection by using a soil applied systemic insecticide at planting. This insures good establishment of the transplants without significant flea beetle injury.

 
As yet, no imported cabbage worm or diamondback moth larvae have been detected in new field plantings. As these pests appear, identification, scouting procedures and control measures will be outlined in the update.