Verticillium wilt has been reported in eggplant this summer. It is a common soil-borne fungal pathogen that once it has infested soil can remain for a very long time. Verticillium wilt is caused by either Verticillium albo-atrium or Verticillium dahlia and has a wide host range (over 200 plant species). Both pathogens can survive (overwinter) as microsclerotia in the soil. Verticillium wilt prefers cooler weather and drier soils and can be more severe in neutral to alkaline soils. Solanaceous weeds such as Nightshade may harbor the pathogen. [Read more…]
Archives for July 2023
July 2, 2023 Andy Wyenandt
Cucurbit Downy Mildew Alert – Cucumber – 7/2/23
Cucurbit downy mildew has been confirmed on cucumber in Gloucester County (7/1) and in Atlantic County (6/13) in southern New Jersey. This is the second report of CDM in the state and region this growing season. All cucumber and cantaloupe growers should scout on a daily basis and initiate a preventative fungicide program immediately. All other cucurbit plantings need to be scouted on a regular basis. CDM was last confirmed on cucumber and butternut squash in coastal South Carolina. Remember, some CDM isolates fall into Clade I which predominately infect watermelon, pumpkin, and squash, where CDM isolates in Clade II predominately infect cucumber and cantaloupe.
For more information on CDM, the clades, and CDM control please click here.
Cucurbit downy mildew sporulating on the underside of an infected cucumber leaf.
July 2, 2023 Andy Wyenandt
Preparing for Pepper Anthracnose in 2023
Pepper Anthracnose
Pepper anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. has become a significant problem on some farms in southern New Jersey.
Unlike in tomato, where symptoms are only present in mature (red) fruit, pepper anthracnose can infect pepper fruit at any growth stage. Currently, there are no commercially-available bell or non-bell peppers with known resistance to anthracnose. [Read more…]
