Cucurbit downy mildew has been confirmed on cucumber in Hunterdon County in Northern New Jersey. Downy mildew was found in cucumber in the southern part of the state a few weeks ago. To date, cucurbit downy mildew has only been reported in cucumber in the mid-Atlantic region. All cucumber growers who have not included a downy mildew-specific fungicide in their weekly spray program should do so. For more in formation on controlling cucurbit downy mildew please see the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Guide.

Sweet Corn 

European corn borer (ECB) moth activity is slowly increasing and spreading northward (see ECB map) .  This is the early part of the second flight.  Very few larval infestations have been detected.  Be sure to begin monitoring plantings for ECB feeding while they are still in the whorl stage.  Consider treating when the number of infested plants in a 50 plant sample exceeds 12%.  Feeding in the whorl stage will appear as numerous small holes (called “shot-hole”) on leaves, with damage present on consecutively younger leaves. As plants progress to pre-tassel and beyond, droppings and  larvae may be found in or on the emerging tassels.  Any planting remaining at or above threshold as it proceeds to full tassel should be treated, as this is the last stage at which ECB larvae will be exposed and vulnerable to insecticidal sprays.    [Read more…]