Damping-off is caused by a number of important vegetable pathogens and is very common during transplant production and early-spring. Damping-off can kill seedlings before they break the soil line (pre-emergent damping-off) or kill seedlings soon after they emerge (post-emergent damping-off). Common pathogens that cause damping-off include Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium spp. It is extremely […]
Continue reading...March 15, 2014 Joe Ingerson-Mahar
Does a Harsh Winter = No Crop Pests?
It has been in the news, of course, about the severity of the 2013/2014 winter with record breaking low temperatures and higher than normal snow amounts in many locations. So how does all this translate to crop insect pests? As an article that I read last week said, “It’s complicated”. There are many factors that […]
Continue reading...March 13, 2014 Brad Majek
Weed Control Considerations for Early Planted Peas
Peas are planted as early as ground can be worked in late February or early March in the mid-Atlantic states. Planting continues into late April to stagger the harvest. This is especially important for peas grown for processing. Peas planted later, in April, germinate and emerge quickly in the relatively warm soil, but early planted […]
Continue reading...March 13, 2014 Dave Schmitt
Tree Fruit March Checklist
Oil for Pear Psylla and Scale Control Scout While Pruning Dormant Season Copper Sprays Dormant Season Urea Sprays Oil for Pear Psylla and Scale Control: During the recent warm up pear psylla adults were active, however no egg laying has yet been observed. Growers with pears should be thinking about oil applications to deter egg […]
Continue reading...March 12, 2014 Andy Wyenandt
Vegetable Production Recommendations and Organic Practices
Growers who chose to farm under organic conditions can find valuable information on cultural practices, variety recommendations, alternative pest management methods, and NOP approved products in the 2014 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Guide. Note that people who apply pesticides for the purpose of raising an agricultural commodity, including organic farmers, need to be licensed as […]
Continue reading...March 12, 2014 Andy Wyenandt
Greenhouse Seed Treatment, Selected Fungicides, and Bactericides Updates
All seed used in transplant production, as well as any transplants brought into the greenhouse should be certified ‘clean’ or disease-free. Seed Treatment Important diseases such as Bacterial leaf spot of tomato and pepper can cause major problems in transplant production if introduced into the greenhouse. Bacterial leaf spot of tomato and pepper can be […]
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