Squash transplants destroyed by hail.
Parts of New Jersey have been hit with heavy rain this past week and more is expected over the next few days. Remember, the wounds on stems, leaves, and fruit of vegetable plants created by hail damage opens the plant up to fungal and bacterial infections. Hail, on most occasions, comes down in narrow streaks so one part of a field may be heavily damaged while another part may look completely untouched. For operations who have been hit with hail, growers need to carefully walk fields and assess the amount and severity of damage done. Growers should also carefully inspect for any damage in transplant trays that may be waiting outside prior to transplanting.
In order to reduce the chances for bacterial and fungal infections, growers should consider applying a disinfestant, such as Oxidate or OLF. Remember, products such as Oxidate, only kill what they come into direct contact with and should be applied as a stand alone between a standard weekly protectant fungicide program.
