Weekly Field Update – 8/8/22

Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see this week’s Question of the Week and check back on Thursday for the answer!

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “It has been hot and dry for the most part in the Lowcountry. Things are relatively quiet. I have heard reports of and seen high whitefly numbers in various crops (melons, tomato, and blackberry). We had severe disease outbreaks a few years ago due to a few whitefly-vectored viruses. The two prominent viruses that I have seen vectored by whitefly are Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus and Cucurbit Leaf Crumple Virus: See article from 2019 outbreak. If growers have not already planted their fall melons and tomatoes, it would be a good idea to investigate varieties that have resistance to tomato and melon whitefly vectored viruses. I have also seen very high numbers of melonwoms as of late.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “Last week was another warm one with a few isolated showers and thunderstorms. We’ve had some fall brassicas, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant planted, which should continue this week. Be sure to look carefully at your transplants before planting (and before accepting delivery, if possible) to ensure they are free of disease and insects. We have seen cases recently where we strongly suspect insecticide resistance issues were introduced to the farm by insects that arrived on transplants. Fall can be a tough season for insects and diseases, so be sure we’re starting clean.”

Sarah Scott reports, “We are still harvesting peaches along the Ridge. Later season varieties, such as Big Red, are being harvested now and the season should start to wrap up in the next couple of weeks. Post-harvest applications of insecticides for borers are being applied. With the loss of Lorsban, growers can use Asana XL (esfenvalerate) or Rimon (novaluron) instead. Orchards that are older and less producing are being pushed up post-harvest. These trees are uprooted and burned on site to prepare for new planting areas.”

Question of the Week

For this week’s question, take a look at the photo below. What is on this citrus leaf? Bird poop?

Answer in the comments below and check back on Thursday to see the answer.