Christian County Horticulture

KY Produce Auctions Expand Roles

2010-11-01T11:36:00.000-05:00

by Dr. Tim Woods, Department of Agriculture Economics

Most Kentucky produce operations tend to be fairly small and/or part time as they emphasize direct markets. However, the number of producers involved in these direct markets continues to climb. Further, the absolute number of producers involved in fruit and vegetable production has continued to increase as well.

Much of this growth can be tied to the presence of the produce auctions. The Fairview Produce Auction, launched out of a tiny shed in 1996, involved a handful of Christian County growers and grossed less than $200,000. The Fairview Auction has grown considerably and new auctions have come on-line with varying degrees of success. The auctions collectively have grown in sales volume and in vendor numbers. The last record indicated over 750 vendors selling at one of the now five produce actions in Kentucky.

These markets will typically bring close to wholesale prices, but they provide an option for growers with either a little excess volume, a new produce item being developed on a smaller scale, or where limited direct marketing demand exists.

New auctions and clusters of horticultural producers are developing quickly in KY. New auctions just opened in Hart County and Henry County (Capstone Produce) and these will be potentially joined by a new auction in Cincinnati (Findlay Auction). Some have expressed concern about overcrowding of these markets.

In reality, Kentucky is a very small volume produce supplier within the region, only 20-30% of the acreage of each of our neighboring states. There would appear to be plenty of growth opportunity. But some markets may feel some competition as buyers get accustomed to the auctions as a steady source of supply. (Tim Woods)

Kentucky Produce Marketing Channels: Farms Selling More than 10%

into One Channel (2003 and 2009)

Markets	2003	2009
Farmers’ markets	52%	51.9%
On-farm markets	50%	41.1%
Cooperatives	15%	1.8%
Non co-op wholesale	17%	14.7%
Internet		2.1%
Direct to grocery	21%	14.7%
Direct to restaurant	12%	8.2%
Auction	9%	18.5%
CSA	3%	3.5%

Green Thanksgiving

2010-10-18T09:05:00.000-05:00

This Thanksgiving, save money and go green by following a few environmentally-friendly tips.

Use natural items from your backyard or local farmer’s market to decorate. Hay bales, mums, pumpkins, gourds, fodder shocks, dried flowers, and leaves and branches can be used throughout autumn, and then composted once the season is over.

See Blue Go Green Composting Information:
http://www.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/home_waste.php#composting

http://www.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/home_waste.php#compostings

http://www.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/home_waste.php#compostinger

Pour any fats, oils, and greases from cooking in a sealed container, such as a coffee can. Once the container is full throw it into the trash. Never pour fats, oils, and greases down the drain. They can clog pipes and cause septic system failure.

Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOGs) Information:

http://www.bgpride.org/FOGs.htm

Reduce the amount of waste produced by using reusable plates, cups, and utensils, and purchasing items that have a minimal amount of packaging.

See Blue Go Green Solid Waste Management Information:

http://www.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/home_waste.php

New Solid Waste Management Publications:

Reduce: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/henv/henv101/henv101.pdf

Reuse: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/henv/henv101/henv101.pdf

Recycle: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/henv/henv103/henv103.pdf

Hazardous Waste: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/henv/henv104/henv104.pdf

When cleaning the house and preparing for guests, use green cleaning products. Combine ¼ cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 quart of warm water in a spray bottle for a no-streak glass cleaner. Use with crumbled newspapers to clean windows.

Cleaning Publications and Resources:

Clean It Healthy, Clean It Right: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/fcs4/fcs4412/fcs4412.pdf

Green Cleaning Recipes: http://www.ca.uky.edu/HES/FCS/FACTSHTS/green-cleaning-recipe-cards.pdf

Additional Green Cleaning Recipes: http://ces.ca.uky.edu/montgomery-files/FCS/GreenCleaningRecipes.pdf

Compiled by Ashley Osborne, Extension Associate for Environmental and Natural Resource Issues, October 2010

See Blue Go Green: Water Sense

2010-02-02T11:22:00.002-06:00

WaterSense is a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program promotes water efficient products, such as low-flow toilets, faucets, and faucet accessories. These water efficient products will carry the WaterSense label, making it easy for consumers to identify which products will conserve water and thus save money by decreasing consumer’s water use. Many WaterSense products are available at home improvement stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s.

WaterSense Links:

Homepage
http://www.epa.gov/watersense

Save Water, Save Energy, Save Money
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/benefits_of_water_efficiency.html

Calculate Your Water Savings
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/calculate_your_water_savings.html

U.S. Water Use
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/us_water_use.html

Prepared by Ashley Osborne, Extension Associate for Environmental Issues.

What I learned at the Fruit and Vegetable Meeting

2010-01-27T23:18:00.000-06:00

Whether you grow fruits and veggies in your backyard or several acres for sale at Farmers Markets and the Fairview Produce Auction, there is much to be learned at the annual Fruit and Vegetable Meeting in Christian County. Held Wednesday, January 27, 2010, guest speakers included extension specialists, producers, and the Fairview Produce Marketing Agent - Ralph Burkholder. I will share some of the more technical information on crop production in later posts but I thought you might appreciate an update on the health of the auction as told by Mr. Burkholder.

Tomatoes continue to dominate as the number one profit maker at the auction, followed by hanging flower baskets, then garden mums. Even with tomato as king, Ralph says there is still demand for more - as tomato sales only account for about 15% of total market sales. Bottom line for growers...grow more tomatoes. That's good news for Christian and neighboring Todd County where the bulk of production occurs. Ralph also said adding some yellow and pink tomatoes to the mix will be well received as will heirloom and cherry tomatoes.

Ralph also pointed out a huge hole in the auctions sales - berries. Buyers want them but supply is achingly low. Blueberries and brambles are especially in demand. Same goes for strawberries. This spells opportunity for some farmers in the area. The UK New Crop Opportunities website is a great resource for anyone considering this option. You can visit the site at: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NewCrops/intro.html

Overall the auction is in good shape with buyers driving from far distances for the quality products being produced in Christian County. Ralph and the Auction thanks you. If you would like to receive a Fairview Produce Auction report summary for 2009, contact me at the Extension Office or by email (kelly.jackson@uky.edu).

Caring for Your Fresh Cut Christmas Tree

2009-12-08T08:45:00.003-06:00

The biggest question homeowners ask when they go to purchase a tree is how can you tell you have the perfect one? At neighborhood tree lots or home stores, begin by looking for trees with a rich green color. Feel the tree’s needles, they should be bendable. If they are easily snapped the tree is too dry and may not last long indoors. Lift the tree a few inches and drop it on the ground. It is natural for inside needles to fall out but the outside needles should stay in place. Remember that trees sold on lots may have been cut weeks earlier. It is best to buy trees early or those kept in shade.

When selecting trees at a tree farm check the trunk for straightness and make sure the base of the tree is 6 to 8 inches long so it will fit into your tree stand. It is natural for healthy trees to drop needles this time of year even while they are in the field. Some businesses have equipment that shakes the tree to remove all loose needles - it is also fun to watch. You may want to cover your tree with a tarp to keep the wind from drying out the needles on the drive home.

Whether you get your tree at a lot or a farm, all trees should be re-cut once you get home and placed immediately into water as the sap of the tree can create a seal that prevents the uptake of water in only a few minutes. Perhaps the most important step should be thought out before you leave to buy a tree – namely, where will you place the tree and what is the height and width of the space? Nothing is worse than bringing home the perfect tree that just won’t fit.

There are several tree types available. It is important to select the one that most closely fits your needs. Some of the most common trees include:

Leyland Cypress – upright feathery branches; dark green to gray color; light scent; good for allergy sufferers
Balsam Fir – long lasting short needles with rounded tips; dark green color with silvery cast; fragrant
Fraser Fir – pyramid-shaped with strong upward-turning branches; dark green color; good needle retention; nice scent
Scotch Pine – stiff branches with spaces for ornaments; dark green color; very long needle retention even when dry; nice scent
Virginia Pine – long needles on strong branches; holds heavy ornaments; dark green color; pine scent
White Pine – very full habit but supports fewer ornaments than Virginia; blue-green color; little to no fragrance; less allergens
Blue Spruce – short needles on stiff branches support heavy ornaments; dark green to powdery blue color; drops needles in warm rooms but less than Norway
Norway Spruce – good conical shape; dark green color; poor needle retention without proper care; strong fragrance

Once you have selected a tree and bring it home, water it heavily for the first week. The tree may require 2 quarts to a gallon of water each day. Commercially available water additives are not necessary. Place the tree away from heat sources (i.e., TV, fireplace, air duct) as this will cause poor needle retention or even a fire hazard. Never leave your home with the tree lights on or leave the lights on when you go to bed. Frays or worn spots in electrical lights can be a fire hazard in drier trees.

Rain Barrels

2009-11-06T14:18:00.002-06:00

During this time of economic uncertainty, many individuals are thinking of new creative ways to save money. From the gas pump to the grocery store, Kentuckians are spending wisely and conserving to stretch their dollar. But why stop at the gas pump or the grocery store? Consider the dollars that can be saved by turning off the tap.

One way to reduce the amount of municipal water used is to collect rainwater in a rain barrel. A rain barrel is a large container connected to the end of a downspout used to collect rainwater and melted snow and ice running off a rooftop. The water collected can be used for watering lawns, gardens, and flowers. This reduces the amount of water used from public water suppliers, thus not only decreasing your water bill, but also reducing the amount of chemicals and energy used to treat water.

Christian County Rain Barrel Workshop

Resources:

Rain Barrel Publication:
http://www.ca.uky.edu/enri/kwam2009/enri224.pdf

Bowling Green, KY Rain Barrel Fact Sheet:
http://www.stormwater.kytc.ky.gov/MCM2/documents/Rain%20Barrel%20Facts.pdf

Bluegrass PRIDE Information on Rain Barrels:
http://www.kentuckypride.com/campaigns/stormwater/maintain_rain_barrels.htm

University of FL Extension - How to Build a Rain Barrel Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/Hort/Pubs/Rainbarrel.shtml

Compiled by Ashley Osborne, Extension Associate for Environmental and Natural Resource Issues, September 2009

Holly Black Root Rot is Active

2009-10-27T13:07:00.004-05:00

The following information is from the Kentucky Pest News, Number 1215 as written by Dr. John Hartman, Plant Pathologist

Some Kentucky gardeners have observed a decline in the health of landscape hollies due to black root rot infections. Black root rot, caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola can do significant damage to hollies in landscape beds. Black root rot is most frequently observed on Japanese holly, blue holly, and inkberry in Kentucky. Susceptible blue holly cultivars include: Blue Angel, Blue Maid, Blue Prince, Blue Princess, Blue Stallion, China Boy, China Girl and Dragon Lady. While English and Chinese hollies are reportedly resistant, American and Yaupon hollies are considered to be only moderately resistant. Other ornamentals known to be susceptible include begonia, cyclamen, geranium, gloxinia, oxalis, petunia, phlox, poinsettia, sweet pea, verbena, and viola (pansy). Black root rot may also affect alfalfa, cotton, cowpea, eggplant, peanut, snapbean, soybean, tobacco, and tomato.

Leaf yellowing and scorch symptoms of a dying shoot from a black root rot-infected blue holly.

Symptoms. The first symptoms of black root rot include yellowing and marginal scorch of the foliage and shoot dieback. Later, twigs or stems may die back and eventually the entire plant may die. The root system of the declining plant is stunted and decayed. These symptoms could be confused with Phytophthora root rot which was also widespread in landscapes this year. Unlike Phytophthora, black root rot causes black lesions on the infected roots which, in the early stages of disease, contrast sharply with the adjacent healthy white portions. Lesions may appear on the tips of feeder roots or elsewhere along the root. Diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic analysis which reveals the characteristic chlamydospores of the fungus embedded in the root tissues.

Inkberry holly roots affected with Black Root Rot.

Disease Management. Gardeners and nursery growers need to be aware that the black root rot fungus can persist indefinitely in the soil or it can survive as a saprophyte on plant debris, so once a landscape or nursery bed is contaminated with the fungus, it is difficult to remove.
• Plant only disease-free plants in the landscape. Sometimes diseased, but well-watered and fertilized, nursery-grown hollies or bedding plants will appear to be healthy but, after they are placed in the landscape, they may decline due to more stressful growing conditions. This means it is very important to examine root systems prior to planting. If blackened roots are evident, plants should be rejected.
• Avoid planting susceptible plants in soils known to be infested with the fungus. While the fungus is widespread, it may be present in higher levels in soils where black root rot was previously a problem on other plants such as petunia or pansy. Occasionally, when old agricultural lands are developed for housing, homeowners may find they have also purchased a black root rot problem from a former tobacco or alfalfa field as well.
• In the landscape, badly infected plants should be removed and the site replanted with a non-susceptible host.
• There are no effective fungicide drenches available for controlling black root rot in the landscape. Steam pasteurization or chemical fumigation will eradicate the fungus from propagation and growing media in nurseries. The fungicide Medallion is registered for managing this disease in greenhouses.

October 2009 Yard of the Month Winners

2009-10-15T10:17:00.001-05:00

The October Yard of the Month Winners have been posted to the city website: http://www.hoptown.org/agencies/beautification-commission/beautification-commission

Each month (April to October) the Hopkinsville Beautification Commission selects a winning home and landscape for each city ward. Nominees are called in or emailed to the Mayors office (890-0200). They can be self nominated or nominated by a neighbor or the commission members.

Winners have the honor of hosting the Yard of the Month lawn sign for that month and their home photos appear on the city website and a special monthly section of the Kentucky New Era called "Keep It Clean/Keep It Green".

Home Composting Information

2009-10-05T16:16:00.003-05:00

Although this year's growing season is quickly coming to a close, it's never too early to start planning for next year's garden. Composting is an easy way to enrich your soil, reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers used (thereby saving YOU money), and cut down on the amount of waste that enters our landfills.

Below are several resources, including publications, short media articles/radio scripts, and links related to composting.

University of KY Resources:

Composting publications:
http://www.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/home_waste.php#compostingwww.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/home_waste.php#composting
http://www.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/home_waste.php#composting

Additional Links and Resources:

Composting in the Classroom Downloadable Book - Cornell University: http://compost.css.cornell.edu/CIC.html
Basic composting information - US Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm>

Compiled by Ashley Osborne, Extension Associate for Environmental and Natural Resource Issues, October 2009

September Yard of the Month Winners

2009-09-18T09:37:00.002-05:00

The September Yard of the Month Winners have been posted to the city website: http://www.hoptown.org/agencies/beautification-commission/beautification-commission

NatureFest this Saturday

2009-09-14T20:52:00.003-05:00

NatureFest at Jeffers' Bend

Saturday, September 19, 2009
1:00pm - 5:00pm

Come Join Us For...

A Walk in the Woods with Master Gardeners
Live Animal exhibits
Canoe Tours on Lake
Ident-a-Kid
Outdoor Skills Training (presented by local Boy Scouts)
Birding activities
Butterfly Garden & Sculpture
Soil Tunnel
Children’s Garden
Pumpkin Painting
Indian Lore/Storytelling
Food Booths
Recycling Events
Hay Rides
Nature Carnival
Air Evac display

Turn from North Main Street onto Metcalfe Lane
Across from intersection with Glass Ave., Hopkinsville, KY
Admission $7 per car /$15 per bus (includes events and parking)
For More Information Call: 270-886-6719 or 270-885-8692, ext. 123

Volunteers Needed for Community Beautification Project

2009-09-10T19:56:00.001-05:00

US Smokeless Tobacco and Altria Group Make Another Environmental Investment in Hopkinsville at Project Playground located in North Drive Complex

As a commitment to the local community and its environment, US Smokeless Tobacco and Altria Group working with the Beautification Commission, have awarded a $10,000.00 grant for the beautification of Project Playground at the North Drive Complex, located off of North Drive in Hopkinsville, KY
With the help of volunteers from US Smokeless Tobacco, the leadership of the Beautification Commission’s Director, Anne Casey & Commission Members, community volunteers and Hands On Nashville, the grant will be used to add the much needed landscaping for the newly constructed Project Playground.
This event is planned for September 25, 2009, starting at 10:00 a.m. The grant will be used to purchase the trees, other nursery stock, materials for two pergolas, new commercial grade benches, as well as supplying the needed tools, mulch and other supplies. Lunch and refreshments will be furnished.
The event will end in a celebration and ribbon cutting at the North Drive Complex; starting at 5:00 p.m. Mayor Dan Kemp will begin the festivities with an official ribbon cutting for Project Playground and soccer fields. Volunteers and interested citizens are invited to celebrate the newly renovated soccer complex and playground with a community cookout.
“Because of US Smokeless Tobacco Altria Group’s continued commitment and investment in communities where their employees live and work, this grant is proof of their engagement and participation in the concerns and needs of our community,” said Anne Casey

For more information or to volunteer:
Anne Casey, Beautification Commission, City of Hopkinsville
P.O. Box 707, Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42241
Cell (270) 889-4599
Fax (270) 890-0603
acasey@hopkinsvilleky.us

State Parks Revises Firewood Policy

2009-08-24T14:39:00.002-05:00

The Kentucky Department of Parks is revising its policy on firewood at park campgrounds after the emerald ash borer was discovered in ash trees in the state earlier this year. The emerald ash borer is a destructive insect that kills ash trees. It can spread through the transport of firewood. Further restrictions are required to limit the spread of this destructive insect.

The 31 state park campgrounds will continue prohibiting out of state firewood. (The only exception is bundled firewood that has been stamped by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as clean wood.)

In addition to this step, the new policy says that in-state firewood may not be moved outside counties quarantined by the Kentucky state entomologist. Those counties are listed at this Web site: http://pest.ca.uky.edu/EXT/EAB/welcome.html (USDA certified wood is permitted.)
State park campgrounds will continue selling firewood, but will not sell wood that comes from the 20 county quarantined area (unless the state park is within that quarantined area).

For the 2010 camping season, the Department of Parks will implement an all inclusive ban on the import of firewood into the state parks unless it is bundled, stamped USDA certified clean wood. For more information about the emerald ash borer, visit http://www.emeraldashborer.info/.

Fall Armyworm May March Through Corn Patch Soon

2009-08-14T15:59:00.002-05:00

Ric Bessin, UK Entomologist, warns reports of economic infestations of fall armyworm infesting sweet corn and late-planted field corn are coming in from multiple counties this week. Extension specialists from states to our south have described high populations of fall armyworm earlier in the year than is typical, so we need to watch for increasing numbers, particularly in southern and western counties as the summer progresses. It has been quite a few years since we have had fall armyworm populations that have arrived early enough to threaten corn. This is also compounded by the wet spring and cool early summer which has delayed corn development and kept fields vulnerable to fall armyworm egg laying longer into the summer.

Fall armyworm can be a very difficult to control pest if infestations are not treated when the larvae are small. After the larvae reach approximately ¾” in length, they can form a frass plug in the whorl of the corn plant that reduces the ability of insecticides to contact the larvae. There are a number of insecticides that can be effective when applied while the larvae are small (See ID-36 for sweet corn recommendations: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id36/id36.htm).

Growers should be monitoring their corn fields, particularly all of their later plantings (read that as late May and later). Some Bt corn hybrids for corn borer control only provide suppression of fall armyworm, so these fields will need to be monitored as well.

For more information on fall armyworm in corn, read ENFACT-110, http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/entfactpdf/ef110.pdf

August Yard of the Month Winners Posted

2009-08-11T12:32:00.004-05:00

The August Yard of the Month Winners have been posted to the city website: http://www.hoptown.org/agencies/beautification-commission/beautification-commission

Late Blight Confirmed in Christian County

2009-08-07T11:19:00.004-05:00

Late Blight has been confirmed in Christian County as of Friday, August 7, 2009. This is a serious disease for production fields and home gardeners. For detailed information on mananging late blight please read the following update from Dr. Kenny Seebold.

TOMATO DISEASE UPDATE
By Kenny Seebold, Extension Plant Pathologist

The unprecedented cool weather we’ve had in July, coupled with above-normal precipitation, has been stressful on Kentucky’s tomato growers – commercial and homeowners alike. Diseases have added to this stress load, and we are seeing a fair amount of early blight and Septoria blight show up at the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab. These are serious problems and can cause losses if left uncontrolled; however, they pale in comparison to another problem that has literally exploded in the past week – late blight. This is a fairly uncommon disease in Kentucky, and rarely causes widespread losses. In the eastern U.S., though, a massive epidemic is underway that has caused some severe damage to tomatoes and potatoes in 16 states. According to Dr. Meg McGrath of Cornell University, it is unprecedented to see this disease so early and widespread. Part of the blame goes back shipments of infected tomato transplants from a large supplier that went out to garden centers and home supply stores across the region. I don’t know if this is the root of our epidemic, but it’s certain that we are now facing a crisis on tomatoes and potatoes in Kentucky.

Back around the 9th of July, I sent out an e-mail alert that we’d confirmed late blight in Laurel and Larue counties. Since that time, we’ve had very favorable conditions for late blight in terms of temperature and moisture. Reports began rolling in during the week of July 27, and by the end of that week we’d confirmed cases in Breathitt, Jackson, Johnson, Montgomery, and Wolfe Counties. All reports thus far have been on tomatoes and epidemic seems to be confined to eastern Kentucky for the moment, although there have been unconfirmed cases in central Kentucky as well. Growers in eastern Kentucky are at greatest risk, but all areas in the state need to be on the lookout for late blight. Prevention should be our focus at this stage, since we don’t know where this disease is headed next!

The Disease. Late blight is caused by Phytophthora infestans, a fungus-like organism, and is a fast-moving and highly destructive disease of tomatoes and potatoes under cool and wet conditions. Late blight epidemics in the late 1840’s were responsible for the Irish potato famine and subsequent migration of millions of people to the United States. All plant parts are affected, including fruit and tubers. Total losses are common in gardens and fields if control measures are not put in place. Late blight can easily enter greenhouses and high tunnels as well.

Symptoms. Early symptoms of late blight are large water-soaked blotches on foliage that will enlarge and form green-to-brown lesions. Sporulation may be evident on the undersides of lesions under moist conditions; this sporulation will be gray to white in color. Necrotic leaf tissue will blacken and shrivel, giving affected plants a blighted appearance. The pathogen will also attack petioles and stems, killing the plant in some cases. Tomato fruit affected by late blight develop as darkened spots that enlarge over time, and fungal growth may be seen in rotted tissue. Infected fruit are invaded by secondary organisms and develop soft rot. Potato tubers can become infected from spores washed from leaves into the soil and will decay.

Control – Commercial Growers. Preventive application of fungicides is necessary to prevent losses to late blight. Protectant fungicides such as chlorothalonil (Bravo and generics), maneb, and mancozeb (Dithane, Penncozeb, or Manzate), and fixed coppers can help when disease pressure is low; however, when inoculum levels increase or if disease is found in fields, stronger products are recommended. Late-blight-specific fungicides are summarized below (as published by Dr. Meg McGrath, Cornell University):

Curzate 60DF (Group 27). 3.2-5 ounces per acre (3.2 ounces for potatoes). 5 oz on 5-day interval when late blight present. 30 oz/A seasonal max. 3 d PHI.EPA Reg No. 352-592. Active ingredient is Cymoxanil. 12 h REI. Must be tank-mixed with a protectant fungicide.

Forum (Group 40). 6 fluid ounces. 30 fl oz/A seasonal max. 2 consecutive spray max. 4 d PHI. EPA Reg No. 241-427. Dimethomorph. 12 h REI. Must be applied with another fungicide.

Gavel (Group 22). 1.5-2 pounds. 16 lb or 8 application seasonal max. 5 d PHI tomato; 3 d PHI for potato (14 d in some states). Latron surfactant recommended. EPA Reg No. 62719-441. Zoxamide + mancozeb. 48 h REI.

Omega 500F (Group 29). 5.5 fl oz for potatoes only. 3.5 pts/A seasonal max. 14 d PHI. EPA Reg No. 71512-1-100. Fluazinam. 48 h REI.

Presidio (Group 43). 3-4 fl oz for tomatoes only. 12 fl oz/A seasonal max. 2 consecutive spray max. EPA Reg No. 59639-140. Flupicolide. 12 h REI. 2 d PHI

Previcur Flex (Group 28). 0.7-1.5 pint (1.2 pints max for potatoes). 7.5 pts/A seasonal max for tomatoes; 6 pts/A for potatoes. 5 d PHI for tomato; 14 d PHI for potato. EPA Reg No. 264-678. Propamocarb hydrochloride. 12 h REI.

Ranman (Group 21). 1.4–2.75 fluid ounces (2.1-2.75 for tomato). 16.5 fl oz or 6 application seasonal max for tomatoes; 27.5 fl oz or 10 applications for potatoes. 0 d PHI for tomatoes; 7 d for potatoes. EPA Reg No. 71512-3-279. Cyazofamid. 12 h REI.

Revus (Group 40). 5.5 to 8 fluid ounces. 2 consecutive spray max. 32 fl oz/A seasonal max. 1 d PHI for tomato; 14 d PHI for potato. EPA Reg No. 100-1254. Mandipropamid. 12 h REI.

Strobilurins, such as azoxystrobin (Quadris), pyraclostrobin (Cabrio/Headline), and fenamidone (Reason) have not performed as well as the products listed above in university trials. Ridomil Gold Bravo and Ridomil Gold Copper are not recommended due to widespread resistance in pathogen populations to Ridomil. Consult ID-36 (KY Production Guide for Commercial Vegetables) for specific use rates. Keep in mind that some of these products may be difficult to find in local dealerships and may have to be special-ordered. Of the materials listed above, Previcur Flex, Forum, Curzate, or Gavel may be the easiest to obtain in Kentucky, and are effective against late blight when used as directed.

Growers need to scout plantings regularly for late blight and other diseases. Preventive fungicide applications are recommended at this point for all Kentucky tomato and potato growers to help combat late blight, and also early blight and Septoria (tomato). Growers should not wait to see symptoms of late blight before treating. A good protectant program aimed at late-blight prevention will also aid against other foliar fungal diseases. During favorable conditions, sprays need to be made every 5-7 days, and every 7-10 days during drier weather.

If late blight is found, growers should immediately destroy plants in the affected area plus bordering plants (as these are likely infected). Plants can be sprayed with an herbicide, or removed and disked under. Do not handle plants when they are wet, as this may spread disease; perform this operation when conditions are sunny and dry if possible. At the end of the season, promptly destroy crop residues. Do not leave cull piles out in the open, as the pathogen can spread or potentially survive in this residue. Bury this material if at all possible.

Control – Homeowners. The general management practices listed above apply also to the homeowner. Regular scouting of plantings, and prompt removal of infected plants is an important consideration. The bulk of cases reported thus far have come from home gardens, where regular application of fungicides is less common than in commercial fields. Few fungicides are available to home gardeners; however, products containing chlorothalonil, maneb/mancozeb, or fixed copper are the tools of choice. These should be applied regularly, and the user should refer to the product label for rates, PHI, and safety precautions. These products, as mentioned earlier, will not function well if pressure is high or if disease is present before spray programs are started.

Control – Organic Producers. Control measures for organic producers are similar to those recommended for home gardeners. OMRI-approved fungicides such as fixed-copper (depends on the product) can be used in a preventive program. Other OMRI-approved products include: Sporatec, Sonata, Serenade Max, Oxidate, and Companion. As with the protectants recommended for home gardeners, these products do not perform well under high disease pressure or if disease is present prior to treatment. Consult product labels for rates, PHI, and safety precautions.

Downy Mildew Threat Rising

2009-08-05T13:23:00.003-05:00

Dr. Kenney Seebold, UK Plant Pathologist for Commercial Vegetables, announces that the North American Plant Disease Forecast Center indicates the potential for movement of downy mildew on cucurbits from west TN into western KY this week. Cucurbit growers should be following a regular fungicide program. Seebold says all growers in the state would benefit from this, not only against downy mildew but also things like powdery mildew, anthracnose, Cercospora, Alternaria, and gummy stem blight. The Extension Office has information on recommended products; in general, chlorothalonil products will make a good choice for the “backbone” of a spray program.

Let me know if you have any questions, and if you find downy mildew.