SOUTH FLORIDA

VEGETABLE PEST AND DISEASE

HOTLINE
October 20, 2020

East coast and locations north of Lake Okeechobee were hammered by heavy rains over the past few
weeks causing a rapid rise in Lake levels and increased disease pressure. The first few cool fronts of the
season pushed into the area briefly delightfully dipping nighttime temps into the upper 60’s in many places for
the first time in over 5 months. Temperatures have been seasonable with days in the 80’s and 90’s and nights in
the lower 70’s.

Growers continue to prepare land, lay plastic and planting fall vegetables celery, cucumbers, eggplants,
green beans, herbs, peppers, squash, sweet corn tomatoes and specialty items.

FAWN Weather Summary

Date Air Temp °F Rainfall Ave Relative Humidity ET (Inches/Day)
Min Max (Inches) (Percent) (Average)
Balm
9/22 – 10/20/2020 62.64 95.05 3.05 75 0.13
Belle Glade
9/22 – 10/20/2020 65.86 95.85 3.14 88 0.12
Clewiston
9/22 – 10/20/2020 66.24 93.04 4.10 87 0.12
Ft Lauderdale
9/22 – 10/20/2020 71.02 95.00 11.50 68 0.13
Homestead
9/22 – 10/20/2020 70.75 91.67 10.56 88 0.12
Immokalee
9/22 – 10/20/2020 66.65 94.55 2.35 85 0.13
Okeechobee
9/22 – 10/20/2020 65.84 93.72 8.20 87 0.11
“Remember, when in doubt - scout.”
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Some early planted cucumber, eggplant, green beans, and squash are coming to the market with a wider
variety of crops expected to start coming in in the next few weeks.

The National Weather Service forecast indicates that high pressure remains across the region with breezy
easterly winds across the area much of the week ahead. Drier air will move into the mid-level atmosphere
with a slight chance of showers and storms possible along the easterly breeze. Diurnal convection over the
Atlantic waters and the east coast metro areas in the late night and morning hours along the breeze before
shifting to the interior and west coast in the afternoon and evening aided by diurnal heating.

For additional information, visit the National Weather Service in Miami website at
https://www.weather.gov/mfl/

Insects

Whiteflies

Around Central Florida, respondents indicate that whiteflies remain active in tomato and melons at
mostly low numbers.

Growers and scouts in SW Florida report that whiteflies pressure has declined with recent rains. Scouts
report finding mostly low numbers in cucurbits, eggplant and tomato with some flare ups reported with higher
numbers showing up in eggplant and squash.

In the EAA, low number of whiteflies are present in beans and lettuce.

On the East Coast, scouts are reporting finding mostly low numbers of whitefly in eggplant.

Reports from Homestead indicate that whiteflies are present in oriental vegetables.

Management of whiteflies later in the season depends on early suppression of whitefly populations,
growers need to be aggressive with the best systemic materials (Venom, Sivanto Prime, Verimark) early
in the season. Growers who are on seepage and not drip are at a particular disadvantage if whiteflies and virus
are high early in the season.

Preventative soil applications of either imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, flupyradifurone or

cyanatraniliprole should be used preventatively in tomato and cucurbits.

Proper scouting is essential to manage silverleaf whitefly. Over the years, UF entomologists have
developed usable action thresholds that have been successful for many tomato farmers. However, these
thresholds are only guidelines. Farm managers may modify them to fit their particular situations and
expectations. *

Silverleaf whitefly thresholds

0-3 true leaves 10 adults/plant*

3-7 true leaves 1 adult/leaflet
 NOTE - *If the source of whiteflies is believed to be tomato or melons, where virus is
present, the threshold will be lower!

Efficacy Ratings for Insecticides and Miticides on Tomato

Whiteflies Other pests controlled

Southern Spider
Whiteflies Stinkbugs Leafminer
MOA Active Ingredient Armyworm mites
4A dinotefuran E** G
4A imidacloprid E**
4A thiamethoxam E** G
4D flupyradifurone E**
23 spiromesifen E† E
23 spirotetramat E† G
7C pyriproxyfen E†
28 cyantraniliprole E** E E
1B malathion G*
3A beta-cyfluthrin G* F G
3A bifenthrin G* G
3A esfenvalerate G* G
3A fenpropathrin G* F F
3A lambda cyhalothrin G* F
3A permethrin G* G
3A zeta-cypermethrin G* G F
4A acetamiprid G
9 pymetrozine G†
16 buprofezin G†
21 A fenpyroxiamate G G
4A clothianidin F**
Unk. horticultural oil F† G
Unk. Azadiractin F†
Unk. Soap, insecticidal F†
* OP+Pyrethroids tank mix. † Effective primarily against nymphs ** Most Effective as a
drench. Check labels before using any pesticide.

Systemic insecticides applied to soil for whitefly control

Common name Mode of Action Trade Names Rates
Imidacloprid 4A Various Check Label
Thiamethoxam 4A Platinum 75 SG 1.66 - 3.67
4A Venom 70% 5 - 7.5 oz./ac
Scorpion 35 SL 9 -1 0.5 fl oz./ac
Certador 10% 32.5 - 47.5 fl oz./ac
Flurpyradifuron 4D Sivanto 200 SL 21-28 fl oz./ac
Verimark 28 Verimark 18.7% 5-10 fl oz./ac
Field hygiene should be a high priority and should be an integral part of the overall strategy for
managing whitefly populations, whitefly vectored viruses, and insecticide resistance. Growers are advised
to be alert for volunteer tomato or cucurbits that may be present in row middles and field margins as these may
be a source of whiteflies and virus.

For more whitefly management tips – see: Management of Whiteflies, Whitefly-Vectored Plant Virus, and
Insecticide Resistance for Vegetable Production in Southern Florida - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in695

Worms

Growers and scouts in the Manatee Ruskin area report seeing hatches of armyworms lately in tomatoes,
and peppers .

Growers and scouts in the EAA report steady fall armyworm pressure in sweet corn noting that most
fields are reaching sprayable levels, but not 3 or 4 times above threshold numbers that often seen during
fall moth flights. Beet Armyworms are common in lettuce along with a few loopers and southern armyworms
being detected in leaf and beans as well.

Around SW Florida, worm activity has picked up, scouts report finding mostly southern armyworms but
also some fall armyworms, beet armyworms, yellow stripe armyworms, loopers, fruitworms and
melonworms.

Reports from Homestead indicate that melonworms are present in some specialty cucurbits and squash.

On the East Coast respondents report that worm activity is moderate with loopers becoming common in
eggplant.

Fall is worm time in south Florida. As temperatures begin to drop up north, moths and butterflies
migrate south and reach high numbers in peninsula Florida in the fall months.

Scouting is extremely important in detecting worms early before they can do significant damage. The
Florida Tomato Scouting Guide indicates a pre-bloom threshold of 1 larva/6plants and post-bloom threshold of
1 egg mass or larva/field.

The different armyworms especially the younger instars are similar in color, size and markings and can
be difficult to tell apart. The following information from the Florida Tomato Scouting Guide to help growers
identify these different worms.

• Beet armyworm: (Spodoptera exigua) is generally less numerous than southern armyworm but is more
difficult to control. The larvae are generally green, mottled with white spots with black spot over the middle pair
of true legs. 1 – 1.25 in. long at maturity. The adults have light brownish gray front wings with indistinct lines
and are active at night. The eggs are laid in masses of 50 to 75 eggs covered with a felt like mass of scales from
female's body. Eggs are generally found on underside of leaves and hatch in 3 days.

• Southern armyworm: (Spodoptera eridania) the larva are dark caterpillars with a yellowish-brown head and
a yellowish line along the side of body that is interrupted by a large dark spot on first abdominal segment.
Approximately 2 in. long at maturity. Large larvae have 2 rows of dark triangles on dorsal surface. The young
larvae feed on under surface of leaflets leaving upper epidermis intact to give a "windowpane" appearance. The
adult has the front wing streaked with cream, gray, light brown, and black and hind wing white with some dark
on margins. Large masses of 100 - 200 eggs covered with moth body scales are found on underside of leaves
• The yellowstriped armyworm: (Spodoptera ornithogalli), has a brownish head with a pale-yellow inverted V
on the upper front. It has distinct bright yellow lines on the top of the sides of the body. The yellowstriped
armyworm occurs with both overall pale and dark colored bodies. It has two rows of black triangle shaped
markings running the length of the body. Each row is offset from the center of the back. A thin white line runs
lengthwise through each series of dark triangles. The yellowstriped armyworm is more common in north
Florida.

• Tomato fruitworm: (Helicoverpa zea) larval color is variable, ranging from very dark to light green or pink
with alternating longitudinal dark and light stripes. The skin is covered with short sharp micro spines. Adults are
active at night, with a 1½ in. wingspan. Males display a cream-colored forewing with orange or olive cast, while
females have a light-yellow brown forewing with indistinct vertical lines. Eggs are waxy white and ribbed, with
a flat base, and are deposited singly usually on lower surfaces of leaves adjacent to or near flowers. Eggs hatch
in 2-3 days.

• Cabbage or soybean looper: (Trichoplusia ni or Pseudoplusia includens) Larva are pale green with white line
alongside of the body and only 3 pair of prolegs. Mature size 1 – 1 1/4 in. Adult is a grayish brown moth that is
active at night. Front wings marked near center with a figure 8 shaped, silver white spot. Eggs are greenish
white, ridged but flattened laterally and are found singly on upper or lower leaf surfaces of upper canopy leaves.
Hatches in 2 3 days.

Scouting is extremely important in detecting worms early before they can do significant damage. The
Florida Tomato Scouting Guide indicates a pre-bloom threshold of 1 larva/6plants and post-bloom threshold of
1 egg mass or larva/field.

Fortunately, growers have a wide array of excellent worm control materials at their disposal these days.

Dr Dak Seal, entomologist at UF/IFAS TREC reports that in trials the Bt’s and Spear-T provided
effective control of worms. He advises growers to avoid using broad spectrum insecticides. Dak notes
Rimon is an effective growth regulator in controlling beet and fall armyworm and other worm pests. Rimon
also provides excellent control of cucumber beetle.

Consult the UF/IFAS Vegetable Production Handbook for labeled products.

Pepper Weevil

Growers and scouts on the East Coast report find surprising numbers of adult pepper weevils showing up
unusually early in a number of fields.

Similar reports have been received from around SW Florida, where scouts report finding significant
numbers of adults in yellow sticky traps in young pepper plantings in multiple locations.

In the absence of pepper blossoms and fruit, adults feed on leaves, but cause no significant damage.
However once blossom buds and immature fruit begin to form, adult and larval feeding can destroy both
blossoms and fruit and cause fruit and bud drop.

Larval feeding within the mature fruit is another important form of damage, causing the core to become
brown, and often moldy.

Fruit drop is common and is the most obvious sign of infestation. The stem of fruits infested by larvae turn
yellow, and the fruit colors prematurely.
Adult population estimates are best obtained by visual examination and yellow sticky traps. Action
thresholds are one adult per 400 terminal buds or 1% of buds infested.

Insecticides are commonly applied to the foliage at short intervals once buds begin to form. Insecticidal
suppression is feasible, but insecticides vary considerably in effectiveness, and even in the presence of chemical
insecticides some loss commonly occurs.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled insecticides for pepper weevil control in
Florida.

Leafminer

Around Hillsborough County, leafminers are starting to increase and are reaching threshold levels in
some tomatoes

In the EAA, reports indicate leafminer are starting to show up in beans and lettuce.

Reports from growers and scouts around SW Florida indicate some growers have started to spray for
leafminers numbers and numbers are starting to increase in tomato, eggplants, and melons.

Reports of leafminer stippling showing up on plants coming from the plant house, also portends
increasing field pressure ahead.

In south Florida, leafminer populations peak between October and March while in central Florida they
are a problem in both spring and fall.

The adults are small yellow and black flies about the size of a gnat. The female punctures or "stipples" the
leaves with her ovipositor to lay eggs in the leaf tissue or to feed on sap.

Leafminer damage is easily recognized by the irregular serpentine mines in leaves. The tunnel is clear with
a trail of black fecal material left behind as the maggot feeds.

Leafminer damage to foliage can render plants more susceptible to fungal or bacterial diseases, which can
cause further harm to plants. Bacterial spot, Alternaria, target spot and other diseases often become
established in leaf mines.

Cucumber beetle

Respondents indicate a few cucumber beetles are showing up in young corn.

Broad Mite

On the East Coast broad mites are becoming common in pepper at about late bloom/early fruit stage.

Thrips

Around Miami Dade County, melon thrips populations are very low but will increase as planting picks up
especially in beans, squash, and other susceptible crops.

Respondents on the East Coast report finding low number of thrips in pepper blooms but not they all
appear to be Florida flower thrips.
To date: thrips surveys for Asian bean thrips, sampled from cover crops and field margins around South
Florida have been identified as mostly Florida flower thrips with only a single bean thrip found around
Indiantown.

Mole Crickets

Reports indicate that mole crickets are causing a few problems in some places.

Silkfly

Silk fly adults are also common in corn fields with a number of hot spots reported but nothing is silking
yet, but growers should be on the look-out as silking commences.

Diseases

Bacterial Spot

Growers and scouts in the Manatee Ruskin area report Manatee county tomato growers have been
fighting bacteria and early plantings have infection to plant tops. Respondents indicate fruit have been
affected in several locations.

Around SW Florida, bacterial spot remains the biggest challenge in tomatoes and has become significant
in some fields. Most peppers are still looking good although there are reports of significant defoliation in a few
jalapeño fields.

Reports from Homestead indicate low levels of bacterial spot are present in some young tomato and
susceptible pepper varieties.

Respondents on the east Coast report finding the first signs of bacterial leaf spot signs in some young
jalapeño pepper.

Scouting is important and growers need to be alert as older tomatoes are reaching the stage where target
spot can sneak in behind it in older plantings where larger bush canopies prevent internal drying.

Bacterial spot is one of the most serious diseases of tomato and pepper in Florida because it can spread
rapidly during warm periods with wind driven rains, and because fruit symptoms reduce marketability.

Bacterial spot is caused by several species of Xanthomonas spp. Four species have been identified on
tomato: X. euvesicatoria, X. vesicatoria, X. perforans, X. gardneri. In Florida, the major species encountered is
X. perforans.

Symptoms of bacterial spot appear as small, water-soaked, greasy spots on infected leaflets. On tomatoes,
distinct spots with or without yellowing occur. Individual leaf spots may coalesce with each other, resulting in
the browning of entire leaflets. Fruit spots often begin as dark specks with or without a white halo. As spots
enlarge, they become raised and scab-like.
Entry into the plant occurs through stomata or wounds made by wind driven soil, insects, or cultural
operations. Bacterial spot can be seed transmitted, but most inocula comes from volunteer plants or infected
plant debris in the soil. Temperatures of 75-87°F are ideal for bacterial spot but infections can occur at higher or
lower temperatures.

Xanthomonas perforans is seed-borne, which allows for the movement of strains on a global scale.

An integrated approach is needed to manage this disease.

At the field level, most inocula comes from infected transplants, volunteer plants or infected plant debris
in the soil.

Exclusion is the best means of managing bacterial spot on tomato. Unfortunately, even the best bactericidal
treatment offers only limited protection when environmental conditions are favorable for rapid disease
development, especially during periods of heavy, wind-driven rains.

Sanitation is important. Pepper and tomato volunteers and solanaceous weeds should be destroyed
between crops. Purchase only certified disease-free transplants and seed.

Infected transplants can provide for long distance transplant of the disease. To reduce the incidence of
disease, transplant houses should be located away from tomato or pepper fields. Transplant trays should be
inspected daily for signs of disease and trays should be rouged out and destroyed at the first sign of disease.
Transplant house workers should wash and sanitize their hands frequently to avoid movement of bacteria from
tray to tray and house to house.

Since water movement spreads the bacteria from diseased to healthy plants, workers and farm equipment
should be kept out of fields when fields are wet because the disease will spread readily under wet
conditions.

No resistant tomato varieties are available commercially. In pepper, a number of excellent varieties with
resistance to races 1 -10 are available.

It is important to apply sprays before and during rainy periods. If conditions are favorable, frequent
spraying may not be sufficient to maintain bacterial spot below damaging levels.

The traditional recommendation for bacterial spot control consists of copper and maneb or mancozeb.
Attention to application techniques is as important as choice of material in achieving adequate control. The
effectiveness of copper is limited, because of the widespread occurrence of copper tolerance among strains of
Xanthomonas.

In the past few years, a number of products have come on the market that have given good results in
research trials when used in rotation or together with traditional controls such as copper. These include
Tanos (Dupont) as well as the SAR elicitor Actigard (Syngenta), Leap (Valent), Double Nickel 55 (Certis),
Regalia (Maronne Bioinnovations) and Serenade and Sonata (AgraQuest). Leap is unique among the products
mentioned above as it contains two active ingredients providing growers with disease management and
caterpillar control.
In replicated trials at UF, two products Actigard (acibenzolar-S-methyl) and Cueva (copper octanoate)
consistently performed better in the management of bacterial spot over standard applications copper
hydroxide in repeated trials alone or when combined with other products.

Attention to application techniques is as important as choice of material in achieving adequate control.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for formulations, rates, and intervals of currently labeled materials
for bacterial spot in Florida.

Bacterial blight

Low levels of bacterial blight are being reported on beans in Homestead and the EAA

Common bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli, is the most frequently
encountered bacterial disease of snap bean in Florida.

Leaf symptoms of common bacterial blight first appear as small, water-soaked spots on the underside of
the leaves. The lesions become larger and develop into dry, brown spots with distinct, rather narrow, yellow
halos. Spots may coalesce causing a general yellowing of leaves.

Symptoms on pods can be striking with development of large, water-soaked areas which are more or less
circular and slightly sunken. As symptoms progress, pod lesions can become distinctly brick-red in color and
deeply pitted. Under highly humid conditions, they may exude yellowish bacterial ooze that dries to a yellowish,
crusty mass. Significant pod symptoms can appear with little foliar damage.

The causal bacterium of common bacterial blight is related to bacteria that cause devastating bacterial
diseases of tomato, pepper, lettuce, and many ornamental crops in Florida. X. c. pv. phaseoli has a limited
host range, affecting snap bean, dry beans, and a few other members of the legume family.

Contaminated seed is probably the major source of bacteria introduced into new fields.

Rainfall or overhead is conducive to disease development and progression in the field. Splashing water
spreads the bacterial pathogen from diseased plants to healthy plants.

Wounding of plants, such as that created by wind-blown soil particles, can create portals for ingress of
blight bacteria. Bacteria are also readily transmitted mechanically, especially when field plants are wet. Insects
such as whiteflies, leafminers, and beetles may transmit the bacterium from plant to plant.

Avoid movement through and work in fields when plants are wet. This simple cultural practice can
greatly reduce blight disease development and spread.

Control leguminous weeds that may serve as inoculum reservoirs. Insects should be properly controlled,
particularly whiteflies.
Frequent scouting is important as sprays of fixed copper bactericides/fungicides may provide benefit if
applied at first signs of the disease. Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled products for
control of common bacterial blight in Florida.

Bacterial blight

Bacterial blight in sweet corn caused by Pseudomonas avenae has been reported in the Glades. This
disease often affects corn as it is in the mature whorl stage, but it is seldom economic. Once the plant fully
expands (tassels), it becomes very resistant.

Black rot

A few reports of black rot on cabbage have been sent in by respondents in West Central Florida.

Black rot is caused by the bacterium, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Cabbage, broccoli,
cauliflower, kale, collards, radish, and other members of the cabbage family are susceptible.

In the field, the disease is easily recognized by the presence of large yellow "V"-shaped areas extending
inward from the margin of outer leaves, and by black veins in the infected area. In extreme cases, heading
may be prevented.

Although the distribution may be uniform, symptoms are often clusters and often more severe in wet
areas. Diseased plants may appear in rows as a result of spread during cultural operations.

The bacteria are spread by splashing or flowing water, shipping and handling of infected plants, and
insects. The bacteria are seedborne and thus are disseminated worldwide. As few as three infected seeds in
10,000 (0 03%) can cause black rot epidemics in a field.

When seedlings emerge, the bacteria move into the xylem tissue and from there spread throughout the
plant.

Plants may be affected with black rot at any stage of growth. The bacteria most frequently invade the host
plant through hydathodes at the leaf margins particularly when plants have been subjected to heavy rains or
irrigation resulting in a small, wilted, V-shaped infected area that extends inward from the leaf edge toward the
midrib.

Free moisture in the form of dew, fog, or rain is required for infection and disease development. Under the
optimum conditions, symptoms may appear on plants 7 to 14 days after infection. At lower temperatures,
symptoms develop more slowly.

Black rot can be controlled by utilizing an integrated control program. The control of this disease is based
on sanitation. There are no commercially acceptable varieties resistant to the disease at this time. Spraying with
copper fungicides may help reduce spread but can cause spotting on foliage.

The following measures will help reduce losses from black rot:
 - Crop rotation
- Use of certified disease free
- Hot water seed treatments.
- Make sure your transplant grower carries out protection measures, including inspections.
- Plow down fields immediately after harvest to incorporate debris and speed decomposition
- Wait for plants to dry before working a field in order to reduce spread.

Bacterial soft rot

Some pepper growers on the East Coast are reporting some pepper dropping from bacterial soft rot in
fields affected by recent heavy rains. Bacterial soft rot found in young celery in the EAA as well resulting
from earlier rains.

Choanephora

Low levels of Choanephora blight are being reported on green beans, peppers, roselle and squash around
S Florida.

Choanephora blight or wet blight, caused by the fungus Choanephora sp., is an occasional problem on
vegetables especially during high rainfall periods in the early fall in Southwest Florida.

Symptoms are visible on apical growing points, flowers, and fruits. Initially, water-soaked areas develop on
leaves and leaf margins, leaf tips and apical growing points become blighted. Older lesions appear necrotic and
dried out. Later the fungus grows rapidly downward causing dieback. The dark-gray fungal growth is apparent
on some lesions. Close inspection under magnification will reveal silvery, spine-like fungal structures and dark
spores.

Symptoms may be confused with Phytophthora blight (Phytophthora capsici) when young or spray burn
on bean plants with older symptoms.

A black soft rot can develop in fruit. Young squash fruit in particular develop a dark whiskery fungal growth
on the blossom end before the fruit softens and rots.

This fungus is a weak parasite; it colonizes dead or dying tissue before it actively invades living tissue.
The fungus often invades the old flowers and advances into foliage or fruits.

There are few management techniques available, but fungicidal sprays applied for the control of other
diseases will provide some control of this disease also. Good spray coverage where dense foliage occurs is
important.

Target spot

Respondents in the Manatee Ruskin area report that low levels of target spot is present in some older
tomato.

Around SW Florida, low levels of target spot are being reported in some older tomato.
As the season progresses, growers and scouts should be look for target spot as canopies develop and
remain wet for extended periods in the morning.

Target spot is frequently misdiagnosed as in its early stages as symptoms are difficult to recognize and
can be confused with bacterial spot and early blight. Scouting is important to detect early signs of the
diseases Growers are often taken by surprise as in the beginning of the season while we are still experiencing
frequent rains they are targeting bacterial spot and then as the rains subside and canopies develop target spot
emerges as a larger concern.

The name derives from the bull’s eye appearance that is often displayed in lesions caused by the disease.
Since concentric rings are not always visible and not all lesions with concentric rings are target spot, it is
recommended that a laboratory diagnosis be obtained to ensure that a correct diagnosis is made.

On tomato leaves and stems, foliar symptoms of target spot consist of brown-black lesions with subtle
concentric rings giving them a target-like appearance. These can sometimes be confused with early blight.
With early blight, the lesions are often associated with a general chlorosis of the leaf.

On tomato fruit, lesions are more distinct. Small, brown, slightly sunken flecks are seen initially and may
resemble abiotic injury such as sandblasting. As fruits mature the lesions become larger and coalesce resulting
in large pitted areas. Advanced symptoms include large deeply sunken lesions, often with visible dark gray to
black fungal growth in the center. A zone of wrinkled looking tissue may surround the margins of lesions on
mature fruit. Placing suspect fruit in a moist environment for 24 hours will often induce the growth of dark
gray mycelia providing telltale diagnostic evidence of target spot infection.
Currently, target spot is controlled primarily by applications of protectant fungicides. It should be noted
that tank-mix sprays of copper fungicides and maneb do not provide acceptable levels of target spot control.

Widespread resistance has been documented to Qol fungicides including both strobilurins and non-
strobilurin fungicides in FRAC Group 11 and their use is not recommended for target spot control.

In addition, moderate resistance has been documented in the SDHI fungicides FRAC Group 7 which
includes boscalid, penthiopyrad, fluopyram and fluxapyroxad. These should be used with caution and
attention paid to rotating with alternative modes of action.

In recent efficacy trials, at the University of Florida – Approvia Top, Inspire Super, Luna Tranquility,
Revus Top, Rhyme, and Scala are top performers. Contact protectant fungicides like mancozeb and Bravo
are effective and should be used early in the crop cycle switching to more efficacious materials once disease is
present.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for target spot control in Florida
vegetables.

Pythium

Growers and scouts continue to report widespread problems with damping off associated with Pythium in
all location across South Florida affected by recent heavy rains. Crops affected include cucurbits, green
beans, lettuce tomatoes and pepper.
Some aerial Pythium has been reported in beans around Homestead and the EAA in areas pounded by
recent heavy rains.

Phytophthora

On the East Coast, Phytophthora is showing up in some yellow squash as well as low levels in eggplant
and pepper in fields with a history of the disease.

Rhizoctonia

Growers and scouts in the EAA are reporting wilted plants and some stand losses in lettuce and green
beans due to rhizoctonia.

Beans are commonly infected by Rhizoctonia spp., but seedlings of many other plant species are also
susceptible to these fungi.

Rhizoctonia can cause stem lesions on seedlings before or after emergence. Infections of seedling stems are
most common near the soil surface. Stem infections typically occur near the soil surface and result in some
shade of brown, red or orange discoloration.

Older lesions will appear sunken with less red color and may eventually rot the entire outer portion of the
stem, thus causing the plant to fall over. Small black brown sclerotia may form on or just under the surface of
older lesions. Severe infections can cause plant stunting and death.

Rhizoctonia is spread within and between fields by irrigation water and soil movement.

Optimum soil temperatures for development of the disease range from 75 to 85oF.

In general, seedlings and young plants are highly susceptible to infection while the disease is seldom a
problem on older plants.

Control of Rhizoctonia root and stem rot in beans is difficult.

A major goal in managing Rhizoctonia in beans is to establish a fast-growing seedling that reduces the
“hazard time” as young tender plants are more susceptible than older plants.

There are several measures that will assist in this regard. Use only healthy disease-free seed. Poor quality
seed will germinate slowly, which offers a distinct advantage to Rhizoctonia.

Rhizoctonia root and stem rot can also be reduced by shallow seeding, planting in warm soils suitable for
rapid germination, avoidance of high seeding rates and rotation of beans with non-host crops.

Since the pathogen typically survives between crops on infected plant debris, sanitation is important, and
all residues should be disked under and allowed to decompose.

A number of fungicides can control Rhizoctonia on young bean plants if applied as a seed treatment or an
in-furrow application at seeding.
Southern Blight

Growers and scouts across all areas of South Florida are reporting low levels of southern blight in a
variety of crops.

Southern blight is caused by a soil-born fungus, Sclerotium rolfsii is a widespread problem in Florida’s fall
season. Typical symptoms include a whitish fungal growth develops around the base of plants at the ground line
followed by wilting and sudden plant death as the fungus girdles the stem. Small seed-like structures (sclerotia)
may be found within fungal mass. They are white at first and later turn dark brown to black.

The disease usually appears in "hot spots" in fields in early fall and continues until cooler, dryer weather
prevails.

Basil Downy Mildew

Dr Richard Raid, Plant Pathologist at UF/IFAS EREC reports indicate that downy mildew on basil has
appeared in South Florida and he notes disease pressure will increase dramatically as night temperatures
dip down into the 60s and 70s.

Cucurbit Downy Mildew

Respondents in SW Florida report that downy mildew is showing up in some watermelons.

Around Hillsborough County reports indicate that downy mildew is increasing in cantaloupes.

Since nighttime temperatures between 55o and 75oF and relative humidity above 90%, provide ideal
conditions for infection, cucurbits planted in South Florida are always at risk from downy mildew.

Control of downy mildew on cucurbits is achieved primarily by the use of resistant varieties and/ or
fungicide spray programs. Fungicide sprays are recommended for all cucurbits. Resistant varieties are
currently available for some cucurbits and can help reduce fungicide applications.

Spray programs for downy mildew are most effective when initiated prior to the first sign of disease since
once a planting becomes infected; it becomes more and more difficult for fungicides to control downy
mildew.

A range of fungicides is available for the control of downy mildew depending on the crop. Consult
UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for downy mildew control in Florida.

Gummy Stem Blight

Grower and scouts report seeing increased incidence of gummy stem blight in watermelon in West
Central and Southwest Florida.

Growers often comment on this disease occurring “overnight.” What they are actually seeing are the results
of secondary spread, which is more difficult to control than primary spread simply because of increased spore
numbers with increased diseased tissue.
Temperatures and moisture conditions are often ideal for development during fall watermelon season in
Florida. Gummy stem blight is most severe in wet years since moisture is necessary for spore germination.

Multiple applications of fungicides are necessary to control gummy stem blight. It is important to begin a
fungicide program prior to the first sign of gummy stem blight. In south Florida, the spray program should be
initiated soon after emergence. In other areas of the state, fungicide spray programs can be initiated when the
vines begin to “run.” Fungicides like mancozeb or Bravo in rotation will provide good protection before
disease is established in the field

In recent years, strains resistant to the strobilurin fungicides have been detected throughout the
Southeast, so it is important that growers practice resistance management and avoid repeated
applications of these and all fungicides. Materials such as Folicur (Tebuconozole), Pristine (BASF) a mixture
of boscalid and pyraclostrobin, and Tocsin (thiophanate methyl) have shown good efficacy against resistant
strains of the disease.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for gummy stem blight control in
Florida.

Southern Corn Leaf Blight

Growers and scouts in the EAA re finding southern corn leaf blight in sweet corn. Some hotspots with
fairly high incidence of the disease have been reported.

Southern corn leaf blight is caused by the fungus Bipolaris maydis. Although seedling blights can also be
caused by B. maydis, symptoms of Southern corn leaf blight typically occur on leaves. Mature foliar lesions can
be rounded on the sides, but they tend to be parallel-sided, often restricted by the veins.

Lesions are light tan in the center with a reddish-brown border. A greenish growth near the center of the
lesion may be evident if spores are present. Mature lesions range from 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in length and may be
tapered, flat or serrated on the ends.

Lesions caused by southern corn leaf blight are much smaller (up to ½ inch wide and 1 inch long) than
those caused by northern corn leaf blight. Southern blight lesions are also lighter in color (light tan to brown)
and have parallel sides rather than the tapering sides of lesions caused by E. turcicum.

When severe, lesions may become so numerous that they coalesce and turn the entire leaf necrotic.
Southern corn leaf blight, like northern corn leaf blight, moves from the lower canopy to the upper canopy.
Fungal sporulation may be observed with a simple hand lens on foliar lesions following periods of high
humidity.

Typically, lower leaves are infected first progressing upward to higher leaves over time. Occasionally,
infections of the ear husk, silks, kernels, cob, and floral bracts in tassels occur.

Southern corn leaf blight is most prevalent during the fall growing season in south Florida but may also
appear at the end of the spring growing season, particularly if unseasonably warm.

It is favored by warm to hot temperatures (68-90° F) and periods of extended leaf wetness. With optimal
weather conditions, the time from infection by germinating spores to lesion formation with new spores may be
as short as 3 to 5 days.
Temperatures near 73° F are ideal for production of spores, infection, and formation of lesions. Six hours
of leaf wetness is all that is needed for spore germination and infection. Leaf wetness is not required for lesion
expansion.
Although some control can be reducing inoculum through the use of crop rotation and deep plowing of old crop
debris, control of Southern corn leaf blight is best achieved with resistant varieties. Resistant varieties are
available and should be considered, particularly for fall plantings.

Where resistance is lacking, spraying with fungicides may be necessary, particularly with sweet corn
produced in peninsular Florida. Spray programs with recommended fungicides should commence at the first
sign of disease if favorable weather is likely.

Fungicides should be applied early, particularly if the forecast is for warm, humid weather. As with
northern corn leaf blight, the sterol inhibitors and strobilurin fungicides are most efficacious. These products
should be used together with a broad-spectrum protectant to minimize development of fungal resistance.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for southern corn leaf blight control
in Florida.

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

Around the Manatee Ruskin area, TYLCV is present at low levels in most fields but some hot spots have
been reported where incidence is closer to 10%.

Very low levels of TYLCV is also starting to show up in a few locations around SW Florida.

Cucurbit Crumple Leaf Virus and Cucurbit Yellow Stunting Disorder Virus

Growers and scouts to find both cucurbit crumple leaf virus and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus
in watermelon fields around SW Florida with some hotspots being reported.

Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus

Around SW Florida, cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) continues to be reported in
watermelon at mostly low to moderate levels.

Symptoms resemble those of a nutritional deficiency or water stress and the most obvious symptoms are
seen on older leaves.

Symptoms begin as interveinal mottling on older leaves, intensify with age and become systemic
throughout the plant. Veins remain relatively green as the rest of the leaf turns yellow. —the opposite of what
happens when squash is infected with SqVYV. Leaves may roll upward and become brittle.

Melon and cucumber exhibit the most severe symptoms, which can be confused with nutrient deficiency
or other yellowing viruses. Since symptoms resemble a nutritional deficiency, it may be initially overlooked by
growers.

Cucurbit leaf crumple virus

CuLCrV causes a suite of symptoms primarily characterized by leaf chlorosis, distortion, curling and
crumpling, and plant stunting and wilting, leading to significant reduction in total yield.
It appears to be more damaging to squash than to cantaloupe and watermelon; however, internal fruit
quality issues in watermelon (discoloration and reduced sugar) is often observed on -infected watermelon.

The fruit of yellow squash plants develop green streaks. In watermelon, yellowing of leaves and crumpling
can occur

All cucurbits are susceptible except for acorn and butternut squash and a number of melons, such as
Galia, honeydew, casaba, and golden crenshaw. CuLCrV has also been found infecting green beans, balsam
apple, and smell melon in Florida.

See Recommendations for Management of Whiteflies, Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses, and Insecticide

Resistance for Production of Cucurbit Crops in Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in871

News You Can Use

Persistent drought dominates the Western landscape

October 15, 2020

NOAA’s winter forecast for the U.S. favors warmer, drier conditions across the southern tier of the U.S., and
cooler, wetter conditions in the North, thanks in part to an ongoing La Nina. Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate
Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service — are also closely monitoring persistent
drought during the winter months ahead, with more than 45% of the continental U.S. now experiencing drought.

"NOAA's timely and accurate seasonal outlooks and short-term forecasts are the result of improved satellite
observations, more detailed computer forecast modeling, and expanding supercomputing capacity," said Neil
Jacobs, Ph.D., acting NOAA administrator. "From expansive and multi-hazard winter storms to narrow but
intense lake effect snow, NOAA will provide the necessary information to keep communities safe."
Currently, large areas of drought extend over the western half of the U.S., with parts of the Northeast also
experiencing drought and near-record low stream flows. With a La Nina climate pattern in place, southern parts
of the U.S. may experience expanded and intensifying drought during the winter months ahead.

“With La Nina well established and expected to persist through the upcoming 2020 winter season, we anticipate
the typical, cooler, wetter North, and warmer, drier South, as the most likely outcome of winter weather that the
U.S. will experience this year,” said Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.
This U.S. Winter Outlook 2020-2021 map for temperature shows above-average temperatures are likely in the
South and below-average temperatures likely in parts of the North. (NOAA Climate.gov, using NWS CPC data)

Temperature

The greatest chances for warmer-than-normal conditions extend across the Southern tier of the U.S. from the
Southwest, across the Gulf states and into the Southeast. More modest probabilities for warmer temperatures are
forecast in the southern parts of the west coast, and from the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast. Above-average
temperatures are also favored for Hawaii and western and northern Alaska.

Below-normal temperatures are favored in southern Alaska and from the northern Pacific Northwest into the
Northern Plains, with equal chances for below-, near- or above-average temperatures in the remaining regions.
This 2020-2021 U.S. Winter Outlook map for precipitation shows wetter-than-average weather is most likely
across the Northern Tier of the U.S. and drier-than-average weather is favored across the South. (NOAA
Climate.gov, using NWS CPC data)

Precipitation

Wetter-than-average conditions are most likely across the northern tier of the U.S., extending from the Pacific
Northwest, across the Northern Plains, Great Lakes and into the Ohio Valley, as well as Hawaii and northern
Alaska. The greatest chances for drier-than-average conditions are predicted in the Southwest, across
Texas along the Gulf Coast, and in Florida. More modest chances for drier conditions are forecast in southern
Alaska, and from California across the Rockies, Central Plains and into the Southeast. The remainder of the
U.S., including the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, falls into the category of equal chances for below-, near-, or
above-average precipitation.
This seasonal U.S. Drought Outlook map for November 2020 through January 2021 predicts persistent drought
across much of the Western U.S. in the months ahead. (NOAA Climate.gov based on NWS CPC data)

Drought

Widespread, ongoing drought is currently in place across the western half of the continental U.S. as a result of
the weak Southwest summer monsoon season and near-record-high temperatures. Drought is also present in
parts of the Northeast, Ohio Valley, Hawaii, and Alaska. The ongoing La Nina is expected to expand and
intensify drought across the southern and central Plains, eastern Gulf Coast, and in California during the months
ahead. Drought conditions are expected to improve in the northern Rockies, Northwest, New England,
Alaska, and Hawaii over the coming months.

About NOAA's seasonal outlooks

NOAA’s seasonal outlooks provide the likelihood that temperatures and total precipitation amounts will be
above-, near- or below-average, and how drought conditions are favored to change. The outlook does not project
seasonal snowfall accumulations; snow forecasts are generally not predictable more than a week in advance.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center updates the three-month outlook each month. The next update will be
available November 19, 2020.

https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/us-winter-outlook-cooler-north-warmer-south-with-ongoing-la-nina

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2

Are you a farmer or rancher whose operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? USDA is
implementing Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 for agricultural producers who continue to face market
disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept CFAP 2 applications from September 21 through December 11,
2020.

USDA CFAP 2 Producer Webinar is scheduled for September 24 at 3:00 PM EDT. Register here:
https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1372084&tp_key=8efafcdd45

President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on September 17 that
USDA will implement an expansion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Coronavirus Food Assistance
Program 2, CFAP 2, will provide producers with financial assistance that gives them the ability to absorb some
of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

CFAP 2 follows the first round of CFAP, which had an application period of May 26 through September 11.
You can learn more about USDA’s initial Coronavirus Food Assistance Program by visiting
https://farmers.gov/cfap1

Apply for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 - everything you need to know can be found here:
https://www.farmers.gov/cfap

Assistance with Applying

USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in
person by appointment only. While most offices are open by phone appointment only, FSA will work with
producers by phone and use email and online tools to process CFAP 2 applications. Please call the FSA office at
your local USDA Service Center to schedule an appointment if you would like assistance or have questions after
the CFAP 2 application period opens on September 21. You can find contact information for your local USDA
Service Center at the bottom of the page, and check the status of your local USDA Service Center at
https://farmers.gov/coronavirus/service-center-status

A call center will be available for producers who would like additional one-on-one support with the CFAP 2
application process. Please call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to help. The call
center can provide service to non-English speaking customers. Customers will select 1 for English and 2 to
speak with a Spanish speaking employee. For other languages, customers select 1 and indicate their language to
the Call Center staff.

Commodity Eligibility for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 payments will provide eligible producers with financial assistance that
gives them the ability to absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.

You can access a full list of all eligible and ineligible commodities outlined by payment category at
https://farmers.gov/cfap/commodities

Up Coming Meetings

Upcoming Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings

Remote- Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings

A virtual course for fruit and vegetable growers and packers who fall under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

• October 20th-22nd , daily from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm - https://psa102020.eventbrite.com

• November 4th- 6th , daily from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm - https://psa110420.eventbrite.com
• December 1st- 3rd, daily from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm - https://psa120120.eventbrite.com

All PSA Remote Trainings require advanced registration. Cost is $25, which includes training materials and
certificate of attendance issued by AFDO. Seats are limited. Video and audio capabilities are required.

For questions, contact Taylor Langford at taylorlangford@ufl.edu or Sarah McCoy at sarahmccoy@ufl.edu.

Farm Labor Supervisor COVID-19 Safety Training: How to Protect Your Farm Labor
Southwest Florida Research and Education Center

October 21 - 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM English and Spanish Instruction

By Videoconference (Zoom)

Free training on how to protect your workers, supervisors, and essential personnel from contracting COVID-19!
Training will be based on CDC guidelines. We encourage all your employees who are in direct contact with
farm workers to attend. Instruction will be given by video conference in English or Spanish. You will receive a
copy of resources to help you access further information related to COVID-19 and assist you in obtaining masks
and other materials.

FREE REGISTRATION
Pre-registration is required. To register please send an email to Barb Hyman at hymanb@ufl.edu and include:
• Which date you would like to attend
• Your company name and address
• Your email address and phone number
• Names of those who will be attending, their job title and which language they prefer; English or Spanish.
(There will be separate Zoom links for each language.)
Websites

UF/IFAS Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety Covid-19 webpage - As federal
and state officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, it is important to share consistent and accurate
information. Here you will find a list of resources from sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and Departments of Health. The COVID-19 Training Toolkit for Extension packages PowerPoint
presentations, videos, and print materials to inform agricultural owners and workers about best practices to
prevent COVID-19 in the agricultural workplace. Go to http://www.sccahs.org/index.php/covid-19/

PERC is the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative – the website provides a wealth of resources to
help you understand and comply with the 2015 Revised WPS including training materials, the “new” WPS
poster, handouts and WPS respiratory guide. http://pesticideresources.org//index.html

PERC - WPS Compliance Suite — Training Materials

Under the newly revised Worker Protection Standard (WPS), training materials must be EPA-approved when
officially training workers, handlers, and trainers. At present, the only EPA approved materials available can be
found at the PERC website

• Expanded training concepts will be required starting January 2, 2018.

• Training must be delivered in a manner that can be understood, in a location relatively free from
distractions.
• When training workers or handlers, the trainer must remain present at all times to be available to answer
questions, even when showing a video.
• Trainers must be qualified, most often by holding a pesticide applicator's license or by completing an
EPA-approved Train-the-Trainer course.

Training Materials for Workers and Handlers - http://pesticideresources.org/wps/temp/training/index.html

Need CEU’s?

Here are a couple of ways to earn CEU’s

UF/IFAS does offer a number of excellent videos and online modules, that will allow you to earn CEUS.

Go to https://ifas-pest.catalog.instructure.com where you will find a number of training modules for a variety of
license categories which will allow you to earn CEU's online. Note: there is a charge for these.

Be sure to read the class description to make sure it offers CEU's in the category that you need.

Other options to earn CEU's include.

Here is an easy way to obtain CORE CEU’s on-line by reading an article and answering questions regarding the
online. A passing score obtains one Core CEU.

Go to: CEU Series-Growing Produce

https://www.growingproduce.com/crop-protection/ceu-series/

• CEU Series: Mix and Load Pesticides Safely

• CEU Series: Protect Crops and the Environment
• CEU Series: Make Sure to Stow Your Pesticides before You Go
• CEU Series: Avoid Mishaps When Handling Pesticides
• CEU Series: Be Aware of Bees When Applying Pesticides
• CEU Series: Place Priority on Preventing Pesticide Poisoning
• CEU Series: Learning about Pesticide Resistance Is Anything but Futile

Need more CORE CEUs –Earn CEU Credits NOW online through Southeast AgNet & Citrus Industry
Magazine

The following series of articles and quizzes are available:

• 2019 #4: The fate of pesticides (10/31/2020)
• 2019 #3: Protecting soil and water while using pesticides (7/31/20)
• 2019 #2: At-a-glance safety information (4/30/20)
• 2019 #1: What is a pesticide, really? (1/31/2020)

Go to http://citrusindustry.net/ceu/

Worker Protection Standard Train the Trainer Classes Now On-Line

Exam Administrators - Cesar Asuaje, UF/IFAS Palm Beach County has developed and made available a new
EPA-approved WPS Train the Trainer online option. See the following:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved this online Worker Protection Standard Train the
Trainer (WPS TTT) course, and upon successful completion, the Florida Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Service (FDACS) will issue a WPS TTT certificate.

This certificate provides the qualification to train agricultural workers and pesticide handlers under the Worker
Protection Standard requirements. The course was developed in collaboration with Ricardo Davalos, Florida
WPS coordinator from FDACS.

Cost is $35
The course is available in the IFAS Catalog at the following link: Certificate version: https://ifas-
farmlabor.catalog.instructure.com/courses/wps-ttt

EPA-approved Fumigant training program for certified applicators using methyl bromide, chloropicrin,
chloropicrin and 1,3-dichloropropene, dazomet and metam sodium and potassium. Applicators must retrain
every 3 years. - http://www.fumiganttraining.com/

Check out Southwest Florida Vegetable Grower on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-Florida-Vegetable-Grower/149291468443385 or follow me on Twitter
@SWFLVegMan - https://twitter.com/SWFLVegMan

Quotable Quotes

Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you'll be criticized anyway. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble. – Frank Tyger

The future ain't what it used to be. - Yogi Berra

We can foretell little of the future save that the thing that has not been is the thing that shall be. - Jack Haldane
Whatever you do, do it with all your might, work at it, if necessary, early and late, in season and out of season,
not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now. The
old proverb is full of truth and meaning, "Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." Many a man
acquires a fortune by doing his business thoroughly, while his neighbor remains poor for life, because he only
half does it. Ambition, energy, industry, perseverance, are indispensable requisites for success in business.
Fortune always favors the brave, and never helps a man who does not help himself. - P.T. Barnum

Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant. – P.T. Barnum

The noblest art, is that of making others happy – P.T. Barnum

On the Lighter Side

The cat and the dogs

A Doberman, a Golden Retriever and a cat died and met God. God said to them, “Tell me why I should let you
into heaven.”

The Doberman said, “I’ll protect you with my life.”

God said, “You can sit at my right side.”

The Golden Retriever said, “I will fetch your slippers and anything else you ask me to.”

God said, “Then you can sit at my left side.”

Finally, God looked at the cat and said, “And what will you do?”

The cat said, “Excuse me. I think you’re sitting in my seat.”

Vet Bill

A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out
his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head and sadly said,
"I'm sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away."

The distressed woman wailed, "Are you sure?" "Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead," replied the vet.
"How can you be so sure?" she protested. "I mean you haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might
just be in a coma or something."

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador
Retriever. As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on
the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and
shook his head. The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room.

A few minutes later he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from
head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room. The
vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead
duck."
The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman. The
duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill. "$150!" she cried, "$150 just to tell me my duck is dead!"

The vet shrugged, "I'm sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the
Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now $150.

What Goes Around Comes Around

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family,
he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer
Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman
stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

'I want to repay you,' said the nobleman. 'You saved my son's life.'

'No, I can't accept payment for what I did,' the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the
farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel.

'Is that your son?' the nobleman asked.

'Yes,' the farmer replied proudly.

'I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy If the lad is
anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.' And that he did.

Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical
School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the
discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill .. His son's name?

Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around.

Work like you don't need the money.

Love like you have never been hurt.

Dance like nobody's watching.

Sing like nobody's listening.

Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

Contributors include: Joel Allingham/AgriCare, Inc, Matt Bardin/Glades Crop Care, Dr. Ozgur Batuman/
SWFREC, Gordon DeCou/Agri Tech Services of Bradenton, Dr Nick Dufault/ UF/IFAS, Jason
Dyess/Agriquest, Inc., Craig Frey/UF/IFAS Hendry County Extension, Rachel Giles, Carrie Harmon/UF/IFAS
Plant Disease Clinic, Lisa Hickey/Manatee County Extension, Bruce Johnson/General Crop Management, Barry
Kostyk/SWFREC, Leon Lucas/Glades Crop Care, Chris Miller/Palm Beach County Extension, Mark
Mossler/UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office, Gene McAvoy/Hendry County Extension, Alice
McGhee/Thomas Produce, Dr. Gregg Nuessly/EREC, Chuck Obern/C&B Farms, Dr. Jawad Qureshi, SWFREC
Dr. Rick Raid/ EREC, Dr Pam Roberts/SWFREC, Wes Roan/6 L's, Dr. Dak Seal/ TREC, Kevin
Seitzinger/Gargiulo, Kevin Short/ICM, Dr Gary Vallad/GCREC, Mark Verbeck/GulfCoast Ag, Dr. Qingren
Wang/Miami-Dade County Extension, Alicia Whidden/Hillsborough County Extension, Dr. Phillip
Williams/SWFREC, Dr Henry Yonce/KAC Ag Research and Dr. Shouan Zhang/TREC.

The South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline is compiled by Gene McAvoy and Craig Frey and is issued on
as a service to the vegetable industry.

Gene McAvoy
Gene McAvoy
Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus
Associate Director for Stakeholder Relations
University of Florida IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center

UF/IFAS SWFREC 239-658-3414

2685 State Road 29 N 863-673-5939 cell
Immokalee, FL 34142 gmcavoy@ifas.ufl.edu

Craig Frey
Hendry County Extension Director
Multi-County Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent
University of Florida/IFAS Extension

Hendry County Extension Service

1085 Pratt Blvd.
LaBelle, FL 33935

Office: (863) 674-4092

Cell: (863) 517-5880
craigfrey@ufl.edu
Special Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, who make this publication possible.

Thomas Produce Company Shawn Barley

Of South Florida Wedgworth’s Inc.
Grower and Shippers of Quality Vegetables
9905 Clint Moore Road
Big W Brand Fertilizer
(863) 441-9255 cell
Boca Raton, Florida 33496

Carol Howard Ryan Richards

Mobley Plant World Wedgworth’s Inc.
1351 W Cowboy Way
710 Broward Street
LaBelle, Florida 33935
Immokalee, FL 34142
Phone 863-675 -2020
Phone 239-657-8254 Fax 239-657-2005

Gargiulo Nichino America

Growers Shippers Importers Exporters Makers of Courier, Portal & Vetica
David Pensabene: Production Manager Technical Sales Representatives
Naples Operations Todd Villars: West Florida - 863-532-0937
Phone 239-353-0300 Fax 239-353-3407 Sam Monroe: East Florida - 772-473-0873

Dr. Nancy Roe Ed Early

Farming Systems Research DuPont Crop Protection
5609 Lakeview Mews Drive Fort Myers, Florida 33911
Boynton Beach, Florida 33437 Mobile 239-994-8594
Phone 561-638-2755

Stacey Howell
Glades Crop Care, Inc.
Leaders in Crop Health Bayer CropScience
3481 3rd Ave NW
Management
Naples, FL 34120
Charlie Mellinger, Ph.D.
Phone (239) 353-6491 Cell (239) 272-8575
Phone 561-746-3740 Fax 561-746-3775

Justin Powell Bart Hoopingarner

Southeast Business Leader Gowan Company
Adama 3605 162nd Ave East
229 881 9757 cell Parrish, FL 34219
justin.powell@adama.com Phone 941-776-1105 Cell 941-737-7444
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Sponsored by Orondis® fungicide & OmniLytics - AgriPhage

Syngenta Crop Protection Safe Natural Effective
Morgan McKenna Vegetable Bacteria Control
Fort Myers, FL 33901 Matt Stephenson Smith – 239-572-3342
Cell 336-337-2085 Ryan Benson – 801-300-3437

Brent Beer
Dave Owens
Beer Leveling &
Marrone Bio Innovations Land Development
Cell 239-233-9073 or
Office 863-675-1663 863-673-3173 cell
dowens@marronebio.com
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Certis USA Scott Houk

Bio-Pesticides for Crop Production Dow AgroSciences LLC
Joe Craig - 863-291-9203 Phone 239-948-3999
Chuck Goodowns - 352-538-4471 Email sehouk@dow.com

FMC Steve Mike Dave

FMC Corporation Jamerson Farms
Eric Johnson
Cell 352-281-2325 Growers, Packers and Shippers of
Florida’s Finest Vegetables
EJ.Johnson@fmc.com www.fmccrop.com Phone 239-229-5734 Fax 239-368-0969

Sarah Hornsby, CCA Donald Allen

Agricultural Crop Consulting, Inc AGLIME SALES INC
Scouting: Manatee, Hillsborough, Collier PO Box 60
Office/Fax 941-776-1122 Babson Park, Florida 33827-0060
Cell 941-713-6116 Office 863-638-1481 Fax 863-638-2312
Email: AgCropCon@aol.com Mobil 863-287-2925

BioSafe Systems LLC

Jarod Huck
OxiDate® 352-789-9363 PUT YOUR NAME HERE
TerraClean®
StorOx® Luis Hansen
305.793.9206
info@biosafesystems.com
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BASF Corporation
Adrian Jahna
863-443-2404 Certified for use in Organic Production
Adrian.jahna@basf.com Jack Kilgore 239-707-7677
g8trmanjek@comcast.net

Valent USA
"Products That Work
From People Who Care"

Sarah Markle 863-673-8699

Chuck Obern Scott Allison

C & B Farm Diamond R Fertilizer
CR 835 PO Box 1898
Clewiston, FL 33440 LaBelle, FL 33975
Office 863-983-8269 Fax 863-983-8030 (863) 675-3700
Cell 239-250-0551 sagator@aol.com

Richard Roles
Arysta Life Science Roles Marketing International
Distributors of Agrigro and Super
Richard Royal 352 434-8774 Cal 10% Calcium
Shaun Yule 386 561 0493 richard@rmiint.com www.rmiint.com
Cell 561-644-3511

Dr. Henry Yonce Grower's Management, Inc

KAC Agricultural Research P.O. Box 130
Scouting, Consulting Belle Glade, FL 33430
Research Phone: 561-996-6469
386-736-0098 work 386-527-1124 cell www.growersmanagement.com
HDYONCE@msn.com

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NOTE: The acknowledgement of sponsorship in no way constitutes or reflects an official endorsement of these
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