SOUTH FLORIDA VEGETABLE

PEST AND DISEASE HOTLINE

November 6, 2021

A series of cold fronts at the end of October and again this week bought rain to the area with
some locations in South Florida reporting over 7 inches for the period. The fronts also bought
much welcomed cooler temperatures with temperatures in the upper 50’s and low 60’s scheduled to
arrive over the weekend. Growers are starting to harvest a wide variety of vegetables including
cucumber, green beans, herbs, peppers, squash, radishes, tomatoes, watermelons and more.

FAWN Weather Summary

Date Air Temp °F Rainfall Ave Relative Humidity ET (Inches/Day)
Min Max (Inches) (Percent) (Average)
Balm
10/12 – 11/6/2021 53.83 91.71 5.12 81 0.1
Belle Glade
10/12 – 11/6/2021 59.31 90.03 2.18 86 0.1
Clewiston
10/12 – 11/6/2021 57.11 89.44 5.91 85 0.1
Ft Lauderdale
10/12 – 11/6/2021 63.45 91.51 7.04 80 0.1
Homestead
10/12 – 11/6/2021 62.73 90.46 3.88 86 0.1
Immokalee
10/12 –11 /6/2021 57.15 91.98 6.16 82 0.1
Okeechobee
10/12 – 11/6/2021 53.82 90.48 2.95 85 0.09

“Remember, when in doubt - scout.”

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The National Weather Service forecast indicates that the strong cold front that moved through
South Florida will feature lower temps and gusty north/northwesterly flow in the wake of the
passing cold front, with winds gradually shifting to more of a northeasterly component by the
middle of the week. High pressure will build in early next week, resulting in a much drier air mass
along with cooler temperatures. High temperatures early next week will generally range from the
upper 70s to the lower 80s across most of the region. Low temperatures in the early morning hours of
Sunday and Monday will be the coolest of the season so far as they will drop into the lower to mid-
50s across Glades and Hendry Counties to the lower to mid-60s across portions of the east coast.

Temperatures will remain seasonably cool through the early part of the week (upper 70s/lower
80s). A warming trend will develop as the cooler/drier airmass mixes out, allowing for temperatures
to reach the low/mid 80s by the middle of the week. Moisture will return as well, which will
introduce a slight chance for showers back into the forecast for the middle to end of next week, with
the greatest rainfall chances being towards the end of next week.

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

Insects

Whiteflies

Respondents in the Manatee Ruskin area report seeing an increase in whitefly pressure across
all vegetables. Numbers remain low to moderate depending on location.

Growers and scouts in SW Florida indicate that whitefly numbers remain fairly low in
tomatoes, but adult numbers have been increasing in several places and nymphs are being
reported in some older crops. In cucurbits, scouts are finding multiple whiteflies per plant and
some nymphs are starting to show up as well.

Whiteflies have been active on melons around SW Florida and mostly low levels of virus is
present.

Whitefly pressure ranges from low to moderate in Homestead depending on location and crop.

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.
 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.

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!
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.

Preventative soil applications of either imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran,

flupyradifurone or cyanatraniliprole should be used preventatively in tomato and cucurbits.

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

Around SW Florida, worms have been up and down, and scouts continue to find southern and
beet armyworms, tomato fruitworms, loopers, hornworms and melonworms.

Respondents in the Manatee Ruskin area report that worms are active in a variety of crops.
Scouts report finding an increase in armyworm egg masses last week and continue to find
melonworms in cucurbits.

On the East Coast respondents report finding beet armyworms in peppers last week and some
more hatches this week.

Worm pressure is up in the EAA and a widespread hatch out of fall armyworm was reported in
corn where populations have been persistent in younger corn with between 10-20% infestation.

Around Homestead, melon worms are present in squash, cucumber, and oriental cucurbits.

Fall is worm time in south Florida. 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.

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

Leafminer

In Manatee and Hillsborough Counties, leafminers are increasing in tomato and eggplant and
in some cucurbits.

Around Immokalee, Leafminers have started to increase and have required treatment in a few
locations. Leafminer are showing up eggplant, melons, pepper, and tomato and will begin to be a
problem over the next few weeks.

A few leafminer are starting to show up

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.

Pepper Weevil

Pepper weevils are starting to show up in a number of areas around South Florida

Respondents have reported significant pepper weevil populations in the Ft Pierce area in early
pepper plantings.

In Manatee and Hillsborough counties, pepper weevils have increased significantly in peppers
in recent weeks.

Around SW Florida, pepper weevils are showing up in several locations.

Peppers weevils are also widely present in specialty peppers around Homestead.

Banded Cucumber Beetles

Low levels of banded cucumber beetle have been reported feeding on young sweet corn in the
EAA.
Low numbers of banded cucumber beetle have also been reported in young peppers around
Immokalee.

Adults are greenish yellow in color with a red head and black thorax. Usually there are three
transverse bands and a thin green band running down the center of the insect's back, but the banding
pattern is variable, and sometimes almost absent Adults are good fliers and can invade and damage
fields quickly.

The banded cucumber beetle is omnivorous, attacking numerous plant species and plant parts.
While the pest prefers feeding on weeds in the genus Amaranthus, it attacks a wide range of
vegetables. Vegetables affected include cucumber, squash, bean, pea, sweet potato, okra, corn,
lettuce, onion, and cabbages. Damage may occur to foliage, blossoms, crown, and roots. Delayed
growth, plant stunting and stand loss can result from heavy feeding damage by adults.

Some of the most serious injury results from larval feeding on the roots of sweet potato and
other vegetables. In addition to feeding damage, the banded cucumber beetle is known as a vector of
several pathogens including such as Stewart's wilt in corn and several viral diseases in beans. Larval
feeding may also increase the incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt in cucurbits.

Foliar insecticides are sometimes needed to prevent damage to seedlings, but adults are rarely
abundant enough to warrant control on large plants. Chemical control of adults is through
contact or bait insecticides. Baits may be attractive as they selectively treat the beetles as they eat the
baits.

Bean Leaf Roller

Bean leaf rollers are widely present and have become common place in green beans in a
number of places around South Florida including the EAA, Homestead and SW Florida.

The bean leafroller larva feeds on legume crops such as cowpea, lima bean, pea, snap bean, and
soybean. It is also known from leguminous weeds such as: tick trefoil, Desmodium spp. and butterfly
pea, Clitoria spp.

Larvae are defoliators, feeding only on leaf tissue of legumes. Initially the larva cuts a small,
triangular patch at the edge of the leaf, folds over the flap, and takes up residence within this shelter.
The larva leaves the shelter to feed, and lines the shelter with silk. These flaps are used until the third
or fourth instar, when the larva constructs a larger shelter formed by folding over a large section of
the leaf by webbing together two separate leaves. Again, the leaf fold is used for shelter, the larva
leaving to feed. Larvae feed nocturnally.

Populations are normally sampled by visual observation because the larvae are sheltered within
leaf folds and difficult to dislodge by sweeping, and because the leaf damage caused by shelter-
building activity is readily apparent.

Most insecticides applied to the foliage are very effective for leafroller suppression. The
microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis currently is not recommended.
Silk Fly

Growers and scouts in the EAA are beginning to see silk fly maggots in the oldest corn but note
that adult sightings have been very low.

Thrips

A few flower thrips have been reported in pepper around Immokalee area.

Growers and scouts around the Manatee Ruskin area note that thrips have been resident in
peppers but note that numbers have increased since the beginning of the season.

Growers are beginning to see the occasional thrips in snap bean blooms around the EAA. No
Asian BT yet.

Respondents indicate thrips are common around Homestead.

Asian Bean Thrips

As the snap bean planting is underway, growers are advised to be on the lookout for this pest
by starting to scout young snap bean fields as early as possible. Please report finds to Craig Frey,
Hendry County or Anna Mezsarros, Palm Beach County.

Broad Mite

Around SW Florida, broadmites continue to be a problem and have fired up in several pepper
fields. They are also present in some watermelons.

Stinkbug

Reports indicate that a few stinkbugs are causing a few problems in some places around South
Florida.

Diseases

Bacterial Spot

Respondents in the Manatee Ruskin area note that bacterial spot had slowed down in tomato
but has flared up in several locations after the last round of rain. While bacterial spot remains
the main problem in tomatoes scouts report that target spot is right behind it.

Around Southwest Florida, bacterial spot continues to move up in tomatoes and is severe in
some pepper varieties.

Respondents in Homestead report widespread presence of bacterial spot in tomato and

specialty pepper.
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, several 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, several 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 have been reported on green beans in the EAA and Homestead.

Low levels of bacterial blight have also been reported in some celery in the EAA. Bacterial blight
is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas cichorii. Bacterial blight may appear similar to early blight
except that bacterial blight spots are smaller, more angular, and reddish in color. Bacterial blight
lesions also have a more sharply delineated border compared to early blight.

In addition, bacterial blight may be distinguished from early blight because the lesions do not
have spores, like early blight in the lesions. Bacterial blight is favored by cool, wet conditions and
at least 10 hours of leaf wetness is required for infection. The disease is spread by water splashes,
farm machinery and field workers especially when the foliage is wet.

Target spot

In the Manatee Ruskin area, target spot is starting to ramp up in mature tomato. Growers also
report finding target spot in cucumber and melons.
Around Southwest Florida, target spot is starting to increase in older tomato and will likely
continue to increase in incidence and severity with recent rains.

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.

Optimum conditions for disease development include temperatures from 68° - 82°F and long
periods of free moisture.

In trials, wounding was essential for reproduction of the fruit symptoms. Wind-blown sand is
probably important in outbreaks of target spot on tomato fruit in the field.

Strategies for the management of this disease require an integrated approach for best results.
Growers should rotate fields to avoid carryover on crop residue and avoid rotations among
solanaceous crops. Eliminate any volunteers and weed species that can act as a host.

Start with clean, healthy transplants and maintain proper fertility as nitrogen deficiencies
favor the development of early blight.
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

Low levels of damping off associated with Pythium are being reported in beans, cucurbits, and
peppers around SW Florida.

Pythium is also present at mostly low levels in green beans in Homestead and the EAA.

Rhizoctonia

Growers and scouts around Belle Glade report low levels of rhizoctonia dropping some beans
in the EAA.

Southern Blight

Dr Gary Vallad, plant pathologist at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast REC reports that southern blight
was flaring up at a couple locations in the Manatee/Ruskin area before last round of rain, but
notes cooler conditions seemed to have shut it down.

Reports indicate southern blight remains active in pepper in Ft Pierce area.

Sclerotinia

Respondents in the EAA report finding some Sclerotinia in beans, typically just when soil is
pushed against the stem after cultivation.
The fungus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is responsible for a number of vegetable diseases
attacking a wide range of crops. Common names for Sclerotinia diseases in Florida are white mold
in beans, drop (lettuce), stem rot (pepper, potato, and tomato), and nesting (post-harvest disease of
bean).

A good indicator of Sclerotinia disease is the presence of small, black sclerotia (resting
structures) of the fungus. Sclerotia can form on the surface of plant parts as well as inside the
stems of pepper and tomato.

Another common indicator of Sclerotinia diseases is the presence of white, cottony-like

mycelium of the fungus when weather conditions are cool and moist.

White mold in beans usually appears after flowering. The disease often appears in leaf axils and
advances into the stem, producing water-soaked spots that increase in size, girdling the stem, and
killing it above the point of infection. The disease can also enter the plant through leaves or pods that
touch the soil where sclerotia or infected plant parts act as inoculum.

High humidity and dewy conditions support the spread and increases the severity of infections.

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

Early Blight on celery

Reports from the EAA indicate that cercospera came in early this year on celery but growers
are maintaining controls with prophylactic sprays.

Early blight on celery is caused by the fungus Cercospora apii.

Small yellow spots, visible on both sides of the leaf, are the first symptom of early blight. Later
the spots grow into gray, circular lesions that may be 0.25 to 0.75 inch in diameter. As leaf spots dry
out, the tissue becomes papery in texture and often splits and cracks. Elongated lesions may develop
on petioles.

Under favorable conditions (temperatures between 60° and 86°F), the lesions will coalesce and
cause a blighting effect on the leaves. The gray, fuzzy growth of the fungus may be observed in the
centers of leaf and petiole lesions, but distinct structures (such as those found for celery late blight)
are not formed by this pathogen.

Even though the fungus growth is similar, do not confuse this disease with the early blight
disease that occurs on tomato and potato, which is caused by an Alternaria sp. that does not
infect celery.
Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for cercospera control in
celery.

Early Blight on tomato

Increasing incidence of early blight is being reported on tomato in Manatee and Hillsborough
counties.

Low levels of early blight are beginning to show up on tomato around SW Florida.

Early blight is a fungal disease that causes yield loss each year on all varieties of tomatoes.
Eggplant and pepper are also susceptible but early blight is not a significant problem on these crops
in Florida. Early blight is caused by the fungus, Alternaria solani.

Foliar symptoms generally occur on the oldest leaves and start as small, pencil-point-size,
brownish to black lesions. These leaf spots enlarge up to ½ inch (1.3 cm) in and usually have readily
visible, concentric rings that look somewhat like a bull's-eye. These concentric leaf spots are
distinctive enough to make early blight one of the easier tomato diseases to diagnose.

Stem lesions are dark, slightly sunken and enlarge concentrically. Basal girdling and death of
seedlings may occur. This expression of the disease is sometimes called collar rot.

Contact fungicides such as chlorothalonil and mancozeb provide moderate levels of control
when applied preventively. Newer chemistries including strobilurin fungicides (azoxystrobin,
pyraclostrobin, etc.) have provided excellent control in university trials.

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

Many of the newer fungicide chemistries including the strobilurins have a narrow mode of
action and are prone to the development of resistance by fungi. Be sure to rotate these with
fungicides from different groups and include cultural methods in your disease management strategy
to avoid the development of disease resistance.

Southern Corn Leaf blight

In the EAA growers and scouts report that southern corn leaf blight is present on sweet corn.
Respondents note that while it has been persistent, incidence and severity is low and is not of major
concern.

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 blight, like northern 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.

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.

Downy Mildew

Dr. Gary Vallad reports that downy mildew is on a rampage in the Manatee and Hillsborough
counties and is being found on a variety of cucurbits including cantaloupe, cucumber, squash,
and watermelon. He predicts recent rains will only make matters worse.

Around Southwest Florida, downy mildew has fired up in some watermelons and is also
showing up on some squash and cucumbers.

Downy mildew is also present on cucurbits in the Homestead area.

Control of downy mildew on cucurbits is achieved primarily by the use of resistant varieties
(cucumber) and/ or fungicide spray programs. Fungicide sprays are recommended for all
cucurbits.

Squash, pumpkin, cantaloupe, and non-resistant cucumber varieties are very susceptible and
should be sprayed every five to seven days. If cucurbits are planted close to established fields
infected with downy mildew, a spray program should be initiated as soon as the first true leaves
are present.
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.

Powdery Mildew

Mostly low levels of powdery mildew are being reported in squash around South Florida.

The fungus first appears as subtle, small, round, yellowish or whitish spots on leaves and
sometimes stems. These spots enlarge and coalesce rapidly. As the white, fluffy mycelium grows
over plant surfaces and produces spores, it gives the lesions a powdery appearance resembling talcum
powder, which is evident on the upper surface of older leaves or other plant parts. Young leaves are
almost immune.

Heavily infected leaves appear dull and chlorotic and eventually become dry and brown.
Extensive premature defoliation of the older leaves can occur if the disease is not controlled.

Yield reduction from defoliation is proportional to the severity and length of time plants are
infected.

Gummy Stem Blight

Gummy stem blight remains active in watermelons around South Florida. Scouts report that it is
increasing in incidence and severity in some locations.

Symptoms appear as light to dark brown circular spots on leaves or as brown to black, lesions
on stems. Wilting followed by death of young plants may occur. Stem lesions enlarge and slowly
girdle the main stem resulting in a red-brown-black canker that cracks and may exude a red to amber
gummy substance. Vine wilting is usually a late symptom. Use of a hand lens will reveal small, clear
white (when young) to black (when old), pycnidia embedded in older diseased tissue.

Gummy stem blight typically progresses from the central stem of the plant to growing tips. Leaf
spots are variable in shape, red brown in color and initial infections are generally seen on leaf
margins and veinal areas.

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.

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

Anthracnose

Dr Pam Roberts, plant pathologist at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida REC reports that
anthracnose has been found on watermelons around SW Florida.

Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lagenarium, is a destructive disease of

cucurbits occurring during warm and moist seasons. Significant damage can occur to cucumber,
muskmelon, and watermelon unless resistant varieties are grown.

All aboveground plant parts can be infected. Symptoms vary among the three principal cucurbits
infected. Leaf lesions begin as water soaked and then become yellowish circular spots.

On watermelon foliage the spots are irregular and turn dark brown or black. On cucumber and
muskmelon, the spots turn brown and can enlarge considerably. Stem lesions on muskmelon can
girdle the stem and cause vines to wilt. Stem cankers are less obvious on cucumbers.

The most striking diagnostic symptoms are produced on the fruit, where circular, black,
sunken cankers appear. On watermelon the spots may measure 1/4 to 1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) in
diameter and up to 1/4 in. (6 mm) deep. When moisture is present, the black center of the lesion is
covered with a gelatinous mass of salmon-colored spores. Cankers lined with this characteristic color
can never be mistaken for any other disease.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for anthracnose control in
Florida.
Choanephora Blight

Low levels of Choanephora blight are being reported in the EAA and around SW Florida on
green beans.

Choanephora blight or wet blight, caused by the fungus Choanephora sp., is an occasional
problem on vegetables especially during the early fall in Southwest Florida. Choanephora sp. is
common throughout the tropics on many vegetables including Southern peas, eggplant, green beans,
pepper and squash, and poinsettia, however, its occurrence on bean and pepper plants in Florida is not
common.
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 soft black rot can develop in fruit. Young squash fruit develop a dark whiskery fungal growth on
the blossom end before the fruit softens and rots

Fungicidal sprays applied for the control of other diseases will provide some control of this
disease as well.

Fusarium wilt

Growers and scouts report finding a few isolated cases of fusarium wilt starting to show up in
tomato taking out a single plant here and there. Occurrence is very low.

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

Reports from across the area indicate that TYLCV remains mostly low and stable with a few
scattered plants showing up here and there.

Cucurbit Viruses

Growers and scouts are finding lots of sporadic virus in watermelon and other cucurbits - the
viral alphabet soup that’s become standard in cucurbits around South Florida including
cucurbit crumple leaf virus, squash vein yellowing virus (aka vine decline), cucurbit yellow
stunting disorder and new cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV). Incidence and occurrence
remain mostly low.

Management of these viruses is similar.

Virus and whitefly-free transplants should be used. Where whiteflies are a problem, a soil-
applied neonicotinoid insecticide such as imidacloprid (Admire®), thiamethoxam (Platinum®), or
dinotefuran (Venom®) should be used at planting. If a foliar application of dinotefuran is used
instead of a soil application, it is best to apply it in the first 30 days of the crop, before flowering. In
addition to protecting bees, it also will help limit the exposure of the whitefly population to
neonicotinoids during the latter part of the crop cycle.

Crops should be monitored regularly for the presence of adult whiteflies. An application of
pymetrozine (Fulfill®) will reduce the number of adults and nymphs and can help slow virus
spread into and within the crop. Other materials that can be used to reduce transmission include
spiromesifen (Oberon®), and buprofezin (Courier®), an insect growth regulator.

Although spiromesifen and buprofezin affect only reproduction and survival of immatures,
they can help reduce secondary spread within and between fields by slowing the increase of the
whitefly population.

Because of concerns about insecticide resistance, it is critically important to observe the

restrictions on the number of applications, to rotate insecticide applications among chemicals in
different classes, and never follow a soil application of any neonicotinoid with a foliar
application of another neonicotinoid.

Other effective cultural controls include avoiding planting next to older, whitefly-infested
crops. Use of UV-reflective mulches, which repel migrating whiteflies in the first few weeks of the
crop, can help delay the introduction of virus. Fields should be maintained weed free, as they can be
hosts for whiteflies, and can interfere with thorough coverage with insecticides applied for whitefly
control.

While incidence and occurrence remain mostly low, growers should practice rapid crop
destruct of harvested fields, good sanitation and control of volunteer cucurbits and cucurbit
weeds and a crop-free period to avoid carry over to spring crops where these viruses typically
pose a greater threat.

News You Can Use

2021–2022 UF/IFAS Vegetable Production Handbook

The UF/IFAS 2021–2022 Vegetable Production Handbook is now available in hard copy.

This 19-chapter handbook, updated annually, provides guidance on vegetables production in

Florida and includes extensive pesticide tables for each type of crop covered. The use of trade
names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does
not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not
signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition. Use pesticides safely.
Read and follow directions on the manufacturer's label.

Feel free to contact me or Craig Frey if you need copies or stop by SWFREC or the Hendry
County Extension Office. It is also available at other Extension Offices and RECs around the state.
When fall arrives in South Florida - first arrival of temps below 60 degrees - right on
time.

https://gohydrology.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Animate_Fall.gif

Up Coming Meetings

2021 Florida Ag Expo November 18, 2021

Gulf Coast Research and Education Center 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
14625 Co Rd 672, Wimauma, FL 33598

Agenda - https://floridaagexpo.net/agenda/
Register on-line at https://agnet.wufoo.com/forms/k13j14bk12ahi3k/

UF/IFAS Farm Labor Supervisor Basic Training 101 December 11-12, 2021
8 am - 5 pm
Presented In-Person at:

UF/IFAS/SWFREC
2685 SR 29 N
Immokalee, FL and virtually by Zoom
CLASSES INCLUDED
• Farm Labor Contractor Basics & Navigating H-2A
• Wage/Hour Regulations & Managing H-2A Workers
• EEOC Compliance, Harassment & Discrimination
• Management Communications
• Transportation & Safe Driving
• Pesticide Safety
• COVID-19 Farmworker Safety
• Heat Illness Prevention
• Agricultural Equipment Safety

Who should take these classes?

Labor Supervisors, Contractors, Crew Leaders, Foremen, Bus & Van Drivers, Human Resources,
Payroll, Compliance, Labor Managers, and Farm Managers.

$340 per person, which includes printed materials for all and lunch for onsite attendees. We present a
Certificate of Completion to those that attend and complete the course evaluations on both
days.

TO REGISTER: https://flstrainingdec2021.eventbrite.com

Remote Pilot License Training December 14th, 2021

UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center

2685 SR 29 N
Immokalee, FL

9:00 am to 9:30am - Introductions and Section 1 – Aircraft identification and registration – 30 min

Break/questions – 10 minutes

9:40 am to 10:45 am - Section 2 – Airspace and Aeronautical Symbols and Map Reading Session

Break/questions – 15 minutes

11:00 am to 12:00 pm - Section 3 – Aviation weather and effects

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm - Lunch

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm - Section 4 – Risk management and Section 5 – Aeronautical knowledge

2:00 pm to 2:30 pm - Final questions

Registration details to come.

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 several 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 with their expiration dates noted:

2021 #3: Before You Spray (7/31/22)

2021 #2: When a Pesticide Doesn’t Work (4/30/22)
2021 #1: The Goals of Pest Management (1/31/22)
2020 #4: Proper storage of pesticides (10/31/21)
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.

The course is available in the IFAS Catalog at the following link: Cost is $35
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

I have come to the conclusion that there is only one way under high heaven to get the best of an
argument— and that is to avoid it. Avoid it as you would avoid rattlesnakes and earthquakes. - Dale
Carnegie

He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap
bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6

Life has a way of broadsiding us with lessons that we need to learn but would rather avoid.

Every storm runs out of rain. - Maya Angelou

It Looks Like an Eternity,

But It's a Short Trip,
Enjoy Life and Be Kind.

On the Lighter Side

3-legged chicken

A man was driving at 80 kph one day when he was passed by a 3-legged chicken.

He accelerated and passed the chicken.

Three minutes later the chicken passed him again as he was driving at 100 kph.

The man tried to catch the chicken, but it ran down a side road.

The man followed it into a farmyard but couldn't find it anywhere.

He saw the farmer and told him the story and the man asked for an explanation.

The farmer said that he, his wife, and his son all liked chicken legs so he bred 3-legged chickens.

"What do they taste like?" asked the man.

"I don't know", replied the farmer, "we haven't caught one yet".

Deaths

"Dad, I don't want to go to school today." said the boy.

"Why not, son?"

"Well, one of the chickens on the school farm died last week and we had chicken soup for lunch the
next day. Then three days ago one of the pigs died and we had roast pork the next day."
"But why don't you want to go today?"

"Because our English teacher died yesterday!"

Contributors include: Joel Allingham/AgriCare, Inc, Dr. Ozgur Batuman/ SWFREC, Carol
Brooks/West Florida Scouting, Gordon DeCou/Agri Tech Services of Bradenton, Dr Nick Dufault/
UF/IFAS, Jason Dyess/Agriquest, Inc., 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, Anna Meszaros, 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 Big W Brand Fertilizer
9905 Clint Moore Road (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

Stacey Howell
Glades Crop Care, Inc. Bayer CropScience
Leaders in Crop Health 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

Special Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, who make this publication possible.

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

Hal Blackmore

Marrone Bio Innovations

Cell 904-570-0041 or
hblackmore@marronebio.com

Sponsored by Orondis® fungicide & OmniLytics - AgriPhage

Syngenta Crop Protection Safe Natural Effective

Jonathan Stevenson Vegetable Bacteria Control

Fort Myers, FL 33901 Matt Stephenson Smith – 239-572-3342

(208) 890-1754 Ryan Benson – 801-300-3437

Put Your Name Here Put Your Name Here

Special Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, who make this publication possible.

Certis USA Scott Houk

Bio-Pesticides for Crop Production Dow AgroSciences LLC

Chuck Goodowns - 352-538-4471 Phone 239-948-3999

Email sehouk@dow.com

FMC
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

Clint Wise

PUT YOUR NAME HERE

AGLIME SALES INC
PO Box 60
Babson Park, Florida 33827-0060
Office 863-638-1481 Fax 863-638-2312

BioSafe Systems LLC

Jarod Huck
OxiDate®
352-789-9363
TerraClean®
StorOx® Luis Hansen
305.793.9206
info@biosafesystems.com

PUT YOUR NAME HERE PUT YOUR NAME HERE

Special Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, who make this publication possible.

BASF Corporation Valent USA

"Products That Work
Adrian Jahna From People Who Care"
863-443-2404
Adrian.jahna@basf.com Sarah Markle 863-673-8699

Richard Roles
UPL.LTD
Kyle Register Roles Marketing International
(863) 517-4165 Distributors of Agrigro and Super Cal 10%
Kyle.Register@UPL.LTD.com Calcium
richard@rmiint.com www.rmiint.com
Cell 561-644-3511

Danny Jones
Diamond R Fertilizer
Chuck Obern PO Box 1898
C & B Farm LaBelle, FL 33975
CR 835 (863) 675-3700
Clewiston, FL 33440
Office 863-983-8269 Fax 863-983-8030
Cell 239-250-0551

Dr. Henry Yonce Grower's Management, Inc

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

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

endorsement of these businesses or their products or services by either the University of Florida,
IFAS or the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Sponsors have no control over the content of
this publication.