Phillip Carnley, Area Horticulture Agent
- Leafy greens are being harvested with great quality and quantity. There has been less feeding damage from the diamondback caterpillar and an increase in looper and yellow-striped armyworm feeding. I have also seen a little bit of cutworm damage to fields that were transplanted late. Disease pressure has been very low, with the main culprits being black rot and a very minimal amount of downy mildew.
- Strawberries are being quite slow to take root in parts of the Midlands. Most plants have been in the ground now for 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, soil moisture is critical and should be monitored frequently so transplants don’t dry out. If a pre-plant dip was not done, monitor plants closely for any signs of phytophthora or anthracnose, as well as any planting discrepancies like J-rooting or planting depth. Deer pressure and browsing are on the rise, so make sure to take adequate steps to keep them out.
- Squash is still hanging on but with increased disease pressure from powdery mildew and the occasional outbreak of downy mildew. These plantings are on their last leg and are recommended to be terminated.
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