WNC Vegetable and Small Fruits News

Horticulture IPM Symposium

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 18:08:00 +0000

Must Attend Event

The third annual Horticulture Industry IPM Symposium is just two weeks away and we have a few more seats left. These seats will go fast so get your reservation in soon in order to avoid missing the exciting program this year. Yes there are pesticide credits for folk from both Carolinas as well as Tennessee so this is an extra drawing card. The information alone is worth more than the price you will pay for the classes.
For more information and to register click on the following link:

http://www.ncarboretum.org/education/horticulture-industry-ipm-symposium/

Come spend the day with us at the NC Arboretum; one of the area's most attractive places to attend a symposium!

GAPS Workshops in Henderson County

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 00:05:00 +0000

Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop Series

North Carolina State University and North Carolina Cooperative Extension are partnering with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) to deliver workshops across the state with the aim of providing farmers with the tools to reduce food safety risks and meet market requirements.

This two-part Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) workshop series will address how farmers of all sizes can achieve USDA GAPs certification, deliver information on principles of

fresh produce safety and on-farm hazard assessment, as well as provide assistance with creating a fresh produce farm safety plan.

The first workshop, Principles of Fresh Produce Safety and Navigating the USDA GAP Audit, takes place in a farm environment and will be based on newly developed components focused on navigating a GAPs audit. This workshop will combine classroom and on-farm instruction to provide producers with the tools needed to identify potential food safety concerns as well as strategies to minimize contamination. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that fulfills a portion of the eligibility requirements to receive up to $600 in GAPs Cost Share assistance from CFSA.

The second workshop, Fresh Produce Safety Program and Plan Development will provide direct assistance to producers in completing a fresh produce safety plan. Attendees will leave this session with a well-developed working draft of their specific food safety plan, which becomes the framework for an audit, and can be used to demonstrate individual farm risk-reduction steps. Completion of the first workshop is a prerequisite and basic computer knowledge is required in order to receive the maximum benefit from this session. Please bring a laptop with wireless internet capability.

Event Details - Henderson County

Principles of Fresh Produce Safety & Navigating the USDA GAP Audit

Thursday, October 10, 2013 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center

455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC 28759

To register, contact Kerrie Roach, 828-697-4891, kerrie_roach@ncsu.edu by October 2, 2013.

Fresh Produce Safety Program and Plan Development

Thursday, October 24, 2013 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center

455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC 28759

To register, contact Kerrie Roach, 828-697-4891, kerrie_roach@ncsu.edu by October 16, 2013.

Registration is $10 for the first workshop and an additional $10 for the second workshop. Lunch will be provided.

Portions of the first workshop will take place outside. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a water bottle, and appropriate weather gear. The workshop will take place rain or shine.

Organic Broccoli Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 14:38:00 +0000

Organic Broccoli Workshop and Field Day in Waynesville

There is a lot of interest in growing broccoli, especially organic broccoli, in the Carolinas right now. Whole Foods, Ingles, Amy's Kitchen and other big buyers are asking for it. Growers at some farmers markets/tailgate markets reported a shortage of it this season. Here is an opportunity for your growers to see how some broccoli varieties performed in an organic system under very challenging conditions. They will also see the varieties being developed in the big Eastern Broccoli Project (not organic, but great looking material). We are doing this in cooperation with Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and they will hold a listening session at the end about the enterprise budgets they are creating for vegetable crops.

Event: Organic Broccoli Workshop and Field Day

Date: September 17, 2013

Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (bonus listening session runs till 5:00)

Location: Mountain Research Station, 265 Test Farm Road, Waynesville, NC 28786-4016

Cost: $15

Are you interested in growing organic broccoli? Designed for the commercial grower, this workshop will also be of interest to the serious home gardener. We will start the morning with an organic broccoli taste test followed by presentations on the results from our participatory organic broccoli project, renowned organic grower, Pat Battle's perspective on growing organic broccoli, and the organic broccoli market situation.

After a catered lunch, we will head out to the field to rate the side shoot production on our organic broccoli trial (this is the participatory part), followed by a visit to the large Eastern Broccoli Project field trials where new breeding lines are being tested. The latter is not an organic trial, but the new varieties should be of interest to everyone. Then we will return to the building for a moderated discussion on issues related to organic broccoli production, such as how to control harlequin bugs! The workshop will end at 4:00 pm, but Carolina Farm Stewardship Association is hosting a special focus group session afterward to get some feedback from growers on their new organic enterprise budgets (see below).

Registration:

Pre-registration is required and should be done online through the CFSA online store at the following link:

https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/Shopping/Shopping.aspx?pager=1&Site=CFSA&WebCode=Shopping&cart=0

First-time registrants in this system simply create a guest user name and password by clicking the “New Visitor Registration” link when prompted to login.

You are welcome to show up the day of the event without pre-registration, but we might not have a lunch for you...so pre-registration is highly recommended!

SPECIAL POST TRAINING INVITATION TO FARMERS:
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association is developing enterprise budgets for organic vegetable commodity crops. Crops include 1) Broccoli, 2) Summer Squash, 3) Tomatoes, 4) Cabbage, 5) Watermelon, 6) Irish Potatoes, 7) Sweet Potatoes, 8) Greens, 9) Leaf Lettuce, 10) Cucumbers

If you grow any of these crops and can assist by reviewing drafts of a few budgets, we will be holding a focus group meeting at the end of each workshop in order to get feedback from farmers. Please contact CFSA's Farm Services Director, Karen McSwain, (karen@carolinafarmstewards.org / cell: 828-423-2463 ) so that she can send you drafts of the budgets you are interested in reviewing prior to the workshop.

BioEnergy Field Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 14:47:00 +0000

Hello Vegetable and Small Fruit Grower
Here's an opportunity to learn about alternative crops that you may want to explore and some possible ways to produce some of the energy you use on your farm.:

Event:         Western North Carolina Bioenergy Field Day
Date:         September 4, 2013
Time:         12:30 Registration, 1:00-5:00 Educational Presentations and Demonstrations
Contact:     Ron Gehl, ron_gehl@ncsu.edu, 828-684-3562 x129

North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services invite you to attend this event designed to provide a time for researchers to share the latest information of the work being conducted on energy crops in Western NC. Tours of research plots and processing equipment demonstrations will help growers, researchers, and private industry interests learn how we are working to meet the state’s renewable fuels and energy goals of the future. The afternoon event will cover topics including the science of cellulosic fuel production, production of energy grasses, cultural management of bioenergy crops, high-oil crops and biodiesel production, sorghum production for biofuels, breeding efforts and genetic improvements of biomass crops. Speakers include NC State University researchers in Soil Science, Horticultural Science, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, and Forestry and Environmental Resources, and biofuel industry representatives. Field demonstrations will include small-scale gasification, oilseed crushing and biodiesel production, and sorghum harvest, squeezing, and distillation. The field day is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/events/2013-bioenergy-field-day/index.html or contact Ron Gehl at ron_gehl@ncsu.edu of 828-684-3562 x129.

GAP Training Oportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 16:58:00 +0000

Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) and NC State University (NCSU) are excited to announce the release of a new resource manual, Good Agricultural Practice for Small Diversified Farms: Tips and Strategies to Reduce Risk and Pass an Audit. This manual is based on research conducted in 2011-12 by CFSA in partnership with NCSU and NC Cooperative Extension faculty to determine the barriers that small-farm operators face in attaining food safety certification.

The manual shares tips and strategies that small diversified produce farmers can employ to meet GAPs certification requirements imposed by potential buyers. It will help you level the playing field when working with a GAPs auditor and give you the tools you need to show that you have an effective food safety program. To make the most of this document, it is best to have a copy of the USDA GAPs audit checklist at hand.

DOWNLOAD - Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Manual 2013

GAPs WORKSHOPS

CFSA and NCSU are offering GAPs workshops this fall. This two-part series prepares producers for the audit process. Part 1 takes place on research farms and will be based on the GAPs audit manual. It combines classroom and on-farm components to provide farmers with the tools they need to identify potential food safety concerns and employ strategies to minimize contamination. Part 2 will take place in computer labs at local community colleges to provide direct assistance to producers completing their food safety plan.

Wayne Co.

Oct. 3 - CEFS Small Farms Unit

Oct. 17 - Mt. Olive CC

Contact Jessica Strickland: jessica_strickland@ncsu.edu

See attached flyer

Henderson Co.
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center
Oct. 10th and Oct 24th

Contact Kerrie Roach: kerrie_roach@ncsu.edu

Davidson Co.

Oct. 29 - Salisbury/Piedmont Research Station

Nov. 12 - Davidson CC

Contact Amy-Lynn Albertson: amy_albertson@ncsu.edu

See attached flyer

ONE-ON-ONE GAPs TRAINING

Interested in becoming USDA GAPs certified, but unsure whether you have all your cantaloupes in a row? Take advantage of our one-on-one training opportunity to have a mock audit conducted on your farm. We'll identify potential risks and provide an assessment of your practices in relation to the GAPs certification matrix.

Application and information: http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/GAPss-one-on-one-training/

Contact: Karen McSwain, Karen@carolinafarmstewards.org

GAPs COST SHARE ASSISTANCE

Stuck paying the bill for the USDA GAPs audit you've already passed?

Take advantage of our cost share program and get CASH back! CFSA farm members who received USDA GAPs certification in 2013 and attended a CFSA GAPs audit training in 2012 or 2013 qualify for cost share assistance covering 75% of an individual’s certification costs, up to a maximum of $600.

Application and information: http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/gaps-cost-share/

Contact: Karen McSwain, Karen@carolinafarmstewards.org

Medicinal Plant Growers Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 13:48:00 +0000

What: Blue Ridge Naturally Workshop: Connecting Medicinal Plant Growers with Buyers

When: September 14, 2013, 10 AM to 4 PM

Where: AB Tech Enka Campus, Haynes Conference Center, Room 200

1459 Sand Hill Rd. Candler, NC 28715

Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Includes lunch catered by Gypsy Queen

On-line Registration: https://blueridgenaturally.eventbrite.com/ or contact Alison Dressler via email or at

828-684-3562 x 150.

Natural products manufacturers are looking for medicinal herb growers and local medicinal herb growers are looking for buyers. But how do they find each other? This event will help connect current and potential medicinal plant growers with manufacturers and raw material buyers for the natural products industry in North Carolina. It will feature panels of four new and experienced medicinal herb growers and four natural products buyers/manufacturers to discuss their unique experiences, challenges, goals, and needs as it relates to natural products and raw materials. There will be ample time for networking between growers and buyers. If you are a grower, please bring a list of what you are growing, including quantities and what form you can supply them in (fresh or dried). If you are a medicinal plant buyer, please bring a list of what raw materials you want to source locally and in what quantity and form you need them.

We will also discuss the new Blue Ridge Naturally^TM branding effort, created to raise the awareness of the superiority of botanical raw materials and quality natural products (personal care, pet care, cleaning, tinctures and supplements, functional food and beverages) from the Blue Ridge Mountains region of North Carolina.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the natural products industry in Western North Carolina, this event is not to be missed! While the event will focus on medicinal plant cultivation, wild-harvesters are welcome and encouraged to attend.

If you would like to set-up a product or informational table for $10, please contact Alison Dressler via email or at 828-684-3562 x 150.

This event is made possible by a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation. Project partners include AdvantageWest, Bent Creek Institute, BioNetwork, Blue Ridge Food Ventures, NC Natural Products Association, NC State University, SBTDC, and US Botanical Safety Laboratory

NCDA&CS Food Safety Forum

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 23:28:00 +0000

COMMISSIONER’S FOOD SAFETY FORUM REMINDER

We are one week away from the 9^th Annual Commissioner’s Food Safety Forum and there is still time to register and be a part of this important food safety event! The forum is open to farmers, food businesses, regulators, health professionals and others with an interest in food safety. Admission is free and includes lunch.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will host the event from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on August 27th in the Expo Center at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC.

“The Food and Drug Administration is proposing sweeping reform of food safety regulation in the United States,” Troxler said. “The forum will focus on the proposals from the perspective of the federal government, retailers and farmers. Anyone interested in food safety is encouraged to attend and learn about these issues affecting food safety at all levels of the supply chain.”

To reserve a seat at the forum, please register at www.ncagr.gov/ncfoodsafetyforum by August 21. If you have any questions, please contact Chrissy Waggett at 919-707-3008 or Christina.Waggett@ncagr.gov

We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh next week!

Pest News for Week of August 12

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 16:17:00 +0000

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

From: Emma Lookabaugh, Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, and Barbara Shew, Extension Plant Pathologist

Pesky Blackberry Foes

Here in North Carolina, blackberry season is in full swing! For many North Carolinians, that means it is the perfect time to stock up their freezer or pull out those Ball jars and preserve some tangy blackberry jam. Blackberry season brings back sweet summertime memories of riding my bike down the road to the blackberry thicket at the edge of the woods, gorging myself with fresh, juicy berries (probably picking up a few chiggers in the process), and heading home with purple stains on my hands, face, and clothes. Whether you prefer to pick your own berries or buy a pack from the local Farmer’s Market, we can all agree that blackberries are a signature snack for a late summer’s day. Unfortunately, blackberries, like all things delicious, come with their fair share of pests and diseases that impact fruit production.

This summer, we have seen two similar but different diseases on blackberry samples: orange rust on blackberry and black raspberry and leaf and cane rust on blackberry. Orange rust is typically the more devastating disease because it can become systemic, moving from leaves into other parts of the plant. The orange rust fungus has two forms, Arthuriomyces peckianus (formerly Gymnoconia peckiana) and Gymnoconia nitens, which differ only in the number of spore stages produced. Pustules full of orange-yellow spores develop on the undersides of leaves in late May and early June. These spores are blown to healthy leaves and infect when humidity is high and leaves are wet. Heavily infected leaves may die and defoliate. Once the plant is infected, the rust fungus becomes systemic. It grows down the infected shoot, into the crown, and then can enter newly formed roots. Symptoms associated with shoot infections include proliferation of shoots, weak and spindly canes, and lack of spines on the shoots. In mid-to-late summer, brownish black pustules that contain dark teliospores develop on the undersides of lower leaves. Teliospores do not infect, but germinate to produce basidiospores that can infect new buds or shoots, or the teliospores can overwinter on leaves before producing basidiospores the following year. Infected plants remain infected throughout their lifetime and do not recover.

Orange rust does not kill the plant outright, but infected plants are completely lost to production due to their inability to produce blossoms and berries. Controlling orange rust is largely achieved through cultural practices. Plant disease-free stock plants, eradicate diseased plants and wild berries in the surrounding area, and completely remove and destroy the entire plant as soon as symptoms develop on canes or leaves. Thin healthy plants to promote air circulation and to reduce leaf wetness.

Leaf and cane rust is caused by the fungus Kuehneola uredinis. Leaf and cane rust produces yellow spores in pustules that split the bark of infected canes, causing them to become weak. The pustules can also be found on the undersides of leaves. Diseased old canes should be pruned after fruiting. Alternate-year fruiting programs can help reduce disease pressure and routine fungicide spray programs may be effective in preventing new infections.

Care must be taken to differentiate systemic orange rust from leaf and cane rust because leaf and cane rust does not require drastic removal methods to control disease. Identification of the rust pathogen requires a microscope and considerable knowledge in rust morphology. Suspect samples should be sent to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic for a formal diagnosis.

Pesticide Credit Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 17:45:00 +0000

Pesticide Credit Opportunities

Have you waited until the end of the summer to get all of your pesticide credits? Now your credits are scheduled to expire by the end of September. What do you need to do? Below are some opportunities that you should consider:

Pesticide Safety Training Sessions (Category V)

September 10^th 2013. 1:00-3:00 P.M. WNC Regional Livestock Center, 474 Stock Drive, Canton NC.

(I-40 Exit 33- Newfound Rd)

September, 12^th 2013. 7:00-9:00 P.M. Henderson County Extension Center, 100 Jackson Park Rd. Hendersonville, NC (828) 697-4891

September 12^th, 2013. 5:30-7:30 P.M. Madison County Extension Center, 258 Carolina Lane, Marshall NC. (828) 649-2411

Pesticide (Category X) or Commercial Credit Classes:

August 8th, Tomato and Vegetable Field Day, 12:30- 4:30 P.M., Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center, Mills River, NC

August 28^th, IPM for Green Industry Professionals- ( Invasive Weed Identification and Control,) 2:00- 4:30 P.M. Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center, 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC, Approved for credits in L, G, D, H, N, O, and X

August 29^th, Weed Identification & Control in Cool Season Turfgrass, 2:00-4:00 Henderson County Extension Center, 100 Jackson Park Rd. Hendersonville, NC (828) 697-4891, Approved for credits in L,D, N, and X

September, 10^th, Pesticide Labels and Storage, 9:30-11:30 A.M. WNC Regional Livestock Center, 474 Stock Drive, Canton NC. (I-40 Exit 33- Newfound Rd)

USDA-FSA Holds Sign Up for Farmland Damaged by Flood and Excessive Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 13:58:00 +0000

Attention Growers
Please visit the attached news release for Buncombe County. Contact the USDA/FSA offices in your county for information regarding similar opportunities.

The following link will take you to the actual press release:

News Release from USDA

Thanks
Cliff Ruth
Extension Area Agent.

Tomato and Vegetable Field Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 16:14:00 +0000

NC State Researchers Help Farmers Improve Their Crops

Event: Annual Tomato and Vegetable Field Day

Date and Time: Thursday, August 8, 2013 starting at 12:30 pm

Location: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station, 74 Research Drive, Mills River, NC 28759.

For More Information: Contact Jeanine Davis at Jeanine_Davis@ncsu.edu or 828-684-3562

Western North Carolina is well known for producing high quality tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers, and other vegetables. Agricultural scientists with NC State University provide support to these growers by developing new varieties and researching the best practices to grow safe, nutritious vegetables that can yield a profit for the farmer while protecting our mountain soil and water. To help diversify agriculture in the region, they are also exploring potential new crops such as hops for the craft breweries and medicinal herbs for the natural products industry. The field day will open with a trade show, tomato taste test, and registration. Participants will then tour the research station on event trailers (with comfortable seats and protection from the sun). The event will conclude with a pig pickin’ at 6:00 pm at Lake Julian (about 10 minutes away). The field day will take place regardless of the weather, so dress accordingly. This is a free event sponsored by NC State University, the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, the NC Tomato Growers Association, and the industry.

Directions to the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station: From I-40 in Asheville, take I-26 South (Exit 46). Travel approximately 9 miles to Hwy 280 (Exit 40). Follow Hwy 280 South approximately 2 miles to Ferncliff Park Drive on the right. Turn right onto Ferncliff Park Drive (used to be Old Fanning Bridge Rd.). At the entrance to Ferncliff Park, turn left onto Old Fanning Bridge Road. Cross the river and turn right onto Research Drive. IF THERE IS A ROAD CLOSED SIGN AT FERNCLIFF PARK DR., FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS BELOW.

Revised temporary directions to the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station: Construction of the Sierra Nevada Brewery near our facilities resulted in a temporary road closure. Old Fanning Bridge Road at Hwy NC-280 has been renamed to Ferncliff Park Drive. If that road is still closed on the Hwy NC-280 side at the time of the field day, people coming in from I-26 should follow these directions: continue south on Hwy NC-280 past Ferncliff Park Drive. At the third light, turn right on Hwy NC-191 (Old Haywood Road). Go several miles and turn right on Old Fanning Bridge Road.

Research Stops:

· Incidence and Persistence of Salmonella & Escherichia coli in Environmental Samples from North Carolina Tomato Production Systems

· Tomato Taste Test: Ensuring Good Flavor in New Varieties

· Sweet Corn Yields from a Long Term Tillage & Production Management Experiment

· Effects of Organic and Conventional Production Systems under Conservation and Conventional Tillage on Water Quality

· Examining the Feasibility of Hops as a New Crop for Western North Carolina: A Variety Trial

· Seed Source Effects on the Growth, Yield and Biochemical Composition of the Medicinal Herbs Echinacea purpurea and E. angustifolia

· Evaluating Fungicides for the Management of Early Blight, Late Blight, and Phytophthora Blight

· Tomato Variety Replicated Trials 2013

· Comparison of Foliar versus Drip Irrigation Application of Insecticides on Pepper and Cucumber

· Tomato Insecticide and Miticide Trial

· Cucurbit Downy Mildew: Prepare, Predict, Prevent

· NC Comments on Proposed Produce Safety Rules

Late July- Pest News for WNC Fruit and Vegetable Growers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 22:03:00 +0000

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

From: Hannah Burrack, Extension Entomologist

End of Harvest Concerns in Blueberries

As blueberry harvest nears the end in some areas of North Carolina, a few important insect related issues require some attention.

Spotted wing drosophila in processing fruit

Rainfall makes spotted wing drosophila (SWD) management more challenging (http://strawberries.ces.ncsu.edu/2013/05/swd_in_rain/), as growers have discovered in the last two months. As we move into the end of blueberry harvest, fruit being picked for processing is at higher risk for SWD infestation for several reasons: It is often softer than fruit picked for the fresh market and SWD prefer soft fruit (http://news.ncsu.edu/releases/wms-burrack-suzukii-2013/). Processing fruit may be harvested less frequently than fresh market fruit, increasing the time ripe berries are exposed to SWD. Finally, because processing fruit is often machine harvested, all the fruit in the field (good and bad) may be picked.

There are some strategies that growers can employ post harvest to decrease the likelihood that SWD infested fruit will be sent off for processing:

1. Hold fruit at cool temperatures. Work in our lab suggests that SWD eggs and larvae cease development at temperatures less than 41F. They will not necessarily die at cool temperatures, but they likely will not cause further damage to the fruit. The longer fruit are stored and the cooler the temperature of storage, the more likely that small SWD larvae will die. Holding fruit at cooler temperatures also give growers the added benefit of determining how significant the infestation, as large larvae will exit fruit as it cools.

2. Sort out soft fruit. Soft fruit is the most likely to be infested with SWD for two reasons – egg laying SWD are more attracted to soft fruit and blueberries become softer as SWD feed. If growers can remove soft fruit before sending fruit for processing, this will further decrease risk of infestation being present. I suspect our aggressive soft sorting standards for fresh market blueberries are one of the reasons that SWD has been a less significant issue in this crop than some other hosts.

3. Sample collection timing. When receiving fruit, processors can either collect samples before or after fruit are sorted/de-stemmed. Samples collected before fruit has been soft sorted are not necessarily representative of the status of the fruit that will be processed. Samples of fruit after chilling and sorting, prior to processing/freezing, are likely more representative.

Post harvest leafhopper treatments

Treatments to manage sharpnosed leafhopper (http://ipm.ncsu.edu/small_fruit/hopper.html) vectors of blueberry stunt disease typically begin post harvest (http://pemaruccicenter.rutgers.edu/assets/PDF/Blueberry/iSharp-nosed_Leafhopper.pdf). Blueberry stunt disease is caused by a phytoplasma, and symptoms include "bushy" growth due to short, stunted branches and yellowed leaving during the growing season which may prematurely turn red and fall off in late summer. Most importantly, plants infested with stunt-causing phytoplasma do not produce.

Aerial applications of ULV (ultra low volume) malathion has been used in the past for leafhoppers due to effectiveness and ease of application. However, many growers have also used this material for SWD management during the season, and careful attention must be paid to label restrictions on the number of applications that can be made of materials when selecting tools to manage sharpnosed leafhopper. Application limits apply to the entire growing season, not just harvest season, so label limits on the number of applications also apply to leafhopper treatments. Application limits apply to the amount of active ingredient, not the trade names of those active ingredients. Sources for updated labels with current use restrictions include CDMS (http://www.cdms.net/Home.aspx) and Agrian (http://www.agrian.com/home/label-lookup/overview).

Alternatives to malathion that are effective against sharpnosed leafhopper include Assail (acetamiprid) and Asana (esfenvalurate). Imidaclorprid and thiamethoxam are also options for sharpnosed leafhopper. The North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual (http://ipm.ncsu.edu/agchem/agchem.html) has recommendations for the use of these materials. It's important to note, however, that all these materials pose some risks to pollinators. While blueberries are not in bloom, some of our most efficient blueberry pollinators (http://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/ir/handle/1840.16/7822) are ground nesting bees that may remain near fields after bloom. Therefore, any insecticide treatments should be timed to leafhopper flights, ideally determined through trapping, to provide maximum efficacy against target pests and limit unnecessary applications. See http://ncsmallfruitsipm.blogspot.com/2011/04/practicing-what-we-preach-implimenting.html for information on trapping and the following for images, http://ipm.ncsu.edu/small_fruit/hopper.html, to aid in sharpnosed leafhopper identification.

From: Lina Quesada-Ocampo, Extension Plant Pathologist

Cucurbit Downy Mildew Moves Towards Western North Carolina

Cucurbit downy mildew has been reported in Haywood, Polk, Ashe, Henderson and Chatham counties (http://cdm.ipmpipe.org/scripts/map.php) during this past week. Now that cucurbit downy mildew is present in several regions of North Carolina and surrounding states, it’s important that growers scout for the disease and keep up with preventive sprays to protect their crop and avoid yield loses.

If you are not familiar with cucurbit downy mildew symptoms on different cucurbits please see our previous alert (http://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/2013/07/do-you-know-how-to-diagnose-cucurbit-downy-mildew-in-different-cucurbit-crops/) to assist you in diagnosing this foliar disease. If you think you have cucurbit downy mildew in your cucurbits please contact your local Extension agent (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center/) and send photos and/or physical samples to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantpath/extension/clinic/submit-sample.html).

For more information about the disease and how to control it, see our factsheets in English and Spanish (http://projects.cals.ncsu.edu/veggiepathology/disease_factsheets). Control recommendations are also available in the cucurbit downy mildew IPM pipe website (http://cdm.ipmpipe.org/index.php), where you can also register to receive text, e-mail and/or phone alerts when new disease outbreaks are reported. We have also compiled previous cucurbit downy mildew alerts athttp://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/tags/cdm/.

Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/QuesadaLabNCSU) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/QuesadaLabNCSU) for more veggie disease alerts.

New Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 13:02:00 +0000

New Opportunities for Organic and Biodynamic Farming in Western NC

For organic growers looking for a new opportunities there will be an event/program at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center- Read on!

Date: August 1, 2013

Time: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Where: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC 28759

To reserve a space: Call Erin at 267-372-0339 (she really does need a head count)

Description: There are new business opportunities for organic and biodynamic production in western North Carolina and this is the event to learn all about them! Jim Fullmer from Demeter, the biodynamic certifying organization, will discuss what is involved in being a commercial, certified biodynamic farmer. “Coach” Mark Smallwood the executive director of the Rodale Institute will discuss their plans for western North Carolina. And Jeanine Davis, Associate Professor of Horticulture at NC State University will lead a panel discussion to cover the rising demand for large-scale organic and biodynamic vegetables from the region. This event is sponsored by Brad’s Raw Foods, Demeter, NC State University, and Rodale Institute.

Detour: Construction of the Sierra Nevada Brewery near our facilities has resulted in a temporary road closure for road widening. Old Fanning Bridge Road is closed on the Hwy NC-280 side; that is the direction most people come in on from I-26. So, to get to our facilities from I-26, continue south on Hwy NC-280 for several miles. Turn right on Hwy NC-191 (Old Haywood Road). Go several miles and turn right on Old Fanning Bridge Road.

For more information, contact Jeanine_Davis@ncsu.edu or Erin at 267-372-0339.

After Dinner Party: Join us for an after dinner raw chocolate, kombucha, and biodynamic wine garden party by: Ashevilleage Institute starting at 8:00 pm at 80 Buchanan St., Asheville, NC 28801 (come around to the back!)

Cucurbit Downy Mildew Forecast

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 20:12:00 +0000

Cucurbit Downy Mildew Forecast

Vegetable growers producing cucurbit crops such as cucumbers and squash should consider following the Cucurbit Downy Mildew Forecast tool linked below:

http://cdm.ipmpipe.org/

Current conditions suggest that with the weather pattern we are now having that there is a moderate to high risk factor (depending on your location and terrain in WNC) of developing this disease on your crops. Please stay alert for further information and contact your local Cooperative Extension Center if you think you already have this disease present in your fields.

For more information please visit the following website: http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantpath/extension/fact_sheets/Cucurbits_-_Downy_Mildew.htm

Mountain Research Station Field Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 12:26:00 +0000

Hello Vegetable Producer
We have just learned of the Field Day at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville, on Thursday and would like to give you this invitation to come out and see all of the exciting things that have been going on at this farm

The following link will direct you to the flier discussing the details of the field day: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/mountain-station-field-day.pdf

Late Blight Alert

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 12:24:00 +0000

Late Blight now in WNC

Late blight was detected in a West Asheville tomato garden over the weekend. It is now in our general area. Our weather has been very conducive for it... so it was just a matter of time before it showed up. Details on how to manage it, can be found here:

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Tomato_late_blight_ki.pdf

If you have tomatoes that have not been flooded out and are able to get into your fields please be sure to get a fungicide treatment on them as soon as possible.

Flooding and Crop Disaster Information

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 17:08:00 +0000

Hello Vegetable and Fruit Grower

Due to the flooding that occurred in many placed over night, throughout WNC last night and may continue to occur this weekend, I am asking that growers, contact me or one of my colleagues to let us know the extent of damage that you may have. I have already been out this morning looking at flooded fields and at least one severely damaged nursery. We need to collect as mush information as we can to provide to the folk at FSA in case the area can get any crop disaster relief.

Please send me an e-mail at cdruth@ncsu.edu or call my office at 828-255-5522 and leave a message.
Feel free to share this information with fellow farmers that may not have internet access.

In addition please read the following materials from Diane Ducharme as it relates to the harvest and sale of crops in flooded fields:

Guidance for Industry: Evaluating the Safety of Flood-affected Food Crops for Human Consumption

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/EmergencyResponse/ucm287808.htm

This guidance sets for the best management practices given current research-based information.

This document sets forth information on:

· Defines flooding vs. pooled water (after rainfalls)
· Safety of food crops when floodwaters contacted the edible portions of the crops (surface & underground crops, crops with a hard outer skin or shell, and grains, nuts, corns, etc.)
· Safety of food crops when flood waters did NOT contact the edible portions of the crops
· Assessment of Flood-affected Fields before Replanting, possible testing needed, and while crops are not in the fields
· Additional Controls to Avoid Cross-contamination after Flooding

This guidance represents the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) current thinking on this topic. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind FDA or the public. You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. If you want to discuss an alternative approach, contact the FDA staff responsible for implementing this guidance. If you cannot identify the appropriate FDA staff, call the telephone number listed on the title page of this guidance.

Vegetable Disease Alert

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 16:58:00 +0000

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

From: Kelly Ivors, Lina Quesada-Ocampo and Barbara Shew, Extension Plant Pathologists

Late Blight Isn’t Late This Year . . . It’s Early Again

Late blight has been confirmed on tomatoes in Watauga, Guilford and Wake counties and on potatoes in Watauga County by the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic at North Carolina State University (http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantpath/extension/clinic/) in collaboration with Dr. Kelly Ivors and Dr. Lina Quesada-Ocampo at the Department of Plant Pathology.

Tomato fruit and foliage and potato foliage were severely affected and blighted in the samples, probably due to the heavy rainfall we have experienced in the past few days, which favors disease. In Western North Carolina, late blight on tomato typically occurs later in the season when the risks for fruit loss are minimal; however, it is only rarely found on tomato outside of the mountain counties. Given the recent rain and weather conditions and the fact that the disease is present in the state earlier than expected, the disease will be harder to control season-long and could quickly spread to other areas. Active scouting and immediate action to protect tomato and potato crops in North Carolina from late blight is recommended.

The Department of Plant Pathology has developed the Extension Plant Pathology portal (http://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/), which contains a pest news section (http://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/tags/pest-news/), to get the latest updated information on new pest alerts. We are constantly adding content as necessary when diseases of significance show up.

If you think you have late blight in your tomatoes and/or potatoes please contact your local Extension agent (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center/) and send photos and/or physical samples to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. If late blight is confirmed in your samples by an expert, please send a report at the USAblight website (http://www.usablight.org/) to alert other growers. The USAblight website also contains information about disease identification and control.

During the last two weeks the pathogen appeared in Dickson County, TN (June 7); Morgan County, TN (June 10) but in a greenhouse crop, which is an unusual circumstance; Montgomery County, MD (June 20); Wayne Co, KY (June 22); Mercer County, NJ (June 28); Kent County, DE (July 1) and of course as within the last couple of days - Guilford County and Wake County, NC. This monitoring system is complemented with available recommendations in the Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook, as well as an updated factsheet (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/programs/plantpath/tomato-spray-guide/tomato-spray-guide-2013.pdf) that provides a proactive program to pre-empt late blight - especially during harvest.

For control recommendations and additional information, please refer to previous tomato late blight (http://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/2013/06/pest-news-tomato-late-blight-alert-2/) and potato late blight (http://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/2013/06/pest-news-potato-late-blight-alert/) alerts.

From: Lina Quesada-Ocampo, Extension Plant Pathologist

Cucurbit Downy Mildew Found in Sampson, Hertford and Martin Counties

Cucurbit downy mildew was found in cucumber in Sampson, Hertford and Martin counties and in butternut squash in Sampson County in the past five days. Growers should scout their fields twice per week and protect their crops. The continuous wet weather we have been experiencing will favor the disease. The forecast for cucurbit downy mildew risk in North Carolina continues to be high (http://cdm.ipmpipe.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=38&Itemid=61).

If you think you have cucurbit downy mildew in your cucurbits please contact your local Extension agent and send photos and/or physical samples to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. If cucurbit downy mildew is confirmed in your samples by an expert, please make sure a report is sent to the cucurbit downy mildew IPM pipe website (http://cdm.ipmpipe.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=65).

For control recommendations and who to contact for assistance please refer to the first North Carolina report from Wayne County (http://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/2013/06/pest-news-5313/), or check our factsheets in English and Spanish (http://projects.cals.ncsu.edu/veggiepathology/disease_factsheets).

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more veggie disease alerts (https://twitter.com/QuesadaLabNCSU and https://www.facebook.com/QuesadaLabNCSU).

Berry Good News

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 19:45:00 +0000

If you are a berry grower this is exciting news:

This in from Diane Ducharme:

All,

Berries are in the news with Hepatitis A.

I wanted to let you know of some great resources that have been created through NoroCORE (Read more about this project below) for the Berry Industry. Please feel free to us these in your newsletters or blogs.

Links to Infosheet on Hepatisis A - one for farm management and one for berry harvesters:
Direct Link: http://norocore.ncsu.edu/for-industry/fresh-produce-industry

Update on Hep A Outbreak: http://norocore.ncsu.edu/blog/hepatitis-a-berry-outbreak-update

Contact Information for Fresh Produce:

Chip Simmons
Office 919-515-6756
Mobile 919-414-5632
email: odsimmon@ncsu.edu

NoroCORE

Website: http://norocore.ncsu.edu

North Carolina State University will use a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to strengthen food safety by studying human noroviruses across the food supply chain in an effort to design effective control measures and reduce the number of virus-caused food borne illnesses.

Human noroviruses are the most common cause of food borne disease, responsible for more than 5 million cases in the United States each year. Noroviruses spread from person to person, through contaminated food or water, and by touching contaminated surfaces. Molluscan shellfish like oysters, clams and mussels; fresh produce; and foods that are extensively handled just prior to consumption are at greatest risk for contamination.

Dr. Lee-Ann Jaykus, a professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at NC State, is the lead investigator of this five-year project. Her group, called the USDA-NIFA Food Virology Collaborative, consists of a team of more than 30 collaborators from academia, industry and government. The team will work to increase understanding of the viruses; educate producers, processors and food handlers on safe handling and preparation of food; and develop control and management strategies to reduce food contamination before and after harvesting. (Excerpt taken from http://norocore.ncsu.edu/about-us)

ABOUT

NoroCORE, the USDA-NIFA Food Virology Collaborative, is a food safety collaborative that focuses on outreach, research, and education in the field of food virology. NoroCORE’s ultimate goal is to reduce the burden of food borne disease associated with viruses, particularly noroviruses. NoroCORE is comprised of more than 30 lead scientists and their teams, from 18 institutions, with numerous stakeholders in the academic, industry, and government sectors. This multi-disciplinary team is working in an integrated manner to develop improved tools, skills, and capacity to understand and control food borne virus risks.

Through NoroCORE, we have put together a couple of infosheets with information about viruses in berries. There are two infosheets: one directed at harvesters and one directed at farm management. I hope these will be helpful for those individuals with questions about viral contamination of berries as the Hepatitis A outbreak in pomegranate seeds continues... (Excerpt taken from http://norocore.ncsu.edu/about-us/overview)

____________________________

Bunch Grape Disease Alert

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:04:00 +0000

Botrytis on Bunch Grape

For those of you growing bunch grapes we have the following alert from our bunch grape specialist; Sara Spayd:

Although NC conditions do not always support Botrytis (generally too hot), with the rainy, relatively cool weather we are having, Botrytis has reared its ugly head in bunch grapes.

The high rainfall and relatively good fruit set conditions this spring are leading to very tight clusters. Berries are likely to be squeezed off clusters providing a supply of nutrients for Botrytis and other fruit rot organisms. Given the persistent rain conditions and that bunch closure has occurred, we have a very high potential for rapid spread as long as conditions remain warm and humid. Gorwers should check the chemistries that they have already used for Botrytis control and DO NOT USE additional fungicides of the same mode of action as those already used. CHECK THE LABELS.

Fruit ripening is still behind though berry size can be expected to expand rapidly once the fruit hits stage 3 of growth (engustment) when water starts to fill in the berries..

Pest News for Week of July 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 16:25:00 +0000

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
From: Lina Quesada-Ocampo, Extension Plant Pathologist
New Cucurbit Downy Mildew Report in Cucumber from
Franklin County and Several Cucurbits in Johnston County
Cucurbit downy mildew was reported on cucumbers in Franklin County on June 22 and on cantaloupe
and pumpkin, June 25, through the cucurbit downy mildew IPM pipe website
(http://cdm.ipmpipe.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=65). Cucurbit downy
mildew has also been reported in watermelon and squash in Charleston County, South Carolina. Now
that several cucurbits are being affected in North Carolina and neighboring states it’s important that
growers scout their fields twice a week and protect their crops. The forecast for cucurbit downy mildew
risk http://cdm.ipmpipe.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=38&Ite
mid=61 in North Carolina continues to be high due to the wet weather we have experienced.
For control recommendations and who to contact for assistance, please refer to the first North Carolina
report from Wayne County (http://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/2013/06/pest-news-5313/), or check our
factsheets in English and Spanish (http://projects.cals.ncsu.edu/veggiepathology/disease_factsheets).
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more veggie disease alerts
(https://twitter.com/QuesadaLabNCSU and https://www.facebook.com/QuesadaLabNCSU).

Hops Variety Trial Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 16:18:00 +0000

Tour the NC State University Hops Variety Trial in western NC

Friday, July 12, 2013, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station, Mills River, NC

In direct response to the expressed needs of hops growers in North Carolina, three years ago we established a hops variety trial at the research station in western North Carolina. Ten varieties were planted on a 20 foot trellis. The first year (2011), we had one of the prettiest hop yards in the Southeast. The second year (2012), Downy Mildew, spider mites, and Japanese beetles took a terrible toll on the plants and the differences between varieties really became apparent. We lost one variety completely; Newport. Downy Mildew actually killed the crowns. This spring we took the opportunity to informally test a few new varieties by planting them where the Newport crowns had been planted. This year we have taken a much more aggressive approach to controlling diseases and insects. We have also done some cultural practices, such as spring pruning in an effort to increase lateral formation and yields.

So, come on out late Friday afternoon. Take a look at these varieties and let's share our experiences growing hops in western NC. As many of our longer-term growers will attest, research such as the variety trial here is so important to the success of this industry. It can help you, the grower, prevent some costly mistakes. When a variety, spray material, or practice doesn't work in our yard, it is "lesson learned for all of us". When it doesn't work in your yard, it is time and money lost.

Note, the construction of the Sierra Nevada Brewery next to the research station has resulted in a temporary road closure. If you come in via I-26 please follow these directions to get to our facility:

Revised temporary directions to the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center and the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station: Construction of the Sierra Nevada Brewery near our facilities has resulted in a temporary road closure for road widening. Old Fanning Bridge Road is closed on the Hwy NC-280 side; that is the direction most people come in on from I-26. So, to get to our facilities from I-26, continue south on Hwy NC-280 for several miles. Turn right on Hwy NC-191 (Old Haywood Road). Go several miles and turn right on Old Fanning Bridge Road.

No registration is required. This is an outside event, so dress accordingly. Suggested donation of $5 per person. If you have questions, please email or call Kelly Gaskill,Kelly_Gaskill@ncsu.edu or 828-684-3562.

Jeanine M. Davis, Ph.D.

Tomato and Vegetable Field Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 01:48:00 +0000

Tomato and Vegetable Field Day

August 8, 2013

Annual Tomato and Vegetable Field Day

Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station

Mills River, NC

This annual field day will highlight all the tomato, vegetable, and specialty crop research being conducted by NC State University researchers. The event will open with a trade show and registration at12:30 pm. The program will start at 1:00 pm and run till 5 or 5:30. Attendees will ride around the research station on wagons to all the research stops, so come prepared to be outside. The event will conclude with a pig pickin’ at Lake Julian. This event is sponsored by the North Carolina Tomato Growers Association. Directions:

http://www.ncagr.gov/research/MountainHortDirections.htm

Pest Alerts for Week of June 24th

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 14:35:00 +0000

Fruit and Vegetable Pest Problems

Hello Fruit and Vegetable Growers

There are a number of pest problems showing up that you may want to keep you eyes open for and treat. If you are in doubt or need assistance please feel free to call your local Cooperative Extension office.

Those we have seen or are getting alerts for are included below:

From: Lina Quesada-Ocampo, Extension Plant Pathologist

Potato Late Blight Alert

Late blight was found on tomatoes on the Eastern shore of Virginia on June 20, 2013. Also, the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantpath/extension/clinic/) at North Carolina State University also received pictures of a potato sample from Watauga County, North Carolina that appears to be infected with late blight. However, this is an unconfirmed report and we are waiting for a physical sample to verify. Potato and tomato are susceptible to this disease, and can be significantly defoliated within days if environmental conditions favor the pathogen.

Active scouting and immediate action to protect potato crops in North Carolina from late blight is recommended, since we have been experiencing wet and cool weather that is conducive to disease. For more information about potato late blight and how to control it see factsheets in English and Spanish (http://projects.cals.ncsu.edu/veggiepathology/disease_factsheets) produced by Dr. Lina Quesada-Ocampo (http://plantpath.cals.ncsu.edu/faculty/lina-m-quesada-ocampo) at Department of Plant Pathology (http://plantpath.cals.ncsu.edu/). Control recommendations are also available in the USAblight website (http://www.usablight.org/), where you can also register to receive text and/or e-mail alerts when new disease outbreaks are reported.

For tomato late blight information and control recommendations, please refer to the alert released by Dr. Kelly Ivors (http://plantpath.cals.ncsu.edu/faculty/kelly-l-ivors) and the related factsheet for tomato late blight (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Tomato_late_blight_ki.pdf).

If you think you have late blight in your potatoes please contact your local Extension agent (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center/) and send photos and/or physical samples to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. If late blight is confirmed in your samples by an expert, please send a report at the USAblight website to alert other growers.

Control strategies are provided in the factsheets for commercial growers. Homeowners can use gardening fungicides that contain chlorothalonil as an active ingredient. Organic growers can use copper-based products to slow down disease progression.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more veggie disease alerts (https://twitter.com/QuesadaLabNCSU and https://www.facebook.com/QuesadaLabNCSU).

From: Kelly Ivors, Extension Plant Pathologist

Tomato Late Blight Alert

Late blight of tomato, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is knocking on the doors of our state border. On Thursday, June 20, 2013, the clinic received pictures from an Extension agent of what appears to be classic symptoms of late blight on potato from Watauga County, North Carolina. The clinic has yet to receive a physical sample for confirmation. Given the fact that this disease has been confirmed in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and possibly Kentucky, in addition to the recent wet and cool weather that is conducive for the pathogen’s growth and spread, we are concerned the disease will be soon arriving to North Carolina, if it’s not already here.

Without proper preventative measures, late blight can completely defoliate and destroy a crop within one to two weeks. The disease can be severe on tomatoes grown in the mountains of North Carolina, as well as in late plantings in the piedmont.

For more information about tomato late blight and how to control it see a tomato late blight factsheet produced by Dr. Kelly Ivors at the Department of Plant Pathology. Control recommendations are also available in the USAblight website, where you can also register to receive text and/or email alerts when new disease outbreaks are reported.

For potato late blight information and control recomendations please refer to the alert (http://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/2013/06/pest-news-potato-late-blight-alert/) released by Dr. Lina Quesada-Ocampo and the related factsheets in English and Spanish.

Japanese Beetles Adults

We have a couple reports from around North Carolina and even reports that they are emerging in Maryland. So I guess they are trickling out, but populations seem to have gotten lower and lower in the past several years. For three years in a row we have had severe droughts during the time Japanese beetles are ovipositing. They need moist soil so their eggs do not dehydrate and so tiny young larvae can borrow into the soil. Droughts have restricted successful reproduction to only well irrigated areas.

So keep an eye out and remember a few key things. Japanese beetle traps do not offer any protection to landscape plants, or cane berries and may actually attract more beetles on to your property so hang them in your neighbor’s yard. Likewise, treating a lawn for Japanese beetles grubs will not reduce defoliation of plants on that property since beetles fly in from great distances. These pest are feeding aggressively in areas of ornamental plantings as well as cane berries and grapes. Application of Bifentrhrin (Capture), Carbaryl (Sevin) or Azadirectin (Aza-Direct) may be warranted if you have an infestation.

Fire Ant Program

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:28:00 +0000

While Fire Ant's may not be a concern to many of you right now- think again, they are invading WNC and you should be prepared to control them on your farm. Many vegetable and fruit growers move materials around that these pest can find ways of moving from your farm to that of another or from elsewhere to your farm. Consider attending this program on July 17th to learn more about this pest. Fire Ant Program