I have received some reports of Colorado potato beetles damaging both potatoes and tomatoes, including tomatoes in high tunnels. Both the adults and larvae are voracious feeders. As with most pests, it is best to get potato beetles under control before the populations get too high. Also, killing small larvae is easier than killing large[Read More…]
Potatoes
In 2014 and 2015 blackleg-like symptoms were observed in some U.S. potato growing areas. The presence of a bacterium of the species Dickeya was confirmed by PCR testing. Symptoms caused from this pathogen may include leaf wilts and tuber soft rots which may extend internally up the vascular system of the stem. USDA APHIS PPQ[Read More…]
Late blight has been reported on processing tomatoes in Cass County Indiana. This is a late blight update from when this disease was reported on potatoes and tomatoes in LaGrange County Indiana. The latter outbreak and some disease management tips are reported in the Vegetable Crops Hotline Issue 603 at ag.purdue.edu/hla/Extension/VegCropsHotline/Pages/Latest-Articles.aspx?article=117 This article was originally[Read More…]
Late blight has been reported on potatoes and tomatoes in LaGrange County.Potato and tomato growers in northern Indiana should follow the management recommendations listed below and in the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers 2015 (ID-56). Late blight thrives under cool, wet conditions. The disease can easily spread from plant to plant. Under ideal[Read More…]
I’ve seen some substantial populations of potato leafhoppers recently. Leafhoppers can be a significant pest of a number of vegetable crops, with potato and snap beans being particularly affected. Look for adults flitting off the plants when they are disturbed and for nymphs feeding on the underside of the leaves. It is important not to[Read More…]