Tomatoes cracking in the late stages of ripening (Figure 1) was observed in our field visit. This article discusses conditions that are likely to predispose tomatoes to crack. The cracking that happened recently in open field production is likely associated with the heavy rains. The problem is most observed when a dry period is followed…Read more about Cracking Tomatoes[Read More]
Solanaceous Crops
This disease can cause loses by the wilt and decline of plants. This article describes the symptoms and management of two similar diseases of potato both known as black leg caused by different bacterial pathogens. Both black leg diseases have similar symptoms. Often the first symptom one might observe is reduction in plant emergence. After…Read more about Black leg of Potato[Read More]
Off-target herbicide movement, whether from on-farm or neighboring farms, is not a new problem. However, in recent years it has been on the top of more minds. Although many crops seem to recover from an off-target herbicide event, vegetative recovery does not always imply that all is well. To illustrate this point, let’s look at…Read more about Herbicide Drift on Tomatoes[Read More]
The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is one of the most devastating pests of potato crops and is something that you should be on the lookout for NOW! This pest overwinters as an adult in the soil or field margins surrounding last year’s crop. The soils have warmed, the adults came out and eggs are now…Read more about Time to Scout for Potato Beetles[Read More]
As tomatoes bloom and set fruit it is a good time to review practices for avoiding some common fruit problems. Water management is key to avoiding blossom end rot. Adequate potassium is important to reduce yellow shoulder and internal white tissue. This article provides more information on these topics, and includes some information previously published…Read more about Reducing Blossom End Rot and Yellow Shoulder/Internal White Tissue in Tomato[Read More]
To regular readers of the Vegetable Crop Hotline, it may seem that we include an article about tomato spotted wilt virus every year out of custom. However, we have again observed large outbreaks of this disease. Please read the article below carefully if you raise tomato transplants or mature tomatoes in a greenhouse or high…Read more about Tips for Managing Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)[Read More]
There is still time to select sweet pepper varieties for this summer. During the 2020 growing season, I evaluated a new batch of five sweet bell pepper varieties. I also evaluated five sweet tapered pepper varieties for a second season. All varieties (Table 1, Figures 1 & 2) were grown in a high tunnel at…Read more about Have You Selected Your Sweet Pepper Varieties Yet?[Read More]
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is a plant disease caused by a virus that infects more than 1,000 species of plants, including ornamentals and vegetables. Visual symptoms of TSWV vary depending on the plant that is infected, but general characteristics include yellow or brown ringspots on fruit and small, dark-colored ringspots on foliage that may…Read more about Tips for Managing Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)[Read More]
A common problem tomato growers face this time of year are fruit defects caused by high temperatures. Heat stress on tomatoes can lead to reduced yield and abnormal fruit development. The common physiological disorders on fruit development under heat stress include yellow shoulder, internal white tissue, and blotchy ripening. In a recent presentation by Gordon…Read more about Tomato Varieties Differ in Susceptibility to Internal White Tissue Disorder[Read More]
On hot days in the summer, high tunnel growers may wonder whether to place shadecloth on high tunnels. Considering excessive heat inside the structures that may lead to plant stress, blossom drop and unmarketable fruit, there is a rational for doing it. However, it is important to realize the limitations of placing shadecloth on high…Read more about Using Shadecloth on High Tunnels for Tomato and Colored Bell Pepper Production[Read More]