Fruit and Vegetable Weekly Crop Update

Aug 25, 2015

Growing degree days since April 1: 2788 GDD (Average (11 year): 2572) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Degree-Day Calculator)

4 inch soil temp: 74.8°F (10 am 4-inch soil temperature under bare soil) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Illinois Climate Network)

Downy mildew of basil in Illinois. On August 10, R. Mohammad Babadoost observed and confirmed downy mildew of basil in the University of Illinois research plots in Champaign. He expects downy mildew on basil develop throughout the state. Thus, fungicide treatment for control of the disease on green basils is essential. Downy mildew of basil, caused by Peronospora belbahrii, occurred first in Illinois in 2009. Since then the disease developed on basils every year. P. belbahrii infects leaves, rapidly develops and spreads, and can cause total crop loss. Since 2009, we have had trials for evaluating efficacy of fungicides for control of basil downy mildew every year. The results of our trials showed that the disease can be effectively controlled by weekly applications of the following fungicides: Quadris, Revus, and Ranman. These fungicides have different modes of action and all three are registered for downy mildew of basils. To prevent resistance development of in the pathogen, the fungicides should be alternated – follow the label guidelines. For additional information, contact Mohammad Babadoost by email (babadoos@illinois.edu) of phone 217-333-1523.

For organic growers, Cornell University, Vegetable MD Online recommends the following: Actinovate AG (active ingredient is Streptomyces lydicus), Double Nickel 55 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens), MilStop (potassium bicarbonate), Regalia (extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis), Trilogy (neem oil), and OxiDate (hydrogen dioxide) are OMRI-listed fungicides labeled for use on herbs and for suppressing foliar diseases including downy mildew. MilStop, Regalia, and OxiDate are labeled for use outdoors and in greenhouses. The Actinovate, Double Nickel and Trilogy labels do not have a statement prohibiting use in greenhouses. Double Nickel label has directions for greenhouse use for soil-borne pathogens. OxiDate has limited residual activity and thus if used should be combined with or followed by another product. Results from research conducted at Cornell are available on-line.

Spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) numbers continue to increase in traps and fruit samples from the University of Illinois Fruit Research Farm at Urbana. For everyone with blackberries, red raspberries, and late peaches that you wait to harvest until they are really ripe … infestations will continue to increase. See the March 19, 2015, issue of the Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News for details on sampling and control (Dr. Rick Weinzierl, University of Illinois).

Source: University of Illinois Board

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.