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: Residue Management

Residue Management conservation practice manages the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round while limiting soil-disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops in systems where the field surface is tilled prior to planting. This video explores how Ryan McKenzie implemented this conservation practice on his farm in Samson, Alabama.

Practice benefits:

• Increases organic matter

• Improves air quality

• Decreases energy costs

• Reduces erosion

• Improves soil health

The Conservation at Work video series was created to increase producer awareness of common conservation practices and was filmed at various locations throughout the country. Because conservation plans are specific to the unique resource needs on each farm and also soil type, weather conditions, etc., these videos were designed to serve as a general guide to the benefits of soil and water conservation and landowners should contact their local USDA office for individual consultation.