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- Tangi-Washington Grower Update - 21 October 2022
To receive a notification through the Remind text messaging system when a Tangi-Washington Grower Update is posted, please contact Mary Helen Ferguson. Click here for links to previous Tangi-Washington Grower Updates.
Below are updates about some new or updated resources and several upcoming events. Note especially the disease management updates for strawberry growers and information about the unwanted pesticide disposal event scheduled for Nov. 9 in Franklinton. These pesticide disposal events are typically scheduled in parts of the state where large acreage agronomic crop production is more common, so try to take advantage of this one if you have unwanted pesticides.
As a number of you are in the process of planting strawberries, there may be a good deal of concern about potential for problems with Pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot, following the identification of it in Tangipahoa Parish last year. See the link in the preceding sentence and the mentioned article by Drs. Baggio and Peres for a refresher on this disease. As with many diseases, this one seems to be more problematic following longer periods of leaf wetness, and humid conditions under row covers may favor its development. There are anecdotal reports of spread of the disease being associated with movement of two-spotted spider mites, so stay on top of scouting for mites. Scouting recommendations are available here (or here, in Spanish).
Two-spotted spider mite management information is available on pp. 29-31 of the 2022 Southeast Regional Strawberry Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Guide for Plasticulture Production. P. 16 has information about against which life stages (eggs, juveniles, and/or adults) the different miticides are effective.
If you see symptoms that concern you, let me know.
I’ve updated the summary of fungicide options for gray mold and anthracnose fruit rot. It includes some changes that will be reflected in the 2023 Southeast Regional Strawberry Integrated Pest Management Guide for Plasticulture Production when it’s posted on the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium IPM guides website later this year or early next year. (Currently, the 2022 IPM guide is available.)
Finally, Orondis Gold is now labeled for use on strawberries for Phytophthora crown rot management. This gives growers an option in addition to mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold SL) and the phosphonate chemicals (ones with aluminum tris; mono- and dibasic sodium, potassium, and ammonium phosphites; mono- and di-potassium salts of phosphorus acid; or potassium phosphite as active ingredients). See the IPM guide for more information. (Note that the product labeled for strawberries, Orondis Gold, is distinct from the similarly named Orondis Gold 200, which is not currently labeled for use on strawberries.)
Chill hours are important to variety selection for deciduous fruit crops. Click here for newly available maps. Be sure to read the text. The maps need to be understood correctly to be used appropriately.
Year-Round Leafy Green Production
Cut Flowers for Farm Production: Marigolds
Do It Yourself: Building a Hole Puncher for the Garden or Field
The Fall 2022 edition of Small Fruit News from the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium is available.
Information was passed along to me from the Northshore Food Bank in Covington, indicating their interest in donations of unsold produce from local farmers. You probably know of other food banks in your local communities that would be happy to receive produce to share with their clients, as well.
One part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Fresh Produce Safety rule is that “At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.” For those who aren’t familiar with FSMA requirements or need a refresher, this website provides information. As mentioned in the Key Requirements section of that page, farms “that have an average annual value of produce sold during the previous three-year period of $25,000 or less” are exempt from the Produce Safety rule. (That initial threshold has since been adjusted for inflation.) There are also exemptions related to certain crops that are identified as “rarely consumed raw,” and some farms that sell a majority of their food (not just produce) to “qualified end-users” are exempt from some but not all parts of the Produce Safety rule. If you think that you may qualify for a partial or full exemption, please see the above-mentioned website and this chart.
The GAP training component is for those interested in becoming GAP certified in the future. GAP certification is not required by law but is required by some buyers. Per the event organizer, “For growers interested in USDA GAPs certification, financial assistance in the form of a cost-reimbursement program will be established that will support 75% (up to $1000) of the auditing fees associated with GAPs certification.”
The cost for this event is only $20, but you do need to pre-register. For more information and to register, click here.
This event will take place at the LSU AgCenter Southeast Research Station (the “dairy station”), 41217 Bethel Road, Franklinton. Click here for more information. Note that you’re asked to fill out and return a form in advance to help them prepare for what will be brought on that day.
Click here for more information and to register.
Purposes of the group include hosting a watermelon festival and engaging in other activities that support local fruit and vegetable growers. Meetings are typically held at the LSU AgCenter office (1104-B Bene St., Franklinton) on the first Tuesday of the month, at 6 PM. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed.
Contact Mary Helen Ferguson, Ph.D.
The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.