SOUTH FLORIDA

VEGETABLE PEST AND DISEASE

HOTLINE
December 21, 2020

A series of cold fronts moved across South Florida over the past few weeks bring the coldest temperatures
of the season to date. Several locations including Homestead reported frost associated with one or more of
these fronts. Drier weather in December helped crops recover from damage wrought by heavy winds and rains
associated with tropical storm Eta in November.

Crops impacted by heavy rains in November are beginning to recover but growers indicate fruit size and
disease issues remain a concern. Growers are beginning to terminate fall crops and are beginning to plant
spring crops including some early watermelons around SW Florida.

FAWN Weather Summary

Date Air Temp °F Rainfall Ave Relative Humidity ET (Inches/Day)
Min Max (Inches) (Percent) (Average)
Balm
11/10 – 12/20/2020 33.52 88.81 9.26 76 0.06
Belle Glade
11/10 – 12/20/2020 35.99 88.92 3.22 86 0.07
Clewiston
11/10 – 12/20/2020 38.59 87.06 4.03 86 0.07
Ft Lauderdale
11/10 – 12/20/2020 43.09 87.39 4.35 72 0.07
Homestead
11/10 – 12/20/2020 37.42 84.79 6.25 86 0.07
Immokalee
10/20 – 11/10/2020 37.87 90.28 3.36 84 0.07
Okeechobee
11/10 – 12/20/2020 35.13 88.38 4.82 86 0.06
“Remember, when in doubt - scout.”
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A wide variety of vegetables are coming to market including celery, cucumbers, eggplants, green beans,
herbs, peppers, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelons and specialty items. Volumes are increasing in
anticipation of the upcoming Christmas market. In the Glades, some plantings are delayed due to delays in
sugar cane harvest. Prices and demand for many items has been sluggish due to Covid-19 restrictions
increasing around the nation. Corn and tomatoes have been the exception.

The National Weather Service forecast indicates a warming trend will develop across South Florida
behind the cold front that moved across the area on Monday. After this the focus will be on a strong cold
frontal boundary moving eastward toward our region. With a more Arctic influence, temperatures behind the
front are expected to be colder than the early week front currently moving through the region.

The front is forecast to move through the region Christmas Eve night or early in the day Christmas Day
preceded by a line of potentially strong to severe showers and storms.

Temperatures behind the front will be the main story as models are suggesting a dramatic cool down with
the cooler interior areas possibly dropping into the middle and upper 30s and middle and
upper 40s across the metro areas. Many areas may see the coldest air of this season thus far with this front,
especially Saturday morning. The Canadian high pressure begins to move off the coast by Saturday bringing a
quick warming trend this weekend. A trough moving across the Gulf, will bring showers and increasing low
level moisture across our area.

For additional information, visit the National Weather Service in Miami website at
https://www.weather.gov/mfl/

Insects

Whiteflies

Around SW Florida, whiteflies continue to bounce up and down, as heavy rains and cool nights slowed
them down a few days in most places. Population numbers and nymphs are building in a number of mature
fields. Growers should increase monitoring efforts as pressure is likely increase over next few weeks as older
fall fields are terminated. Growers are reporting some problems sooty mold in older fields with high whitefly
numbers.

In the Manatee Ruskin area, respondents indicate that whitefly numbers have declined in the face of
colder weather and pressure is mostly light.

On the East Coast, reports indicate that whiteflies are reaching high numbers in some older eggplant.
Growers and scouts report persistent pressure in tomato with growers spraying as needed.

Reports from Homestead indicate that whiteflies are increasing in a number of crops and that TYLCV is
widespread in tomato.

Management of whiteflies later in the season depends on early suppression of whitefly populations,
growers need to be aggressive with the best systemic materials (Venom, Sivanto Prime, Verimark) early
in the season. Growers who are on seepage and not drip are at a particular disadvantage if whiteflies and virus
are high early in the season.
Preventative soil applications of either imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, flupyradifurone or
cyanatraniliprole should be used preventatively in tomato and cucurbits.

Systemic insecticides applied to soil for whitefly control

Common name Mode of Action Trade Names Rates
Imidacloprid 4A Various Check Label
Thiamethoxam 4A Platinum 75 SG 1.66 - 3.67
4A Venom 70% 5 - 7.5 oz./ac
Scorpion 35 SL 9 -1 0.5 fl oz./ac
Certador 10% 32.5 - 47.5 fl oz./ac
Flurpyradifuron 4D Sivanto 200 SL 21-28 fl oz./ac
Verimark 28 Verimark 18.7% 5-10 fl oz./ac

Efficacy Ratings for Insecticides and Miticides on Tomato

Whiteflies Other pests controlled

Southern Spider
Whiteflies Stinkbugs Leafminer
MOA Active Ingredient Armyworm mites
4A dinotefuran E** G
4A imidacloprid E**
4A thiamethoxam E** G
4D flupyradifurone E**
23 spiromesifen E† E
23 spirotetramat E† G
7C pyriproxyfen E†
28 cyantraniliprole E** E E
1B malathion G*
3A beta-cyfluthrin G* F G
3A bifenthrin G* G
3A esfenvalerate G* G
3A fenpropathrin G* F F
3A lambda cyhalothrin G* F
3A permethrin G* G
3A zeta-cypermethrin G* G F
4A acetamiprid G
9 pymetrozine G†
16 buprofezin G†
21 A fenpyroxiamate G G
4A clothianidin F**
Unk. horticultural oil F† G
Unk. Azadiractin F†
Unk. Soap, insecticidal F†
* OP+Pyrethroids tank mix. † Effective primarily against nymphs ** Most Effective as a
drench. Check labels before using any pesticide.
Proper scouting is essential to manage silverleaf whitefly. Over the years, UF entomologists have developed
usable action thresholds that have been successful for many tomato farmers. However, these thresholds are only
guidelines. Farm managers may modify them to fit their particular situations and expectations.

Silverleaf whitefly thresholds

0-3 true leaves 10 adults/plant*

3-7 true leaves 1 adult/leaflet

NOTE - *If the source of whiteflies is believed to be tomato or melons, where virus is present, the
threshold will be lower!

Field hygiene should be a high priority and should be an integral part of the overall strategy for
managing whitefly populations, TYLCV incidence, and insecticide resistance as growers terminate fall
plantings and plant spring crops. These practices will help reduce the onset of the initial infestation of
whitefly, regardless of biotype, and lower the initial infestation level during the cropping period.

• Disrupt the virus-whitefly cycle in winter by creating a break in time and/or space between fall and
spring crops, especially tomato and watermelon.
• Destroy crops quickly and thoroughly after harvest, killing whiteflies and preventing re-growth.
• Promptly and efficiently destroy all vegetable crops within 5 days of final harvest to decrease whitefly
numbers and sources of plant viruses like TYLCV.
• Use a contact desiccant (“burn down”) herbicide in conjunction with a heavy application of oil (not less
than 3% emulsion) and a non-ionic adjuvant to destroy crop plants and to kill whiteflies quickly.
• Time burn down sprays to avoid crop destruction during windy periods, especially when prevailing
winds are blowing whiteflies toward adjacent plantings.
• Destroy crops block by block as harvest is completed rather than waiting and destroying the entire field
at one time.
Growers are advised to be alert for volunteer tomato or cucurbits that may be present in row middles and field
margins as these may be a source of whiteflies and virus.

For more whitefly management tips – see: Management of Whiteflies, Whitefly-Vectored Plant Virus, and
Insecticide Resistance for Vegetable Production in Southern Florida - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in695

Worms

Growers and scouts report that worm pressure has declined in the EAA with only a few isolated
outbreaks of corn earworm and fall armyworm in corn being noted.

Around SW Florida, worm pressure remains steady at mostly low levels.

Reports from the Manatee/Hillsborough area indicate that worm pressure is low with the exception of
some organic fields where they continue to cause problems.

Reports from Homestead indicate that some melonworms are present in some specialty cucurbits and
squash.

On the East Coast respondents report that worm pressure remains low in most places.
Scouting is extremely important in detecting worms early before they can do significant damage. The
Florida Tomato Scouting Guide indicates a pre-bloom threshold of 1 larva/6plants and post-bloom threshold of
1 egg mass or larva/field.

Fortunately, growers have a wide array of excellent worm control materials at their disposal these days.

Consult the UF/IFAS Vegetable Production Handbook for labeled products.

Diamondback Moth

A few diamond back moths are being reported in cabbage and other crucifers in a few locations around
south Florida.

Pheromone traps are helpful in monitoring adult populations and help predict larval populations 11 to 21
days later. One or more hole per plant is often used as a threshold level but control recommendations should be
based on trap and larval counts, plant growth stage, weather and natural enemies.

This insect has become increasingly difficult to control and in recent years, resistance to insecticides has
become widespread, and includes most classes of insecticides including some Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)
products. Although a number of insecticides can provide good control including Avaunt, Intrepid, Lannate,
Proclaim, Spintor and the diamides, rotation of insecticide classes is essential component of resistance
management. Even Bt’s should be rotated, and current recommendations suggest alternating the kurstaki and
aizawa strains.

Protection of crucifer crops from damage often requires application of insecticide to plant foliage,
sometimes as frequently as twice per week. A high pressure (>200 psi) sprayer plus a spreader sticker added
to the spray solution, will help ensure complete coverage especially the undersides of leaves where larvae are
most often found.

Since adults may carry over between crops, cultural controls such as separation of crops in time and
space and sanitation including rapid crop destruction after harvest are important.

Rotations that incorporate the use of B. thuringiensis and other soft pesticides are considered especially
important as it favors survival of parasitoids. Reduction of insecticide use, in particular pyrethroids can
sometimes improve diamondback control by favoring survival of natural enemies.

Leafminer

In the EAA, leafminers are active in beans and lettuce.

Around Immokalee, leafminer pressure continues to build in tomato, eggplants, and other crops with
most fields being treated for leafminer.

Leafminers activity has picked up around Homestead with high numbers present in many crops.

In south Florida, leafminer populations peak between October and March while in central Florida they
are a problem in both spring and fall.

Leafminer damage to foliage can render plants more susceptible to fungal or bacterial diseases, which can
cause further harm to plants. Bacterial spot, Alternaria, target spot and other diseases often become
established in leaf mines.
Pepper Weevil

On the East Coast pepper weevils are common in older pepper but numbers remain mostly low.

Pepper weevil populations remain low around Homestead.

Around SW Florida, pepper weevil activity is picking up, with populations established in most early
plantings now.

Adult population estimates are best obtained by visual examination and yellow sticky traps. Action
thresholds are one adult per 400 terminal buds or 1% of buds infested.

Insecticides are commonly applied to the foliage at short intervals once buds begin to form. Insecticidal
suppression is feasible, but insecticides vary considerably in effectiveness, and even in the presence of chemical
insecticides some loss commonly occurs.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled insecticides for pepper weevil control in
Florida.

Aphids

Respondents on the East Coast report that a few aphids are starting to show up in pepper and squash.

Around the EAA reports indicate aphids are present in celery as well as in cabbage and other crucifers.
Numbers remain mostly low.

Broad Mite

On the East Coast broad mites are present in eggplant and pepper and have required treatment.

Around Southwest Florida broad mite numbers have flared up in some pepper with low numbers also
showing up in eggplant.

Broad mites are also present around Homestead.

Broad mite feeding distorts plant tissue, causing leaves to become hardened, thickened and narrow,
giving them a “strappy” appearance. The blooms abort and plant growth is stunted when heavy pressure is
present.

Mites are usually seen on the newest leaves and small fruit. Leaves turn downward and turn coppery or
purplish. Internodes shorten and the lateral buds break more than normal.

Malformed terminal buds and stunted growth is often a telltale sign that broad mites are present. Broad
mites are extremely tiny and are difficult to see without a 10X or stronger hand lens. The mites may crowd into
crevices and buds. Mites prefer the shaded side of fruit and the underside of leaves, which usually faces the
plant, so scouts must be diligent and carefully inspect affected plants to detect these tiny creatures.

Broad mite injury can be confused with herbicide injury, nutritional (boron) deficiencies or physiological
disorders.
Males and females are very active, but the males apparently account for much of the dispersal of a broad
mite population in their frenzy to carry the quiescent female larvae to new leaves. When females emerge
from the quiescent stage, males immediately mate with them

Broad mites are known to use insect hosts, including bees and whiteflies, to move from plant to plant.

Several products such as AgriMek and Oberon are labeled for control of this pest, sulfur, insecticidal oils
or soaps may be just as effective and less toxic to the environment. Due to short life cycles, frequent
repeated sprays may be necessary to obtain control.

Thrips

Around Miami Dade County, melon thrips populations are increasing in snap beans. Frequent rain and
cooler temps have helped hold numbers in check.

Respondents on the East Coast report thrips pressure remains low. Low levels of thrips are also present in
beans in the EAA.

In the Manatee Ruskin chilli thrips activity is slowing in strawberry and peppers.

Asian bean thrips are being widely reported in green beans in Clewiston, Moore Haven and down into
Devils Garden and Homestead.

Silkfly

Around the EAA, growers and scout reports silk fly maggot damage has dipped but note that they
continue to see a lot of adults.

Reports from Homestead indicate that silkfly numbers are mostly low but increasing.

Sweet potato weevil

Around Homestead, sweet potato weevil numbers are high, and they can be found in nearly all plantings.

Pheromone traps show promise for monitoring of adult population density and may have potential for
mating disruption and trapping.

Applications of insecticides are typically applied to the soil at planting to prevent injury to slips. Systemic
insecticides are preferred. Due to the long duration of the crop, preplant applications are commonly followed by
one or more insecticide applications to the plant or soil at mid-season.

Several strains of entomopathogenic nematodes including Steinernema and Heterorhabditis penetrate the
soil and tubers, killing weevil larvae. At least in the soils of southern Florida, the infective nematodes are
persistent, remaining active for up to four months. In some cases, nematodes are more effective than insecticides
at reducing damage.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled insecticides for sweet potato weevil control in
Florida.
Stink bug

A few stinkbugs are being reported in pepper and tomato.

Diseases

Bacterial Spot

Around SW Florida, bacterial spot remains a serious problem in many tomato fields that went through
Tropical Storm Eta and the heavy rain events of the fall. Bacterial spot has also jumped on susceptible
pepper varieties as well causing significant defoliation in some locations. Scouts note that younger plantings are
looking pretty clean.

In the Manatee Ruskin area, most tomato planting are wrapping up but tomato and specialty pepper
growers saw a lot of bacterial spot issues from the winds and rains.

On the East Coast, bacterial spot is widely present non-X 10 bell pepper and specialty pepper and
incidence ranges from low to high depending on location and age of the crop.

Reports from Homestead indicate bacterial spot pressure is moderate to high in many tomato and
susceptible pepper varieties.

Scouting is important and growers need to be alert as older tomatoes are reaching the stage where target
spot can sneak in behind it in older plantings where larger bush canopies prevent internal drying.

Since water movement spreads the bacteria from diseased to healthy plants, workers and farm equipment
should be kept out of fields when fields are wet because the disease will spread readily under wet
conditions.

No resistant tomato varieties are available commercially. In pepper, a number of excellent varieties with
resistance to races 1 -10 are available.

It is important to apply sprays before and during rainy periods. If conditions are favorable, frequent
spraying may not be sufficient to maintain bacterial spot below damaging levels.

The traditional recommendation for bacterial spot control consists of copper and maneb or mancozeb.
Attention to application techniques is as important as choice of material in achieving adequate control. The
effectiveness of copper is limited, because of the widespread occurrence of copper tolerance among strains of
Xanthomonas.

In the past few years, several products have come on the market that have given good results in research
trials when used in rotation or together with traditional controls such as copper.

In replicated trials at UF, two products Actigard (acibenzolar-S-methyl) and Cueva (copper octanoate)
consistently performed better in the management of bacterial spot over standard applications copper
hydroxide in repeated trials alone or when combined with other products.
Attention to application techniques is as important as choice of material in achieving adequate control.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for formulations, rates, and intervals of currently labeled materials
for bacterial spot in Florida.

Black rot

Growers in West Central Florida continue to report plenty of issues with black rot in cabbage and other
cole crops, much seems to be associated with infected transplants. Dr Gary Vallad, Plant Pathologist at the
UF/IFAS GCREC reports infections are a mixture of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris and X. c. pv.
raphani.

Sclerotinia

Reports from the EAA indicate that white mold on beans and lettuce drop remains an issue in lettuce
fields close to maturity and green bean plantings that have had too much rain. Drier weather has helped
slow things down.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for sclerotinia control in Florida
vegetables.

Target spot

Respondents in the Manatee Ruskin area report that target spot has increased substantially over the past
few weeks. Some target spot has also been reported in watermelon.

Around SW Florida, target spot pressure has increased in mature tomato plants.

As the season progresses, growers and scouts should be look for target spot as canopies develop and
remain wet for extended periods in the morning.

Widespread resistance has been documented to Qol fungicides including both strobilurins and non-
strobilurin fungicides in FRAC Group 11 and their use is not recommended for target spot control.

In addition, moderate resistance has been documented in the SDHI fungicides FRAC Group 7 which
includes boscalid, penthiopyrad, fluopyram and fluxapyroxad. These should be used with caution and
attention paid to rotating with alternative modes of action.

In recent efficacy trials, at the University of Florida – Approvia Top, Inspire Super, Luna Tranquility,
Revus Top, Rhyme, and Scala are top performers. Contact protectant fungicides like mancozeb and Bravo
are effective and should be used early in the crop cycle switching to more efficacious materials once disease is
present.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for target spot control in Florida
vegetables.
Phomopsis

Growers and scouts on the East Coast report that Phomopsis remains active in older eggplant impacted
by recent heavy rains.

Pythium

Growers and scouts continue to report some problems with damping off associated with Pythium in all
location across South Florida affected by recent heavy rains. Crops affected include cucurbits, green beans,
lettuce tomatoes and pepper.

Phytophthora

On the East Coast, Phytophthora has flared up from low levels to high levels in some eggplant, pepper
and squash in areas inundated by recent rains.

Around Southwest Florida scouts are reporting mostly low levels of Phytophthora capsici on squash and
pepper.

Buckeye Rot

Tomato growers in west-central Florida are reporting some problems with buckeye tot on tomatoes,
associated with rain weather and recent cold fronts.

Buckeye rot is caused by three species of Phytophthora - P. parasitica, P. capsici and/or P. drechsleri.
Note late blight is caused by Phytophthora infestans.

This disease may be widespread and destructive during wet seasons when the foliage and fruit are not
protected by fungicides. In cool, moist weather the vines and fruit rot very rapidly from late blight. During
prolonged warm, wet weather a large percentage of the tomato fruit in contact with the soil may be affected by
buckeye rot.

Symptoms of buckeye rot appear on the fruit as a grayish green to greenish brown, water-soaked spot
near the blossom end, or where the fruit comes in contact with the soil. The infected area enlarges rapidly in
warm weather until half or more of the fruit is affected. When the rot develops slowly, the decayed area shows
definite, pale brown, somewhat concentric rings. The discoloration may extend to the fruit center. In staked
tomatoes, only the fruit clusters nearest the ground are typically affected. Commonly, older, diseased fruit is
colonized by secondary bacteria and fungi that produce a soft, wet fruit rot.

The buckeye-rot fungi may also cause a pale to dark brown, somewhat sunken, girdling stem canker.
Affected plants usually wilt and die. In very wet weather a sparse white mildew appears on both the fruit and the
stems.

Use of protective fungicides is essential in controlling buckeye rot. Spray applications should begin no later
than 2 weeks after the first tomato flowers are open and should continue at 5- to 10-day intervals.

When possible, time the applications for maximum deposit on the foliage and fruit just before rainy
periods when most infections occur.
Buckeye rot is less likely a problem if fungicides are applied for general control of foliar and fruit diseases
on a regular 7- to 10-day schedule. It is important, however, to apply fungicides early, and to uniformly cover
fruit and foliage.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for target spot control in Florida
vegetables.

Southern Blight

Growers and scouts across all areas of South Florida are reporting low levels of southern blight in a
variety of crops.

Southern blight is caused by a soil-born fungus, Sclerotium rolfsii is a widespread problem in Florida’s fall
season. Typical symptoms include a whitish fungal growth develops around the base of plants at the ground line
followed by wilting and sudden plant death as the fungus girdles the stem. Small seed-like structures (sclerotia)
may be found within fungal mass. They are white at first and later turn dark brown to black.

The disease usually appears in "hot spots" in fields in early fall and continues until cooler, dryer weather
prevails.

Cucurbit Downy Mildew

Around Hillsborough County respondents indicate that there is plenty of downy mildew around and that
it is increasing in cucumbers and squash.

Respondents around SW Florida are reporting some issues with downy mildew in squash and cucumbers.

Since nighttime temperatures between 55o and 75oF and relative humidity above 90%, provide ideal
conditions for infection, cucurbits planted in South Florida are always at risk from downy mildew.

Control of downy mildew on cucurbits is achieved primarily by the use of resistant varieties and/ or
fungicide spray programs. Fungicide sprays are recommended for all cucurbits. Resistant varieties are
currently available for some cucurbits and can help reduce fungicide applications.

Spray programs for downy mildew are most effective when initiated prior to the first sign of disease since
once a planting becomes infected; it becomes more and more difficult for fungicides to control downy
mildew.

A range of fungicides is available for the control of downy mildew depending on the crop. Consult
UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for downy mildew control in Florida.

Anthracnose

Growers and scouts on the East Coast report that anthracnose is still an issue in some older eggplant and
incidence and occurrence has reached high levels in some fields.

Anthracnose is also moving in behind sun scald on some pepper defoliated by bacterial spot and is
common on some farms.
Anthracnose is also present in some specialty pepper around SW Florida.

Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is beginning to show up on squash and green beans in several locations around SW
Florida.

Southern Corn Leaf Blight

Growers and scouts in the EAA continue to report some issues with low levels of southern corn leaf blight
caused by the fungus Bipolaris maydis in sweet corn. Symptoms of Southern corn leaf blight typically occur
on leaves. Mature foliar lesions can be rounded on the sides but they tend to be parallel-sided, often restricted
by the veins.

Lesions are light tan in the center with a reddish-brown border. A greenish growth near the center of the
lesion may be evident if spores are present. Mature lesions range from 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in length and may be
tapered, flat or serrated on the ends.

Lesions caused by southern corn leaf blight are much smaller (up to ½ inch wide and 1 inch long) than
those caused by northern corn leaf blight. Southern blight lesions are also lighter in color (light tan to brown)
and have parallel sides rather than the tapering sides of lesions caused by E. turcicum.

Northern Corn Leaf Blight

Low levels of northern corn leaf blight caused by Exserohilum turcicum are also being reported on sweet
corn in the EAA.

Triazoles and strobilurins both provide control, with some pre-mixes giving superior control. These
products should be used with a broad-spectrum protectant to minimize development of fungal resistance.

Use EDBC fungicides such as mancozeb as a protectant before disease is present. Apply 4- 6 sprays on a 5
– 7-day basis. Use a surfactant/sticker as corn leavers are waxy and spray tends to run off. Rotate with a
stobulurin such as Headline etc. As corn matures or disease becomes present, rotate between triazoles such as
Folicur, Monsoon, Propimax etc and strobilurins or premixes of the two.

Consult UF/IFAS recommendations for currently labeled fungicides for southern and northern corn leaf
blight control in Florida.

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

In the Manatee Ruskin area, reached up to 20% in some fall tomato – most of these crops are now being
terminated.

Around Immokalee, respondents report that TYLCV is increasing in several tomato fields planted to non-
resistant varieties.

Growers and scouts around Homestead report that TYLCV is common in many tomato fields.

Cucurbit viruses

Fall watermelons are largely done around South Florida, but scouts report that many fields have not been
cleaned up.
Several viruses including cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) and cucurbit crumple leaf
CuLCrV were widely present in watermelons around SW and West Central Florida this fall.

Some early spring watermelon are already being planted this week. Gummy stem and all the viruses that
were present in these old fields are there just waiting for some spring melons to get planted.

Complete and rapid destruction of old fields can help reduce the amount of inoculum available to infect
new plantings.

See Recommendations for Management of Whiteflies, Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses, and Insecticide

Resistance for Production of Cucurbit Crops in Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in871

News You Can Use

Freeze Probability Outlook

Methodology

The Freeze Event Outlook is derived by an analysis which blends historical climate configurations (statistical
compositing of similar seasonal teleconnection patterns) coupled with an analysis of dynamical long-range
forecasts. The statistical compositing is done by analyzing the ERA5-Land reanalysis dataset from 1979-2019
using 2-meter air temperature at ¼ degree spatial resolution. The long-range forecast component is provided by
the NOAA Climate Forecast System Version 2 2-meter air temperature at appropriate valid times with a spatial
resolution of ½ degree. Outlook is conducted by Clear Science, Inc. using the Climate Outlook Resource for
Global Insight (CORGI) technology. Outlooks are issued for two weeks beyond the valid date as these outlooks
are not meant to replace operational forecasts available within the next two weeks.
Slow demand leads to lowest produce prices in 10 years
Produce Blue Book
December 21, 2020

The pessimists were right.

Fears that the pandemic would dominate the holiday season have turned into reality. Christmas and New Year
sales, holidays driven by restaurants, are simply not materializing.

Restrictions on foodservice in the major metropolitan markets, along with retailer cautiousness, tilted holiday
prices into the buyers’ favor.

Overall, the industry’s rolling 4-week movement is down 8.2 percent and total sales by -10.1 percent year over
year.

Week #50, which is the 2nd week after Thanksgiving, began an even more dramatic decline over last year’s
activity. Anecdotally, the lack of orders was widespread last week as well.

High freight rates contribute towards lower F.O.B. prices through the holiday shopping season.

Tomatoes, however, made significant gains. As a silver lining to low grower F.O.B. prices, tomatoes increased
39 percent on light supply.
Grape tomatoes led the category, reaching $1.61/pound. However, these prices may be short-lived as Nogales,
AZ, crossings have yet to ramp up. Increases in the Mexican tomato supply is anticipated through the end of the
month and into January.

Grape Tomatoes are in a transitional supply gap, causing high prices despite lower-than-usual demand.

Dry vegetables bounced out of their post-Thanksgiving slump. Despite price gains, most commodities remain on
the lower end of their trading range.

Corn is an exception to this generalization and remains in scarce supply because of the wet growing season in
the muck lands of South Florida. At $0.72/pound, corn is close to its 15-year high and expected to hold through
the holidays.

Berry prices fell across the board, causing a -12.4 percent decline for the category. Multiple growing regions are
in steady supply, including Mexico, California and Florida. Promotions are encouraged for all types of berries.

https://www.producebluebook.com/2020/12/21/produceiq-slow-demand-leads-to-lowest-produce-prices-in-10-
years/

Up Coming Meetings

January 14, 2021 Managing Stink Bug in Vegetable Crops - zoom link and info to follow.

Websites

UF/IFAS Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety Covid-19 webpage - As federal
and state officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, it is important to share consistent and accurate
information. Here you will find a list of resources from sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and Departments of Health. The COVID-19 Training Toolkit for Extension packages PowerPoint
presentations, videos, and print materials to inform agricultural owners and workers about best practices to
prevent COVID-19 in the agricultural workplace. Go to http://www.sccahs.org/index.php/covid-19/

PERC is the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative – the website provides a wealth of resources to
help you understand and comply with the 2015 Revised WPS including training materials, the “new” WPS
poster, handouts and WPS respiratory guide. http://pesticideresources.org//index.html

PERC - WPS Compliance Suite — Training Materials

Under the newly revised Worker Protection Standard (WPS), training materials must be EPA-approved when
officially training workers, handlers, and trainers. At present, the only EPA approved materials available can be
found at the PERC website

• Expanded training concepts will be required starting January 2, 2018.

• Training must be delivered in a manner that can be understood, in a location relatively free from
distractions.
• When training workers or handlers, the trainer must remain present at all times to be available to answer
questions, even when showing a video.
• Trainers must be qualified, most often by holding a pesticide applicator's license or by completing an
EPA-approved Train-the-Trainer course.
Training Materials for Workers and Handlers - http://pesticideresources.org/wps/temp/training/index.html

Need CEU’s?

Here are a couple of ways to earn CEU’s

UF/IFAS does offer several excellent videos and online modules, that will allow you to earn CEUS.

Go to https://ifas-pest.catalog.instructure.com where you will find several training modules for a variety of
license categories which will allow you to earn CEU's online. Note: there is a charge for these.

Be sure to read the class description to make sure it offers CEU's in the category that you need.

Other options to earn CEU's include.

Here is an easy way to obtain CORE CEU’s on-line by reading an article and answering questions regarding the
online. A passing score obtains one Core CEU.

Go to: CEU Series-Growing Produce

https://www.growingproduce.com/crop-protection/ceu-series/

• CEU Series: Mix and Load Pesticides Safely

• CEU Series: Protect Crops and the Environment
• CEU Series: Make Sure to Stow Your Pesticides before You Go
• CEU Series: Avoid Mishaps When Handling Pesticides
• CEU Series: Be Aware of Bees When Applying Pesticides
• CEU Series: Place Priority on Preventing Pesticide Poisoning
• CEU Series: Learning about Pesticide Resistance Is Anything but Futile

Need more CORE CEUs –Earn CEU Credits NOW online through Southeast AgNet & Citrus Industry
Magazine

The following series of articles and quizzes are available:

• 2019 #4: The fate of pesticides (10/31/2020)
• 2019 #3: Protecting soil and water while using pesticides (7/31/20)
• 2019 #2: At-a-glance safety information (4/30/20)
• 2019 #1: What is a pesticide, really? (1/31/2020)

Go to http://citrusindustry.net/ceu/

Florida Cucurbit Growers Conference - The full video recording and presentations from the Florida Cucurbit
Growers’ Conference held on November 18, 2020 are posted online. CCA and CEU credits may continue to be
earned for each session by completing of the pre-test, watching the session, and successful completion of the
post- test (>70%). Access to the website may be found here: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hendry/commercial-
vegetable-production/.
Worker Protection Standard Train the Trainer Classes Now On-Line

Exam Administrators - Cesar Asuaje, UF/IFAS Palm Beach County has developed and made available a new
EPA-approved WPS Train the Trainer online option. See the following:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved this online Worker Protection Standard Train the
Trainer (WPS TTT) course, and upon successful completion, the Florida Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Service (FDACS) will issue a WPS TTT certificate.

This certificate provides the qualification to train agricultural workers and pesticide handlers under the Worker
Protection Standard requirements. The course was developed in collaboration with Ricardo Davalos, Florida
WPS coordinator from FDACS.

Cost is $35
The course is available in the IFAS Catalog at the following link: Certificate version: https://ifas-
farmlabor.catalog.instructure.com/courses/wps-ttt

EPA-approved Fumigant training program for certified applicators using methyl bromide, chloropicrin,
chloropicrin and 1,3-dichloropropene, dazomet and metam sodium and potassium. Applicators must retrain
every 3 years. - http://www.fumiganttraining.com/

New publication hot off the press - Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV): A Potential Threat for
Tomato Production in Florida #UFIFAS #EDIS https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp360

Check out Southwest Florida Vegetable Grower on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-Florida-Vegetable-Grower/149291468443385 or follow me on Twitter
@SWFLVegMan - https://twitter.com/SWFLVegMan

Quotable Quotes

“This boy is Ignorance and this girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware
this boy for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased.” ― Charles Dickens, A
Christmas Carol

`You are fettered,' said Scrooge, trembling. `Tell me why?'

`I wear the chain I forged in life,' replied the Ghost. `I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of
my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is its pattern strange to you?'

Scrooge trembled more and more.

`Or would you know,' pursued the Ghost, `the weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? It was full
as heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. You have laboured on it, since. It is a ponderous chain!'
- Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a
child Himself.” ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

“At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and
serving the others with God's own love and concern.” - Mother Teresa

"It ain’t hard being good; it’s being good everyday that’s tough." - Willie Mays

"Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive." - Elbert Hubbard
On the Lighter Side

The Perfect Son

Two friends are chatting.

Ann: I have the perfect son.

Bea: Does he smoke?

Ann: No, he doesn't.

Bea: Does he drink whiskey?

Ann: No, he doesn't.

Bea: Does he ever come home late?

Ann: No, he doesn't.

Bea: I guess you really do have the perfect son. How old is he?
Ann: He will be six months old next Wednesday.

Man with a Wooden Leg

My friend said he knew a man with a wooden leg named Smith.

So, I asked him "What was the name of his other leg?"
 Wishing you and your families all the best for a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Contributors include: Joel Allingham/AgriCare, Inc, Matt Bardin/Glades Crop Care, Dr. Ozgur Batuman/
SWFREC, Gordon DeCou/Agri Tech Services of Bradenton, Dr Nick Dufault/ UF/IFAS, Jason
Dyess/Agriquest, Inc., Craig Frey/UF/IFAS Hendry County Extension, Rachel Giles, Carrie Harmon/UF/IFAS
Plant Disease Clinic, Lisa Hickey/Manatee County Extension, Bruce Johnson/General Crop Management, Barry
Kostyk/SWFREC, Leon Lucas/Glades Crop Care, Chris Miller/Palm Beach County Extension, Mark
Mossler/UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office, Gene McAvoy/Hendry County Extension, Alice
McGhee/Thomas Produce, Dr. Gregg Nuessly/EREC, Chuck Obern/C&B Farms, Dr. Jawad Qureshi, SWFREC
Dr. Rick Raid/ EREC, Dr Pam Roberts/SWFREC, Wes Roan/6 L's, Dr. Dak Seal/ TREC, Kevin
Seitzinger/Gargiulo, Kevin Short/ICM, Dr Gary Vallad/GCREC, Mark Verbeck/GulfCoast Ag, Dr. Qingren
Wang/Miami-Dade County Extension, Alicia Whidden/Hillsborough County Extension, Dr. Phillip
Williams/SWFREC, Dr Henry Yonce/KAC Ag Research and Dr. Shouan Zhang/TREC.

The South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline is compiled by Gene McAvoy and Craig Frey and is issued on
as a service to the vegetable industry.

Gene McAvoy
Gene McAvoy
Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus
Associate Director for Stakeholder Relations
University of Florida IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center

UF/IFAS SWFREC 239-658-3414

2685 State Road 29 N 863-673-5939 cell
Immokalee, FL 34142 gmcavoy@ifas.ufl.edu

Craig Frey
Hendry County Extension Director
Multi-County Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent
University of Florida/IFAS Extension

Hendry County Extension Service

1085 Pratt Blvd.
LaBelle, FL 33935

Office: (863) 674-4092 Cell: (863) 517-5880

craigfrey@ufl.edu
Special Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, who make this publication possible.

Thomas Produce Company Shawn Barley

Of South Florida Wedgworth’s Inc.
Grower and Shippers of Quality Vegetables
9905 Clint Moore Road
Big W Brand Fertilizer
(863) 441-9255 cell
Boca Raton, Florida 33496

Carol Howard Ryan Richards

Mobley Plant World Wedgworth’s Inc.
1351 W Cowboy Way
710 Broward Street
LaBelle, Florida 33935
Immokalee, FL 34142
Phone 863-675 -2020
Phone 239-657-8254 Fax 239-657-2005

Gargiulo Nichino America

Growers Shippers Importers Exporters Makers of Courier, Portal & Vetica
David Pensabene: Production Manager Technical Sales Representatives
Naples Operations Todd Villars: West Florida - 863-532-0937
Phone 239-353-0300 Fax 239-353-3407 Sam Monroe: East Florida - 772-473-0873

PUT YOUR NAME HERE

Corteva

Stacey Howell
Glades Crop Care, Inc.
Leaders in Crop Health Bayer CropScience
3481 3rd Ave NW
Management
Naples, FL 34120
Charlie Mellinger, Ph.D.
Phone (239) 353-6491 Cell (239) 272-8575
Phone 561-746-3740 Fax 561-746-3775

Justin Powell Bart Hoopingarner

Southeast Business Leader Gowan Company
Adama 3605 162nd Ave East
229 881 9757 cell Parrish, FL 34219
justin.powell@adama.com Phone 941-776-1105 Cell 941-737-7444
Special Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, who make this publication possible.

Sponsored by Orondis® fungicide & OmniLytics - AgriPhage

Syngenta Crop Protection Safe Natural Effective
Morgan McKenna Vegetable Bacteria Control
Fort Myers, FL 33901 Matt Stephenson Smith – 239-572-3342
Cell 336-337-2085 Ryan Benson – 801-300-3437

Hal Blackmore
Marrone Bio Innovations
Cell 904-570-0041 or
hblackmore@marronebio.com

Put Your N ame Here

Certis USA Scott Houk
Bio-Pesticides for Crop Production Dow AgroSciences LLC
Joe Craig - 863-291-9203 Phone 239-948-3999
Chuck Goodowns - 352-538-4471 Email sehouk@dow.com

FMC
FMC Corporation Jamerson Farms
Eric Johnson
Cell 352-281-2325 Growers, Packers and Shippers of
Florida’s Finest Vegetables
EJ.Johnson@fmc.com www.fmccrop.com Phone 239-229-5734 Fax 239-368-0969

Donald Allen

PUT YOUR NAME HERE

AGLIME SALES INC
PO Box 60
Babson Park, Florida 33827-0060
Office 863-638-1481 Fax 863-638-2312
Mobil 863-287-2925

BioSafe Systems LLC

Jarod Huck
OxiDate® 352-789-9363 PUT YOUR NAME HERE
TerraClean®
StorOx® Luis Hansen
305.793.9206
info@biosafesystems.com
Special Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, who make this publication possible.

BASF Corporation
Adrian Jahna
863-443-2404
Adrian.jahna@basf.com

Valent USA
Certified for use in Organic Production
"Products That Work Jack Kilgore 239-707-7677
From People Who Care"
g8trmanjek@comcast.net
Sarah Markle 863-673-8699

Chuck Obern Danny Jones

C & B Farm Diamond R Fertilizer
CR 835 PO Box 1898
Clewiston, FL 33440 LaBelle, FL 33975
Office 863-983-8269 Fax 863-983-8030 (863) 675-3700
Cell 239-250-0551

Richard Roles
UPL.LTD Roles Marketing International
Kyle Register Distributors of Agrigro and Super
(863) 517-4165 Cal 10% Calcium
Kyle.Register@UPL.LTD.com richard@rmiint.com www.rmiint.com
Cell 561-644-3511

Dr. Henry Yonce Grower's Management, Inc

KAC Agricultural Research P.O. Box 130
Scouting, Consulting Belle Glade, FL 33430
Research Phone: 561-996-6469
386-736-0098 work 386-527-1124 cell www.growersmanagement.com
HDYONCE@msn.com

PUT YOUR NAME HERE PUT YOUR NAME HERE

NOTE: The acknowledgement of sponsorship in no way constitutes or reflects an official endorsement of these
businesses or their products or services by either the University of Florida, IFAS or the Florida Cooperative Extension
Service. Sponsors have no control over the content of this publication.