Bhabesh Dutta

  • While we have all been bracing for the potential onslaught of silverleaf whiteflies, the one bright spot was that the viral diseases that caused the bigger disasters in 2016 had not been seen in 2017. This is no longer the case. Cucurbit leaf crumple virus, which decimated snap beans and squash last fall, has been…

  • Oxamyl Update (Stormy Sparks)

    A representative of SipcamRotam indicated that ReTurn (contains oxamyl, the active ingredient in Vydate) should be available in Georgia at both Helena and Triangle. Initial volume is reported to be small. The ReTurn label is similar to the Vydate L label as far as crops and pests are concerned.

  • Downy mildew has been confirmed from Tattnall Co. on watermelon yesterday. The conditions for disease development are currently favorable. Please see the fungicide recommendations below. Watermelon: Rotation (foliar application) with Orondis Ultra+Manzate; Ranman+Manzate; Previcur flex+Manzate Please be mindful on the post harvest intervals for recommended fungicide.

  • For a variety of reasons I have resisted “sounding the alarm” for potential whitefly problems in 2017. We have been seeing more whiteflies than usual throughout the winter months, but we have also been looking closer than usual. However, today I saw a sample from a melon field that had as severe an infestation as…

  • Whitefly Outlook for 2017

  • The Return of Oxamyl

    SipcamRotam has indicated that they have received the first shipment of ReTurn (oxamyl; active ingredient in Vydate) into California and are moving it to distributors now. I assume it will take a few days or more to reach Georgia. They indicate “product should be available at a minimum at the following retailers – Helena, CPS…

  • Downy mildew confirmed at Echols Co.

    Hi all: Downy mildew has been confirmed from Echols Co. on cucumber. Please see the fungicide recommendations below. Cucurbits other than watermelon: A weekly rotation of Orondis +Bravo; Ranman+Bravo; Previcur flex+Bravo   If Orondis was used as a soil application, please do not use it as foliar (use restriction according to label).   If Orondis was not used as a soil application, foliar application…

  • The comment period for the review of pyrethroid insecticides has been reopened.   IF PYRETHOIDS ARE IMPORTANT IN PRODUCTION OF YOUR CROPS, YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT COMMENTS TO EPA ON THIS EVALUATION. The current deadline is July 7, 2017.   EPA particularly needs to know why and specifically how you use pyrethroid insecticides. Your…

  • Update on cucurbit downy mildew

    Hi all: I have been tracking cucurbit downy mildew outbreaks in Florida and the most recent outbreak was reported from the Citrus county FL. If the trend continues, we may expect Downy mildew within two weeks in south GA counties. Considering forecast of rain on Monday, I would recommend to start protecting our cucurbits especially cucumber, and squash with a recommended fungicide…

  • Squash bugs in cucurbits

    Florida watermelon growers are reporting problems with squash bug, with young transplants being killed in some situations. They have reported the problem appears to be more severe where they are planting grafted watermelons. This has some potential explanation as grafted plants are on squash rootstock and squash is a more favored and more susceptible plant;…