• We have had reports of whiteflies in multiple locations for some time. Thankfully they have remained low; however, that could change rapidly. In tests on station in Tifton, the whitefly population has increased significantly in the last week or so. We are seeing silverleaf in young squash. Adult counts today in squash averaged about 30 […]

  • Downy mildew on watermelon was confirmed on May 24 and May 27 from Decatur and Crisp Co.  I would suggest our cucurbit growers to look for the downy mildew symptoms in their fields. Also, please advice your growers to include “Downy fungicides” in their weekly spray. Specifically on watermelon, please use following fungicides on a 5-7 day rotation: Orondis […]

  • Here are some important points to consider while managing downy mildew of onion: Question:   “I found some downy in my onions today.  It has been sunny, clear, and low humidity all week long.  I thought downy liked humid, wet, cloudy weather.  Why am I seeing it?” Response:  Yes, you are correct.  Downy mildew development is […]

  • We have confirmed Downy Mildew of Vidalia Onion today in the growing region today.  I am urging growers to please take precautions and protect their crop from this disease! Here are your control options, based on the most recent (2018) UGA research data.  I want to provide some options and how I rank them in terms […]

  • Catamaran® is a combination fungicide which contains chlorothalonil and potassium phosphite. This product is effective in the control of specified crop diseases and also provides protection through activation of the plants’ natural resistance mechanism. Catamaran® is intended for use as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system. When used in conjunction with good cultural […]

  • Please check out the attached extension publication to learn more about chemical nematicides for use in vegetable crops. To access, please click on the link:   https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/B%201502_1.PDF    

  • Damage to the fall vegetable industry caused by Hurricane Michael has thus far been significant for growers in Southwest Georgia.  Damage closely followed the path of the storm, with a line stretching from Seminole and Decatur counties up through Mitchell and Grady, Colquitt, Tift and even reaching fields in the Crisp county region.  Vegetable production regions near Lowndes and Echols Counties may have some loss but are expected to have escaped the worst of the damage.

  • Do you lay fallow your fields during the winter until the following spring? If so, consider planting a suitable cover crop for management of plant-parasitic nematodes during winter months. Winter cover crops are usually grown in fall and begin growing the following spring. Cover crops are a valuable strategy for improving soil health if you realize […]

  • Prevention is the best way to control plant-parasitic nematodes in vegetable crops. This summer, we conducted a survey of nematodes in most of the vegetable-growing systems in southern GA. After analyzing the collected samples, data on nematode species and counts were conveyed to growers participated in the survey through county extension agents. We noticed that […]

  • Pesticide registration/review is always interesting, if nothing else. The 9th Circuit Court once again as ruled that all Lorsban registrations should be cancelled. This was more over procedural issues than safety, but safety is consistent area of discussion. DOW is working to maintain those labels and for now we still have them. The Department of […]