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Alfalfa Seed Crop Insurance
Alfalfa Seed Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: August 28, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Risk Management Agency Alfalfa Seed Insurance Program has been expanded to Canyon County, ID with continuation in Owyhee County, ID and Malheur County, OR for the 2007 crop year. Sales closing date is September 30, 2006. More information can be found at the following web-sites: http://www3.rma.usda.gov/apps/docbrowser/docbrowserb.cfm, and http://www3.rma.usda.gov/apps/agents/. For more information call your local crop insurance agent or RMA regional office at (509)353-2147.
PCN Update for August 20 and sample sign up form
Potato All Locations
Posted on: August 21, 2006 by Jeff Miller
Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) Stakeholder Update (8/20/06)
A federal regulatory work plan for Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) is nearing completion. The work plan will result in a federal order which will regulate the interstate movement of potatoes and other articles from an area surrounding the infested fields near Shelley, Idaho.
While details of the work plan are still pending, growers in the Shelley area are urged to participate in field soil surveys for several reasons:
Survey data must be collected to make sure that the extent of the PCN infestation is limited to the regulated area.
Potatoes from fields that have been surveyed and found negative for PCN may be moved with fewer restrictions than potatoes from unsurveyed fields.
Additional detections of PCN within the regulated area could allow implementation of measures that would prevent further spread.
As the federal order is implemented, the necessity of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture Quarantine issued April 27, 2006, will be evaluated and if necessary, state rules may be promulgated to parallel the federal order.
Because of the potential for PCN to be spread on potato seed, it appears to be in the interest of Idaho seed potato growers to demonstrate that their product is free of PCN. This can be done through the official sampling provided by USDA and ISDA. The PCN project is designed to provide survey data covering all seed production areas.
Some foreign and domestic consumers of Idaho potatoes have expressed concern that Idaho production areas are free from PCN. To restore lost foreign markets and retain current foreign and domestic markets, it is important to demonstrate that there is not a general infestation of PCN throughout Idaho. Therefore, the PCN project plans surveys across the entire state’s potato production area.
PCN project personnel will have a limited window of opportunity to collect soil samples for survey after harvest. The PCN project will prioritize survey schedules to meet requirements in the proposed regulated area, then seed fields, then production areas. Early sign-up could negate or minimize delays in getting product to market.
LATE SEASON REQUESTS FOR FIELD SAMPLING COULD EXCEED THE CAPACITY OF PCN PROJECT SAMPLING CREWS. PRODUCERS SHOULD SIGN UP FOR SAMPLING AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE PRIOR TO HARVEST.
A pdf version of the "Voluntary survey for potato cyst nematode in Idaho" signup form can be found at the University of Idaho potato pathology website:
www.ag.uidaho.edu/potatopath
Click on "Alerts", then click on "Potato Cyst Nematode Updates" to get to the link to the form.
Updates and related information:
· ISDA and APHIS continue to search for the original PCN source. A trace of seed sources for the first positive field has been completed, but did not yield any helpful information. Investigation into seed sources for the second positive field is progressing. Investigators continue to examine other possibilities for introduction of PCN into Idaho, including imported farm equipment, nursery stock, foreign flower bulbs, illicit potato seed importation, and other means.
· The two positive fields are under federal restrictions (no more potatoes to be planted, no soil to leave and equipment to be cleaned). Plans are in place to provide safeguards when the current crop of potatoes from the second positive field is transported to a nearby processing plant.
· Canada, Mexico and Korea have stopped importation of Idaho potatoes. Japan has stopped importation of U.S. potatoes.
· Officials from ISDA and APHIS continue to work with trade partners to inform them of the PCN response and recovery program in Idaho. Both agencies are answering Japan’s questions about the PCN situation in Idaho in an effort to reopen the Japanese market to U.S. chipping potatoes.
· Idaho and national potato industry officials continue to work closely with ISDA and APHIS to encourage cooperation by growers, packers and processors to insure that delimiting surveys are conducted swiftly and efficiently.
SITUATION SUMMARY
On April 19, 2006, officials of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced the detection of potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera pallida,a major pest of potato crops. This was the first detection of the pest in the United States. The nematode cysts were detected during a routine survey of tare soil at an ISDA grader facility in eastern Idaho. In that survey, more than 3,500 samples were analyzed, and only one was positive. That survey, conducted as part of Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS), is designed to demonstrate that areas are free of exotic nematodes or, if they are present, to detect them as soon as possible after their introduction into domestic production systems.
On June 13, 2006, soil samples collected from a 45-acre field in northern Bingham County tested positive for PCN. On July 12, 2006, a soil sample from a second 60 acre field in Bingham County tested positive. The second positive finding was not surprising because of the field’s proximity to the already-identified positive field. ISDA and APHIS officials continue to believe the PCN infestation in eastern Idaho is isolated because of the more than 7,355 additional samples taken since the April detection, all have been negative for PCN except for those from the two fields. The 7,355 samples taken since April are from investigations involving 39 production fields, 22 seed potato fields, and 56 facilities. Additional surveillance will continue.
The goals of APHIS and ISDA in the Potato Cyst Nematode Response and Recovery Program are to:
Prevent the spread of PCN
Delimit the current infestation
Restore lost foreign markets
Preserve current markets.
Potato Tuber Worm Moth
Potato Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: August 14, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
As you know, a single adult potato tuberworm moth was caught in an ISDA trap northeast of Parma last week. This is about three weeks earlier than the fist specimen was found last year. The University of Idaho and Idaho State Department of Agriculture are holding a meeting for local growers and field reps on Wednesday, August 16 from 12 to 1pm at the Parma R&E Center to discuss the current situation and management recommendations for this pest.
Potato tuberworm
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: August 10, 2006 by Jeff Miller
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 2006 Season
Idaho State Department of Agriculture entomologist, Ben Simko reported the first potato tuberworm (PTW) adult moth captured in a pheromone trap near Parma, Idaho on August 1. The potato tuberworm is a small insect that can infest both potato foliage and tunnel into tubers with the potential of causing significant crop damage. “It is important to note that most of Idaho is PTW free, based on last year’s survey, and no live worms or tuber damage associated with this insect was ever found despite, extensive inspections,” reports Michael Cooper Plant Industries, deputy administrator. The pest emerged as a serious new pest of potatoes in the Hermiston, OR area in 2002. It has also spread to production areas in the Columbia Basin in south central Washington State where growers claim spending $150-200 per acre on PTW control measures. Last year, University of Idaho and ISDA cooperated on a detection survey to track insect numbers and distribution in the Gem state. According to Simko, so far, numbers of PTW in Idaho still remain extremely low based on numbers captured in special PTW traps. The 2005 survey captured low numbers of PTW in three counties; Canyon, Elmore, and Payette. With over 450 insect traps deployed across southern Idaho last season, only 19 moths were confirmed as PTW positives.
As planned, this season, ISDA started to survey in the three positive counties in late May. In the Magic Valley and eastern Idaho, were no PTW moths have been detected, the department started trap surveys last week.
University of Idaho and ISDA will co-host an informational meeting Wednesday, August 16 from 12 – 1 p.m. at the University of Idaho Parma, Experiment Station to update area growers and processors on the situation. Recommended Management Practices (RMP’s) drawn up by the two agencies will be discussed along with a review of the insect life cycle.
Simko cautions potato growers to stay vigilant until we have a better idea of PTW population trends and damage threats in the various Idaho environments. “As with any new pest threat, we need to keep it in the context of a total potato IPM system, including use of cultural practices, economic thresholds and applying insecticide treatments only when necessary,” Simko advises.
More information on the Potato Tuberworm can be found at the ISDA website, PTW link, www.idahoag.us
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 20
Potato All Locations
Posted on: August 10, 2006 by Nora Olsen
ISDA
News Release
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 2006 Season
Idaho State Department of Agriculture entomologist, Ben Simko reported the first potato tuberworm (PTW) adult moth captured in a pheromone trap near Parma, Idaho on August 1. The potato tuberworm is a small insect that can infest both potato foliage and tunnel into tubers with the potential of causing significant crop damage. It is important to note that most of Idaho is PTW free, based on last years survey, and no live worms or tuber damage associated with this insect was ever found despite, extensive inspections, reports Michael Cooper Plant Industries, deputy administrator. The pest emerged as a serious new pest of potatoes in the Hermiston, OR area in 2002. It has also spread to production areas in the Columbia Basin in south central Washington State where growers claim spending $150-200 per acre on PTW control measures. Last year, University of Idaho and ISDA cooperated on a detection survey to track insect numbers and distribution in the Gem state. According to Simko, so far, numbers of PTW in Idaho still remain extremely low based on numbers captured in special PTW traps. The 2005 survey captured low numbers of PTW in three counties; Canyon, Elmore, and Payette. With over 450 insect traps deployed across southern Idaho last season, only 19 moths were confirmed as PTW positives.
As planned, this season, ISDA started to survey in the three positive counties in late May. In the Magic Valley and eastern Idaho, were no PTW moths have been detected, the department started trap surveys last week.
University of Idaho and ISDA will co-host an informational meeting Wednesday, August 16 from 12 – 1 p.m. at the University of Idaho Parma, Experiment Station to update area growers and processors on the situation. Recommended Management Practices (RMPs) drawn up by the two agencies will be discussed along with a review of the insect life cycle.
Simko cautions potato growers to stay vigilant until we have a better idea of PTW population trends and damage threats in the various Idaho environments. As with any new pest threat, we need to keep it in the context of a total potato IPM system, including use of cultural practices, economic thresholds and applying insecticide treatments only when necessary, Simko advises.
More information on the Potato Tuberworm can be found at the ISDA website, PTW link, www.idahoag.us
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 20
Potato All Locations
Posted on: August 10, 2006 by Nora Olsen
ISDA
News Release
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 2006 Season
Idaho State Department of Agriculture entomologist, Ben Simko reported the first potato tuberworm (PTW) adult moth captured in a pheromone trap near Parma, Idaho on August 1. The potato tuberworm is a small insect that can infest both potato foliage and tunnel into tubers with the potential of causing significant crop damage. It is important to note that most of Idaho is PTW free, based on last years survey, and no live worms or tuber damage associated with this insect was ever found despite, extensive inspections, reports Michael Cooper Plant Industries, deputy administrator. The pest emerged as a serious new pest of potatoes in the Hermiston, OR area in 2002. It has also spread to production areas in the Columbia Basin in south central Washington State where growers claim spending $150-200 per acre on PTW control measures. Last year, University of Idaho and ISDA cooperated on a detection survey to track insect numbers and distribution in the Gem state. According to Simko, so far, numbers of PTW in Idaho still remain extremely low based on numbers captured in special PTW traps. The 2005 survey captured low numbers of PTW in three counties; Canyon, Elmore, and Payette. With over 450 insect traps deployed across southern Idaho last season, only 19 moths were confirmed as PTW positives.
As planned, this season, ISDA started to survey in the three positive counties in late May. In the Magic Valley and eastern Idaho, were no PTW moths have been detected, the department started trap surveys last week.
University of Idaho and ISDA will co-host an informational meeting Wednesday, August 16 from 12 – 1 p.m. at the University of Idaho Parma, Experiment Station to update area growers and processors on the situation. Recommended Management Practices (RMPs) drawn up by the two agencies will be discussed along with a review of the insect life cycle.
Simko cautions potato growers to stay vigilant until we have a better idea of PTW population trends and damage threats in the various Idaho environments. As with any new pest threat, we need to keep it in the context of a total potato IPM system, including use of cultural practices, economic thresholds and applying insecticide treatments only when necessary, Simko advises.
More information on the Potato Tuberworm can be found at the ISDA website, PTW link, www.idahoag.us
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 20
Potato All Locations
Posted on: August 10, 2006 by Nora Olsen
ISDA
News Release
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 2006 Season
Idaho State Department of Agriculture entomologist, Ben Simko reported the first potato tuberworm (PTW) adult moth captured in a pheromone trap near Parma, Idaho on August 1. The potato tuberworm is a small insect that can infest both potato foliage and tunnel into tubers with the potential of causing significant crop damage. “It is important to note that most of Idaho is PTW free, based on last years survey, and no live worms or tuber damage associated with this insect was ever found despite, extensive inspections,” reports Michael Cooper Plant Industries, deputy administrator. The pest emerged as a serious new pest of potatoes in the Hermiston, OR area in 2002. It has also spread to production areas in the Columbia Basin in south central Washington State where growers claim spending $150-200 per acre on PTW control measures. Last year, University of Idaho and ISDA cooperated on a detection survey to track insect numbers and distribution in the Gem state. According to Simko, so far, numbers of PTW in Idaho still remain extremely low based on numbers captured in special PTW traps. The 2005 survey captured low numbers of PTW in three counties; Canyon, Elmore, and Payette. With over 450 insect traps deployed across southern Idaho last season, only 19 moths were confirmed as PTW positives.
As planned, this season, ISDA started to survey in the three positive counties in late May. In the Magic Valley and eastern Idaho, were no PTW moths have been detected, the department started trap surveys last week.
University of Idaho and ISDA will co-host an informational meeting Wednesday, August 16 from 12 – 1 p.m. at the University of Idaho Parma, Experiment Station to update area growers and processors on the situation. Recommended Management Practices (RMPs) drawn up by the two agencies will be discussed along with a review of the insect life cycle.
Simko cautions potato growers to stay vigilant until we have a better idea of PTW population trends and damage threats in the various Idaho environments. “As with any new pest threat, we need to keep it in the context of a total potato IPM system, including use of cultural practices, economic thresholds and applying insecticide treatments only when necessary,” Simko advises.
More information on the Potato Tuberworm can be found at the ISDA website, PTW link, www.idahoag.us
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 20
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: August 10, 2006 by Nora Olsen
ISDA
News Release
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 2006 Season
Idaho State Department of Agriculture entomologist, Ben Simko reported the first potato tuberworm (PTW) adult moth captured in a pheromone trap near Parma, Idaho on August 1. The potato tuberworm is a small insect that can infest both potato foliage and tunnel into tubers with the potential of causing significant crop damage. “It is important to note that most of Idaho is PTW free, based on last year’s survey, and no live worms or tuber damage associated with this insect was ever found despite, extensive inspections,” reports Michael Cooper Plant Industries, deputy administrator. The pest emerged as a serious new pest of potatoes in the Hermiston, OR area in 2002. It has also spread to production areas in the Columbia Basin in south central Washington State where growers claim spending $150-200 per acre on PTW control measures. Last year, University of Idaho and ISDA cooperated on a detection survey to track insect numbers and distribution in the Gem state. According to Simko, so far, numbers of PTW in Idaho still remain extremely low based on numbers captured in special PTW traps. The 2005 survey captured low numbers of PTW in three counties; Canyon, Elmore, and Payette. With over 450 insect traps deployed across southern Idaho last season, only 19 moths were confirmed as PTW positives.
As planned, this season, ISDA started to survey in the three positive counties in late May. In the Magic Valley and eastern Idaho, were no PTW moths have been detected, the department started trap surveys last week.
University of Idaho and ISDA will co-host an informational meeting Wednesday, August 16 from 12 – 1 p.m. at the University of Idaho Parma, Experiment Station to update area growers and processors on the situation. Recommended Management Practices (RMP’s) drawn up by the two agencies will be discussed along with a review of the insect life cycle.
Simko cautions potato growers to stay vigilant until we have a better idea of PTW population trends and damage threats in the various Idaho environments. “As with any new pest threat, we need to keep it in the context of a total potato IPM system, including use of cultural practices, economic thresholds and applying insecticide treatments only when necessary,” Simko advises.
More information on the Potato Tuberworm can be found at the ISDA website, PTW link, www.idahoag.us
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 20
Potato All Locations
Posted on: August 10, 2006 by Nora Olsen
ISDA
News Release
ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 2006 Season
Idaho State Department of Agriculture entomologist, Ben Simko reported the first potato tuberworm (PTW) adult moth captured in a pheromone trap near Parma, Idaho on August 1. The potato tuberworm is a small insect that can infest both potato foliage and tunnel into tubers with the potential of causing significant crop damage. “It is important to note that most of Idaho is PTW free, based on last year’s survey, and no live worms or tuber damage associated with this insect was ever found despite, extensive inspections,” reports Michael Cooper Plant Industries, deputy administrator. The pest emerged as a serious new pest of potatoes in the Hermiston, OR area in 2002. It has also spread to production areas in the Columbia Basin in south central Washington State where growers claim spending $150-200 per acre on PTW control measures. Last year, University of Idaho and ISDA cooperated on a detection survey to track insect numbers and distribution in the Gem state. According to Simko, so far, numbers of PTW in Idaho still remain extremely low based on numbers captured in special PTW traps. The 2005 survey captured low numbers of PTW in three counties; Canyon, Elmore, and Payette. With over 450 insect traps deployed across southern Idaho last season, only 19 moths were confirmed as PTW positives.
As planned, this season, ISDA started to survey in the three positive counties in late May. In the Magic Valley and eastern Idaho, were no PTW moths have been detected, the department started trap surveys last week.
University of Idaho and ISDA will co-host an informational meeting Wednesday, August 16 from 12 – 1 p.m. at the University of Idaho Parma, Experiment Station to update area growers and processors on the situation. Recommended Management Practices (RMP’s) drawn up by the two agencies will be discussed along with a review of the insect life cycle.
Simko cautions potato growers to stay vigilant until we have a better idea of PTW population trends and damage threats in the various Idaho environments. “As with any new pest threat, we need to keep it in the context of a total potato IPM system, including use of cultural practices, economic thresholds and applying insecticide treatments only when necessary,” Simko advises.
More information on the Potato Tuberworm can be found at the ISDA website, PTW link, www.idahoag.us
University of Idaho Fruit Field Day
Tree Fruits Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: July 27, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. The registration will start at 8:30 am and the program will start at 9:00 am. Several cultivars of new table grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, quinces, Asian pears, and other alternative fruits will be presented during the tour. Participants can taste many of these fruits. Highlights of this event will be:
1) Presentation and tasting of several types and cultivars of fruits at the main office complex and discussion on application of growth bio-regulators in fruit crops
2) Tour of the U of I comprehensive research projects on ‘Fuji’ and ‘Gala’ apple irrigation and rootstock selections, chemical thinning, and pesticides uses
3) Tour of the alternative fruit crops, including quinces, Asian pears, persimmons, Jujube, and mulberries
4) Tour of the table grape vineyards, peaches and nectarines, and discussion/ questions/answers on various cultural practices of fruit crops, including planting, growth regulators, pruning, thinning, girdling, pest control, irrigation
Where: University of Idaho, Parma Research & Extension Center in Parma, on the lawn in front of the main office complex. Going west on Highway 20/26 in Parma, turn right at M&W grocery store, go for about 1/3 mile and turn left on U of I Lane and go north for about 1 mile.
When: Wednesday, September 6, 2006, Starts at 8:30 am (sharp) till 1:00 pm
Cost: Free of Charge
Who Can Participate? Open to the Public. Those interested in fruit production, including commercial growers, small farm growers, alternative fruit growers, home gardeners, Master Gardeners, horticultural professionals and graduate students, extension and research faculty/staff, horticultural hobbyist, and fruit industry representatives are welcome. For additional information, please call: 208-722-6701 Extension 228 OR contact Dr. Essie” Fallahi at 208-722-6701 Ext. 225
Dry Beans
Dry Beans Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: July 27, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
The University of Idaho is hosting a Dry Bean Breeding Field Tour at the Parma Research and Extension Center on Wednesday August, 16, 2006 from 8 to 10 a.m. Dr. Shree Singh will update participants about his work with new varietal candidates, the Idaho Dry Bean Trial, the Western Regional Bean Trial and the National Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery.
If you would like to attend please RSVP to the Canyon County Extension Office by August 14 at 459-6003 so that we can make sure to have enough refreshments on hand.
corn earworm
Corn Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: July 27, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
The second generation of corn earworm moths will begin laying eggs in corn silking between 1450 and 1650 growing degree days (GDD). GDD accumulations for Caldwell and Parma are 1391 and 1461 respectively. We are accumulating about 25 GDD per day. If you have corn silking during this time period you will want to continue scouting for earworm eggs.
Iris Yellow Spot Virus
Onion Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: July 21, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
Lynn Jensen from the Oregon State University, Malheur County Cooperative Extension Office is reporting that Iris Yellow Spot Virus has been identified in onion fields in the Ontario, Oregon area. There are currently no known fungicide treatment options for this virus. The virus is transmitted by onion thrips. Growers should keep their fields as stress free as possible by keeping thrips populations in check and by maintaining good irrigation practices.
corn earworm
Corn Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: July 21, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
The University of Idaho CIS 366 entitled “Timing Corn Earworm Control,”states that summer moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 GDD. Egg hatch and larvae attack will begin about 73 GDD later.
According to the Oregon State University Growing Degree Day (GDD) model for Corn Earworm (http://pnwpest.org), we are currently at 1221 GDD in the Caldwell area and 1276 GDD in the Parma area. We are accumulating approximately 24 GDD per day. Those fields silking at 1300 GDD are most vulnerable to attack from corn earworm larvae. We should reach 1300 GDD in the next few days.
The following information was taken from CIS 366 regarding corn earworm.
Corn can be “scouted” for corn earworm eggs to predict possible infestation levels. Examine 10 silk masses (about 2-day old) on each edge of a field but only in those fields which are beginning to silk or are silking. Examining a field in late silk for the first time is worthless; most of the eggs, if any were present, are already hatched, and the damage cannot be prevented.
When the egg counts average 1 per 2 masses, about 100% ear infestation will occur in the field and other fields of like maturity in the vicinity. With 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 1 inch of each ear tip will be damaged; 1 egg per silk mass will result in about 2 inches of the ear tip damage, etc. When the days and nights are warmer than usual, the damage may double because the earworm will develop faster than the corn.
Fields should be scouted about every 2 to 4 days, depending on temperatures. Once economic egg levels are reached, determined on the basis of damage expected, further scouting is unnecessary. All fields which silk after that time in that vicinity will be subject to damage.
No chemical control will control worms in the ears, so sprays must be timed to control the larvae on the silk before the worms enter the ears. Make the first application when the plants are 50 percent silk, and repeat in 5 to 7 days or as necessary.
corn earworm
All Crops Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: July 21, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
According to the Oregon State University Growing Degree Day (GDD) model for Corn Earworm (http://pnwpest.org), we are currently at approximately 1221 GDD in the Caldwell area and 1276 GDD in the Parma area. We are accumulating approximately 24 GDD per day. We should reach 1300 GDD in the next few days.
The University of Idaho CIS 366 entitled “Timing Corn Earworm Control,”states that summer moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 GDD. Egg hatch and larvae attack will begin about 73 GDD later. Those fields silking at 1300 GDD are most vulnerable to attack.
The following information was taken from CIS 366 regarding corn earworm.
Corn can be “scouted” for corn earworm eggs to predict possible infestation levels. Examine 10 silk masses (about 2-day old) on each edge of a field but only in those fields which are beginning to silk or are silking. Examining a field in late silk for the first time is worthless; most of the eggs, if any were present, are already hatched, and the damage cannot be prevented.
When the egg counts average 1 per 2 masses, about 100% ear infestation will occur in the field and other fields of like maturity in the vicinity. With 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 1 inch of each ear tip will be damaged; 1 egg per silk mass will result in about 2 inches of the ear tip damage, etc. When the days and nights are warmer than usual, the damage may double because the earworm will develop faster than the corn.
Fields should be scouted about every 2 to 4 days, depending on temperatures. Once economic egg levels are reached, determined on the basis of damage expected, further scouting is unnecessary. All fields which silk after that time in that vicinity will be subject to damage.
No chemical control will control worms in the ears, so sprays must be timed to control the larvae on the silk before the worms enter the ears. Make the first application when the plants are 50 percent silk, and repeat in 5 to 7 days or as necessary.
powdery mildew in sugarbeets
Sugarbeets All Locations
Posted on: July 21, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
Dr. John Gallian, Extension Plant Pathologist and Sugarbeet Specialist at the University of Idaho, Twin Falls R&E Center recently posted this message to the UIsugarbeet-INFO digest regarding powdery mildew in sugarbeets.
Bayer CropScience has a 2(ee) label for Gem Fungicide that allows for the application of Gem 25WG at the reduced rate of 5 oz/acre in combination with a minimum of 5 lb/acre of micronized wettable or dispersible sulfur. Although the 2(ee) label does not specify where the reduced rate should be used, Bayer's sales recommendation specifically states "In the Magic Valley or where powdery mildew pressure is usually less severe and residual control requirements are less, Gem may be used at a reduced rate of 5 oz/acre tank mixed with 5 lbs/acre micronized or dispersible sulfur per our ID/OR 2(ee)=85.".
I understand that this reduced rate is being recommended and applied in the Treasure Valley. I STRONGLY recommend against applying the reduced rate in the Treasure Valley where disease pressure is high! Gem, Headline, and Topsin are all at risk for resistance in powdery mildew to develop. Using less than the full rate of an "at risk" fungicide greatly increases the probability of selecting a resistant pathogen population.
In the Treasure Valley, I recommend that if Gem is to be used, only the full 7 oz/acre rate, tank mixed with a minimum of 5 lbs/acre sulfur, be applied at the earliest opportunity. At-risk fungicides should be used early in the epidemic when the pathogen population is low - just before or immediately after powdery mildew is first detected. This treatment timing is appropriate with all registered fungicides in all locations. All at risk fungicides should be tank mixed with a minimum of 5 lbs/acre of sulfur for resistance management. We should do everything we can to preserve the efficacy of all our fungicides by following best management practices for avoiding resistance from developing.
For further information, visit our website at:http://www.uidaho.edu/sugarbeet/Managingfungresist.htm
Dr. John J. Gallian
Extension Plant Pathologist and Sugarbeet Specialist
University of Idaho, Twin Falls R&E Center
P.O. Box 1827
Twin Falls, ID 83303-1827
(208)736-3600 Fax: (208)736-0843
Web Page: www.uidaho.edu/sugarbeet/
PCN Update for July 18
Potato All Locations
Posted on: July 19, 2006 by Jeff Miller
Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN)
Stakeholder Update
(7/18/06)
SITUATION SUMMARY
On April 19, 2006 officials of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced the detection of potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera pallida, a major pest of potato crops. This is was the first detection of the pest in the United States. The nematode cysts were detected during a routine survey of tare soil at an ISDA grader facility in eastern Idaho. In that survey, more than 3,500 samples were analyzed, and only one was positive.
On June 13, 2006, soil samples collected from a 45-acre field in northern Bingham County tested positive for PCN. Based on these survey results, and the more than 3,000 additional samples taken since the April detection, the PCN infestation appears to be isolated, but additional surveillance will continue.
Updates and related information:
A soil sample from a field located near the 45-acre field in northern Bingham County has tested positive for PCN. This is the second field to have a confirmed PCN finding. The positive finding is not surprising because of the field’s proximity to the already-identified positive field. ISDA and APHIS officials continue to believe the PCN infestation in eastern Idaho is isolated.
ISDA and APHIS continue to search for the PCN’s original source. A trace of seed sources has been completed, but did not yield any helpful information. Investigators continue to examine other possibilities, including farming practices, tillage equipment, irrigation sources and wildlife patterns.
Investigators continue to test fields that are located near the original 45-acre field or have equipment, tenants or personnel in common. Soil samples taken from those fields are being expedited to the University of Idaho nematology lab in Parma.
Two fields are under federal restrictions (no potatoes to be planted, no soil to leave and equipment to be cleaned).
Officials from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture continue to work with trade partners on this issue. Both agencies are in the process of answering Japan’s questions about the PCN situation in Idaho. Japan has banned the import of all potatoes from the United States.
powdery mildew in sugarbeets
Sugarbeets All Locations
Posted on: July 10, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
Powdery mildew has been positively identified by Amalgamated Sugar Company Representatives in sugarbeet fields in the western Treasure Valley (Homedale, ID; Vale and Adrian, OR areas). While there have been no reports of black bean aphids, loopers or armyworms, they typically show up about this time of year. As you scout your fields for powdery mildew, you may also want to be on the lookout for these pests. Contact your field representative from the Amalgamated Sugar Company if you have questions.
Malheur Field Day
Announcements All Locations
Posted on: July 6, 2006 by Clint Shock
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE
Malheur Experiment Station Annual Field Day
July 12, 2006 from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
The program will cover onions (thrips, IYSV, and more!) potatoes, small grains (including waxy barley), teff, wildflower seed production, poplar trees, soybeans, and noxious weeds. A complimentary lunch will be served. During lunch there will be a presentation by Sandy Halstead, Agricultural Specialist of the EPA. EPA is considering restrictions on the ways VAPAM can be used. VAPAM is an important product in growers' attempts to control yellow nutsedge. For more details on the program see http://www.cropinfo.net/events.htm
Please reserve lunch by calling Janet Jones
(541) 889-2174 Or emailing her at janet.jones@oregonstate.edu
Malheur Experiment Station
595 Onion Ave.
Ontario, OR 97914
Late blight forecast
Potato All Locations
Posted on: July 6, 2006 by Jeff Miller
Scattered thundershowers have made conditions ideal for late blight development. Fungicide treatment is recommended due to the favorable weather and the rapid growth of the crop in most places. Late blight was found in the Columbia Basin of Washington in late June.
Early blight forecast
Potato Eastern Idaho
Posted on: July 6, 2006 by Jeff Miller
The P-Day threshold for early blight has been reached in the three locations in eastern Idaho where weather data are being collected (Aberdeen, Fort Hall, and Rexburg). The threshold was reached on July 3 for Aberdeen and Fort Hall and July 5 for Rexburg. These predictions are based on early crop emergence dates. Potatoes should be treated for early blight at this time.
Field Day Wednesday July 12 Oregon State Univ. Malheur Exper
All Crops Treasure Valley - Oregon
Posted on: July 6, 2006 by Clint Shock
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE
Malheur Experiment Station Annual Field Day
July 12, 2006 from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
The program will cover onions (thrips, IYSV, and more!) potatoes, small grains (including waxy barley), teff, wildflower seed production, poplar trees, soybeans, and noxious weeds. A complimentary lunch will be served. During lunch there will be a presentation by Sandy Halstead, Agricultural Specialist of the EPA. EPA is considering restictions on the ways VAPAM can be used. VAPAM is an important product in growers' attempts to control yellow nutsedge. For more details on the program see http://www.cropinfo.net/events.htm
Please reserve lunch by calling Janet Jones
(541) 889-2174 Or emailing her at janet.jones@oregonstate.edu
Malheur Experiment Station
595 Onion Ave.
Ontario, OR 97914
UI's Parma R and E Center Field Day
Announcements Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: June 27, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
The University of Idaho's Parma Research and Extension Center will showcase its work in small grains, forages and row crops at a July 7 field day for the public.
Beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding at lunch with a sandwich meal, this year's field day will highlight ongoing studies in wheat, barley, triticale, onions, potatoes, beans and alfalfa seed. Visitors will tour trials of promising new small grains in various market classes and will hear about the effects of harvest dates on triticale and wheat forage. They will learn about fertilizer management in small grains, including fall-planted waxy spring barleys and low-phytate spring barleys.
Participants interested in potatoes will see trials of new varieties for the Treasure Valley and studies focusing on phosphorus, groundcover effects, pesticide placement and seed physiology.
Visitors will also tour research on plant spacing and available phosphorus in alfalfa seed, on seed inoculation and treatment in beans, and on neckrot incidence and control of sunscald, thrips and nutsedge in onions.
Attendance is free and lunch will be provided. The Parma Research and Extension Center is located 1 mile north of Parma on UI Road. For more information, contact Extension crop management specialist Brad Brown at (208) 722-6701, Ext. 216, or bradb@uidaho.edu.
Early blight forecast
Potato Magic Valley
Posted on: June 26, 2006 by Jeff Miller
The P-Day threshold has been reached in the Twin Falls and Rupert areas. Treatment for early blight is recommended at this time. This calculation is based on a crop emergence date of May 10-15.
PCN Update for June 23
Potato All Locations
Posted on: June 23, 2006 by Jeff Miller
Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN)
Stakeholder Update
(6/23/06)
SITUATION SUMMARY
On April 19, 2006 officials of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced the detection of potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera pallida, a major pest of potato crops. This is was the first detection of the pest in the United States. The nematode cysts were detected during a routine survey of tare soil at an ISDA grader facility in eastern Idaho. In that survey, more than 3,500 samples were analyzed, and only one was positive.
On June 13, 2006, soil samples collected from a 45-acre field in northern Bingham County tested positive for PCN. Based on these survey results, and the more than 3,000 additional samples taken since the April detection, the PCN infestation appears to be isolated, but additional surveillance will continue.
Updates and related information:
Investigations revealed that over 80 fields operated by nearly 30 growers provided potatoes that passed through the ISDA grader facility on the day the positive tare dirt sample was collected. Fifty-six of those fields, operated by 25 growers in seven counties, were identified as high priority for sampling. The positive field was one of those fields.
Personnel from ISDA and APHIS continue to collect soil samples from potato fields and cellars in eastern Idaho. They are taking samples from fields that are associated with the positive field south of Idaho Falls as well as other fields throughout the Upper Snake River Plain. Only one field has been confirmed positive.
University of Idaho nematology lab in Parma is currently analyzing the samples, and ISDA is developing additional laboratory capacity in Twin Falls. APHIS is planning to establish laboratory capacity in Idaho Falls.
The two potato cellars which were regulated in April were released from their Emergency Action Notifications (EANs) June 19. All the samples taken at these cellars were analyzed and found to be free of PCN.
Currently, three fields and one packing shed are regulated under EANs. Under the EAN restrictions, no potatoes can be planted in the fields, no soil can leave the fields, and equipment leaving the fields must be cleaned of soil. APHIS and ISDA provide a cleaning service for the equipment when requested. Two of the fields were highly suspect based on the original tare dirt sample analyzed in April. So far, all samples from those fields have been negative for PCN. If analyses of all samples are completed and they are found to be free of PCN, those fields can be released. The third field was determined to be infested with PCN and will be subject to ongoing regulations which will be developed as the situation continues to be evaluated.
The packing shed is currently prohibited from allowing sediment in the settling pond to be dumped without burial at an approved site. Upon disposal of the sediment currently in the pond, that shed will be completely deregulated.
Questions and Answers
Question: Is it true that PCN is present in Europe and is easily managed?
Answer: PCN is present in several European countries, and it is under Official Control in the areas where it exists. Official Control programs place restrictions on growers and shippers so that spread and increase of the nematode population is minimized. PCN is a regulated quarantine pest on the world scene. Some of the management practices that are used in Europe and other locations where PCN is present include long rotations (5+ years between potato crops), use of resistant potato varieties, and chemical treatments. USDA and ISDA scientists do not believe that any of the potato varieties currently grown in Idaho are resistant to PCN.
Question: Is USDA confident of the identification of PCN in Idaho.
Answer: Yes. USDA utilized a multiple step process at the Beltsville Laboratory to confirm the identification of PCN from the original tare dirt sample and the field. Nematode cysts and juvenile nematodes were subjected to a microscopic examination which utilized shape, size, and structural characteristics to compare the specimens with known PCN. Then, Beltsville scientists performed multistage DNA analyses on the larvae to reach a final conclusion that the nematodes are Globodera pallida. They also provided genetic material to the Nematology Laboratory at University of Nebraska where the confirmation was verified through independent testing.
Question: Can soil tests conclusively identify the field from which a sample was taken.
Answer: Current soil tests can show a relationship between a sample and the field from which it was taken. Soil samples have been analyzed by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to determine various soil properties so that tare dirt samples can be related to soil type and other geographically described soil areas. The APHIS laboratory in Gulfport Mississippi is conducting research on soil from fields associated with the tare dirt samples, the infested field, and other fields to test new technologies that may allow more specific characterization of soil to a specific site.
