CORN – Southern Corn Rust has now been confirmed (as of 6/19/20) in the following counties: Decatur, Seminole, Grady, Mitchell, Baker, Colquitt, Tift, Jeff Davis, Bacon, and Wayne. It is all around, so consider the growth and development of the corn, and protect fields and yield potential. Corn that has reached the late milk stage or beyond is most likely okay, but if corn is at or near tassel stage or early milk stage, growers should consider a protective fungicide application. There are many fungicide options available.
PEANUTS – In peanut fields many activities are taking place: gypsum applications, early POST weed control applications, fungicide sprays, irrigation, and replanting of weak and/or skippy stands. The main disease problem observed to this point has been crown rot in scattered fields, but growers need to be on the lookout for other diseases like white mold and limb rot as peanuts continue to grow. As for insects, lesser cornstalk borers and damage have been observed, but have not reached treatment thresholds in many fields.
COTTON – Older cotton in the county has started blooming, and needs to be monitored for insects and possible disease issues. Keep a check on cotton insects. Some of the pests observed this week are tarnished plant bugs, aphids, spider mites, and a few silverleaf whiteflies. Knowing which insects are present in a given field will be important in making the best control decisions as we move forward. We would be glad to help if there are questions or concerns in the cotton field.
VEGETABLES – Many of the summer vegetables are being harvested in Worth County. Squash, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, snap beans, sweet corn, cantaloupe, and watermelons to name a few. There has been some disease pressure with the weather conditions that we have had, but harvest is moving along at a rapid pace.
PECANS – Young pecan trees have had some budmoth pressure recently. Growers should also be watching for any sudden changes in tree health as young trees get established. On bearing trees, usually in June is the most noticeable nut drop during the season. Many growers are on a good spray schedule for disease management, and are now focusing on nut scab prevention.
PASTURES AND HAY – Seeing many hay bales throughout the county. Hope to see good conditions for hayfields as we move into summer. With that in mind, growers may consider entering the SE Hay Contest for 2020. For more information and details visit the Southeastern Hay Contest webpage. Entries must be received by September 1, 2020.