Aggressive scouting is required to get a realistic estimate of populations and activity. Potato scab has infected tubers of the cv. Yukon Gold in two fields. The infection is slight to moderate, but of great concern. Surface and pitted scab was found in the tuber skin surface.
Infected tubers are culls.
Potato scab is transmitted in seed tubers, and can overwinter in soil. Growers who plan to succeed with Yukon Gold must have disease free seed and plant where no potato crop has been planted in at least 4 or 5 years. Spider mites infesting tomato plants in Lubbock are causing mottled yellowing of older leaves. If allowed to go uncontrolled spider mites will kill tomato plants. Experiments using highly refined petroleum oil and vegetable oil for mite control are underway and results will be reported later.