The problem has coincided with warming soil temperatures. Growers continue to combat spider mites on tomatoes and cucurbits in several locations. A number of growers are reporting the highest levels in several years. Broad mites continue to increase and some fields are reaching low to moderate levels of infestation. Cucumber beetles are being reported on a number of crops and are of concern on leafy vegetables to damage to foliage and subsequent loss of quality.
Field sanitation is one of the most important tactics in vegetable pest and disease management.
Remember back only a few years ago, that only by universal cooperation among growers were we able to survive the whitefly and Gemini-virus situation. The best thing that growers can do for themselves and their neighbors is to clean up crop residues promptly after harvest. Contact the Hendry County Extension for more information. The SW Florida Pest and Disease Hotline is compiled by Gene McAvoy and is issued on a biweekly basis by the Hendry County Cooperative Extension Office as a service to the vegetable industry. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an Equal Employment Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.