Crop damage has been minor for the most part and several growers are reporting significant control as a result of efforts to combat melon thrips. Spray coverage is critical to prevent rind worm damage. Extremely high whitefly counts are being reported from a number of locations and seem to be on the increase, particularly in cantaloupe, tomatoes and watermelons. In some older tomato and watermelon plantings whitefly numbers have reached sufficient levels to cause sticky fruit. Diamond back moths continue to be seen sporadically in brassicas.
Pepper weevils continue to build across the area particularly in older fields.
Some respondents indicate that despite the continued presence of weevils, they are largely under control. Downy mildew has cranked up in several widely scattered locations across the area. Growers are reporting increased incidence of the disease in cantaloupe, squash, watermelon and specialty melons. Prediction of continued rainy weather over the next few days may create ideal conditions for the rapid spread of this disease and growers are advised to take protective measures. Powdery mildew is present on older plantings of squash and is being seen on tomato and pepper in isolated cases.