Corn earworm populations are still very low and should not be of concern in peppers at this time. Processing snap beans should be sprayed at the bud and pin stages with Orthene for corn borer control. After the pin spray, a third application with Lannate will be needed within 5 to 7 days from harvest in most fields except in the Bridgeville area where sprays are needed on a 5 day schedule from the pin spray until harvest. Ozone injury is the predominant type of injury, and watermelons are the most sensitive to ozone of all the cucurbit crops. The nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons released from vehicular fuel combustion interact in dry air with UV light to form ozone.
Ozone is the air pollutant with the greatest effect on crop production.
Watermelon injury includes premature chlorosis, chlorotic mottle, bleaching, stippling, and if severe enough, necrosis of the crown leaves. Of course, there is no treatment for ozone injury, other than maintaining proper growing conditions with good management of irrigation and fertility. Watermelon injury should not be confused with fungus diseases. Blossom-end rot frequently occurs after plants have been subjected to a severe drought stress, which interferes with the calcium transport to the fruit. When these deficiencies occur in the fruit, the cells break down.