Near complete weed control was maintained with paraquat for 3 weeks which after rainfall had emergence of new grass weeds. More testing will determine specific rates and comparisons of these herbicides against Russian thistle, groundcherry, silverleaf nightshade, and other weeds. Academic and political definitions reflect philosophical and theoretical ideals more than what real world practitioners try to achieve in sustaining economic viability and ensuring health and environmental safety. IPM uses methods that are biological, cultural, and chemical to reduce pests to below economic injury levels on crops or ecosystems. Economics drive much of the acreages that are planted to a particular crop and then timing of plantings to optimally fit market windows are components of an IPM equation.
Timing is critical to prevention, avoidance, and scouting to minimize crop problems.
Optimizing fertilizer and water inputs ensure a vigorous crop to reduce pest impacts. The erratic warming and cooling air temperatures and winds have not been conducive for ideal melon growing conditions this spring. There have been abnormally shaped and blemished fruit. The gusting winds probably disrupted normal bee activity for optimum pollination. The sporadic warm daytime temperatures encouraged the early setting fruit to develop and expand but only to be repressed by the cool nighttime temperatures.