Cabbage loopers have been found in cole crops for several weeks. Growers should scout their fields regularly for loopers. If loopers are found, control measures should be attempted while larvae are still small since large larvae are much more difficult to control. This year, symptoms on fruit have appeared early and are severe in some fields. Although yield losses vary, bacterial diseases have the potential to be devastating.
Young plants are more susceptible than older plants.
Once a greenhouse or field is contaminated with bacteria, steps must be taken to assure that future crops remain disease free. Then, wash and disinfect floor surfaces, hoses, equipment, etc., with a ten-percent solution of bleach. A simple washing of wooden surfaces is inadequate because of the cracks and crevices that may allow the bacteria to escape a surface wash. Bacteria that overwinter on a wooden surface may be carried to the plants in water droplets next season during the splashing of overhead irrigation. A contaminated field should be rotated out of tomatoes for at least three years.