Feeding damage from webworms can be found in fields throughout the state. In addition, beet armyworm moths are actively laying eggs. Downy mildew caused by Phytophthora phaseoli is present in Maryland and the recent wet weather has been ideal for infection of the late crop. Scouting fields is very important at this time. Downy mildew produces a flat white fungus growth on the pods that are not touching the soil.
White mold caused by Sclerotinia is much whiter and fluffier that downy mildew.
Sclerotinia will produce hard black sclerotia embedded in the white fungus growth. Another disease that can be confused with the previous two diseases is Pythium pod rot. Pythium infect pods that are touching the ground. It is also fluffy and pods deteriorate rapidly once infected. As mentioned last week, for downy mildew control there is a Section 18 label for Quadris Flowable at 15.4 fl.