Editor – Frank Becker, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Wayne County. Contributions made from team members around the state of Ohio.
Fruit Update
Lingering effects from 2024 drought stress are being reported from various areas of the state. These observations highlight regions where fruit trees continue to struggle to overcome the effects of last year’s drought, with noticeable carryover stress impacting fruit set, tree vigor and fruit development and quality this season. Water management, where you are able, remains a critical factor in maintaining tree vigor and productivity.
The use of broad-spectrum insecticides in some orchards is leading to flare-ups of aphids and mites, as beneficial insect populations are being negatively impacted by the applications. Growers should consider integrating more selective products or IPM-compatible practices to preserve natural enemies.
Harvest of early grape varieties is underway in several regions. Fruit quality appears variable and may impact fermentation decisions for wine and juice production. Growers should also be cautious of the late season products that are applied in the vineyard, as these can also impact juice or wine quality.
We are now in peak adult spotted lantern fly season. Growers should continue to scout for adults, which are active and will soon be laying eggs.
Vegetable Update
This season has brought a mix of both expected and unexpected vegetable disease issues: Plectosporium blight in pumpkins, bacterial diseases in multiple crop families, and buckeye rot in tomatoes are being reported by growers across the state. There are also reports of some uncommon or unusual diseases in Ohio such as southern blight, leaf mold in field tomatoes, and pumpkin downy mildew. Some of these diseases challenges can be associated with the abnormally high humidity experienced by much of the state this year.
Squash vine borer (SVB) is causing unusual damage in pumpkins. While not significantly impacting total yield in most fields, the extent and nature of injury are notable. Interestingly, SVB may be partially suppressed by standard sprays targeting cucumber beetles and squash bugs.
Bacterial wilt in cucurbits is persisting into the late season, which is not entirely surprising considering the documented high pressure from cucumber beetles earlier this year.
Populations of corn earworm (CEW) and fall armyworm (FAW) are increasing.
Tar spot has been detected in field corn but has not yet appeared in sweet corn trial plots.
Across all scales of vegetable operations, crop ripening has been slow, contributing to prolonged harvest windows and potentially increasing disease and pest exposure.
Growers utilizing high tunnels have reported facing several key issues this season, including: poor drainage, difficult crop transitions, strategic crop and variety selection decisions.
In field grown vegetables, water-related abiotic disorders continue to show up across the state. These abiotic disorders are often linked to inconsistent irrigation, inconsistent soil moisture or poorly drained soils.
Instances of herbicide drift—some self-inflicted—have continued to be reported. Proper nozzle selection, wind awareness, and sprayer calibration remain critical for minimizing off-target damage.
Pumpkins appear to be ahead of schedule in terms of maturity this year. Growers are preparing for, or already in the midst of an early start to harvest in many locations.