Virginia Cooperative Extension - Knowledge for the CommonWealth

September-October 2004; Volume 3, Issue 5

Table of Contents

Click here to download a printable version of Virginia Vegetable, Small Fruit and Specialty Crops Newsletter - PDF format

NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS FROM THE EDITOR
Tony Bratsch, VA Tech Horticulture

Welcome to this fall issue of the Virginia Vegetable, Small Fruit and Specialty Crops News. It has been a good growing season for those here in the SW, but I know there have been many localities around the state hard hit by excess hurricane rain and wind. Seems the SW has been spared the worst of it. For veg growers with late plantings, higher prices have been the upside of generally wet weather and damaged crops in the Southeast US. Here at Tech, we are still harvesting our fall broccoli plots at Kentland Farm, and wrapping up several other projects, hopefully by early November. Frost has not yet fallen on this area of the mountains, but is around the corner.

I would like to take a moment to introduce Dr. Jeremy Pattison, who will soon be joining our team at the Southern Piedmont AREC in Blackstone. As you all know, we have been searching for quite some time for the right person to follow in the shoes of the late Dr. Herb Stiles. Jeremy comes to us from Cornell, where he recently finished his graduate work in small fruit management. We are excited to have Jeremy on board, and welcome him and his family to Virginia. Please take the time to say hello to him at 434-292-5331 or drop a line by email at spcext@vt.edu. He will be starting November 1. Jeremy has kindly taken the time to write-up a little of his history and provides an early synopsis about small fruit research he is planning at Blackstone.

There are a number of great contributions for this issue and I would like to thank others who took the time to pen an article: Rikki Sterrett from the Eastern Shore, Vonny Barlow, entomology graduate student working in our ECB pepper trials, VCE Agents Brad Jarvis in Madison County and Daniel Osborne, Smyth County, and from out of state we reprinted a key Question / Answer segment written by Cathy Demchak of Penn State. I have also gleaned recent updates on vegetable crop pest management from the newly formatted and integrated "Virginia Ag Pest Advisory", a weekly newsletter from Tom Kuhar, Ames Herbert and others involved in the Southern Region IPM Center. Though these IPM advisories are items recently "past", they are relevant information and excellent reference for vegetable growers to file away for future (and maybe current) use.

We here in extension are gearing up for the winter meeting season. I have also included announcements and summaries for key meetings around the state and in neighboring states. Please take time to look them over and make plans to attend educational events of interest to you.

Enjoy the newsletter, as always we welcome your comments and suggestions

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NEW RESEARCH AT THE SOUTHERN PIEDMONT AREC IN BLACKSTONE
Jeremy A. Pattison, Southern Piedmont AREC, Virginia Tech, Blackstone

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to all the readers. My name is Jeremy Pattison and I will be filling the late Dr. Stiles' position at Virginia Tech located at the Southern Piedmont, AREC in Blackstone. I am very excited to take over research in small fruits and continue with Dr. Stiles' initiatives (blackberries, raspberries and blueberries) as well as include strawberries and wine grapes in the mix. I will officially begin the position on November 1 of 2004, where I will try on my very large new shoes.

I first became interested in horticulture during my undergraduate studies where I was employed by a small, family run vineyard and winery in Pennsylvania. While at Cherry Valley Vineyards, I was responsible for managing the vineyard and assisting the winemaker in all facets of winery operations. More recently, I completed my Ph.D. at Cornell University where I had been investigating the inheritance of Phytophthora root rot resistance in red raspberries under the supervision of Drs. Courtney Weber, Marvin Pritts, Wayne Wilcox and Susan Brown. My project utilized classical breeding as well as biotechnology to help understand the genetics of this important disease and hasten the development of resistant varieties. These experiences have shaped my interest and reinforced my desire to remain active in fruit production and I look forward to learning the Virginia industry from the local extension agents, growers and regional scientists.

I would like to thank the small fruit/specialty crop growers association for their aggressive and clever pursuit of funding from the tobacco indemnification fund to secure a grant that has made this opportunity possible. The ideas presented below are areas of research that I feel are important for Virginia small fruit agriculture.

As a first step, I have initiated a collaboration with Dr. Barclay Poling of NC state, which has made possible the establishment of the first strawberry trials at Blackstone. The first of three trials will investigate the influence of several nursery sources on production quality and yield of 'Chandler'. The second trial will evaluate different fumigation treatments in the nursery during the production of fresh dug plants and their effect on crop quality and yield, again on 'Chandler'. The third trial will be a straightforward variety trial where plug plants of 'Bish', 'Festival', 'Sweet Charlie' and 'Treasure' will be evaluated for their use in annual plasticulture in the Southern Piedmont. I would like to organize a spring field day to highlight and discuss the results of these trials to interested growers and extension agents. Stay tuned, I will get back to all of you on a date.

Other areas of applied research include making the annual strawberry system more efficient and environmentally tolerable through investigating the use of biodegradable films, bed recycling in addition to methyl bromide alternatives (chemical and cultural). As 'Chandler' has been by far the most adaptable and wide spread variety for this system of production, it is not without its flaws. Breeding new varieties will also been an area of research where attempts will be made to create varieties specific to the climate of Virginia and resistant to the major pests and pathogens found here in the mid-Atlantic (Anthracnose!). Dr. Jim Ballington of NC State has been leading this endeavor for the mid-Atlantic and I hope to collaborate with him in the future.

Dr Stiles had lead a pioneering effort in developing the shift trellis and demonstrated its value to the blackberry industry. Efforts will continue with this unique trellis system, however, I need the help of you folks that are using it to inform me on the areas that need future attention. Red raspberries, another high value crop, likely have the greatest potential in the cooler regions of the state. I plan on continuing collaborations with Dr. Harry Schwartz in developing Phytophthora root rot resistant cultivars in addition to extending collaborations to other Virginia Tech and regional scientists to try to understand this unique plant pathogen interaction. Several on farm bramble demonstration trials have been in place and I am looking forward to visiting with those sites and seeing the performance of the various varieties of blackberries and raspberries. Blueberries look to be another exciting crop for Virginia fruit growers as southern high bush, northern high bush and rabbiteye types have performed well at Blackstone and will be future foci of research. On farm blueberry trials will begin in the spring of 2005.

Wine grape production and wine making had started my journey into agriculture, and I am extremely excited about getting involved in research that can help impact this valuable industry. Dr. Tony Wolf, at the Alson H. Smith, AREC has established a wine grape variety trial in Blackstone. This will be a site of future research through this continued collaboration. The mid-Atlantic region has a unique set of environmental challenges that are quite different from upstate New York (hopefully no more -20oF winter lows!) yet similar in some regards (humidity). However, there looks to be great success in the culture of this highly rewarding crop as evidenced by the numerous wineries throughout the state that are producing award winning wines.

I encourage all of you in the industry to please contact me and share what you feel are high priorities in the area of small fruit research. I feel a strong sense of commitment to improving the industry, but I need input from you to structure research initiatives to accomplish this goal. I hope to have time this fall and winter to travel the state and visit with the many small fruit farms and learn the industry 'on the farm'. For those of you attending the strawberry expo on November 3-5 in High Point, North Carolina, keep an eye out as I will be in attendance and we can have an opportunity to meet and interact. Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts or concerns as I am excited about this opportunity and would very much like to hear from all of you. I can be reached by phone at 434-292-5331 or email at spcext@vt.edu.

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SPECIALTY CROPS PROFILE: POPCORN
Tony Bratsch, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech

Popcorn is a niche crop often seen in various direct market settings. Usually marketers buy pre-packaged shelled product or sell the small ears as an ornamental along with the other types of Indian corns on the market. A number of these such as 'All Blue', 'All Pink' , 'Miniature Colored' , 'Wampum' and 'Strawberry' boast bright colors, but can also be shelled and popped like standard yellow types. Savvy marketers focus on package appearance for shelled sales, and when possible promote locally grown product.

Popcorn growing, making and eating has new world continental beginnings, and is believed to have been utilized by Central and South American Indian tribes long before the coming of Columbus. Popcorn is a good source of calcium, iron, niacin and phosphorus, and is high in fiber and low in calories. Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana are the three leading states in popcorn production, with Indiana producing nearly 55% of all commercial popcorn. The United States exports 90% of the worlds popcorn, and is considered to be the best quality on the world market.

Popcorn is one of five varietal types of corn (others: dent, flint, flour, sweet). The exact physiology and chemistry underlying popping is still unknown, though starch/moisture relations as well as hull integrity are the key elements affecting popping quality. These factors interrelate to create a literal explosion and everting of internal tissues of popcorn when exposed to heat above 350 F. Ideal popping temperature is achieved at 450 F, while above 520 F, scorching occurs. Individual kernels begin popping in 80-90 seconds, and finish a minute later. When popping, an indication of too high kernel moisture content is "chewy" popcorn, and if too dry, kernels remained un-popped. Moisture may be increased by adding a few drops of water to stored popcorn, shaking the container, and allowing it to sit for a couple of weeks to allow even moisture absorption. Ideal moisture for popping is around 12 -13%. Popcorn may be kept without a reduction in quality for up to 3 years, provided it is stored in an airtight container. Beyond this period popping quality gradually declines.

Like any other corn crop, during the growing season, attention should be paid to provision of adequate nitrogen, good weed control, and earworm protection. For ornamental sales, particular care should be taken with the latter, with worm control thresholds similar to sweetcorn. Warm, dry fall weather provides ideal conditions for popcorn dry-down and maturation on the stalk. If possible, popcorn should be harvested below 20% moisture, though levels as high as 30% are acceptable if the corn is mature. Indications of harvest-readiness include dry stalks and shucks, and the presence of the "blacklayer" abscission material that forms at the kernel attachment on the cob. Small samples of kernels can be weighed, dried at 175-200 degrees F overnight, and re-weighed for exact percent moisture determination. Frost should not harm the crop provided the internal moisture is below 35%. A hard freeze can lower popping quality if moisture is above 20%. Popcorn growers can expect yields of 3000 lbs/acre, and nearly double this if the crop is irrigated.

Virginia's climate rarely allows for ideal on the stalk drying, especially given our repeated damp, hurricane cycles. Growers with limited production can hand harvest and cure ears indoors under warm, dry ventilated conditions. Once dry, kernels can be left on the ear or shelled by hand, and stored in airtight containers. Excessive drying and re-hydrating should be avoided to prevent seed coat stress cracks that can reduce expansion volume.

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GLEANINGS FROM THE VIRGINIA AG PEST ADVISORY
Editors note: The following are vegetable and small fruit related articles extracted from the weekly "Virginia Ag Pest Advisory." This weekly advisory can be found at the following website: http://www.sripmc.org/Virginia/ (previously published as the Virginia Crop Pest Advisory). The newsletter is now produced by the Southern IPM Center. Selected articles of interest are from August through October 2004.

Important Label Changes:
Tom Kuhar, ESAREC

Label Change for Entrust Insecticide
Entrust insecticide is now labeled for foliar applications on root vegetables. Visit the dowagro.com Label/MSDS web page for the supplemental label. Entrust is the OMRI-certified formulation of spinosad manufactured by Dow AgroSciences. Contact Kris Veatch Nolan - DowAgroSciences Customer Information Center 317-337-4365 for more information

Special 24(c) label in Virginia for aerial application of Acramite 50WS
Virginia recently approved a Special 24 (c) label for aerial application of the miticide, Acramite 50WS on cucurbits and fruiting vegetables. Acramite was previously registered for use on those crops in Virginia, but not for aerial application. The miticide is an excellent material for control of two-spotted spider mites. For more information, please contact Crompton Uniroyal Chemical Corporation.

Diazinon Cancellation By Syngenta
EPA has received a request from Syngenta Crop Protection to voluntarily cancel the registrations for all of its remaining products (agricultural and outdoor non- agricultural) containing diazinon. Retailers will be able to sell outdoor NON-agricultural (such as lawn and garden) end-use products containing diazinon made by Syngenta until December 31, 2004. Product that has already been purchased can be used according to label directions until stocks are exhausted. Sales of agriculture end-use products containing diazinon made by Syngenta may continue until stocks are exhausted. Product already purchased can be used according to label directions until stocks are exhausted. All sales and distribution to retailers ends on August 31, 2003. The notice and information about diazinon use with Syngenta's cancellation is available at http://www.epa.gov/EPA-PEST/2003/May/Day-30/p13436.htm NOTE: this does not apply to diazinon products manufactured by other companies such as Makhteshim-Agan, Gowan & Drexel.

Subject Articles of Interest

Aug-20-2004
Disease Control in Cucurbits
Christine Waldenmaier, ESAREC

Downy mildew is now well established throughout the area and with the frequent rainfall and high humidity we have had lately it will be a problem for all cucurbits planted for Fall harvest. This is a difficult disease to control once you observe it so fungicides should be applied after the first two leaves have emerged in areas where downy has been noted nearby. For pumpkins and squash - In 2003, we observed the best control in pumpkins at the Research Station using Cabrio 20EG 12 oz/A alternated with Ridomil Gold/Bravo 2.0 lb/A sprayed every 7 days. The Cabrio/Ridomil Gold Bravo alternation may help prevent some breakdown from Phytophthora fruit rot also. Cabrio alternated with Nova 40W 5 oz/A or Procure 50W 6 oz/A (both for powdery mildew) also gave fairly good downy mildew control. Another alternative in pumpkins and squash would be Pristine 15 oz/A alternated with Bravo 2 pt/A. Pristine gives excellent control of powdery mildew and some downy mildew control. For cucumbers, Cabrio 20EG 12 oz/A will control downy mildew and other Fall diseases such as anthracnose and Alternaria leaf blight. Another effective combination last year in our Fall pickle trial was Gavel 75W 2.0 lb/A + Nova 40W 3.0 oz/A applied every 7 days. Previcur Flex made by Bayer CropScience has just obtained a label for downy mildew control also. This systemic fungicide is excellent in controlling downy mildew, but has to be tank-mixed with chlorothalonil for control of other diseases. A lot of folks have been asking about using Quadris (Amistar) for downy mildew control. In the Fall pickle trial, Quadris at 11 fl oz/A alternated with Bravo 2 pt/A gave about as good control of downy mildew as Gavel and is excellent on anthracnose and alternaria, but this combination may need to be spiked with a fungicide more effective on powdery mildew if that disease shows up.

Aug-29-2004
Insect Management for Fall Cole Crops (cabbage, broccoli, collards)
Tom Kuhar, ESAREC

Fields should be inspected for worm pests, particularly diamondback moth (DBM), cabbage looper (CL), and imported cabbageworm (ICW). We can also find fall armyworm and beet armyworm larvae feeding on plants. Even though we had quite a wet summer, which usually knocks back lepidopteran larval populations, the aforementioned pests are definitely out here on the Eastern Shore. A treatment should be considered if you find 5% of the plants infested and before larvae move into the hearts of the plants (for cabbage and broccoli). Numerous products have worked well at controlling these pests in recent efficacy trials, including: Avaunt, Bt products, Proclaim, Spintor, and Intrepid. These products are less toxic to non-targets than the broad-spectrum insecticides such as Lannate, Orthene, and the pyrethroids,. Remember that numerous beneficial arthropods are typically present in crucifer crops, and help to control pest insect populations. Use of narrow-spectrum insecticides will help to conserve natural enemies.

Sep-10-2004
Downy Mildew on Cucurbits
Christine Waldenmaier, ESAREC

Previcur Flex is a fungicide that was recently labeled on cucurbits for downy mildew control. In trials at the Research Station this product was very effective at controlling downy mildew on pickles. If anthracnose or powdery mildew occur along with the downy mildew, other fungicides must be added to the Previcur Flex to control these diseases. The PHI for Previcur Flex is 2 days. Downy mildew has been the scourge of the pickle, cucumber and pumpkin crops this year. Growers have inquired whether there is anything that they can do this Fall to diminish infection in next years crops. This question was discussed at a recent meeting of Plant Pathologists and the conclusion was that there is not anything that a grower can do besides trying to select the most resistant or tolerant varieties. The fungus causing downy mildew is an obligate parasite, which means that it requires living tissue to stay alive. It cannot over winter in Virginia and must spread up into our area from the South. If the wet weather we have had is truly atypical, we should not have such a problem with downy mildew in drier growing seasons.

Sep-12-2004
Insect Management in Peppers
Tom Kuhar, ESAREC

For pepper crops with fruit still to harvest, it is recommended to maintain a 5-7 day spray schedule for control of European corn borer and other fruit infesting pests. Top performing insecticide products in recent efficacy trials include: Avaunt, Spintor, Orthene (or other acephate), Intrepid, Warrior, and Mustang Max. In Painter, VA, we have recently seen an increase in green peach aphid numbers on peppers, particularly in plots sprayed with pyrethroids, which kill natural enemies and flare the aphid populations. If aphids are present and leaves are not curling, the following insecticides should provide effective control: Provado (0 days to harvest) Actara (0 DTH), Fulfill (0 DTH), Lannate at 1.5 pt/A (3 days to harvest), and Assail (7 DTH). A penetrating surfactant should be used with Fulfill.

Sep-17-2004
Effect of rain on lepidoptera ("worm") pests of crops on the Eastern Shore
Tom Kuhar, ESAREC

We have gotten a lot of rain this fall and there is still more to come. This has made things tough for fall vegetable growers because of fungal pathogens, wet ground, and the inability to get equipment into fields. However, there is one bright spot. Many of the lepidopteran larvae of pest insects are being killed by fungal pathogens and other diseases. We had a moderate beet armyworm population in fall potatoes that was completely wiped out by the fungal pathogen, Beauveria bassiana. The larvae turned white and chalky. We've seen very few lepidopteran larvae in our collards for the same reason. Corn earworm larvae have been killed as well in soybeans and tomatoes. Growers on the Eastern Shore should keep this in mind and scout fields before making insecticide applications because Old Mother Nature may have already done the job for them.

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SMALL FRUIT PLANTING - REASONS FOR PLANNING AHEAD
Tony Bratsch, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech

More often than not you have heard recommendations that call for planning planting activities a year in advance for perennial crops such as small fruit: blueberries, brambles and strawberries. This recommendation is an important one and made for several key reasons: future weed control, fertility management, soil building, and to facilitate early planting. It also provides plenty of time for the grower to do their homework on cultivars, culture and planting arrangements, and to secure orders in advance with nurseries.

Weed control is the most common problem faced by small fruit growers. In particular, perennial weeds in a perennial crop make for a difficult situation, especially when they are entwined with thorny brambles. Site preparation in advance can help you reduce future weed pressure. First it allows eradication of existing perennial weeds by non-selective chemicals such as glyphosphate (Round-upTM). Critical to control of many perennial weeds is killing of spreading underground plant parts, such as rhizomes in Johnson Grass. This requires using appropriate timing to ensure the herbicide is carried downward, and is not just killing the foliage. Generally late summer to early fall is the ideal time to apply, as plants translocate nutrients downward to over-wintering parts in response to various end of season cues such as shorter days and lower temperatures. For annual weed control, advance soil preparation in the year prior can help reduce future weed pressure. Use of stale seedbed preparation and repeated light tillage through the season encourages weed germination and destroys successive flushes of new weeds, thereby reducing weed seed population in the top layers of soil.

Fertility management is another important planning component. Soil tests should be taken the season prior to planting to determine relative levels of phosphorous and potassium, soil pH, and to detect any micronutrient deficiencies that might exist. Though soil nitrogen is a key element in plant nutrition it is commonly not tested because of its relative mobility and changing nature in the soil. However, we can get a good test for P and K status, and it is important to build and ensure that these nutrients are at adequate levels before planting. The fall prior is probably the best time to take a soil test and apply amendments, unless a cover crop is being grown for soil building purposes. If this is the case, testing and nutrient application should occur before the cover crop is established.

One of the important services that Virginia Tech does for growers is soil testing. Contact your local Extension Agent who can provide you with sample containers, directions and will assist you in getting the sample off to our lab on campus. In general, both P and K should be adjusted to moderate to high levels for small fruit crops. In particular, phosphorus levels are important because unlike nitrogen or potassium, surface applications after planting are less mobile and do not reach the roots. Thus for perennial crops, initial phosphorus build-up is targeted for the life of the planting.

Adjustment of pH is also important and extremes need to be corrected at least a year in advance. Because of the buffering nature of the soil, it takes time for the soil pH reaction to change after application of lime to increase pH, or elemental sulfur to reduce it. Usually this is a minimum 6-9 months, after which a follow-up test should be taken before planting to assure the target pH range has been reached. Blueberries thrive in a low soil pH environment (4.5-5.5), much like azaleas and rhododendrons. Many areas of Virginia have naturally acidic soils and little pH amendment is needed. However a measure of pH drop is usually necessary, and as stated before, takes time to achieve.

For less productive soils, it may be advantageous to grow soil-building cover crops on the site for at least one, if not two to three years prior to planting. Legumes are a good choice and offer the advantage of forage hay-harvest as well. The benefits of cover crops are many, including reduction of future weed pressure, reduced runoff of water, better drainage and most importantly addition of organic matter and increased soil tilth and health.

Lastly, it is often advantageous to have sites pre-worked or bedded before spring planting, which should be done as early as feasible in the spring to allow for adequate establishment. In heavier soils, it is recommended that small fruit be planted on raised beds for increased drainage. As compared to the spring, fall tillage and bed formation allows greater flexibility for the grower, and planting can begin earlier on pre-formed beds, with reduced time needed to wait on soils to dry out.

Good planning is a key element for success with small fruit. Growers should consider the considerable expense involved in establishment, and the longevity of these plantings, and take the time to do the best job possible. Advance consideration of pre-plant issues will save the time and expense of taking corrective measures in the future. Too often, plantings are made in a rush or as a last minute idea in the spring. In reality it would be more cost effective for the grower to delay a year, and implement the advance planning measures as outlined above.

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PUMPKIN POST HARVEST HANDLING
Brad Jarvis Extension Agent, Madison County

The most popular fall decoration is the pumpkin. And many growers are in the process of harvesting their pumpkin crop to satisfy the market demand. As we approach the prime market season, we must consider the duration of the buying season. We are most familiar with the Halloween market season, but growers also need to take advantage of the sales opportunities that exist through the end of November for the Thanksgiving season.

In order for growers to take advantage of an extended market season, you must be able to harvest and store pumpkins in a manner that will extend the shelf life into December.

The storage quality of a pumpkin is influenced just as much by harvest and post-harvest handling as it is by care and management of the pumpkin while it is growing. A poor quality pumpkin at harvest will not improve after harvest, but a high quality pumpkin can be maintained with proper post-harvest handling techniques or it can deteriorate because of poor post harvest handling procedures.

At the end of the growing season, the grower must assess the maturity level of the pumpkin crop to insure mature fruit is harvested to prolong shelf-life. For most varieties, research has shown that jack o lantern size pumpkins achieve full color 45-50 days after fruit set and stem hardening peaks at 20-35 days after fruit set. Of course, maturity rates are influenced by plant stresses during the growing season such a pest pressure and soil moisture conditions. If vines die before the pumpkin reaches full maturity the flesh quality and steam health will be compromised leading to premature fruit breakdown.

Once the fruit is mature, the pumpkins should be harvested while the vines are still healthy and before frost. Maintaining vine health through harvest improves stem health and durability. As you know, pumpkins with weak or broken stems are less desirable to consumers and lead to premature fruit meltdowns.

Pumpkins need to be cut from the vine with hand pruners or long handled loppers to protect stem health. After cutting pumpkins from the vine, fruit should be removed from the field as soon as possible after the fruit surface is dry, and store in a shaded, dry, ventilated area. Fruit left in. The field is susceptible to disease infections, sun scald and frost damage. If you are putting pumpkins in bins from the field, pumpkins must be dry, disease free and handled with care to prevent bin rots that will infect the entire bin. Pick-your-own operations must evaluate field conditions to determine the best harvest strategy to preserve pumpkin quality. Later maturing pumpkins can be left in field for the customer to pick as long as field conditions are relatively dry and they are protected from sun scald and frost. Pumpkins that mature early will have little chance to maintain quality until the market season arrives; therefore, fruit should be removed from field and properly stored until you "reseed" your fields for your pick-your-own customers. The cost of labor, labor availability, time and cost of field losses due to rots are the variables to consider when making your harvest decisions.

Growers need to emphasis with workers the importance of handling the fruit properly during harvest to prevent damage. The preferred way to harvest fruit to avoid damage is to handle the pumpkin from the bottom and carefully arrange the fruit in the bin to protect the stem handles and other pumpkins from puncture wounds. Mechanical injury, punctures and bruising will compromise the long term storage qualities of the fruit. Some growers have used chlorine solutions as a post harvest dip to protect pumpkins from surface rots to prolong shelf life. But on-farm research in Maryland showed no benefits from chlorine dips.

After harvesting pumpkins, the most important factor in preserving pumpkin quality is storage temperature. The ideal storage temperature is between 50° F to 60° F. This temperature range is usually not feasible for most growers with a six to eight week marketing season. Generally, healthy, disease free, fully mature, dry fruit can be preserved quite well with fluctuating temperatures between 35° F and 70° F, which can be achieved in a well ventilated shed that limits direct sun exposure and provides frost protection.

Since pumpkins are a popular cash crop for apple producers, it is important to remind growers that storing pumpkins with apples is not a good idea. Stored apples emit ethylene gases that accelerate the ripening process and will potential lead to over mature pumpkins and premature breakdown.

Growers working hard during the growing season to implement a sound pest management plan will produce high quality pumpkins. Healthy, disease free, mature pumpkins that are handled properly can be preserved for six months and extend your marketing season into November.

References:
Pumpkin Production Guide, (2003), edited by Dale Ila Miles Riggs with multiple authors, Natural Resource, Agriculture and Engineering Services (NREAS-123)

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CHEMICAL CONTROL OF EUROPEAN CORN BORER IN BELL PEPPER

Vonny Barlow, Tom Kuhar & John Speese III Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia Tech

The European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is one of the most economically important pests of agricultural crops in much of the eastern and central United States. O. nubilalis is particularly damaging to bell (sweet) peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) because it causes direct injury to the fruit, premature fruit ripening, and fruit rot, a result of pathogens such as Erwinia carotovora entering the feeding wound. Control of O. nubilalis in peppers typically relies on multiple preventative insecticide applications. However, this can be difficult due to the small size of O. nubilalis and its propensity to quickly bore into plant tissue, often the fruit, where they are protected from chemical sprays.

The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996 amended the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The requirements included a new safety standard-reasonable certainty of no harm-that must be applied to all pesticides used on foods. As a result many pesticides are subject to reregistration and potential loss, which include many carbamates and organophosphate (OP) insecticides like acephate (Orthene). Although there are alternatives to OPs and carbamates, they are generally less effective and/or significantly more costly.

In bell pepper alternative insecticides are being sought that provide effective control of ECB, which include testing of some pyrethroids. There are numerous insecticides that are labeled for ECB control in pepper. However not all of them have proven to be effective. We have listed products that researchers have tested (Fig. 1) and their overall effectiveness against ECB.

Pepper growers should start a preventative spray program for ECB when small pepper fruit is present on plants. On the Eastern Shore near Painter, VA, ECB pressures are high enough to warrant 8 sprays of insecticide per season and may not be necessary in your area. A word of caution to growers is that pyrethroids should not be used if Beet armyworm is a problem because pyrethroids offer little or no control. Also, Green peach aphid flairs after repeated pyrethroid use and should be considered.

ProductRateInsecticide ClassCommon NameControlUsage/Season
Orthene 97
Avaunt 30WDG*
SpinTor 2SC
Intrepid 2F
Mustang Max
Baythroid 2EC
Warrior 1 EC
Confirm 2F
Lannate LV
Ambush 25W
Asana XL		 12-16 oz/A
3.5 oz/A
6 fl oz/A
8-16 fl oz/A
4 fl oz/A
1.6-1.8 fl oz/A
2.56-3.84 fl oz/A
8-16 fl oz/A
48 fl oz/A
12.8 oz/A
5.8-9.6 fl oz/A		 Organophosphate
Pyrazoline
Spinosad
Insect growth regulator
Pyrethroid
Pyrethroid
Pyrethroid
Insect growth regulator
Carbamate
Pyrethroid
Pyrethroid		 Acephate
Indoxacarb
Spinosad
Methoxyfenozide
Zeta-cypermethrin
Cyfluthrin
Lambda-cyhalothrin
Tebufenozide
Methomyl
Permethrin
Esfenvalerate		 Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Fair
Fair
Fair		 32 oz/A (season max.)
14 oz/A (season max.)
Full season
Full season
Full season
Full season
Full season
64 fl oz/A (season max.)
Full season
Full season
Full season
*Although not registered for ECB control this product is registered for use in bell pepper

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HARLEY BLACKWELL - A RECENT POTATO RELEASE FROM USDA
Rikki Sterrett Assoc. Professor, VA Tech, Eastern Shore AREC

Harley Blackwell is a round-white multipurpose potato cultivar released in 2003 by Dr. Kathy Haynes of the USDA-Beltsville, MD potato breeding program. It was named after the retired Superintendent of the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research Station in Fletcher, North Carolina and evaluated under the pedigree number B0564-8.


Figure 1. Harley Blackwell (B0564-8) tubers.


Figure 2. Comparison of tuber conformation of Superior and Harley Blackwell (B0564-8)

Plants of Harley Blackwell are moderately large and resistant to air pollution injury. Tuber maturity is relatively early; tubers attractive and moderately large. Marketable yield is similar to that of Superior (table stock standard) but lower than Atlantic (early ship stock standard). Harley Blackwell is resistant to the physiological disorders, internal heat necrosis (IHN) and hollow heart (HH). Atlantic is susceptible to IHN and both Atlantic and Superior are susceptible to HH. Scab susceptibility of Harley Blackwell appeared to be similar to that of Atlantic in Virginia yield trials.

Table 1. Yield, percentage of tubers greater than 2.5" in diameter, specific gravity, and chip color averaged over 2001-2003 growing seasons in trials at the Eastern Shore AREC, Painter, VA.

CultivarMarketable Yield (cwt/A)% > 2.5" diameter1Specific GravityChip Color2
Harley Blackwell27570812.7
Superior 31762912.5
Atlantic28555723.5

1 US No. grade requires greater than 40 % of tubers to exceed 2.5 inches in diameter.
2 Chip color determined by commercial processor from tubers held at ambient air temperature for 48 to 72 hours. 1-5 scale: 1=exceptional, 3=marginal, 4=unacceptable.

Harley Blackwell will fill a marketing niche for fresh market for a relatively early maturing cultivar, particularly for growers who have experienced problems with HH in early plantings. However, but vine and tuber maturity is slightly later than Superior.

Harley Blackwell was grown on limited acreage in North Carolina as chip stock in 2004. However, specific gravity of Harley Blackwell is lower than Atlantic and Snowden, the current chip standards. Growers need to consult their buyers before growing Harvey Blackwell for the chip market as some processors are less receptive to cultivars with lower dry matter.

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GROWER QUESTION/ANSWER
Editors note: Kathy Demchak is a small fruit specialist at Penn State. This question is one we receive often regarding weed control options in strawberries. She writes the "Berry Good Question" column for the Vegetable and Small Fruit Gazette which can be accessed at: http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu/extension/vegcrops/newsletterlist.html

That's a Berry Good Question!!!
Kathy Demchak, Department of Horticulture at Penn State

Q. Many strawberry growers are dealing with fields full of thistle and broadleaves and don't want to go into the winter with fields looking like this. Now what can they do?? (Steve Bogash, PSU Coop. Extension)

A. Unfortunately, there are few options for perennial weed control on strawberries. When people have problems with thistle, the current material that helps the most is Stinger; however, you'll notice the timing for postharvest use on the Stinger label is "from after harvest to early fall". This is because a few years ago, there had been some phytotoxicity issues with Stinger when it was used later in the fall. Consequently, an option for thistles now (besides hand-pulling) is to burn the tops off with Gramoxone. This is only for weeds between the rows, since you don't want to burn the tops off of your strawberries. The thistles will come back, but then can be treated next spring with Stinger, if applied at least 30 days before harvest. Other broadleaves for which Stinger is useful include clovers, curly dock, dandelion, groundsel, ragweed, red sorrel, and vetch. Another spring herbicide option is 2,4-D. It doesn't work quite as well on the thistles as Stinger, but is especially useful for dandelions that often poke through the straw on matted-row plantings before the strawberries do. Some growers apply the 2,4-D right overtop the straw in the spring, applying it to the emerging dandelions while the strawberry plants are still protected by the straw. Other options for established perennial broadleaved weeds are few, though Sinbar® should be applied late this fall before straw mulch application or early next spring after straw mulch is pulled back in matted rows to keep them (and annual broadleaves) from multiplying further via seed. The days-to-harvest limitation on Sinbar is 70 days, so if applied in the spring, care needs to be taken with timing on early cultivars. If this is a plasticulture planting, keep in mind that no herbicides should ever be sprayed overtop the plastic, as the herbicide is "concentrated" into the planting holes and damage to the plants is likely.

Got a question? Chances are that someone else has the same question, but isn't asking! Send your question to Kathy Demchak, at 102 Tyson Bldg., University Park, PA 16802, or via email to kdemchak@psu.edu. You will be credited with the question, or can remain anonymous, as you wish.

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INSURING FARM USE VEHICLES

By Daniel Osborne, Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent
Farm Business Management, SW District

In a previous article that I wrote entitled "Farm Use or F-Tags ," I explained the different requirements according to Virginia law for "farm use" vehicles and vehicles registered with "F-tags." After writing this article, I had several questions regarding the fact that farm use vehicles do not have to be insured. Make no mistake; farm use vehicles are NOT required to be insured by Virginia law. However, even though Virginia law does not require farm use vehicles to be insured, it does not mean that insuring farm use vehicles is not a good idea.

Prior to 2004, farm liability insurance policies covered these farm use vehicles. Farmers did not have to take out separate auto insurance if they wanted insurance protection on farm use vehicles. However, in 2004 the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, which oversees all insurance companies in Virginia, decided to change its stand to require a separate auto insurance policy if farmers wanted to insure farm use vehicles. When I asked for an explanation of the change, the Bureau of Insurance representative said:

For many years, insurance companies have been providing liability insurance coverage for unregistered farm vehicles under farmowners or general liability policies. However, recent changes to commercial automobile insurance and general liability insurance contracts have clarified how unregistered farm vehicles should be insured based on Virginia's motor vehicle insurance laws. These changes have generated many questions from farmers.

Some background on the changes may be helpful. Under the pre-2004 insurance contracts, unregistered farm vehicles were eligible to be insured as "mobile equipment" under a farm liability or general liability policy. Being insured as "mobile equipment" meant that coverage was provided while the unregistered farm vehicle was on the farm property and when the vehicle was being used on a public road. In the new (2004) definition of "mobile equipment," farm vehicles (registered or unregistered) are considered "autos" when the vehicles are used on public roads. This change means that you must now purchase an automobile policy to insure an unregistered farm vehicle IF the vehicle is used on a public road.

The 2004 change to the definition of "mobile equipment" was made for several reasons. For example, the risk of loss associated with an unregistered farm vehicle while the vehicle is on the farmer's property is entirely different from the risks of loss while the vehicle is on a public highway. Further, an accident resulting in bodily injury or property damage resulting from the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle (e.g. registered or unregistered farm vehicle) when the vehicle is used on public roads could trigger several automobile insurance laws such as statutes requiring certain types of coverage to be provided. One such coverage is uninsured motorist coverage (Code of Virginia § 38.2-2206). In addition, Virginia statutes that require insurers to use specific policy forms and endorsements for writing automobile insurance coverage create an additional conflict between Virginia law and an insurer's desire to provide coverage for an unregistered farm vehicle under a general liability or farmowners policy.

Not being able to determine an alternate solution, the Bureau believes that a change to the Code of Virginia will be necessary to allow insurers to provide coverage for unregistered farm vehicles used on public roads under a farmowners or general liability policy. Such a law change would need to correct an unintended lack of coordination between Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicle Code) and Title 38.2 (Insurance Code). However, even if a change is under an automobile insurance or under a farmowners or a general liability insurance policy, such a change will not necessarily mean that insurers will choose to write the coverage under a farmowners or general liability policy.

Based on this statement, Virginia's Bureau of Insurance has significantly changed the treatment farm use vehicles by simply redefining "mobile equipment." This new interpretation is not a result of a change in the Virginia Code, and I am still not certain what brought this new revelation to the Bureau of Insurance. Nevertheless, these are the facts. If your insurance company has not already discussed these changes with you, then you should expect to hear about them when you renew your farm liability policy. If you have any questions for the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, you should contact the Customer Services Section toll free at 1-877-310-6560.

Farm Business Management Update, August/September 2004, http://www.ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/fmu/2004-08/farmuse.html.

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SOUTHEAST STRAWBERRY EXPO OFFERS PRODUCTION & MARKETING SESSIONS FOR STRAWBERRY GROWERS

Deborah S. Wechsler, Executive Secretary, NCSA

Strawberry growers from across the Southeast and beyond will gather in High Point, North Carolina on November 3-5 for the Southeast Strawberry Expo. This annual conference has been recognized for many years as the leading forum in the Southeast for information on strawberry production and marketing, attracting many Virginia growers. The conference is sponsored by the North Carolina Strawberry Association, a membership organization of strawberry growers.

Wednesday morning, Nov. 3, will feature a special workshop entitled "Understanding Your Strawberry Plants: Learn to Plan, Predict, and Troubleshoot". This 3-hour, limited-registration workshop will help both new and experienced growers build their powers of observation and develop a plant-based problem-solving approach.

Wednesday afternoon will feature a tour to two outstanding strawberry farms in Guilford County, the Ingram Farm and the Rudd Farm, as well as Homeland Creamery, a dairy that has expanded into local direct marketing to consumers. The tour will be followed by an informal, down-home dinner prepared by the Monticello United Church of Christ Women's Fellowship.

November 4 and 5 will feature a full schedule of speakers and educational sessions. "In Grower Spotlight" sessions, successful producers within the region will tell about their farms. Betsy Bihn of Cornell University, National Coordinator of the GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) program, will speak on "GAPS: the Key to Produce Food Safety." Production-oriented breakout sessions include "Issues and Advances in Pest & Disease Management" and "Principles, Practical Strategies, and Equipment for Frost Freeze Protection and Evaporative Cooling". Other sessions will cover the new AGR-Lite insurance program, successful school tours from teachers' perspective, and wholesale marketing. Growers will share their techniques for managing their harvest and for keeping customers coming throughout the year. A special "Plant Supply Forum" will discuss efforts to create a high-quality plant supply. For a full schedule of sessions, visit www.ncstrawberry.com.

A highlight of this Expo will be the introduction of a comprehensive promotional campaign for North Carolina strawberries. This exciting new campaign will feature a special slogan, logo, and assorted promotional materials that will be used by the Association starting with the 2005 harvest year. Expo sessions lead by advertising experts will help NC growers learn how best to use these materials and help all growers learn how to promote their farms.

The Southeast Strawberry Expo also includes a comprehensive trade show, featuring suppliers of plants, irrigation equipment, pest control products, packaging, farm market products, and more. Supporting sponsors of the Expo include the NC Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, NC State University Cooperative Extension, the NC Farm Bureau, and the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.

High Point is in central North Carolina, near Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the Triad Regional Airport, and only a few miles from Interstates 40 and 85. For a complete schedule and registration brochure, accommodations information, and information on exhibiting in the Expo trade show, visit www.ncstrawberry.com or contact the NC Strawberry Association, 1138 Rock Rest Rd., Pittsboro, NC 27312, phone 919-542-3687, fax 919-542-4037, e-mail ncstrawberry@mindspring.com

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SMALL FARM FAMILY CONFERENCE AT VSU

Berran Rogers, Virginia State University

Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University will conduct a two-day educational conference to teach small, part-time and limited resource farmers ways to increase their profits.

Co-sponsored by Future Harvest (A Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture), and USDA's Agricultural Research Service and Risk Management Agency, the Small Farm Family Conference will be held on VSU's campus on Tuesday, Nov. 9 and Wednesday, Nov. 10.

"The conference is designed for small farmers with limited land, equipment and funds who use family labor to conduct their farm business," said Andy Hankins, VSU alternative agriculture extension specialist. "Participants will learn about establishing new profitable enterprises, marketing their products more effectively, keeping records and conducting financial analyses to make better informed business decisions."

Conference topics include strawberry production; integrated goat management; production/direct marketing of value-added products; tax management; computers for farm management; organic vegetable production; fresh cut flower production/marketing; profits from farm ponds; farm assistance programs; and legal issues associated with heir property.

Registration fee is $25 per person. Admission is free for children under 10. Registration deadline is Monday, Nov. 1. After this date, registration will increase to $35 per person.

To register or for more information, contact one of the following: Hankins at (804) 524-5962 or e-mail ahankins@vsu.edu; or call Berran Rogers at (804) 524-6964 or e-mail brogers@vsu.edu

Anyone desiring special services or accommodations in order to participate should call in advance to express these needs.

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UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS

Virginia:
November 9-10, 2004. Small Farm Family Conference. Virginia State University, Petersburg, Va. Contact: Andy Hankins at (804) 524-5962; or email: ahankins@vsu.edu.

December 8, 2005. Northern Neck Vegetable Growers Association Meeting, Westmoreland County Office, Montross, Va. Contact: Sam Johnson, 1-804-493-8924.

January 4-5, 2005. Eastern Shore Ag Conference & Trade Show, Moose Lodge, Belle Haven, VA. For information and registration, contact: Jim Belote,VCE, Accomack County, 757-787-1361, ext. 14, or email: jbelote@vt.edu

January 26-29, 2005. Virginia Grown Conference and Trade Show, Holiday Inn Select, Richmond, VA. Contact Liz White, Conference Coordinator, for registration and exhibitor information at 540-667-1165.

February 1, 2005. Richmond Area Vegetable Growers Meeting, Richmond Times Dispatch Building, Mechanicsville. Contact: Regina Prunty. VCE-King George, P.O. Box 410, King George, VA 22485, or call 540-775-3062 for more info.

February 18-19, 2005. Virginia Biological Farming Conference, Eagle Eyrie near Lynchburg. Contact: Andy Hankins at (804) 524-5962; or email: ahankins@vsu.edu.

February 23-26, 2005. Mid-Atlantic Direct Marketing Conference & Trade Show (MADMC), The National Conference Center, Lansdowne, VA Contact: Cathy Belcher by phone 804-786-4046 e-mail cbelcher@vdacs.state.va.us, or visit the conference web site at http://www.madmc.com.

Schedule for Virginia Tech Income Tax seminars Contact: Tax Seminar Registrar at (540) 231-2008 or E-mail: vttax@vt.edu:

November
8-9 Richmond I (West), VA. Richmond Marriott West.

10-11 Staunton, VA. Holiday Inn Golf and Conference Center.

15-16 Bristol, VA. Holiday Inn Hotel Suites and Convention Center.

17-18 Roanoke, VA. Clarion Hotel Roanoke Airport.

22-23 Lynchburg, VA. Holiday Inn Select.

29-30 Dulles, VA. Washington Dulles Airport Marriott.

December
1-2 Fredericksburg, VA. Holiday Inn Select.

6-7 Williamsburg, VA. Radisson Fort Magruder Inn.

8-9 Chesapeake, VA. Holiday Inn (Greenbrier Parkway).

13-14 Richmond II (East), VA. Double Tree Hotel Richmond Airport.

Out of State:
November 3-5, 2004. Southeast Strawberry Expo. Radisson Hotel, High Point, North Carolina. For more information contact: Debbie Wechsler, NC Strawberry Growers Association, 1-919-542-3687 or visit their website: www.ncstrawberry.com

November 30-Dec 2, 2004. Southeast Vegetable and Fruit Expo. Greenville Convention Center, Greenville, NC. Contact: Bonnie Holloman, 1-919-334-0099 or bhollom@bellsouth.net or visit the NC Veg Growers Association website www.ncvga.com

December 7-9, 2004. Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo, DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI. Visit conference website at: www.glexpo.com

January 19-21, 2005. Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers Congress, Toledo SeaGate Convention Centre and Radisson Hotel, Toledo, OH. Visit conference website at: www.ohiovegetables.org

February 1-3, 2005. Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Hershey, PA. Contact: Bill Troxell (717)-694-3596 or e-mail: wt.pvga@tricountyi.net

February 14-17, 2005. Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo, Omni Center, Syracuse, N.Y.

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