Central Michigan vegetable regional report – July 22, 2015

Rain showers over the weekend kept moisture levels generally adequate for many crops.

Weather

Air temperatures were seasonable to slightly cool for July with highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s in Entrican, Michigan. Low temperatures ranged from 47.7 to 63.8 degrees Fahrenheit for the week. Average relative humidity levels have been ranging from the low 70s percentile to the upper 80s percentile. Rainfall totals for the week were variable with most areas receiving 0.5 to 1.5 inches.

Crops

Early harvest of table stock potatoes continues on a limited basis for fresh markets sales. Early harvest of chipping potatoes is not expected until early August. Fungicide applications are continuing on a seven-day schedule for the prevention of late blight.

Many market gardeners are beginning to harvest tomatoes. Early blight symptoms have been observed in some plantings as well as bacterial speck. Growers of all farm sizes should be applying preventative fungicides to tomatoes.

Even though we have not found late blight on potatoes or tomatoes in Michigan as of July 22, 2015, weather conditions continue to be favorable for the disease, and the disease has been reported in Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario.

Sweet corn harvest will begin in the next week on a few farms. Some are already harvesting early plantings.

Planting of pickling cucumber is ongoing as is harvest. Downey mildew is the largest concern currently in pickling cucumbers. Michigan State University Extension advises all growers in the area should be on a preventative fungicide spray schedule.

Insects

Colorado potato beetles can be found in all life stages. Summer adults are emerging.

Potato leafhopper adults and nymphs are present in many susceptible crops, but generally in low numbers.

Japanese beetle adults continue to emerge.

Western bean cutworm flight has begun with most monitoring traps catching three to five moths this week. 

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