Cucurbit Powdery Mildew

Mid-summer summer squash plantings can sometimes yield a great final crop when conditions are right. Earlier this week we visited a farm with large summer squash plants full of blossoms and fruit that have benefited from more recent rainfall and less intense heat and sun exposure. However, being so late in the season, these plantings are still susceptible to fungal diseases which have been well established throughout the state.

Scout fields weekly once fruit has begun to form. Look for a white powdery appearance on the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Begin applying fungicides when the threshold is 1 out of 50 older leaves have symptoms on either leaf surface. Maintaining plant foliage and avoiding excessive wilting will support continued fruit health and plant production.

Winter Squash Maturity, Harvest, and Storage

Timing the winter squash harvest can sometimes be a challenge. Not only are there competing priorities, but cooler temperatures and potential diseases in the field can make even an experienced grower second guess things. For hopefully a little reassurance and guidance, check out this article from an Extension colleague, Chuck Bornt, at Cornell University. He has tips of what to keep in mind when harvesting and storing winter squash.

Read the full article here: 
Winter Squash and Pumpkin Maturity, Harvesting and Storage Tips by Chuck Bornt, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Weeds going to seed - act now to prevent long-term issues!

It can be tempting to avoid spending extra hours in fields with poor crops or where you have finished harvesting. However, preventing weeds from reaching seed maturation is crucial for long-term success. Weeds like pigweed, lambsquarters, and ragweed produce large quantities of seeds that can remain viable in the soil for many years. Allowing these weeds to mature and shed seeds can lead to significant problems in the future, as the seeds contribute to the weed seed bank in the soil. Taking the time now to mow down or remove these weeds before they seed will save you considerable hours and effort in the coming years. Investing in weed control today is a proactive step toward more manageable and productive fields in the future.

Sweet Corn Pests - Trap Count Update

f you have later successions of corn still growing in the field, it is a good idea to keep monitoring for pests until all generations of corn have finished milking. We noticed a slight uptick in numbers at our traps in Glastonbury this week: 13 fall armyworms, 6 corn earworms, and 3 European corn borers (hybrid). Regular trap updates and additional resources for corn pest management can be found on our website.