22
Apr 2020

Powdery Mildew, Whitefly, TPP, Light and Irrigation

Powdery Mildew, Whitefly, TPP, Light and Irrigation

Drought is over and mushrooms are growing

 

In the last month I have observed the rapid outbreak of Powdery Mildew.  The rain has returned, and mushrooms are sprouting on the lawn, hence the weather conditions are perfect for fungal infections.  We enjoyed a fantastic hot and dry summer with very consistent light levels; however, days are shortening, it’s raining (thank goodness for the farmers), its cold then warm so we should not be surprised fungal issues are beginning. 

Preventative measures are always better than cures so I would suggest making sure your tool kit for combating powdery mildew, and other potential harmful fungus, is ready to go.  Botrytis and blight may also start to appear so best to be prepared.

During late March and April whitefly has been an issue for many growers.  One grower had a huge influx from neighbouring market gardeners and another sent me pictures of TPP establishing on their company’s tomato crop.  So far, no Psyllid Yellows in that crop but this may be more visible in 4-5 weeks.  My advice, going into winter, remains to be do so with the least number of insects you possibly can to reduce spraying during the winter period.  If your control is successful now then the chance of success is much higher. Using Integrated pest management (IPM) then becomes a great option at a time of the year when outside insect populations are generally supressed.  If you don’t control it right now then you could be faced with an ongoing battle.

The light levels have dramatically dropped this week, so it is important to manage crop loading, carrying more than what the plant can tolerate will weaken plants defences further.   Twenty-four-hour temperatures need to reflect lowering light levels.  

Root health and more importantly not over irrigating is so vital.  Lowering maximum water content levels is a great way to protect the health of your root systems.  Yes, growers need to be mindful of EC increasing but there are ways to manage that.  Larger or higher tech operations will monitor, using slab sensors, but most growers still have different substrates and volumes of substrate so it is never one rule fits all.  In other words, use all of your information, from the crop registrations, to base target figures.  The growers that can optimise root health will have a far higher opportunity to maximise crop potential in my view.

As we head into late Autumn I cannot emphasise enough, and I will do this every year, that if you don’t maintain your crops health and balance you could struggle all winter.  This does not mean go vegetative, you need vigour, vegetative will only mean endless fungus nightmares, over generative will mean small fruit and weak plants susceptible to insects.  Balance is ultimately the challenge to successful outcomes.

All photos of Powdery Mildew taken this week.

 

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

 

 

 

 

 

CLASSIFIED

Subscribe to our E-Zine

Sign up here to subscribe to the Grower2grower Ezine. Every two weeks you will receive new articles, specific to the protected cropping industry, informing you of industry news and events straight to your inbox.

More

From This Category

Project Spotlight: A Smarter Future for Botanica Nurseries
April 22, 2025
Project Spotlight: A Smarter Future for Botanica Nurseries
In the heart of Silverdale, NSW, something exciting is growing
Horticentre Charitable Trust Continues as Exclusive Sponsor of Grower2Grower 2025
April 8, 2025
Horticentre Charitable Trust Continues as Exclusive Sponsor of Grower2Grower 2025
"Together we share a goal of offering future growers, and existing growers, a tool set, of credible trusted information, to achieve better outcomes".
BASF launches Sokalan® CP 301: a readily biodegradable dispersant with optimal performance for stable agricultural formulations
April 7, 2025
BASF launches Sokalan® CP 301: a readily biodegradable dispersant with optimal performance for stable agricultural formulations
Sokalan® CP 301 bridges a market gap by offering a high-performing and readily biodegradable alternative to existing dispersants
Program launched to unlock grower solutions for Australia’s biggest horticulture challenges  
March 25, 2025
Program launched to unlock grower solutions for Australia’s biggest horticulture challenges  
'For Australian growers and those across the horticulture supply chain'
BerryWorld Strawberries Win Gold at 2025 Outstanding Food Producers Awards
March 25, 2025
BerryWorld Strawberries Win Gold at 2025 Outstanding Food Producers Awards
"We are thrilled to receive this gold medal at the Outstanding Food Producers Awards"
Have your say on application for new fungicide
March 24, 2025
Have your say on application for new fungicide
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) want your feedback on an application to import or manufacture Rhapsody
CLASSIFIED