Pests
Numerous pests affect commercial vegetable production in New York. All stages of plant growth may be susceptible to insects or disease causing pathogens which may result in poor seedling emergence, reduced yields and quality issues. Similarly, weeds compete with vegetable crops for light, nutrients and water often reducing yields. Weeds can also act as a reservoir for insects and diseases. Furthermore, weed seeds and other parts can be a contaminant of certain vegetable crops.
Cornell Vegetable Program Specialists conduct research and educational programs on many important insects, diseases and weeds in New York. While not an exhaustive list, current information on many important vegetable pests can be found below. The most recent pest content is listed below but you can find more pests under the pest categories of Diseases, Insects, and Weeds.
Relevant Event
2025 Finger Lakes Auction Winter Growers Meeting
January 2, 2025
Penn Yan, NY
Laser Scarecrows to Deter Birds in Sweet Corn
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Are you considering the use of a laser scarecrow to deter birds on your farm? Cornell Cooperative Extension and the University of Rhode Island teamed up to test a research laser scarecrow on sweet corn farms. The fact sheet provides background information, research data, FAQs, and Advantages/Limitations on laser scarecrows.
New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series
Lori Koenick, Extension Support Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with dozens of urban farms across New York State to demonstrate and evaluate sustainable pest management strategies. Together with farmers, we found success using control methods that prevent or reduce crop losses through exclusion strategies, crop timing, host resistance, the introduction of beneficial organisms, and more. Regardless of management strategy used, common requirements for success include a knowledge of the pest and disease complex, preventative deployment and commitment to the process. We've developed a set of fact sheets with case studies highlighting pest management techniques that New York urban farms have found valuable. The fact sheets are available in English, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish.
- Disease Resistant Crop Varieties
- Row Covers
- Releasing Natural Enemies
- Brassica Break
New York State Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment
Lori Koenick, Extension Support Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
As part of a multi-year project exploring non-spray pest management options that are economically and environmentally sustainable for urban farms, we conducted a needs assessment with urban growers across New York State. This publication presents findings on current pest management practices, challenges, and topics of future interest.
2024 Onion Fungicide Cheat Sheet for Control of Leaf Diseases
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
The 2024 Onion Fungicide Cheat Sheet for Control of Leaf Diseases in New York includes active ingredients, FRAC codes, rating for risk of fungicide resistance, activity on downy mildew, and maximum use rates.
Know the Difference: Botrytis Leaf Blight Halo Lesions vs BLB Necrotic Spots
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Through recent on-farm fungicide trials, we've determined that not all Botrytis leaf blight (BLB) lesions are controlled equally. There are two kinds of BLB lesions: BLB halo lesions and BLB necrotic spots and your best fungicide options for control of Botrytis leaf blight depends on what kind of spot you got!
2024 Pea Herbicide Chart
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
A chart is presented that lists the herbicides labelled for use on succulent peas in New York for the year 2024. The relative effectiveness of each herbicide on different weed species is highlighted.
Scouting Onions for Botrytis Leaf Blight Halo Lesions
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Botrytis Leaf Blight (BLB) halo lesions are the tiny pin-prick to pin-head sized yellow necrotic spots surrounded by silvery halos. The silvery halo is often blotchy in shape. Sometimes the necrotic spot is barely visible, which can make identification of such versions of these lesions tricky to identify. Here we show examples of BLB halo lesions and compare those to herbicide injury and various nicks.
Cabbage Maggot Control in Brassicas, 2024
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Since the brassica industry's go-to for cheap, easy and effective control of cabbage maggot, Lorsban along with its generic products (active ingredient chlorpyrifos) was banned in 2021, Brian Nault (Cornell Entomology) and Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Christy Hoepting have been conducting cabbage maggot trials annually from 2021 to 2023 in search of an effective and affordable alternative. Read our key findings and the 2024 Cornell "Cheat Sheet" for Insecticide Options for Cabbage Maggot in Brassicas in New York.
A New Pest for the New Year in Western NY: Allium Leafminer is Here to Stay
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
In the fall of 2023, Allium leafminer (ALM) decimated leek crops in Orleans, Genesee, and Niagara Counties in New York. After its first detection in North America near Lancaster, PA in 2015, this invasive insect pest originating from Europe quickly established itself in southeastern New York, New Jersey, western Massachusetts, Delaware and Connecticut. It was only a matter of time that it would become established throughout New York. We are now assuming that ALM will occur throughout the 14-county Cornell Vegetable Program region in 2024. And, unfortunately, it is here to stay. Here is what Allium growers need to know.
Video: How to Identify Foliar Symptoms of Bacterial Disease in Onion
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
In this video, see the different forms of foliar symptoms of bacterial diseases of onion and how to distinguish bacterial diseases from other non-bacterial lookalikes.
Scouting Tips for Onion Thrips in Onions
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
To find the first thrips of the season, look deep into the leaf axils. Inspect 20 to 30 plants and count the total number of onion thrips (OT) per plant and divide by the average number of leaves per plant to get the number of OT per leaf. Thrips feeding causes silvery streaking along the leaves.
Insecticide Programs to Consider for Onion Thrips Control in Onion in 2023
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Guidelines for using insecticides to manage onion thrips in onion fields in the Great Lakes region continue to evolve as we gain more experience using them under various situations. The following guidelines provide multiple scenarios for managing onion thrips over the season in New York. The major factors used to create these guidelines are efficacy of products under varying levels of thrips pressure and the desire to follow insecticide resistance management principles.
2023 Guidelines for Onion Thrips Management for Onion
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
New York has a variety of registered insecticide products that can successfully control onion thrips in onion. This flowchart provides several different insecticide sequence options for controlling onion thrips in 2023.
Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management, Second Edition
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Organic farmers rely primarily on preventive, cultural and integrated methods of pest and disease management. However, there are a number of materials available for use that can complement and support organic management. This guide was developed to provide a useful and scientifically accurate reference for organic farmers and agricultural professionals searching for information on best practices, available materials and perhaps most importantly, the efficacy of materials that are permitted for use in organic systems.
Seed Treatments and In-Furrow Drenches in Muck-Grown Direct-Seeded Onion, 2022
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Between seed treatments and in-furrow drenches, there are many options for control of onion smut, damping off, and maggots in direct-seeded onions. This cheat sheet breaks down the active ingredients and their activity on the target pests.
2022 Cornell Onion Fungicide Cheat Sheets for Control of Leaf Diseases
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
These cheat sheets provide relative performance rankings for Botrytis leaf blight and Stemphylium leaf blight of the main fungicide options that may be used in New York to control these diseases, based on recent on-farm fungicide trial results, which reflect reduced efficacy of SLB due to development of fungicide resistance.
Laser Scarecrows in Sweet Corn Session at the 2021 Empire State Producers Expo
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
A recording of the 2021 Empire State Producers Expo session on the use of laser scarecrows to deter birds in sweet corn. Featured speakers are Dr. Rebecca Brown, University of Rhode Island, Jeremy Perkins, Bird Control Group, and Nick Stanton, Stanton's Feura Farm. Chuck Bornt from Cornell Cooperative Extension moderates the session.
2021 Beet Herbicide Chart
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
This chart, created with information from the late Dr. Robin Bellinder, Weed Scientist at Cornell, lists the herbicides that are labeled for beets and which weed species are controlled. While the chart is a handy reference, it is critical to read the product labels thoroughly.
How to Take a Photo for Crop Diagnostics
Elizabeth Buck, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Capturing diagnostically useful images is not as simple as snapping a picture of cute children or animals.
With the current push to work remotely, using pictures to quickly address production questions has a lot of appeal and utility. I love the idea of using grower-captured photos to hasten the trouble-shooting process, especially since it isn't always possible to make prompt farm visits. But in practice it can be quite tough to work out a problem using photos because of poor image quality. High quality diagnostic photos absolutely can allow us (and other ag professionals) to make pretty confident IDs and assessments of what is going wrong.
Late Blight Sample Collection and Submission to Cornell
Margie Lund, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
If late blight is detected or suspected on your farm, and you cannot get a sample to a Cornell Vegetable Program staff member in a day or two, you should submit your sample to Chris Smart's lab at Cornell. Instructions for reporting and sampling are provided.
2019 Garlic School: Fusarium Management, Eriophyid Mite Trial, Bloat Nematode
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
The 2019 Garlic School featured final results from a 2-year study which focused on understanding and managing Fusarium disease of garlic. CVP Specialists, Christy Hoepting and Robert Hadad participated in this project, along with Dr. Frank Hay, Plant Pathologist at AgriTech, and CCE Vegetable Specialists, Crystal Stewart (ENYCHP) and Sandy Menasha (CCE Suffolk Co.). Presentations from the meeting are now available!
Hot Water Seed Treatment Using a Sous Vide Device
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Learn to use a sous vide device to heat treat seeds as a simple, economical way to control diseases.
Video and Final Report: Managing Wildlife Damage in Sweet Corn
Learn more about the on-farm evaluations of new tools -- chemical control, air dancers, scare-eye balloons, and detasseling -- for managing bird damage in sweet corn fields conducted by the CCE Cornell Vegetable Program in 2017 in this video and newly released final report.
Be on the Lookout for Southern Blight
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Southern Blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) was found on golden storage beets this winter in Dutchess County. The fungal pathogen is fairly new to New York and poses a threat to a wide range of vegetable crops. Early detection and proper diagnosis are key to managing this disease.
Video: Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a potentially devastating disease to cucurbits. It usually affects cucumbers and cantaloupes first; later in the season it can be found on summer squash and zucchini. During some seasons, downy mildew can spread to winter squash and watermelons. Growers need to be monitoring their fields. This short video shows the different stages of the disease and possible outcomes if it is not controlled.
2017 Cucurbit Downy Mildew Management Guidelines
From Margaret McGrath, Cornell
Producing a high-quality cucurbit crop necessitates effectively managing downy mildew. This foliar disease is common in the northeast because the pathogen produces a large quantity of asexual spores that are easily dispersed long distances by wind, which enables it to spread widely. There has been no evidence that the pathogen is surviving between growing seasons where winter temperatures kill cucurbit crops (outdoors above the 30th latitude); however, recently both mating types have been found, albeit typically on different cucurbit crop types, thus there is the potential for the pathogen to produce oospores (sexual spores) that could enable the pathogen to survive in northern areas of the USA. The downy mildew forecasting program has documented based on downy mildew occurrence movement of the pathogen throughout the eastern USA each year via its wind-dispersed asexual spores. The pathogen does not affect fruit directly; however, affected leaves die prematurely which results in fewer fruit and/or fruit of low quality (poor flavor, sunscald, poor storability).
The most important component of an effective management program for downy mildew is an effective, properly-timed fungicide program. And the key to that is applying mobile fungicides targeted to the pathogen starting when there is a risk of the pathogen being present. Mobile (or translaminar) fungicides are needed for control on the underside of leaves. Each year there often are changes to the fungicides recommended as the pathogen develops resistance or new products are registered. Because these fungicides have targeted activity, additional fungicides must be added to the program when there is a need to manage other diseases such as powdery mildew. Most targeted fungicides effective for downy mildew are also effective for Phytophthora blight.
Video: Swede Midge
Swede midge is an invasive insect pest that is threatening the viability of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi and turnip production within the Cornell Vegetable Program region and throughout the Northeastern US. This short video will provide you with some general information about this pest and how to scout for it in your Brassicas.
Video: Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are a common vegetable pest affecting peppers, cucurbits, sweet potato, potato, peas, beans, beets, tomato, corn, turnip, pumpkin, melon, eggplant, and others. This short video gives you some general information about this pest.
White Rot Fact Sheet for Garlic
White rot is a worldwide problem in allium production, and has resurfaced in the New York garlic industry after a long period of eradication. Positive samples were collected in 2016 from the Hudson Valley, Central and Western New York, indicating that the disease is widespread. As with other soilborne diseases, white rot can be persistent and devastating. However, careful management can reduce inoculum, and because the disease is spread by seed and soil, it is also possible to prevent its spread into uninfested fields.
Northern Corn Leaf Blight in Sweet Corn
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Over the past 5 years, Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB) has become a common occurrence in field and sweet corn in New York State. Researchers at Cornell University are working to determine why this disease has become more prevalent. Current hypotheses include: 1) new races of the fungus, 2) new corn hybrids may be more susceptible, 3) weather patterns that favor disease, and 4) changes in the larger cropping picture. There may be a sort of an "arms race" between new races of the fungus and new corn hybrids. Western NY has seen an increase in field corn being grown and increased disease in field corn creates additional inoculum for sweet corn in the region. If NCLB becomes severe, yields may be reduced. Fresh market sweet corn growers may also be concerned with lesions that appear on the husks, as the corn may be less marketable.
2015 Herbicides for Weed Control in Snap and Dry Beans
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Have you had problem weeds slipping through your snap or dry bean weed control program? Have lambsquarters, ragweed, hairy or Eastern black nightshade, nutsedge, etc, been. escaping? Have you tried any of the newer materials or expanded application timings to try to improve your results? The 2015 update to the Herbicide for Snap and Dry Bean Weed Control chart will help you choose the best herbicide programs for your fields.
Guideline Tools: Weed Management in Cucurbits, 2015
Darcy Telenko, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
This reference sheet lists the herbicides that are labeled for cucurbits in New York and which species are controlled, as well as other important considerations and photos of weeds. While this is a handy references, it is critical to read the product labels thoroughly.
Guideline Tools: Weed Management in Peppers, 2015
Darcy Telenko, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
This reference sheet lists the herbicides that are labeled for peppers in New York and which species are controlled, as well as other important considerations and photos of weeds. While this is a handy references, it is critical to read the product labels thoroughly.
Guideline Tools: Weed Management in Sweet Corn, 2015
Darcy Telenko, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
This reference sheet lists the herbicides that are labeled for sweet corn in New York and which species are controlled, as well as other important considerations and photos of weeds. While this is a handy references, it is critical to read the product labels thoroughly.
2015 Carrot Herbicide Chart
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
This chart was created in cooperation with Dr. Robin Bellinder, weed scientist at Cornell, lists the herbicides that are labeled for carrots and which weed species are controlled. While the chart is a handy reference, it is critical to read the product labels thoroughly.
2015 Lima Bean Herbicide Chart
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Baby lima beans for processing are a new crop in New York. As growers prepare to plant, they must understand the differences in herbicides for this crop compared to snap beans and dry beans. Lima beans react to some herbicides differently because they are the species Phaseolus lunatus as compared to common beans which are P. vulgaris.
Winter Aphid Management Fact Sheet
Cordelia Machanoff, Program Aide
Cornell Vegetable Program
Aphids can be a major problem in winter greens. This fact sheet outlines our experience with biological and biorational controls over four years of field research.
Minimizing Deer Damage in Vegetable Crops
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
A comprehensive plan is needed to manage deer on your farm. Understanding the biology, habitat and feeding habits is a good first step. Your management plan will depend on the size of the farm or field you wish to protect, your location, tolerance for damage and the resources you have to direct towards this project.
Deer management fact sheets and options are provided.
Control of Colorado Potato Beetle & Insecticide Resistance Management
Carol MacNeil, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
The CPB is known for its ability to quickly develop resistance to insecticides. There are alternatives to insecticides for managing CPB, but for growers with large fields and a limited ability to rotate fields, insecticides remain key.
Fall Chemical Burn Down of Perennial Sow Thistle in Onions, 2013 Trial Results
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Perennial sow thistle has increased in economic importance and has become a serious weed problem for muck onion growers in the Western region on New York. In this project, we investigated fall chemical burn down strategies to manage this weed, as well as the use of a synthetic auxin growth regulator type herbicide, trade name Stinger to manage this weed in-season within an onion crop. Crop tolerance to Stinger was also studied.
Following is the first of three reports from 2013 Trials: Report No. 1. Simulated Fall Chemical Burn Down of Perennial Sow Thistle
In-Season Management of Perennial Sow Thistle in Onions, 2013 Trial Results
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Perennial sow thistle has increased in economic importance and has become a serious weed problem for muck onion growers in the Western region on New York. In this project, we investigated fall chemical burn down strategies to manage this weed, as well as the use of a synthetic auxin growth regulator type herbicide, trade name Stinger to manage this weed in-season within an onion crop. Crop tolerance to Stinger was also studied.
Following is the FINAL report and the first of 3 complimentary power point presentation files.
In-Season Management of Perennial Sow Thistle, 2013 Results (Part II)
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Perennial sow thistle has increased in economic importance and has become a serious weed problem for muck onion growers in the Western region on New York. In this project, we investigated fall chemical burn down strategies to manage this weed, as well as the use of a synthetic auxin growth regulator type herbicide, trade name Stinger to manage this weed in-season within an onion crop. Crop tolerance to Stinger was also studied.
Following are the second and third parts of the complimentary power point presentation.
Onion Crop Tolerance to Stinger (a.i. clopyralid)
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Perennial sow thistle has increased in economic importance and has become a serious weed problem for muck onion growers in the Western region on New York. In this project, we investigated fall chemical burn down strategies to manage this weed, as well as the use of a synthetic auxin growth regulator type herbicide, trade name Stinger to manage this weed in-season within an onion crop. Crop tolerance to Stinger was also studied.
Following is the final report:
Report No. 3: Onion Crop Tolerance to Stinger (a.i. clopyralid)
Feasibility of Reducing Slug Damage in Cabbage
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Slugs are an increasing threat to cabbage production: The board of the New York Cabbage Research and Development Program made slug control one of their highest research priorities for the first time in 2009. Slugs are considered a sporadic pest in cabbage and are favored by cool and moist conditions, especially where crop residues are left on the soil surface. In conventional production of cabbage, slugs tend to be a problem later in the growing season along tree lines and hedgerows and in weedy patches within the field. Slugs leave large holes in the leaves with the veins intact, and can be a contaminant in the heads when they squeeze between the leaves. During the cool wet growing season of 2009, slug contaminants were the cause of several rejected loads of cabbage in New York. It is predicted that the frequency of slug problems in cabbage will increase, because more cabbage is being grown in rotation following field corn. The newer varieties of field corn are Bt-tolerant and have tougher stalks that take longer to break down, thus, these fields have more crop residue and are more favorable for slugs. It is worthwhile to investigate whether there are cost effective means for growers to manage sporadic infestations of slugs in cabbage.
View the exciting results from our 2010 trial in the final report that follows.
Diagnosis and Management of Potato Tuber Diseases
Carol MacNeil, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
A seven page color fact sheet on the Diagnosis and Management of Potato Storage Diseases is now available online from the University of Idaho. The diseases covered are those which NYS potato growers often find themselves dealing with: pink rot, Pythium leak, late blight, Fusarium dry rot, bacterial soft rot, silver scurf, black dot, and early blight. In addition to assisting with the proper identification of the diseases, there is information on sanitation of equipment and the storage, and recommendations on how to hold lots with some disease if you can't sell them immediately.
Grafting Tomatoes Video: The Motivation and Benefits of Grafting
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
As soil based production of tomatoes continues in tunnels and greenhouses, risk of root-zone diseases, insects and nutrient imbalances increase. Grafting, the combination of two separate cultivars into one plant, is one management approach to these challenges. Learn more about the motivations and benefits of grafting tomatoes in this video of Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist for the Cornell Vegetable Program.
How to Graft Tomatoes: An Instructional Video and Factsheet
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Grafting can significantly increase tomato yields and increase plant resistance to soil-borne diseases. Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist with the Cornell Vegetable Program has developed a step-by-step tutorial for growers on how to graft tomatoes.
Determining Late Blight Sensitivity to Ridomil Takes Time
Carol MacNeil, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
The % LB diseased foliage in a field significantly affects how well any fungicide works against it. On September 16, 2013, Bill Fry, Cornell said, "Years ago we did experiments on the effect of timing of Ridomil on the suppression of LB [on a sensitive LB strain]. The treatments included metalaxyl/Ridomil, mancozeb, or no fungicide. We initiated applications at ~0.5% disease or at 2-5% diseased [foliage]. The effects of Ridomil were apparent within a day or two, but the effects of mancozeb were not visible for at least one week. LB increased explosively in the mancozeb and untreated plots for the first week. Subsequently, mancozeb did slightly suppress disease relative to the water control. The effect of Ridomil was dramatically different with an immediate observable effect in [reducing disease development]. Nonetheless, the amount of disease in the Ridomil plots continued to increase gradually for the next four weeks. When we initiated Ridomil applications at 0.5% disease the final level of disease was less, and the rate at which disease increased was less, than when we began at 2-5% diseased foliage. There was inoculum from other plots that probably contributed to increased LB. Thus, once disease is established, it's really difficult to totally stop this pathogen. I suspect that given the wet weather and favorable conditions we've had recently, any fungicide may have been challenged."
Copper Fungicides for Organic Disease Management in Vegetables
There are several different copper fungicides approved for use in organically-produced crops. Copper fungicides are important tools for managing diseases that cannot be effectively managed with cultural practices alone.
Application Equipment for Potato Post-Harvest Disease Control
Carol MacNeil, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, and pink rot, caused by Phytophthora erythroseptica Pethybr., are two devastating potato tuber diseases. These pathogens regularly cause storage losses in potato production systems. While these pathogens, especially P. infestans, spread rapidly in the field, there can also be substantial tuber-to-tuber spread during mechanical harvesting and tuber transfer procedures. With these diseases present in the field, storage losses well beyond what would be expected can occur based on the pathogen level in the field. Learn more about how to control diseases following potato harvest in this University of Maine Extension publication.
How Copper Sprays Work and Avoiding Phytotoxicity
Copper has been widely used in both conventional and organic production for some time. Copper was one of the first elements used as a plant fungicide (the other was Sulfur). Its discovery can be traced back to the famous origin of Bordeaux mixture, containing a mixture of copper sulfate (CuSO4) and slaked lime, and used for downy mildew control in French vineyards.
Identifying Ground Beetles
It's an easy error to make. You notice some plants being chewed. You look around for clues and spot a good sized hole in the soil nearby. If you poke around in the soil you may unearth a surprisingly large, aggressive-looking beetle and it's easy to conclude that you've found your culprit. But you would be wrong.
Spinich Leafminer- Identification and Management
The spinach leafminer (Pegomya hyoscyami) is a common pest that causes unsightly leaf blisters and necrosis of spinach, beets, chards and host weeds like lambsquaters, nightshade, chickweed and plantain. Marketability of the leaf crops is significantly impacted. This is the case for beet greens and bunched beets.
Zero Disease Tolerance in High Tunnels
Printed in American Vegetable Grower, October 5, 2012:
Keeping crops free of disease is the goal of all growers, including those producing in high tunnels. Download the PDF file to learn about 20 practices that will reduce the chances of pathogens taking over when growing under cover.
Exploring the Relationship Between Nitrogen, Plant Spacing and Bacterial Disease
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
It is important to emphasize that "exploring" is in the present tense. In New York, we are just beginning to delve into the fascinating relationship between nitrogen, plant spacing and bacterial diseases of onions. Our preliminary results suggest that reduced soil nitrogen and tighter plant spacing results in less bacterial decay. In this article, we report preliminary findings from exploratory studies and the observations that lead to these trials. We stress that we are not making recommendations at this time. However, we are hopeful that further studies will lead to specific recommendations.
Spotted Wing Drosophila in Tomatoes
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Although this new pest in gaining attention from berry growers, it is also a threat to tomatoes. Spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) lays eggs in ripe or maturing fruit with a rear-end that favors a miniature hack-saw. The eggs, which have creepy breathing tubes, hatch out into nasty worms that feed inside the fruit creating a liquefied mass. Reports on tomatoes mention organic, heirloom and high tunnel crops. A common theme to these observations is that insecticides are generally absent. SWD has been reported in 2012 throughout the state, so far in traps and fruit plantings (see map courtesy of Hudson Valley Fruit Program). Likely there are unreported cases of infested tomatoes.
O-zone Injury on Vegetables
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Hot, humid weather with stagnant air masses may lead to ozone damage on crops. Ozone warnings were recently issued for much of New York. These warnings are intended for people with respiratory problems and let them know they should limit their outdoor activity and try to stay as much as possible in air-conditioned locations. These warning are also a good indicator that ozone damage may occur in plants.
Managing Weeds in Carrot Fields
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Leek Moth Control and Information
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Leek Moth was detected in four home gardens in Plattsburg, NY in 2009. It was first detected in Ontario, Canada in 1997 where it has become problematic especially to small-scale, organic growers in eastern Ontario and to commercial producers in western Quebec, who have limited insecticides available to them.
Leek Moth continues its spread to more farms and gardens across the U.S., a new comprehensive website is available to aid in the identification and management of this pest. This Cornell website features maps of the distribution of leek moth, protocols on insect monitoring and identification, best management practices for farms and home gardens, a photo gallery of damage symptoms and a comprehensive resource section.
Visit the Leek Moth website.
2011 Pumpkin Herbicide Trial
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The Capital District Vegetable & Small Fruit Program evaluated current herbicides and one un-labeled herbicide for pumpkins. Weed control ratings and the cost associated with each prodcut can be found in the the full pdf.
Greenhouse Cucumber Variety Trial (2011)
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
The unheated greenhouse, or high tunnel, offers a vertical production environment suitable for crops such as indeterminate tomatoes and cucumbers. As it is a soil based system however, and passively heated, greenhouse cucumbers must be transplanted later in the spring than tomatoes, due to their intolerance for low root zone temperatures. However, cucumbers can provide good returns when grown in a high tunnel, given consistent pest control and matching variety performance with market demand. A variety trial of four greenhouse cucumbers was established in a cooperating high tunnel in the spring of 2011.
High Tunnel Tomato Trial 2011 (determinate varieties)
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
High tunnel tomatoes continue to grow in popularity with New York vegetable growers for disease control, earliness and fruit quality. Variety selection is one of the most important management decisions for tunnels. The decision between determinate and indeterminate varieties depends on grower preference and market demand. Total yield must be balanced with fruit quality and disease resistance
Stop the Rot! - Using Cultural Practices to Manage Bacterial Diseases of Onion
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Narrow plant spacing reduced bacterial bulb decay by 53 to 64%
Do you know how easy this is? A simple modification to adjust your planting configuration is all it would take to drastically reduce losses from bacterial bulb decay. Our studies showed that when plant spacing was reduced from 6 or 8 inches to 4 inches with 3 or 4 rows per 3-foot plastic mulch bed (row spacing: 4 rows = 6 inch; 3 rows = 8 inch), this provided 53 to 64% control of bacterial bulb decay at harvest (Table 1). Marketable yield also increased by 1.4 to 2.4 times, representing an increased net economic return of $43 to $258 per 100 feet of bed, due to increased weight of marketable jumbo-sized bulbs (Table 1). We learned that wide plant spacing produces big bushy plants with more leaves, thicker necks, delayed maturity and bigger bulbs. Unfortunately, it was these bigger bulbs that rotted! By narrowing plant spacing, we got fewer colossal-sized bulbs, which we more than made up for by having significantly more healthy jumbo-sized bulbs to market (Table 1).
Alternatives to black plastic reduced bacterial bulb decay by 59 to 75%
This is also a very simple and easy modification for small-scale growers producing onions on plastic mulch to make to their cultural practices that could go a very long way towards reducing bacterial bulb decay. Our studies showed that reflective silver mulch, biodegradable black plastic and bare ground had significantly 1.8 to 2.8 times higher marketable yield than black plastic (Table 2). Reflective silver and biodegradable black plastics had significantly 3.7 and 3.6 times, respectively, higher jumbo weight than black plastic, which resulted in an increased net return of $96 to $215 per 100 feet of bed compared to black plastic (Table 2). All of the alternatives to black plastic had significantly lower soil temperatures compared to the black plastic; we suspect that the higher temperatures of the black plastic are more favorable for development of bacterial diseases.
Nightshade Management Reduces Crop Loss
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Depending on the crop, nightshade can reduce crop yields, harbor diseases, and cause crops to be rejected by processors. Learn about the species of nightshades in NY, physiological differences between them, emergence and growth information, and control strategies.
Wild Proso Millet
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Wild proso millet is present in NY and can be a problem weed in sweet corn and other vegetable crops. Learn how to identify this weed on your farm.
Buckwheat Strips to Attract Beneficial Insects in Potato Production
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Download a report of field plot strategies for using buckwheat strips to attract beneficial insects for the control of Colorado potato beetle in potato production (2009/2010). This project was funded by the Organic Farming Research Federation.
Fall Application of Dual Magnum for Yellow Nutsedge Control in Muck Onions
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) pressure is very high in certain muck areas where onions are grown. It appears to have become more of a problem in recent years. Onion growers and chemical company representatives believe that applying Dual Magnum, active ingredient metalochlor, in the fall can significantly reduce nutsedge pressure the following spring. However, weed scientists across the country do not believe that fall applications of metalochlor would have any effect on nutsedge populations the following spring, because the dissipation of metolachlor, is relatively rapid, 4-7 weeks in the northern United States. Dual Magnum is labeled as a fall application in field corn and soybeans only in Iowa, Minnesota, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. For this use, there are restrictions on the label that state the date after which Dual Magnum may be applied, that soil temperature in the top 4 inches must consistently be 55ðF and lower, and that tillage following incorporation must not exceed the 2-3 inch depth of incorporation.
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Upcoming Events
2025 Finger Lakes Auction Winter Growers Meeting
January 2, 2025
Penn Yan, NY
At this grower-focused meeting, ag industry experts will discuss pest control in vegetables, weed management strategies and best practices, seed germination, an introduction to foliar nutrient uptake in vegetables, and grouping flowers by growth needs. Plus we'll hear from a grower panel from Kutztown Produce Auction, moderated with NYS specific pest control from Judson Reid.
Intro to Food Safety and GAPs Training
February 19, 2025
via Zoom,
This virtual workshop will serve two purposes:
- For produce farms just interested in learning about farm food safety, this program will introduce principles and best practices.
- For produce farms look for a GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) training needed to meet buyer demands for audit/certification, this program will provide that as well.