Dl4—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, June 9,1984 NEWARK, Del. - With the high seed and other production costs involved in producing commercial cantaloupes and watermelons, good disease and insect control are vital. According to University of Delaware extension vegetable specialist Ed Kee, several insects could be a problem in these crops. The striped cucumber beetle causes feeding damage on young plants and also serves as a vector for bacterial wilt. This disease is more common on cantaloupes, though it occasionally occurs on watermelons, too. “If you only see an occasional beetle, there’s no need to push the panic button,” Kee says. “But if they’re easy to find, it may be time to spray.” He recommends using either Pydrm, Sevin, Lannate or Thiodan to control this pest. Though the disease threat isn’t as great on watermelons, feeding damage can be heavy enough on young seedlings to warrant control measures for this crop, too. If plants are blooming, take steps to safeguard bees when treating. Aphids and mites can cause severe problems in melon crops. Aphids usually are active early in THINK REYNOLDS ALUMINUM fg OFFERING: • .017 + .018 Gauge • 4 Colors & Mill Finish • Accessory Trim • Installation Don’t Delay - Call Today FARM & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS RD4 EPHRATA, PA 17522 Located In Farmersville PHONE (717) 354-4271 Eliminate ■■■REEHNEB Fencing Problems WITH ’'l***. ARC ‘ ~ SOLAR^FENCING „ T . . ~r , , „ , . FARM & RANCH "The Arc 12 Solar system allows us to safely run our stallions next OWNERS to the mares eliminating time and labor on try backs. Harold S Warder Quality Quarter Horsw Oikaloosa lo*a * Eliminates fence sagging The ARC 12 Fence is a new concept in livestock * No Staples or wire clips fencing. Using free energy from the sun, the * Adjustable enclosed spring solar powered solid state unit keeps a powerful assembly for each wire 12 volt battery charged for effective shocking. * Optional site rails™ Special non-conductive white plastic posts are * Optional Arc 110 Volt attractive and extremely durable, capable of be multi wire unit mg bent 45° and returning to their original posi * Installed by trained dealers tion. Using smooth l2Vt gauge high tensile wire * Fully guaranteed by warranty eliminates injuries from barbed wire Manufactured by Representation in SOLAR FENCING, C 0.... 8.,. 557 Hwy 63 South, Oskaloosa, lowa Phone (SIS) b7T 0401 n<mn (800) 247-8150 out of stju Available 717-649-5321 \ KEYSTONE \ SOLAR FENCE CO. \ / R.D. 2, Box 148 * 1 J Watsontown, PA 17777 Pests can attack melon patch the season. They stay on the un derside of leaves and their feeding can severly stunt young plants. Check plants and spray with Cygon if needed. Mites become active when the temperature reaches 75 degrees F or higher, the specialist says. Populations really explode during hot, dry weather. These insects also feed on leaves, sapping energy from plants. A hand lens is needed to see the mites themselves, but it’s easy to spot signs of their presence - yellow or bronzed leaves. While several chemicals are labeled for mite control, Kee says these materials have varying degrees of success. “Check with your county extension office, your neighbors, or chemical suppliers for information on what’s working best in your area,” he advises. In controlling mites, it helps to spray small hot spots before populations explode throughout a field. Melon diseases present a dif ferent type of control challenge because their cause - fungi or bacteria - can’t be seen or monitored like insects. Often, by the time damage is evident, it’s too late for good control. Un- derstanding what diseases affect which crops, and when, will help achieve cost-effective control. Kee says it’s a good idea to follow a preventive spray program to protect cantaloupes and watermelons from foliar diseases like anthracnose, alternia leaf blight and scab. Start spraying cantaloupes when vines begin to run and maintain a 7- to 10-day schedule over the growing season. Bravo 500 does an excellent job. Difolitan and mancozeb are also effective. When disease pressure is severe, as is often the case during hot and humid weather, the specialist advises growers to go to higher rates and shorten treatment schedules to every five days. “Don’t stop spraying just because melons have begun to ripen,” he warns. “Disease pressure then can be intense and can quickly defoliate plants, thus shortening your harvest.” AVAILABLE All Natural New York State Cheddar Cheese or higher Moisture Cheese Like Longhorn or Colby 42 Lb. Blocks Medium Sharp * 1.90 per Lb, Mild *l.BO per Lb Prices Postpaid Please send Check or Money Order to; ADIRONDACK CHEESE CO. RDI Box 74, Newport, New York 13416 v. a#* It sure is nice living here in this well constructed fully ventilated building built by Hershey Equipment Co. I feel this equipment is the finest made. It really helps me avoid the stress of con finement. I couldn't be more content. Powdery mildew is a serious problem on cantaloupes, though it’s rarely seen on watermelons. Bravo 500 will provide early suppression, but with hotter weather later in the season, Kee recommends adding Bayleton to the foliar fungicide spray mix at a rate of 1 to 2 ounces per acre. By itself, Bayleton won’t control other foliar diseases, however. Also, while it has been very succesful against powdery mildew, Kee doesn’t advise delaying treatment once the disease appears. The Bravo 500 program outlined above will also control downy mildew. This disease only reaches the problem stage every three or four years, but don’t discount it, the specialist says. “If it does occur, you can expect to see it in late July, August or September. Ridomil MZ-58 will prevent establishment of downy mildew and eradicate any downy mildew 'v •* *' y\ that’s present. Since this fungicide won’t give the broad spectrum control of the other fungicides mentioned, don’t use it unless you have a confirmed case of downy mildew in a field.” Kee advises growers to check melons regularly for these pest problems and follow a sound preventive fungicide program. A little planning now could save some disappointment in August. MID-SOUTH TRACTOR PARTS, INC. Rt 280X316, Sikeston MO 63801 Mid-West's Largest and Most Complete Inventory CALL TOLL FREE Out ol State 1-800-325-7070 Missouri Res 1-800-392-0929 "We Ship Anywhere *£* ♦ i K* *& ** <?i > * i*** o* *w V * It Can't Be Any Plainer Than Thatf
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