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Vegetables
Volume 59 Number 18 Date 11/13/2014 LATE BLIGHT - The state's first case of late blight in 2014 was confirmed in a Portage County potato field on July 18. Another 13 cases were subsequently identified in July and August in Adams (two cases on potato), Brown (potato), Marinette (tomato), Milwaukee (tomato), Oconto (potato and tomato), Portage (potato), Racine (tomato), Waukesha (potato and tomato), and Waushara (potato) counties, most of which were diagnosed between August 16 and 22. Nationally, there were 236 confirmed late blight reports from 23 states this season. This marked the sixth consecutive year that late blight developed in Wisconsin potatoes. Prior to 2009, the disease had not been observed in the state since 2002. SQUASH BUG - A notoriously difficult-to-control insect, the squash bug was a common problem for home gardeners again in 2014. Numerous reports of damage to pumpkin, squash and other vine crops were received in July and August. Most originated from the southwest, west-central and central areas of the state. Gardeners were advised to thoroughly dispose of dead leaves, mulch, and other garden debris this fall to reduce overwintering sites. BLOSSOM END ROT - This disorder of squash, tomatoes, peppers and watermelons was prevalent in commercial and home gardens this season. The large, black, basal-end lesions which typify blossom end rot are generally associated with calcium deficiency or inconsistent soil moisture levels in developing fruits. This physiological malady becomes especially common when rapidly growing plants are exposed suddenly to a period of drought. Amending calcium levels and maintaining even soil moisture levels throughout the season usually limit its occurrence. STRIPED CUCUMBER BEETLE - Overwintered adults became noticeable by mid-June, but were not numerous until late July when severe infestations of 7-8 beetles per plant were observed on flowering squash plants in southwestern Wisconsin. The economic threshold for the striped cucumber beetle is 4-5 beetles per 50 plants. Treatment specifically for this pest was warranted in several instances. BASIL DOWNY MILDEW - This fungal-like disease was detected on purple basil plants for sale at three Brown county retailers in June. First reported in Wisconsin in 2010, basil downy mildew can rapidly devastate basil crops and render plants unmarketable. A total of 436 plants were removed from sale. -- Krista Hamilton, DATCP Entomologist 
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