Discover the Latest Insights from the Ohio State University Extension Specialty Crop Team: Your Essential Guide to Specialty Crops!

Recently, warm and wet weather has ramped up pest and disease problems in fruit and vegetable crops across Ohio. As summer reaches its peak, regular scouting and integrated pest management are crucial for maintaining crop health and quality.

For fruit growers, one big worry is the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD). This invasive fruit fly lays eggs inside ripening berries, leading to spoilage and post-harvest losses. Growers can manage SWD by using baited traps in the fruiting zone. Regular checks are essential. It’s also important to frequently harvest fruit and remove any overripe or fallen berries to cut down on breeding sites. Additionally, applying protectant insecticides at the first signs of ripening can help. Rotating between insecticide types, like spinosyns and pyrethroids, is smart to prevent resistance. After harvesting, cooling the fruit quickly can help preserve its quality.

Another concern is sun scald in bramble fruits. This happens when intense sun exposure creates white or pale drupelets on raspberries. While it affects the visual quality, it doesn’t steal the flavor. To combat sun scald, growers should keep a healthy plant canopy through proper pruning. During heat waves, shade cloth or row covers can help, while consistent irrigation can ease plant stress.

Other pests troubling small fruit and orchards include leafhoppers, various aphids, and spider mites. These pests thrive in hot, dry spells and can cause significant damage. Regular scouting, especially on leaf undersides, is key. Look for signs like stippling or honeydew. Encouraging beneficial insects, such as lady beetles, can help keep pests in check. If pest levels are too high, selective insecticides should be used, making sure to rotate products to minimize resistance.

Turning to vegetable crops, Phytophthora Root Rot has already made an appearance due to heavy rainfall and saturated soils. This disease, which affects crops like peppers and squash, can cause significant loss. To combat this, improving drainage by planting on raised beds is advisable. Where possible, choosing resistant varieties can also help.

Powdery mildew has been confirmed in squash. It starts with white patches on leaves, which can hinder photosynthesis and reduce yield. Early detection and using fungicides can mitigate its impact. Good airflow and plant spacing also play a vital role in disease prevention.

Insect pests like squash bugs and stink bugs are being seen more frequently. They feed by piercing and sucking plants, which can lead to deformities or discoloration. Regular monitoring for eggs and young nymphs is important. Removing egg masses by hand can be effective, along with crop rotation to diminish overwintering populations.

Active pests like cucumber beetles and Colorado potato beetles are still major threats in crops like cucumbers and potatoes. Regular checks are vital. Utilizing sticky traps can help detect these pests early. Chemical treatments should follow established guidelines, rotating insecticide classes to slow resistance build-up, especially in Colorado potato beetles, which are known for developing resistance quickly.

Moreover, European corn borers have been reported in sweet corn fields. Pheromone traps can help time insecticide applications more effectively. Acting soon after egg hatching is crucial since larvae tend to bore into stalks where they’re safe from sprays. For those frequently planting sweet corn, Bt hybrids can significantly reduce ECB damage.

As farmers navigate this tough season, staying informed and adaptable can protect their crops and ensure a bountiful harvest.

For more detailed guidelines on pest management, refer to resources from the Ohio State University Extension’s [agriculture program](https://extension.osu.edu/agriculture).

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