VCR – Vegetable Crop Report – June 6, 2019

Temperature –  The cool wet spring has continued to affect temperature and degree day accumulation in almost all of the growing regions of Ontario. Almost all counties range from being marginally behind, to significantly behind their respective growing degree day averages of the previous 10 years with exception to Huron. Cooler temperatures have continued to keep degree days in Sudbury at about half of its ten year average. While some regions are now receiving near average temperatures, the lack of sun, and late planting dates has slowed the growth and development of many crops in most planted areas.

Rainfall –  A wet rainy may pushed many regions above their 10 year average rainfall for May, including Kemptville, Peterborough, Simcoe, Sudbury, and Wellington. Chatham, Essex, Durham, Huron, and Norfolk counties were close to, but did not exceed their ten year averages for rainfall in May. Consistent rainfall every few days combined with a lack of drying conditions (no sun/minimal wind) has still kept fields saturated, further delaying seeding and direct transplanting in many areas. The rainy spring has especially continued in Essex with almost half of its monthly rainfall average being met within the first five days of the month alone – all other regions are well below the June ten year averages as would be expected at this point in the month. Fields are slowly being planted and/or just beginning in many regions however many fields are still too saturated to allow entry. 

Crop Updates

Brassica Crops – Fresh market cabbage, early broccoli and cauliflower transplants are still being planted in several counties. Keep an eye out for flea beetles and diamondback moths as they are now active. The degree day threshold for cabbage maggot emergence has been reached in Essex and Chatham-Kent.

Carrots – The bulk of carrots are now in the ground with early seeded fields growing well. Carrot weevils are now active and being caught in carrot bait traps. Monitor for adults with carrot bait traps to determine if the field has reached the treatment threshold of 1.5 weevils/trap.

Celery – In general insect pressure is low. While walking the field, be on the look out for quick-moving tarnished plant bugs. The degree day threshold for aster leafhoppers and tarnished plant bugs has been reached in Essex, Chatham-Kent, Norfolk and Kemptville.

Garlic – Plants in wet spots in fields have been showing leaf dieback of the oldest (lowest) leaves. Scapes have started to emerge in Essex county. Trap counts for leek moth have been low but are building in some areas. Dig up wilted plants and inspect the basal plate, then open the bulb and look for seedcorn maggot larvae as they have been identified to be the cause of wilting in a few fields. Be sure to check out the Garlic Growers Association of Ontario’s annual field day this Saturday, June 8^th at 43954 Spencetown Road, Wroxeter, Ontario. Registration is at 9:30 and presentations will start at 10. Be sure to register at https://www.garlicgrowersofontario.com/events-1/ggao-2019-field-day to ensure that they have enough food for lunch.

Onions – Most acres of direct seeded onions have been planted across the province with the earliest seeded onions at the 2^nd to 3^rd leaf stage however most fields are averaging around the 1^st leaf stage. The first generation of onion and seedcorn maggot flies are active in most areas except for Sudbury and further North. Dig up wilted/stunted plants and scout for maggots or feeding damage.

Peppers – Planting began last week and is about 1 week behind schedule.

Potatoes – Overwintering Colorado potato beetle adults are starting to emerge, mate and lay eggs. In order to monitor whether the CPB are becoming resistant to our registered insecticides, AAFC will be conducting a CPB resistance survey again this season. If you see any CPB populations in your potatoes, please contact Dennis (519-766-5337) and we can come and take a sample to be tested.

Tomatoes -Planting is about 3-4 weeks behind and only about 45-50% of transplants are in the ground. Wet weather conditions are also ideal for wireworm and black cutworm. There has been more damage observed on transplants this year when compared to previous seasons, especially on sandier soils.  

Pest Degree Day Forecasting

Select a region below for the latest weather, crop and pest degree day information:

Essex County
Chatham-Kent County
Norfolk County
Huron County
Wellington County
Simcoe County
Durham County
Peterborough
Kemptville
Sudbury

Essex County

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Chatham-Kent County

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Norfolk County

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Huron County

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Wellington County

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Simcoe County

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Durham County

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Peterborough

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Kemptville

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Sudbury

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Thresholds

Use these thresholds as a guide, always confirm insect activity with actual field scouting and trap counts.