
Temperature – Daytime temperatures are forecasted to range from low thirties to low twenties for most regions over the next week.
Nighttime temperatures are forecasted to range from low to mid-teens based on region. Carrot Rust Fly is at its threshold in Essex, Chatham-Kent, Norfolk, Huron, Simcoe, Durham, and Kemptville. Onion Maggot is still at its threshold in all regions monitored except Essex. Cabbage Maggot and Seedcorn Maggot are at their thresholds in Sudbury. European Corn Borer is at its threshold in Huron, Wellington, Simcoe, and Kemptville. Degree Day data for each region is shown below.
Rainfall – Most regions are forecasted to have some rainfall over the weekend with partial cloudiness on Monday and more rain following throughout the week. All regions except for Huron and Kemptville are well above their respective 10-year averages by about 20-40mm with Simcoe County being ahead by roughly 100mm. Precipitation data for each region are shown below.
Crop Updates
Beans – White mould has been reported in some soybean crops. Fields are susceptible to infection if extended periods of leaf wetness occur during the bloom period. Fields with lush, dense foliage are most susceptible to infection.
Brassica Crops – Bacterial rots and nutrient disorders are becoming more common. Cabbage aphid and Swede midge populations are increasing. Alternaria is starting to show in some fields. Burying residue after harvest will help manage Swidge midge and Alternaria levels. Given the high humidity and colder mornings, be on the lookout for downy mildew. We are currently looking for Brassica downy mildew samples. If you are finding downy mildew in your field, please call 519 835-3382 or E-mail travis.cranmer@ontario.ca.
Celery – Celery leaf curl and bacterial rot is becoming more common. Continue to dig up stunted plants weekly to examine the roots for nematodes, the hearts for carrot weevil damage or blackheart.
Cucurbits – Scout fields for signs of two-spotted spider mites (Figures 1 – 2). These small mites are very difficult to scout for and a 10x hand lens may be needed to confirm their presence. Affected fields may appear off colour; yellow to slightly bronze. Severely infected leaves may become yellow, with green veins. Symptoms are easily confused with magnesium or manganese deficiency. Miticides can be slow-acting, so it is important to take action before populations become damaging.


Wet conditions have been conducive to the development of Phytophthora crown rot (Figures 3 – 4). Rots will extend well beyond the known wet zones or low-lying areas. On higher ground, the pattern of rot in the crop will appear random, with diseased plants next to apparently healthy ones. Once established phytophthora will spread from plant to plant via the root system, as well as through soil water.


Garlic – As garlic cures, check bulbs in the middle of pallet boxes or totes regularly to get a good sense of how the entire crop is drying out. Thinking of planting a new cultivar for 2022? Test any new planting stock for bulb and stem nematode before planting in your field. Low levels of nematodes can be found in planting stock that otherwise looks great.
Onions – Continue to scout for downy mildew given the high humidity, heavy dews and colder mornings. The 2017 Muck Crops Research Station Greenbook Report summarizes downy mildew product efficacy on page 66: Click here to visit page 66 of the 2017 Greenbook Report. We are currently looking for Botrytis samples. If you are finding botrytis in your onion field, please call 519 835-3382 or E-mail travis.cranmer@ontario.ca.
Sweet Corn – Western bean cutworm adult populations continue to climb. Researchers expect peak activity in Southwestern Ontario within the next week. Moths are most attracted to pre-tassel field corn. Once the corn has tasseled, populations may move into sweet corn or beans. Scout sweet corn fields for the presence of eggs.
Pest Degree Day Forecasting
*NOTE: Data as of July 28th, 2021
County | Carrot Rust Fly | Onion Maggot | Carrot Weevil | Aster Leafhopper | Tarnished Plant Bug | Cabbage Maggot | Seedcorn Maggot | European Corn Borer |
THRESHOLD | 329-395, 1399-1711 | 210-700, 1025-1515 | 138-156, 455+ | 128+ | 40+ | 314-398, 847-960, 1446-1604 | 200-350, 600-750, 1000-1150 | See legend below |
Essex* | 1683 | 1554 | 1183 | 970 | 701 | 1301 | 1554 | 876 |
Chatham-Kent* | 1559 | 1432 | 1082 | 878 | 578 | 1192 | 1432 | 784 |
Norfolk** | 1546 | 1421 | 1073 | 868 | 572 | 1184 | 1421 | 773 |
Huron*** | 1424 | 1305 | 977 | 783 | 495 | 1079 | 1305 | 694 |
Wellington** | 1384 | 1262 | 932 | 738 | 459 | 1036 | 1262 | 649 |
Simcoe County*** | 1421 | 1297 | 958 | 763 | 485 | 1064 | 1297 | 674 |
Durham*** | 1456 | 1334 | 987 | 799 | 515 | 1095 | 1334 | 711 |
Peterborough | 1323 | 1198 | 859 | 670 | 405 | 965 | 1198 | 583 |
Kemptville*** | 1410 | 1290 | 945 | 745 | 465 | 1055 | 1290 | 656 |
Sudbury*** | 1219 | 1110 | 818 | 653 | 396 | 909 | 1110 | 574 |
*- Bivoltine region for ECB. First Peak Catch: 300-350 DD, Second Peak Catch 1050-1100 DD
**- Overlap region for ECB. First Peak Catch: 300-350 DD Second Peak Catch 650-700 DD, Third Peak Catch 1050-1100 DD
***-Univoltine region for ECB. Peak Catch 650-700 DD
Use these thresholds as a guide, always confirm insect activity with actual field scouting and trap counts.
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


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