2016 Mid-Atlantic Commercial

Vegetable Production Recommendations

NOT TO BE USED BY HOME GARDENERS

The use of any pesticide inconsistent with the label directions is a violation of Federal law.

Preface This copy of the Mid Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations for 2016 replaces all previous editions. Information presented in this publication is based on research results from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; University of Delaware; University of Maryland; The Pennsylvania State University; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; West Virginia University; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, combined with industry and grower knowledge and experience.

This vegetable production guide is intended for the commercial vegetable grower who has to make numerous managerial decisions. Although the proper choices of variety, pesticides, equipment, irrigation, fertilizer, and cultural practices are the individual vegetable grower's responsibility, it is intended that these recommendations will facilitate decision-making. Recommended planting dates will vary across the six-state region. Local weather conditions, grower experience, and variety may facilitate successful harvest on crops planted outside the planting dates listed in this guide. This can be evaluated in consultation with the local agents and state specialists. Government agencies and other organizations administrating crop insurance programs or other support programs should contact local Extension agents and/or state vegetable specialists for guidance. The publication will be revised annually or as is necessary to include new information that evolves in the rapidly changing vegetable industry. Important changes and updates will be posted in real time on the website www.njveg.rutgers.edu. The Editors welcome constructive criticism and suggestions from growers and industry personnel who may wish to help improve future editions of this publication.

Days Wait between Last Pesticide Application and Harvest

Minimum days between last application and harvest for insecticides and fungicides are listed in tables at the end of the Insect Control section for each crop. The minimum number of days between last application of herbicide and harvest is listed in Table E-4. To avoid deleterious chemical residues from occurring on harvested crops, heed this warning.

DISCLAIMER

THE LABEL IS A LEGALLY-BINDING CONTRACT BETWEEN THE USER AND THE

MANUFACTURER. THE USER MUST FOLLOW

ALL RATES AND RESTRICTIONS AS PER LABEL DIRECTIONS.

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See Table D-6 for Reentry Information Listed under Toxicity of Chemicals

Trade or Brand Names The trade or brand names given herein are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Rutgers Cooperative Extension is implied. Furthermore, in some instances the same compound may be sold under different trade names, which may vary as to label clearances. For the convenience of our users, both product names and active ingredients are provided and any product name omissions are unintended.

Keys to Proper Use of Pesticides 1. Read the label on each pesticide container before each use. Follow instructions to the letter, heed all cautions and

warnings, and note precautions about residues. 2. Keep pesticides in the containers in which you bought them. Put them where children or animals cannot get to

them, preferably under lock and away from food, feed, seed, or other material that may become harmful if contaminated.

3. Dispose of empty containers in the manner specified on the label.

Pesticide-User Responsibility Always follow the label and use pesticides safely. For special Local-Needs Label [24(c)] registrations or Section 18 exemption, do not use the material without a copy of the special label or written instructions from your Extension Agent or another recognized authority. Remember, the user is always responsible for the proper use of pesticides, residues on crops, storage and disposal, as well as for damage caused by drift. State and federal pesticide regulations are constantly under revision. Be sure to determine if such changes apply to your situation. Using pesticides inconsistent with label directions is illegal.

Pesticide Precautionary Statement

The pesticides recommended in this publication are designed to be toxic to target pests. They can be hazardous to human health and the environment if used improperly. Follow all label directions, precautions, and restrictions. Remember, any use of a pesticide that is inconsistent with its label is a violation of federal law, and the user can be liable for injury and damages resulting from misuse. Using a pesticide material inconsistent with label directions is illegal.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS OCCUR DURING OR AFTER USE OF PESTICIDES.

Spills (Accidents and related emergencies)

CHEMTREC - 800/424-9300 Chemical Transportation Emergency Center

Industry assistance with cleanup procedures, etc.

National Response Center - 800/424-8802 Reporting spills to comply with EPA regulations and the Clean Water Act

EPA/RCRA Hotline - 800/438-2474 National Pesticide Information Center - 800/858-7378

For Help in Case of Pesticide Poisoning, Call: National Pesticide Information Center - 800/858-7378

The procedure to be followed IN CASE OF SUSPECTED POISONING:

(1) To avoid exposure to you and to emergency medical personnel, make sure the container is closed and preferably sealed in a plastic bag. Alert all those involved with the emergency that the patient has been exposed to pesticides and to protect themselves from exposure when handling the patient or container.

(2) Call a physician immediately. If the family physician is not available, the patient should be taken to the nearest physician or hospital emergency room together with the CONTAINER OF THE POISONING AGENT. If you are the patient, do not drive yourself unless there are extenuating circumstances.

(3) If necessary, the PHYSICIAN will call the nearest poison control center for further information as to the toxicity of the suspected agent, treatment and prognosis.

National Poison Center - 1-800-222-1222 I2

Mid Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations

2016 Edition Coordinated by Andy Wyenandt, Ph.D.

Extension Specialist in Vegetable Pathology

Discipline Editors Thomas P. Kuhar, Ph.D. (VT) Entomology George C. Hamilton, Ph.D. Pesticides

Mark J. VanGessel, Ph.D. (UD) Weed Science Elsa Sanchez, Ph.D. (PSU) Horticulture Andy Wyenandt, Ph.D. Pathology Donna Dugan (VGANJ) Technical

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Delaware Extension Vegetable Resources Extension Bulletin 137

2016 University of Delaware Revisions Delaware contributors to the 2016 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations were Gordon Johnson and Emmalea Ernest, horticulture; Nathan Kleczewski and Kathryne Everts plant pathology; Mark VanGessel, weed science; and Joanne Whalen IPM/entomology University of Delaware; in cooperation with the University of Maryland; The Pennsylvania State University; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and West Virginia University.

Statewide Dr. Gordon Johnson, Fruit and Vegetable Crops Specialist - 302/856-7303, gcjohn@UDel.Edu

Emmalea Ernest, Associate Scientist, Vegetables- 302/856-7303, emmalea@UDel.Edu Dr. Mark VanGessel, Weed Specialist - 302/856-7303, mjv@UDel.Edu

Dr. Kathryne Everts, Vegetable Plant Pathology Specialist - 410/742-8780, everts@UDel.Edu Dr. Nathan Kleczewski, Field Crops Plant Pathology Specialist 302/300-6962, nkleczew@UDel.Edu

Joanne Whalen, Entomology/IPM Specialist- 302/831-1303, jwhalen@UDel.Edu Nancy Gregory, Plant Diagnostician/ Diagnostic Lab Coordinator - 302/831-1390, ngregory@UDel.edu

County Offices

New Castle County: Carrie Murphy - 302/831-2506, cjmurphy@UDel.Edu, New Castle County: Dan Severson, 302/831-2506, severson@udel.edu

Kent County: Phillip Sylvester - 302/730-4000, phillip@UDel.Edu Sussex County: Tracy Wootten - 302/856-7303, wootten@UDel.Edu

Sussex County: Dr. Cory Whaley - 302/856-7303, whaley@UDel.Edu

Plant Diagnostic Clinic The UD Plant Diagnostic Clinic works to identify potential issues with plant specimens and provide this information to growers. The Clinic accepts plant samples showing signs or symptoms of disease or other disorders. The Clinic is housed in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware in Newark, and operates as a function of Delaware Cooperative Extension. A Sample Submission Form should accompany samples, with information filled in as completely as possible. The sample submission form may be downloaded and printed from the web site at http://extension.udel.edu/ag/plant-diseases/ud-plant-diagnostic-clinic. Send or take samples directly to the UD Plant Diagnostic Clinic, 151 Townsend Hall, 531 S. College Ave., Newark, DE 19716, ph. 302-831-1390, or to any Delaware Extension office. The UD Nematode Assay Service operates out of the Applied Field Crop Pathology lab and accepts samples of soil for plant parasitic nematode identification and enumeration within Delaware. All pertinent information, including forms and instructions, can be found http://extension.udel.edu/ag/plant-diseases/nematology/.

Insect Pest Management Guidelines and information about current insect activity are provided in the Weekly Crop Update newsletter.

Trap catch information is also reported on the Crop Pest Hotline Report. Toll-free telephone number in Delaware is 1-800/345-7544; out of state, call 302/831-8851.

Delaware Poison Control Center

The state of Delawares Poison Control Center is in cooperation with The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. The hospital provides a 24-hour-a-day emergency hotline for poisoning incidents and poison information for Delaware residents. When telephoning a hospital concerning poisoning, ask for the Poison Control Center.

For Help with a Pesticide Spill or Emergency, Call:

Delaware Department of Agriculture...........................................................800/282-8685

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For Information on Certification of Pesticide Applicators, Call:

Delaware Department of Agriculture - 800/282-8685

Weekly Vegetable and Agronomic Crops Newsletter March through September

http://extension.udel.edu/weeklycropupdate/ Timely Production Topics

Current Ag Issues Disease and Insect Outbreaks

Latest Weed, Insect and Disease Control Options Crop Progress Reports

Pasture and Forage Management Weather Summary

Upcoming Meetings and Events Information provided by University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Specialists and Agents.

The Weekly Crop Update is available by:

First Class Mail, Fax, or on the Internet (FREE)

The Weekly Crop Update is mailed, faxed and posted on the internet each Friday by 4:30 pm.

To receive FREE weekly email reminders, sign up on the website: http://extension.udel.edu/weeklycropupdate/ or email Emmalea Ernest, emmalea@udel.edu

For Fax or mail subscription information contact Emmalea Ernest at 302-856-7303

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE / COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / NEWARK

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Cooperative Extension Education in Agriculture and Home Economics, University of Delaware, Delaware State University and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Delaware Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware. It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative

Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.

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Maryland Extension Vegetable Resources

2016 Revisions Prepared by Gerald E. Brust (Entomology) and Kathryne L. Everts (Plant Pathology) in cooperation with the University of Delaware; The Pennsylvania State University; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and West Virginia University. Extension Bulletin 236 (revised) January 2016

Plant Diagnostic Laboratory University of Maryland Diagnostic Lab, Dr. Karen Rane, Director, Telephone: 301-405-1611, FAX: 301-314-9290; WEB: http://www.plantclinic.umd.edu ; or Email Karen Rane: rane@umd.edu. All Maryland residents may submit samples to the lab. The laboratory provides plant problem diagnosis for all crops. Extension Specialists - University of Maryland College Park Lower Eastern Shore REC-Salisbury Dr. Amy E. Brown, Pesticide Coordinator Dr. Kathryne L. Everts, Plant Pathologist Dr. Cerruti R. R. Hooks, IPM and Insect Ecology Dr. Galen Dively (Emeritus), Entomology and IPM Wye Research and Education Center Central Maryland REC-Upper Marlboro Mr. Robert J. Rouse (Emeritus), Hort. Specialist Dr. Gerald E. Brust, IPM Vegetable Specialist

RESOURCE MATERIALS Listing of additional publications that may be of interest to Maryland vegetable producers. There may be a charge for some of these. Contact your local Extension office for availability and cost. Services and materials from University of Maryland Extension may also be found on-line at www.agnr.umd.edu. Additional publications can be found at: http://extension.umd.edu/mdvegetables. The Vegetable and Fruit Headline News, a biweekly vegetable newsletter is available during the growing season at: http://extension.umd.edu/anne-arundel-county/agriculture/vegetable-fruit-headline-news EB 254 Uniform Lime and Fertilizer Spreading EB 242 Commercial Small Fruit Production Guide EB 312 Soil Moisture Sensors for Irrigation Manage-

ment EB 351 Greenhouse Heating, Circulation, and

Ventilation Systems EB 356 Trickle Irrigation for Cut Flowers,

Vegetables, and Small Fruit FACTS 171 Water Treatment for Micro Irrigation--

Filtration and Chemical Treatment FACTS 172 Safety Devices for Chemigation FACTS 179 Chemical Proportioners for Irrigation

Systems FACTS 182 Troubleshooting Vegetable Transplant

Green-houses FACTS 190 Fertigation Systems--Use Them More Effi-

ciently through Calibration FS 431 The Economics of Leasing Versus Buying

Farm Equipment FS 447 Estimating Irrigation Water Requirements FS 448 Enterprise Guide for Southern Maryland:

Alternative Enterprises--What You Should Know

FS 449-473, Enterprise Guide for Southern Maryland (a 502,503 series of fact sheets on individual crops) FS 513 Soil Phosphorus: Managing It Efficiently

FS 640 Basic Principles of Soil Fertility: Soil Properties FS 646 An Overview of Successful Produce Wholesaling

Opportunities for Local Farmers in the Baltimore-Washington Area

FS 647 The Importance of Postharvest Handling FS 648 A Systematic Approach to Produce Handling FS 690 Greenhouse Float Systems for Transplant

Production FS 715 Cleansing and Sanitizing Fresh Produce Handling

Equipment, Utensils and Sales Areas L 142 Why Test Your Soil? NR 19 Boom Sprayers PMA 11 Insect Pests of Vegetables (1-11, color photo

plates) SFM-3 Descriptions of the Soil Test Interpretive

Categories Used by the University of Maryland Soil Testing Laboratory

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Guidelines and information about current pest activity in VEGETABLES are provided in bi-weekly pest management reports throughout the spring and summer. These reports furnish accurate information for the timing of pesticide applications, aiding in more effective control.

To receive these reports, contact your county Extension agent or state Extension pest management specialist

State Agency for Pesticide-Use Regulation--

Maryland Department of Agriculture

Pesticide Regulation Section 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401 410/841-5710

Maryland Poison Control Centers (Centers operate on a 24-hour basis)

1-800-222-1222 State Coordinator

University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

Baltimore, Maryland 21201 800/492-2414

410/528-7701 (Local Baltimore)

UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EXTENSION Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, University of Maryland, College Park and local governments. Cheng-i Wei, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland. The University of Maryland is equal opportunity. The University's policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Director of Personnel/Human Relations, Office of the Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Symons Hall, College Park, Maryland 20742.

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New Jersey Extension Vegetable Resources

New Jersey contributions and editing done by Dr. Arend-Jan Both (High Tunnels), Dr. Joseph R. Heckman (Soil Fertility), Michelle Infante-Casella, Peter Nitzsche, and Richard VanVranken (Vegetable Crops), Dr. Brooke Maslo (Wildlife Damage Prevention), Dr. Norman Lalancette (Fruit Pathology), Dr. Daniel Ward (Small Fruit Culture), Dr. Wesley Kline (Farm and Food Safety), Meredith Melendez (Farm and Food Safety), Patricia Hastings (pesticides), Dr. Thomas Orton (horticulture), Karen Holton (Business operations), and county agents, the research staff of the Mid-Atlantic States Agricultural Experiment Stations, research scientists of the United States Department of Agriculture, and environmental specialists of the Pesticide Control Program of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection contributed information to the Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations.

RESOURCE MATERIALS The following publications are suggested for agents, growers, agriculture-industry representatives, and others who desire more detailed information on specific crops or production practices.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Publications The publications listed below are available from county Extension offices and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension web site: www.rce.rutgers.edu. E285 Soil Nitrate Testing as a Guide to Nitrogen Management

for Vegetable Crops FS337 Complying with the NJ Right-to-Know Law FS399 Vole Ecology and Management FS603 Pesticide Storage Facilities FS604 Handling Emergency Situations on the Farm FS605 Accident Proofing Farms and Stables FS608 Fire Prevention and Safety Measures Around the Farm FS619 Farm Machinery and Equipment Safety--Part I-

Recognizing and Understanding Hazards FS620 Farm Machinery and Equipment--Part II-Preventing

Machinery Accidents During Operation FS628 Cleaning and Storage of Pesticide Sprayers FS657 Irrigation Scheduling with Tensiometers FS658 Irrigation Scheduling with the Feel Method FS683 Organic Certification of Agricultural Products FS760 Presidedress Soil Nitrate Test (PSNT) Recommendations

for Sweet Corn FS784 A High-Productivity Strawberry Production System for NJ FS793 Using Irrigation Water Tests to Predict and Prevent Clogging of Drip Irrigation Systems FS794 Preventative Maintenance for Irrigation Equipment FS795 Treating Drip Irrigation Systems with Chlorine FS796 Controlling Bacteria, Algae, and Weeds in Ponds FS824 Plant Nutrients in Municipal Leaf Waste FS849 Cover Crops and Green Manure Crops: Benefits, Selection, and Use FS871 Understanding Fertilizer Labels: FS873 Boron--Evaluating Needs of Soils and Crops in NJ Land Application of Sewage Sludge Series: FS951 #1: Questions to Ask Before Application FS952 #2: Regulations and Guidelines FS953 #3: Different Types of Sewage Sludge FS954 #4: Guidelines for Land Application in Agriculture FS955 #5: Heavy Metals FS956 #6: Soil Amendments and Heavy Metals FS957 #7: Organic Contaminants FS958 #8: Pathogens FS1017 Regulations Governing the Management of New Jersey

Wildlife FS1020 Sweet Corn Crop Nitrogen Status Evaluation by Stalk

Testing FS1023 Nutrient Management of Land Applied Grass Clippings

Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering

Service Publications Available from NRAES, Cooperative Extension, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-5701 (607/255-7654).

Web site: www.NRAES.org

NRAES-3 Energy Conservation for Commercial Greenhouses. ($17)

NRAES-4 Trickle Irrigation in the Eastern United States. ($6) NRAES-10 Farm Accident Rescue. ($12) NRAES-22 Refrigeration and Controlled Atmosphere Storage for

Horticultural Crops. 42 pages. ($8) NRAES-104 Sustainable Vegetable Production From Start-up to

Market ($38) Electronic Information Rutgers Cooperative Extension maintains a worldwide web site on the internet. Information available at the site includes: Rutgers Cooperative Extension Calendar of Events County Office Information--telephone numbers and travel directions Employment Opportunities Fact Sheets--more than 250 fact sheets related to agriculture,

family and consumer science, and 4-H Newsletters--Plant and Pest Advisory Newsletters Pesticides for New Jersey Marketing Information--Farmers markets, organic farms, and

pick-your-own farms Fruit and Vegetable Guides Weed Images and Descriptions

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The address for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension web site is:

njaes.rutgers.edu/extension/ For the Disposal of Pesticides, Call:

Bureau of Hazardous Waste Regulation Department of Environmental Protection

Trenton, NJ 08625 - 609/292-7081 For Help in a Pesticide Emergency, Call:

New Jersey Poison Information & Education System - 800/222-1222 or

DEP, Trenton - 877/927-6337 In Case of a Pesticide Spill, Call: DEP NJ Hotline - 877/927-6337

For Information on Pesticide Applicator Certification and Pesticide Laws and Regulations, Call:

Pesticide Control Program - 609/530-4070 or

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Pesticide Office 732/932-9801

The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory is a full-service plant health diagnostic facility of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES). Located on the Cook Campus, the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory provides plant health diagnostic services in cooperation with Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension faculty and staff. Sample submission forms can be obtained from your local county Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension office or directly from the laboratory via phone request (732-932-9140) or fax request (732-932-1270). The laboratory will fax back the appropriate form. Completely fill out the submission form. Collect the appropriate sample. Carefully follow the directions on the submission form. Whole plants work best. Properly package the sample, form, and payment. Mail the sample to the appropriate address.

Mailing Address: Plant Diagnostic Laboratory Rutgers NJAES P.O. Box 550 Milltown, NJ 08850-0550

Telephone: 732-932-9140 Fax: 732-932-1270 Email: clinic@njaes.rutgers.edu

Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and County Boards of Chosen Freeholders. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. I9

Pennsylvania Extension Vegetable Resources

This copy of the Mid Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations for 2016 was prepared by: Dr. Elsa Snchez Horticulture Dr. Beth K. Gugino Plant Pathology Dr. Timothy Elkner Horticulture Dr. Shelby J. Fleischer Entomology Dr. William J. Lamont, Jr. Horticulture Ms. Kristal Watrous Entomology Ms. Kathy Demchak Horticulture Dr. Luke LaBorde Food Science Dr. Kerry Hoffman-Richards Pesticide Safety

Resource Materials Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This publication is available from the Publications Distribution Center, The Pennsylvania State University, 112 Agricultural Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802. For information telephone 814-865-6713. Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Extension is implied.

Penn State Extension Publications Various production guides, fact sheets, and other publications are available from county extension offices and the Publications Distribution Center, located at 112 Agricultural Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802. Call 814-865-6713, email AgPubsDist@psu.edu, or visit extension.psu.edu/publications/ordering for more information. Some publications that may be of interest are listed below. Free Publications, Information, and Other Resources The following are a few examples of free publications and information available from Penn State Extension: Agricultural Alternatives. This series of fact sheets was developed to help users evaluate new enterprises for their operations. They are available at extension.psu.edu/business/ag-alternatives or through the Publications Distribution Center. Curran, W. 2004. Weed Management in Organic Cropping Systems. extension.psu.edu/pests/weeds/organic/weed-management-in-organic-cropping-systems. Fleischer, S. 2001. Entomological Notes: Pests of Vegetables. ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/pests-of-vegetables. Lingenfelter, D.D., and N.L. Hartwig. 2007. Introduction to Weeds and Herbicides. extension.psu.edu/pests/weeds/control/introduction-to-weeds-and-herbicides. Snchez, E.S., and Richard, T.L. 2009. Using Organic Nutrient Sources. extension.psu.edu/publications/uj256/view. More resources and information are available from the Penn State Vegetable, Small Fruit, and Mushroom Production website at extension.psu.edu/plants/vegetable-fruit.

The following titles are available by contacting Dr. Bill Lamont, Department of Plant Science, 206 Tyson Building, University Park, PA 16802; email: wjlamont@psu.edu: High Tunnel Production Manual. 2003. Implementing a Biocontrol Program for

Managing Insect Pests in High Tunnels. 2011. For-Sale Publications Below are some for-sale publications that may be of interest to vegetable growers: Christ, B. 1998. Identifying Potato Diseases in Pennsylvania (Publication AGRS-075). extension.psu.edu/publications/agrs-075/view. Demchak, K. (Coordinator). The Mid-Atlantic Berry Guide, 20132014 (Publication AGRS-097). extension.psu.edu/publications/agrs-097/view. MacNab, A.A. 1994. Identifying Diseases of Vegetables (Publication AGRS-021). extension.psu.edu/publications/agrs-021/view. PA IPM. Vegetable Integrated Pest Management with an Emphasis on Biocontrol: A Guide for Growers in the Mid-Atlantic (2015). extension.psu.edu/publications/agrs-128. White, C., et al. Penn State Organic Crop Production Guide. extension.psu.edu/publications/agrs-124.

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Plant Diagnostic Clinic

The Penn State Plant Disease Clinic accepts in-state samples for disease diagnosis. For more information about how to collect and submit a sample along with the specimen information form, visit plantpath.psu.edu/facilities/plant-disease-clinic.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

PENN STATE EXTENSION

PENNSYLVANIA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY,

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA

The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information, or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the Universitys educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to Dr. Kenneth Lehrman III, Vice Provost for Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Email: kfl2@psu.edu; Tel 814-863-0471.

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Virginia Extension Vegetable Resources

Contributors from Virginia Ramn A. Arancibia, Assistant Professor, Horticulture

Mark S. Reiter, Associate Professor, Nutrient Management Steve L. Rideout, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology

Tom P. Kuhar, Professor, Entomology Laura K. Strawn, Assistant Professor, Food Microbiology Charles W. Cahoon, Assistant Professor, Weed Science

James A. Parkhurst, Associate Professor, Wildlife David B. Langston, Jr., Professor, Plant Pathology

R. Allen Straw, Area Specialist, Horticulture Jayesh Samtani, Area Specialist, Small Fruit

Poison Control Centers and Emergency Facilities (Partial List)

IN CASE OF SUSPECTED POISONING CONTACT:

Charlottesville: 434-982-3196 Leesburg: 800-451-1428

Newport News: 800-552-6337 Richmond: 804-828-9123

In Virginia, you must report spills that threaten the environment or public health to: Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Office of Pesticide Services....................804/371-6560 For Help with a Pesticide Spill or Emergency, Call: State Emergency Operations Center.......804/323-2300

For Information on Certification of Pesticide Applicators, Contact:

Pesticide Regulation Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

P.O. Box 1163 Richmond, VA 23209 Call...804/786-3798

Plant Disease Clinic Virginia Techs Plant Disease Clinic processes plant disease diagnostic requests from in-state producers. The clinic also can conduct nematode assays on soil samples (a nominal charge applies to nematode assays). It is recommended that growers contact their local county/city extension agent to aid in sample submission. Visit the following web site to locate the extension agent in your locality: http://www.ext.vt.edu/offices/

VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION VIRGINIA TECH AND VIRGINIA STATE

VIRGINIA'S LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES Publication 456-420 Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital, family, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.

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WVU Extension Vegetable Resources

WVU Extension Commercial Horticulture:

Lewis W. Jett, Ph.D Extension Horticulture Specialist West Virginia University 2102 Agriculture Sciences Building Morgantown, WV 26506-6103 (304) 293-2634 (Office) (304) 288-2116 (Mobile) (304) 293-6954 (Fax) Lewis.Jett@mail.wvu.edu (E-Mail) Rakesh S. Chandran, Ph.D Extension Weed Specialist and IPM Coordinator West Virginia University PO Box 6108 1076 Agriculture Sciences Building Morgantown, WV 26506-6108 (304) 293-2603 (Office) (304) 304-293-6954 RSChandran@mail.wvu.edu (E-Mail)

MM (Mahfuz) Rahman, PhD Extension Plant Pathology Specialist G101 South Ag. Sciences Building West Virginia University P. O. Box 6108 Morgantown, WV 26506-6108 304-293-8838 (Office) 304-288-9541 (Mobile) mm.rahman@mail.wvu.edu (E-mail)

WVU Plant Diagnostic Clinic The Plant Diagnostic Clinic diagnoses all kinds of plant problems for homeowners, gardeners, landscapers, growers and farmers. In consultation with expert faculty, we recommend ways to treat or prevent the problems we diagnose. Plant Diagnostic service is provided at no cost to West Virginia residents. Plant specimens should be placed in a plastic bag (sealed or zip-locked) and shipped immediately in a mailing tube or strong carton. Do not add moist paper or toweling in the plastic bag. Collect the whole diseased plants, that are showing symptoms but not fully dead (plants having diseased and healthy tissues with progression of diseased areas make the best sample for diagnosing the problem), if possible, include the roots. Collect more than one plant if they show various stages of decline. For plant identification, collect the whole plant, if possible, including flowers and fruits. Digital sample submission is available through county extension office by using Plant Diagnostic Information System. Sample submission form is available online at http://anr.ext.wvu.edu/r/download/108612. Please provide as much information as possible on the form. If you have any question about how to collect sample and ship, please contact the lab at 304-293-8838.

Contact address: Dr. MM (Mahfuz) Rahman G-101 South Ag. Sciences Building Morgantown, WV 26506-6108 Office: 304-293-8838 Cell: 304-288-9541 Email: mm.rahman@mail.wvu.edu

Mailing address: WVU Plant Diagnostic Clinic G102 South Ag. Sciences Building PO Box 6108 Morgantown, WV 26506-6108

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WVU Soil Testing Lab The mission of the WVU Soil Testing Lab is to provide basic soil fertility analysis for farmers, landowners, and homeowners. This service is provided at no cost to West Virginia residents. Currently, the lab processes approximately 10,000 soil samples each year. Even though soil testing is offered as a free service for WV landowners, it is not cheap. Current overall costs for analysis run approximately $10 per sample. For this reason, we reserve the right to charge fees to private businesses, government agencies, and out-of-state samples. We also reserve the right to limit the number of samples processed for individuals. Any resident sending more than 40 samples should contact the lab at (304) 293-6023 ext. 4312 to get approval prior to shipping. Contact information: Dr. Jim Gorman, Lab Supervisor WVU Soil Testing Lab Office: G140-B Agricultural Sciences Bldg. West Virginia University Phone: (304) 293-6023 ext. 4312, 4311 E-mail: jgorman@wvu.edu Mailing Address: WVU Soil Testing Lab P.O. Box 6108 Morgantown, WV 26506-6108

Poison Control Center for West Virginia:

West Virginia Poison Center West Virginia University

3110 MacCorkle Avenue, SE Charleston, WV 25304

Emergency: (800) 222-1222 Administration: (304) 347-1212

To contact a WVU Extension Service Agent in your county: www.ext.wvu.edu

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I

Disclaimer-Preface/ I1 Pesticide Information-Poison Control/I2 Editors/ I3 Delaware Extension Vegetable Resources/ I4 Maryland Extension Vegetable Resources/ I6 New Jersey Extension Vegetable Resources/ I8 Pennsylvania Extension Vegetable Resources/ I10 Virginia Extension Vegetable Resources/ I12 West Virginia Extension Vegetable Resources/ I13 Table of Contents/ I15 List of Tables and Figures/ I17 Abbreviations/ I19

SECTION A General Production Recommendations/ A1 Varieties/ A1 Seed Storage and Handling/ A2 Specialty Vegetables/ A2 Organic Production/ A2 Transplant Growing/ A3 Conservation Tillage Crop Production/ A6 Mulches and Row Covers/ A7 Staking and Trellising/ A9 High Tunnels/ A10 Greenhouse Production/ A12 Wildlife Damage Prevention/ A12 Pollination/ A17 Food Safety Concerns/ A21 Postharvest Handling/ A23 Troubleshooting Diagnosing Vegetable Crop Problems/ A27

SECTION B Soil and Nutrient Management/ B1 Soils/ B1 Soil Tests/ B1 Liming Soils/ B1 Lime Requirement/ B2 Calcium Carbonate Equivalents/ B2 Selection of Liming Material/ B3 Timing of Application/ B4 Lime Placement/ B4 Special Consideration/ B4 Lime and Fertilizer/ B4 Plant Nutrients/ B4 Soil Fertility Test Interpretation/ B4 Soil Test Categories/ B5 Soil Test Method and Interpretation/ B5 Plant Nutrient Recommendations/ B5 Nutrient Management/ B6 Nitrogen Management/ B6 Phosphorus Management/ B6 Potassium Management/ B7 Secondary and Micronutrient Management/ B7

Micronutrients/ B10 Plant Tissue Testing/ B11 Sustainable Nutrient Management/ B14 Sewage Sludge/ B15 Foliar Fertilization/ B15 Soil Improvement and Organic Nutrient Sources/ B15 Cover Crops/ B15 Manure and Compost / B17 Organic Production/ B17

SECTION C Irrigation Management/ C1 Basic Principles/ C1 Drip (Trickle) Irrigation/ C2 Scheduling Irrigation with Tensiometers/ C3 Maintaining Drip Irrigation Systems/ C4 Fertigation/ C6 Fertigation Rates for Drip Trickle Irrigated Plasticulture Crops/ C6 Short-Term and Long Term Subsurface Drip Irrigation Systems/ C7 Chemigation/ C7

Chemigation Systems Connected to Public Water Systems/ C8 Chemigation with Drip and Overhead Irrigation

Systems/ C8 Insecticides with Labels for Chemigation/ C9

SECTION D Pesticide Safety/ D1 General Information/ D1 Laws and Regulations/ D1 New Requirements for Soil Fumigants/ D1 Handling Pesticides/ D1 Applying Pesticides/ D2 Pesticide Transport/ D2 Pesticide Storage/ D2 Disposal of Pesticides/ D3 Disposal of Containers/ D4 Farm Worker Safety/ D4 Identifying Treated Areas for Workers/ D4 Protecting Yourself from Pesticides/ D5 Respiratory Protective Devices for Pesticides/ D6 Pesticide Poisoning/ D7 Protect the Environment/ D8 General Guidelines/ D8 Notification of Beekeepers/ D8 Protecting Your Groundwater/ D8 Pesticide Spills/ D9 Reporting of Pesticide Spills/ D10 Toxicity of Chemicals/ D10 Pesticide Formulations/ D10

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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

SECTION E

Pest Management/ E1 How to Improve Pest Management/ E1 Calibrating Field Sprayers/ E4 Before Calibrating/ E4 Calibration (Jar Method)/ E4 Calibration (Boom or Airblast Sprayer)/ E5 Calibrating Granular Applicators/ E5 Calibration for Broadcast Applicators (Gravity-Drop or Spinner Applicators)/ E5 Calibration for Band Applicators/ E6 Calibration for Changing from Broadcast to Band Application/ E6 Soil Fumigation/ E6 Pesticide Drift/ E6 Weed Control/ E7 Postharvest Weed Control/ E7 Insect Management/ E35 Soil Pests-Detection and Control/ E35 Wireworms/ E35 Cutworms/ E35 Garden Centipedes (Symphylans)/ E35 Grubs/ E36 Maggots/ E36 Slugs/ E36 Insect Resistance and Control/ E36 Greenhouse Insect Pest and Mite Control/ E39 Disease Management/ E43 Resistance Management/ E43 Seed Treatment/ E43 Plant Growing Mix/ E44 Disease Control in Plant Beds/ E44 Nematodes/ E44

SECTION F Specific Commodity Recommendations/ F1 Asparagus/ F1 Beans: Snap and Lima/ F7 Beets (Garden)/ F18 Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale, and Kohlrabi/ F22 Carrots/ F36 Celery/ F41 Cucumbers/ F45 Eggplant/ F58 Garlic/ F65 Greens (Mustard, Turnip)/ F69

Horseradish/ F73 Leeks/ F76 Lettuce, Endive, and Escarole/ F79 Muskmelons/ F86 Okra/ F99 Onions/ F101 Parsley/ F108

Parsnips/ F111 Peas (Succulent)/ F113 Peppers/ F117 Potatoes/ F132 Pumpkins and Winter Squash/ F142 Radishes, Rutabagas, and Turnips/ F154 Specialty Vegetables/ F158 Spinach/ F163 Strawberries/ F168 Annual Production System on Plastic Mulch/ F168 Matted Row Culture/ F170 Summer Squash/ F177 Sweet Corn/ F189 Sweet Potatoes/ F202 Tomatoes/ F206 Watermelons/ F224

SECTION R Records and Resources/ R1 2016 Pesticide Application Record/ R1 Pesticide Registration Numbers/ R3 Vegetable Seed Sizes/ R4 Plant Spacings and Populations/ R4 Useful Websites/ R5 Publication Resources/ R8 Frequently Used Weights and Measures and Approximate Metric Equivalents/ R9 Plant Growing Mix/ R10 Appendix A - Methods to estimate honeybees colony size and strength/ R11

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LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table Page A-1 Optimum and Minimum Temperatures and Planting Recommendations For Transplant Production A3 A-2 Relative planting and harvest schedule for Freestanding high tunnel vegetable crop production in Mid-Atlantic region A11 A-3 The Concept of Half-Cooling Time A25 A-4 Handling Produce for Higher Quality and Longer Market Life A26 B-1 Target Soil pH Values for Vegetable Crop B1 Production B-2 Pounds of CCE Recommended per Acre for Crops with a Target pH of 6.5 B2 B-3 Pounds of CCE Recommended per Acre for Potato Varieties with a Target pH of 5.2 B2 B-4 Pounds of CCE Recommended per Acre for Crops with a Target pH of 6.2 B2 B-5 Conversion for Pounds of CCE to Pounds of Actual Liming Material Applied B3 B-6 Composition of Principal Macronutrient Fertilizer Materials B8 B-7 Chemical Sources of Secondary and Micronutrients B9

B-8 Soil Test Categories for Nutrients Extracted by Mehlich 1 and Mehlich 3 B10

B-9 Boron Recommendations Based on Soil Tests for Vegetable Crops B11

B10 Recommendations for correction of vegetable Nutrient deficiencies B12

B-11 Sufficiency levels for petiole sap concentration In vegetable crops B13

B-12 Plant nutrient value credits to be allowed for Manure applications and crop residues B17

B-13 Mineral nutrient value B18

C-1 Critical Periods of Water Need by Crops C1

C-2 Available Water-Holding Capacity based on Soil Texture C2

C-3 Soil Infiltration Rates Based on Soil Texture C2

C-4 Hours Required to Apply 1 Inch of Water for Fine Textured or Heavy Soils C3

C-5 Hours Required to Apply 1 Inch Water for Course- textured or Light Soils C3

C-6 Maximum Application Times For Drip Irrigated Vegetables C3

C-7 Irrigation Guidelines When Using Tensiometers C4

Table Page C-8 Equivalent Injection Proportions C6

D-1 Deterioration of Pesticides D3

D-2 Winter Storage of Chemicals D3

D-3 Kd, Koc, Water Solubility and Persistence Values for Selected Pesticides D9

D-4 Acute Categories of Toxicity D10

D-5 LD50 Figures Converted to Ounces for Three Commonly Used Products in the Agricultural Industry D10

D-6 Acute Toxicity of Chemicals D11

E-1 Ground Speed Conversion E4

E-2 Examples of Tolerances for Some Herbicide Residues in Tomato Fruit. E6

E-3 Herbicide Effectiveness on Major Weeds in Vegetables E9

E-4 Vegetable Herbicide Recommendations and Preharvest Intervals E11

E-5 Crop Rotation Planting Restrictions-Months After Herbicide Application Until Planting Next Crop E15

E-6 Guide to Prepackaged Mixes E27

E-7 Rain Free Requirement After Application of Post-Emergence Herbicides E28

E-8 Herbicide Site of Action for Reducing the Risk of Developing Herbicide-resistant Weeds E29

E-8A Important Herbicide Groups for Corn, Soybean Small Grain, Commercial Vegetable & Forage E29 E-8B Common pre-pack or premix herbicides for crops in the Mid-Atlantic region. E34 E-9 Common Names and Corresponding Trade Names

and Mode of Action of Vegetable Insecticides. E38 E-10 Insecticides and Miticides Labeled for Use on Greenhouse* Vegetables E40 E-11 Effective Seed Treatment Temperature Protocols for Pathogen Eradication E44

E-12 Commonly Used Fungicides Registered for Vegetables E47

E-13 Fungicides Registered for Seed Treatment E51

E-14 Selected Fungicides and Bactericides Labeled for Greenhouse Use E52

F-1 Common Ethnic VegetablesCrops for Mid-Atlantic Growers F159

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LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES (continued)

Table Page F-2 Baby and Miniature Vegetable Varieties and Harvest F161

F-3 Potherbs & Salad Green F161

R-1 Vegetable Seed Sizes R4

R-2 Plant Spacing and Populations R4

R-3 Frequently Used Weights and Measures and Approximate Metric Equivalents R9

R-4 Simple Plant-Growing Mix R10 R-5 Preferred Plant-Growing Mix R10

Figure Page A-1 Relationship of Half-Cooling Time and Desired Temperature A25

B-1 Nutrient Application Rates Vary in Relation to Soil Test Category B5

B-2 Petiole Delineation for Several Plant Species B12

B-3 Changes in Soil Test Levels Over Time Under Different Nutrient Management Scenarios B14

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I5

ABBREVIATIONS

A - acre(s) /A - per acre AFR - anthracnose and Fusarium wilt resistant ai - active ingredient ALS - acetolactate synthase ALS - angular leaf spot resistant AMS - ammonium sulfate AMV - alfalfa mosaic virus AR - anthracnose resistant ASCR - Alternaria stem canker resistant BAW - beet armyworm BLSR - bacterial leaf spot resistance BLT black light trap BRR - black rot resistant BRT - black rot tolerant BSR - bacterial speck resistant Bt or B.t. - Bacillus thuringiensis Btu - British thermal unit bu - bushel(s) BV-1 - bean common mosaic virus resistant or tolerant BV-2 - bean yellow mosaic virus resistant or tolerant BWMS - bacterial wilt moderately susceptible BWR - bacterial wilt resistant BWS - bacterial wilt susceptible oC - degrees Celsius CB cucumber beetles cc - cubic centimeter(s) CEC - cation exchange capacity CEW - corn earworm CL - cabbage looper CLS Cercospora Leaf Spot CMS - cucumber mosaic susceptible CMV - cucumber mosaic virus COC crop oil concentrate CPB - Colorado potato beetle CRR - corky root resistant cu ft - cubic foot (feet) cu yd - cubic yard(s) cwt - hundredweight D - dust DBM - diamondback moth DF - dry flowable DMR - downy mildew resistant DMMR - downy mildew moderate resistance DP - dry prill DS - dry salt E - emulsion EBDC early blight disease control EBR - early blight resistant EC - emulsifiable concentrate ECB European corn borer ELB Eggplant Lacebug ES - emulsifiable suspension ESLI End-of-service life indicators EVR - enation virus resistant or tolerant EW - emulsion in water F - flowable

oF - degrees Fahrenheit F1 - hybrid FAW - fall armyworm FB - flea beetle FC - flowable concentrate fl - fluid FM - flowable microencapsulated FR - Fusarium wilt resistant FRAC - Fungicide Resistance Action Committee FR 0,1,2 - Fusarium wilt resistance to race 0,1,2 FR 2 - Fusarium wilt resistance to race 2 FS - Fusarium and Stemphylium wilt resistant ft - foot (feet) FT - Fusarium tolerant g - gram G - granule(s) gal - gallon(s) GMO - genetically modified organism GPA - green peach aphid gpm - gallons per minute GS - green stem HAACP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point HW Hornworm ICW - imported cabbageworm in - inch(es) IDLH immediately dangerous to life or health INSV - impatiens necrotic spot virus IRAC - Insecticide Resistance Action Committee K - potassium K2O - available potash L - liquid lb - pound(s) LBR - leaf blight resistant LBT - leaf blight tolerant LC - liquid concentrate LF - liquid flowable LM Leafminers LMV - lettuce mosaic virus LR - leaf roll resistant MA - melon aphid MDMR - maize dwarf mosaic resistant ME - microencapsulated min - minimum MMR - mildew and mosaic resistant mph - miles per hour MoA - mode of action MR - mosaic resistant MSDS Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet MSO methylated seed oil MT - mosaic tested N - nitrogen NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety &

Health NTL - no time limitation NY-15 - resistant or tolerant to NY-15 strain of bean common mosaic virus OF - oil formulation OLF - other labeled formulations OMRI Organic Materials Review Institute opt - optimum OS - ozone sensitive

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ABBREVIATIONS (continued)

OT - ozone tolerant oz - ounce(s) % - percent P - phosphorus PGR - plant growth regulator PHI - preharvest interval POA - potato aphid pl - plant(s) PMR - powdery mildew resistant PMT - powdery mildew tolerant ppi - preplant incorporated ppm - parts per million Pr - processing PR - Phytophthora resistant PRR - pink root resistant PRSV - papaya ring spot virus PRT - pink rot tolerant psi - pounds per square inch pt - pint(s) PT - Phytophthora tolerant P2O5 - available phosphoric acid PVX - potato virus X PVY - potato virus Y Py - premature yellow PYO - pick-your-own qt - quart(s) RKR - root-knot nematode resistant RR - rust resistant RSR - red stele resistant S - sprayable SB - sap beetle SC - spray concentrate, soluble concentrate SCN - soybean cyst nematode SG - soluble granules SMR - scab and mosaic resistant SmR - smut resistant SMV - squash mosaic virus SP - soluble powder SpR - split resistance sq ft - square foot (feet)

SR - scab resistant St - Stemphylium resistance SWV - spotted wilt virus resistant T - trial TAW - true armyworm TBR - tipburn resistant tbs - tablespoon(s) TEV - tobacco etch virus TMV - tobacco mosaic virus tsp - teaspoon(s) TSSM - two-spotted spider mite TSWV - tomato spotted wilt virus TuMV - turnip mosaic virus VF - Verticillium and Fusarium wilt resistant VFN - Verticillium, Fusarium, and nematode resistant VFFN - Verticillium, Fusarium race, 0, 1, nematodes VFS - Verticillium, Fusarium, and Stemphylium wilt resistant VR - Verticillium wilt resistant VS - Verticillium wilt susceptible W - wettable WBE - water-based emulsion WDG - water dispersible granules WDL - water-dispersible liquid wk - week(s) WMV - watermelon mosaic virus WMV2 - watermelon mosaic virus race 2 WP - wettable powder WRR - white rust resistant WRT - white rust tolerant WSB - water-soluble bag WSP - water-soluble packet yr - year(s) YR - yellows resistant ZYMV - zucchini yellow mosaic virus ZYMVR - zucchini yellow mosaic virus resistant

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A1

VARIETIES

GENERAL PRODUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS

VARIETIES New varieties of vegetables are constantly being developed throughout the world and it is impossible to list and describe all of them, only those that are available and are adapted to the mid-Atlantic region are listed in this publication. While all efforts are made to have comprehensive lists, not all varieties that are adapted will be listed. Varieties are listed for each specific crop in Section F, either alphabetically or in order of relative time to maturity from early to late (see table footnotes). Those varieties that are new or that have had limited release will have the designation trial and should be evaluated in smaller plantings before being grown more extensively. The ultimate value of a variety for a particular purpose is determined by the grower: performance under his or her management adaptation to specific environmental conditions, and having desired horticultural characteristics.

Some Variety Selection Criteria: Yield - The variety should have the potential to produce crops at the same or better yield and quality to those already grown. Is should be noted that harvested yield may be much less than potential yield depending on markets and quality factors.

Days to Harvest - Choose varieties that meet market requirements based on days to harvest. Earliness is a major selection factor for first spring plantings and days to harvest is a critical selection factor for late summer and fall maturing crops, especially in shorter season areas of the region. Days to harvest in seed guides are based on the most common planting date and may be considerably longer in cooler periods or shorter in warmer periods. A more accurate guide to maturity will be Growing Degree Days which are calculated for a specific crop using daily highs and lows and a base temperature.

Disease and Insect Resistance - The most economical and effective means of pest management is through the use of varieties that are resistant or tolerant to diseases including those caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, or nematodes. When all other factors are equal, select a variety with needed disease resistance or tolerance. In some vegetables, such as sweet corn, insect resistant varieties are also available and should be considered where they fit your requirements. The continuous or intense production of herbicide or pest-resistant varieties can potentially lead to herbicide-tolerant weeds and new, more virulent pest strains. Adherence to vender or Extension recommendations and a long-term crop rotation plan should minimize this risk.

Resistance to Adverse Environmental Conditions - Choose varieties that are resistant to environmental conditions that are likely to be encountered. This includes heat or cold tolerance; low levels of heat induced defects such a tuber heat necrosis; drought tolerance; resistance to cracking, edema, and other wet weather disorders; low occurrence of nutrient disorders such as blossom end rot,

leaf tip burn, or hollow stem; and low occurrence of hollow heart.

Horticultural Quality Choose varieties that meet market quality requirements. Quality attributes such as taste, texture, size, shape, color, uniformity, and amount of defects will often dictate variety selection. Grades, percentage by grade, or pack-outs are key quality attributes for some markets. Variety test data such as soluble solids (sugars or sweetness), acidity, pungency, fiber content and consumer taste panel information can assist in variety selection where available. Processing performance is of major concern for frozen, canned or pickled vegetables. Other considerations include the ability to handle mechanical harvest or the ability to be packed and shipped distances with minimum damage in contrast to vegetables that are adapted only to hand harvest and local sales or short distance shipping. Other quality characteristics to consider include holding or storage ability, ripening characteristics, nutritional content, and culinary qualities.

Plant Characteristics Plant characteristics that may be considered in variety selection include plant form such as bush, upright, or vining; plant height; plant size; location of harvested part on the plant; and ease of harvest.

Adaptability Successful varieties must perform well under the range of environmental conditions and production practices usually encountered on individual farms. Seasonal adaptation is another selection consideration.

Market Acceptability The harvested plant product must have characteristics desired by both you and your buyers. Consider the requirements or desires of consumers, packers, shippers, wholesalers, retailers, or processors. Included among these qualities are flavor, pack out, size, shape, color, culinary qualities, nutritional quality or processing quality. Specialty markets such as ethnic markets, restaurants, or gourmet sales will have very specific variety requirements. Many vegetable seed companies offer varieties that are transgenic or GMO (genetically modified organism). GMO varieties feature a small amount of DNA from a source outside of the crop species gene pool; another plant species, bacterium, virus, or even animal. This foreign DNA is either the direct source of a new trait such as herbicide, or disease or insect resistance or is needed to assist the gene insertion process. GMO products in the food chain are highly controversial, and effects are ongoing to regulate and label them. Be aware of current and pending regulations and adverse public sentiment before growing and marketing GMO varieties of vegetable crops. Variety selection is a very dynamic process. Some varieties retain favor for many years, whereas others might be used only a few seasons if some special situation, such as plant disease or marketing change, develops. Companies frequently replace older varieties with new varieties. Variety selection in the mid-Atlantic often requires special regional consideration due to the wide range of climatic variations.

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VARIETIES/SEED STORAGE/SPECIALTY VEGETABLES/ORGANIC PRODUCTION There are many sources of information for growers to aid in choosing a variety. University trials offer unbiased comparisons of varieties from multiple sources. Commercial trials from seed distributors also offer multiple source comparisons. Seed company test results offer information about that companys varieties. Look for results from replicated trials and multiple sites if available. Trials conducted in similar soils and growing environments and local trials are the most reliable indicators of what will have potential to perform well on your farm. Visits to local trials can provide good visual information for making decisions. Where quality is a prime concern, look for trials with quality data. Small trial plantings for 2 to 3 years are suggested for any variety or strain not previously grown. For a true comparison, always include a standard variety, one with proven consistent performance in the same field or planting. Plant Resistance or Tolerance Listed in Tables Vegetable crops are naturally resistant to most but not all plant pathogens. In cases where diseases are a serious threat, genetic resistance is an effective and low cost strategy of disease avoidance. Pathogens are highly changeable, and a resistant variety that performs well in one year may not necessarily continue to do so. On rare occasions, purported resistance to pathogens breaks down. This may be due to different strains and races of disease-causing organisms and environmental conditions that favor the organism or reduce natural plant resistance. In the Section F variety tables, disease resistance and tolerances are listed in the tables and in the footnotes for each vegetable crop. The disease, insect or insect reactions listed in this book are from source seed companies or from University trials as noted and are not necessarily verified by Cooperative Extension.

SEED STORAGE AND HANDLING

Both high temperature and high relative humidity will reduce seed germination and vigor over time. Do not store seeds in areas that have a combined temperature and humidity value greater than 110 (for example 50F [12.8C] + 60% relative humidity). Ideal storage conditions for most seeds are at a temperature of 35F (2C) and less than 40% relative humidity. In addition, primed seeds pretreated with salt or another osmoticum do not usually store well after shipment to the buyer. Seed coating/pelleting may or may not reduce germination rate. Therefore, if you do not use all coated/pelleted seed, perform a germination test to assess viability before using in subsequent seasons. Corn, pea, and bean seed are especially susceptible to mechanical damage due to rough handling. Seed containers of these crops should not be subjected to rough handling since the seed coats and embryos can be damaged, resulting in nonviable seeds. If you plan to treat seeds of these crops with a fungicide, inoculum, or other chemical application, apply the materials gently to avoid seed damage.

SPECIALTY VEGETABLES

Specialty vegetables are those that are grown for specific markets and include varieties or types within standard vegetable categories that are unique, those that are harvested at different stages that conventional vegetables (baby types), vegetables grown for ethnic markets, heirloom vegetables, gourmet vegetables, or other vegetables grown for niche or specialty markets. In general, market demand for heirloom vegetables and types of commodities that cater to the special needs and preferences of ethnic groups has also expanded. See the Specialty Vegetables and Herbs subsection of Section F for more details.

ORGANIC PRODUCTION

You may wish to consider organic production. The initial investment is high, due mainly to certification costs. However, returns can be higher than for conventionally produced products. The USDA regulates the term organic to protect the sector from unscrupulous profiteers. To become certified organic, you must follow production and handling practices contained in the National Organic Standards (NOS see www.usda.gov) and be certified by a USDA accredited certifying agency such as the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO). Growers whose annual gross income from organic products is $5,000 or less can be exempted from certification. In this case growers must continue to use production and handling practices in accordance with the NOS and some restrictions regarding labeling and combination with other organic products apply. Certified organic production is typically preceded by a three-year transition phase during which the soil and farming practices are adapted to NOS. Growers should recognize that successful organic production is a long-term proposition. It usually takes a couple of years, and may take as many as four years, for a site managed organically to reach full potential for profitability. Organic production is management-intensive, and requires careful attention to the maintenance of a biological equilibrium favorable for crop production. Organic certification gives growers increased market access, but requires learning new production methods and documenting production practices through careful record keeping. However, when implemented well, organic methods can improve soil fertility and tilth through increased soil microorganisms and improved organic matter recycling. Growers should test new products and methods on a small scale prior to large scale adoption. Consider the following questions before initiating organic production.

Does a market for organic vegetables exist? Are adequate resources available? Would you be able to ride out possible reduced

yields without premium prices during 3 or more years of the transition phase?

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Are you willing to devote more time to monitoring pests?

Are you willing to devote more time to managing soil fertility?

Are you willing to devote more time to record keeping?

If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then organic production may be for you. If you are beginning the transition phase from non-organic to organic production consider a pre-transition phase if pest pressures are high in the planting area. A pre-transition phase is intermediate between organic and non-organic production. During the pre-transition phase conventional pest management tactics are used along with organic tactics to reduce pest pressures. Once pest pressures are reduced, organic pest management tactics are used exclusively. The steps for becoming certified organic can be found in the publication Organic Vegetable Production at http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/ua391.pdf.

TRANSPLANT GROWING

These recommendations apply only to plants grown under controlled conditions in greenhouses or hotbeds. Field-grown plants are covered under the specific crop in Section F.

Producing quality transplants starts with disease free seed, a clean greenhouse and clean planting trays. Many of our vegetable disease problems including bacterial spot, bacterial speck, bacterial canker, gummy stem blight, bacterial fruit blotch, tomato spotted wilt virus, impatiens necrotic spot virus, and Alternaria blight can start in the greenhouse and be carried to the field. Further, a number of virus diseases are transmitted by greenhouse insects.

Buy disease-indexed seeds when they are available. To reduce bacterial seed-borne diseases in some crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cabbages, seeds can be hot water treated. Chlorine treatment can also be useful on some seeds as a surface treatment but will not kill pathogens inside the seed. See Section E, Disease Management/Seed Treatment for seed treatment recommendations. Transplants are affected by such factors as temperature, fertilization, water, and spacing. A good transplant is grown under the best possible conditions. A poor transplant usually results in poor crop performance. In certain instances, however, the timely exposure of transplants to specific stresses can enhance later performance by the crop in the field. Table A-1 presents optimum and minimum temperatures for seed germination and plant growing, the time and spacing (area) required to produce a desirable transplant, and number of plants per square foot.

ORGANIC PRODUCTION/TRANSPLANT GROWING Table A-1. Optimum and Minimum Temperatures and Planting Recommendations for Transplant Production oF oF Sq In Plants Opt. Min. Weeks to per per Crop Day Night Grow Plant Sq Ft Broccoli 65-70 60 6-7 3 48 Cabbage 65 60 6-7 3 48 Cauliflower 65-70 60 6-8 3 48 Celery 65-70 60 9-12 3 48 Cucumber1 70-75 65 2-3 4 36 Eggplant 70-85 65 7-9 6-9 24 Endive, Escarole 70-75 70 5-7 2 72 Lettuce 60-65 40 5-6 1 144 Melon1 70-75 65 2-3 6 24 Onion 65-70 60 9-12 -- -- Pepper 70-75 60 8-9 4-6 36 Summer squash1 70-75 65 2-3 4 36 Sweet potato 75-85 70 4-5 in bed in bed Tomato 65-75 60 5-6 6-9 24 1 Seed directly in container; do not transplant prior to setting in the field.

Seedless watermelon has specific requirements: germination at high temperatures for 48 hours (to achieve even germination) then move immediately into a cooler greenhouse to grow out. See the Watermelon subsection of Section F for more details.

Making a Plant-Growing Mix. Many pre-mixed growing media products are available commercially (see below). A good, lightweight, disease-free, plant-growing material can also be made from a mixture of peat and vermiculite. The main advantage of making ones own mix is uniform and consistent composition, but it can also be less costly than commercial products. Formulas for a very simple mix are now located in the Resource Section (R) of this publication.

Commercial Plant Growing Mixes. A number of commercial media formulations are available for growing transplants. Most of these mixes will produce high quality transplants when used with good management practices. However, these mixes can vary greatly in composition, particle size, pH, aeration, nutrient content, and water-holding capacity. Commercial growing media will have added lime and may or may not have a starter nutrient charge (added fertilizer). Plants grown in those without fertilizer will require supplemental liquid feedings after seedling emergence. Plants grown in those with added fertilizers will require liquid feeding starting 3-4 weeks after emergence. If you experience problems with transplant performance, the growing medium (soil) should be sent to a soils laboratory for testing. It is recommended to mix 3-4 bags of commercial product together before filling trays. For greenhouse growing areas, remove any weeds and dead plant materials and clean floors and benches thoroughly of any organic residue prior to seeding. Treatment of Flats and Trays. Flats used in the production of transplants should be new to avoid pathogens that cause damping-off and other disease problems. If flats and trays are reused, they should be thoroughly cleaned after use and disinfested as described below. Permit flats to dry completely prior to use. One of the following methods of disinfestation should be used: Chlorine. Dip flats or trays in a labeled chlorine sanitizer at recommended rates (3.5 fl. oz. of a 5.25% sodium hypochlorite equivalent product per gallon of water) several times. Cover treated flats and trays with a tarp to keep them moist for a minimum of 20 minutes. Wash flats and trays

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TRANSPLANT GROWING with clean water or a Q-salts (see below) to eliminate the chlorine. It is important that the bleach solution remains in the 6.5-7.5 range and that new solutions be made up every 2 hours or whenever it becomes contaminated (the solution should be checked for free chlorine levels at least every hour using test strips). Organic matter will deactivate the active chlorine ingredients quickly. Q-salts (Quaternary ammonium chloride salts). Compounds such as Greenshield, Physan and Prevent can be applied in the final wash of flats and trays during the chlorine treatment. Additionally, they can be used to wash exposed surfaces (benches, frames, etc.) in greenhouses. Transplant Trays and Containers. Most transplants are grown in plastic trays with individual cells for each plant. Trays vary in size from 32 cells to over 500 cells per standard 12 x 24 inch tray. Larger cell sizes (32, 50, or 72) are best used for vine crops and for rooting strawberry tips. 72-cell and 128-cell trays are suitable for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and cole crops. Smaller cell sizes (128, 200, 288) may be appropriate for crops such as lettuce and onions. Larger styrofoam transplant trays are also available in similar cell sizes. Larger cell sizes have better holding ability and survivability in the field but use more greenhouse space and take longer to produce the root ball in the cell. Individual plant-growing containers may also be used for vine crops and early market crops of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Various types of fiber or plastic pots or cubes are available for this purpose. If plastic pots are reused, disinfest as described for flats. Seed Germination. Normally, one seed is planted per cell. Seeds that are over-sown in flats to be "pricked out" (thinned to a uniform stand) at a later date should be germinated in 100% vermiculite (horticultural grade, coarse sand size) or a plant growing mix. However, it is recommended that no fertilizer be included in the mix or the vermiculite until the seed leaves (cotyledons) are fully expanded and the true leaves are beginning to unfold. Fertilization should be in the liquid form and at one-half the rate for any of the ratios listed in the Liquid Feeding paragraph below. Seedlings can be held for 3 to 4 weeks if fertilization is withheld until 3 to 4 days before "pricking out." Seed that is sown in tray cells, pots or other containers and will not be "pricked out" later can be germinated in a mix that contains fertilizer. For earlier, more uniform emergence, germinate and grow seedlings on benches with bottom heat or in a floor-heated greenhouse. Germination rooms or chambers also insure even germination where higher temperatures can be maintained for the first 48 hours. Trays may be stacked in germination rooms during this period but must be moved to the greenhouse prior to seedling emergence. Plant Growing Facilities. Good plant-growing facilities (greenhouses) provide maximum light to the seedling crop. The greenhouse cover material (glass, plastic, or fiberglass) should be clean, clear, and in good repair. The ideal greenhouse will also have floor-on or bottom-heating capabilities, either on the benches or on the floor, and provide good heating and ventilation systems for effective environmental control. Proper growing medium temperature ensures uniformity of crop throughout the greenhouse by moderating normal temperature variations experienced with hot air heating systems. Bottom heating provides for a significant energy savings because the greenhouse does not have to be operated 10F higher than

the required growing medium temperatures for good germination and seedling growth. Internal combustion heating units located inside the greenhouse must be vented and have outside fresh-air intake and exhaust systems to provide air to and from the heater. Ventilation units must be adequate in size, providing 1.2 to 1.4 sq ft of opening for each 1,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) fan capacity. Seedlings should not be grown or held in areas where pesticides are stored. Liquid Feeding of Transplants. In most instances, additional nutrients will be needed by growing transplants; commercially available 100% water soluble greenhouse fertilizer formulations are recommended for this purpose. This is also referred to as fertigation (see Section C). For most crops use a formulation with lower P levels than N and K (for example 21-5-20, 13-2-13, 20-10-20, 17-5-17, 18-9-18). If you plan to fertilize with every watering, begin with N concentrations in the 30 to 50 ppm range and modify the concentration as needed. Use higher rates for tomato, pepper and cole crops and lower rates for cucurbits (watermelon and squash, etc.). Use higher rates when temperatures are high (late spring and summer) and lower rates when temperatures are cooler. Fertilizer requirements may vary substantially with crop and growing conditions. For example, if fertigation is scheduled only once a week, N concentrations of 200 to 250 ppm may be required. Some growers may use a growing medium with no starter fertilizer. If that is the case, use 50 ppm N from emergence to first true leaf every 3 days, 200 ppm N every other day from first true leaf to second true leaf. If concentrations are above recommended levels, they can cause excessive growth, reducing transplant quality. Highly concentrated nutrient solutions often can causesalt injury to plants and leaf burning. Over-fertilized transplants will often stretch and have impaired field survival. For a less sophisticated way to apply nutrients, the following materials can be dissolved in 5 gallons of water and used over an area of 20 square feet for general use on transplants: 20-20-20---1-2 oz/5 gal water or 20-10-15---2 oz/5 gal water Rinse leaves after liquid feeding. Applications should be made weekly using these rates. When using starter solutions for field transplanting, follow manufacturer's recommendation. Caution. High rates of starter solution can become concentrated and burn transplant roots when the soil becomes dry. Watering. Keep mix moist but not continually wet. Water less in cloudy weather. Watering in the morning allows plant surfaces to dry before night and reduces the possibility of disease. Transplant Height Control: One of the most important considerations is managing stretch or height of transplants. The goal is to produce a transplant of a size that it can be handled by mechanical transplanters or hand without damage and that are tolerant to wind. Most growth regulators that are used for bedding plants are not registered for vegetable transplants. One exception is Sumagic registered for use as a foliar spray on tomato, pepper, eggplant, groundcherry, pepino and tomatillo transplants (no other crops are registered at present). The recommended label rate is 0.52 to 2.60 fluid oz per gallon (2 to 10 ppm) and one gallon should be sprayed so it covers 200 sq ft of transplant trays (2 quarts per 100 sq ft). The first

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application can be made when transplants have 2-4 true leaves. One additional application may be made at the low rate, 0.52 fluid oz per gallon (2 ppm), 7-14 days later, but you cannot exceed 2.60 fluid oz of total product (per 100 sq ft) for a season. Growers are advised to perform small-scale trials on a portion of their transplants under their growing conditions before large scale adoption. For other crops alternative methods for height control must be used. One such method that is successful is the use of temperature differential or DIF; the difference between day and night temperatures in the greenhouse. In most heating programs, a greenhouse will be much warmer during the day than the night. The critical period during a day for height control is the first 2 to 3 hours following sunrise. By lowering the temperature during this 3-hour period, plant height in many vegetables can be modulated. Drop air temperature to 50 55F for 2-3 hours starting just before dawn, and then return to 60 70F. Vegetables vary in their response to DIF. For example, tomatoes are very responsive, while curcurbits are is much less responsive. Mechanical movement can also reduce transplant height. This may be accomplished by brushing over the tops of transplants twice daily with a pipe or wand made of soft or smooth material. Crops responding to mechanical height control include tomatoes, eggplant, and cucumbers. Peppers are damaged with this method. Managing water can also be a tool to control stretch in some vegetables. After plants have reached sufficient size, expose them to stress cycles, allowing plants to approach the wilting point before watering again. Be careful not to stress plants so much that they are damaged. Managing greenhouse fertilizer programs is yet another method for controlling transplant height. Most greenhouse growing media come with a starter nutrient charge, good for about 2-3 weeks after seedling emergence. After that, you need to apply fertilizers, usually with a liquid feed program. Greenhouse fertilizers that are high in ammonium forms of nitrogen will induce more stretch than those with high relative proportions of nitrate nitrogen sources. Fertilizers that are high in phosphorus may also promote stretch. Exposing plants to outside conditions is used for the hardening off process prior to transplanting. You can also use this for transplant height control during the production period. Roll out benches that can be moved outside of the greenhouse for a portion of the day or wagons that can be moved into and out of the greenhouse can be used for this purpose (see below). Hardening. It is recommended that transplants be subjected to a period of hardening prior to incorporation in the production field. Reducing the amount of water used, lowering temperatures, and limiting fertilizers cause a check in growth (hardening) to prepare plants for field setting. When hardening vine crops, tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants, do not lower temperature more than 5F (3C) below the recommended minimum growing temperatures listed in Table A-1. Low temperature causes chilling that can injure plants and delay regrowth after transplanting. Do not harden rosette vegetables (e.g. endive, escarole, celery) by lowering the temperature because low temperature exposure increases early bolting. Common Problems: Poor growth, yellow plants, or stunted plants are often attributable to the greenhouse growing medium. Greenhouse media manufacturers have

TRANSPLANT GROWING good quality control measures in place but things can go wrong on occasion inadequate mixing, critical components missing or in the wrong proportions (such as wetting agents, fertilizers, lime), or defective components (poor quality). Media can also be affected by poor storage and handling. This occurs most commonly when media are stored outside and bales or bags get wet. In addition, all growing media have a specific shelf life old media often dry out and are hard to rehydrate. If the medium is over a year old or possibly compromised, it should not be used. Contact your supplier and have them inspect and run tests on any suspect media. Avoid using overly dry or caked media, media that are difficult to loosen, media with a bad odor, water logged media or media that are resistant to wetting. Most (but not all) media include a starter lime and fertilizer charge. The fertilizer is designed to provide 3-4 weeks of nutrients. If the fertilizer is missing, improperly mixed, or in the wrong proportions, seeds will germinate but seedlings will remain stunted. In this case, liquid fertilizer applications should start early. Peat-based media are acidic in nature. Plants will perform well from pH 5.4 to 6.4. Lime is added to peat-based media and reacts over time with water to increase pH. Above pH 6.4, iron deficiencies in transplants are common. This also occurs if irrigation water is alkaline (has high carbonates). In high pH situations (over 7.5), use an acidifying fertilizer (high ammonium content) for liquid feeds. Use of iron products such as chelated iron as a foliar application on transplants can accelerate plant recovery prior to the pH drop with the acid fertilizer. In cases with very high media pH, use of iron sulfate solutions may be needed to more rapidly drop the pH. Addition of dilute acid solutions to greenhouse irrigation water may also be considered in cases of excess alkalinity (e.g. diluted muriatic acid). If lime is missing or inadequate from the growing medium, and pH is below 5.2, plants may exhibit magnesium deficiencies or iron or manganese toxicities. This also occurs in media that have been saturated for long periods of time. To correct this situation, apply a liquid lime solution to the medium and irrigate liberally. A good publication on media pH management can be found on the web at: http://www.greenhouse.cornell.edu/ crops/factsheets/pHGreenhouseCrops.pdf. Media that are difficult to hydrate may not have sufficient wetting agent or the wetting agent may have deteriorated. Additional greenhouse grade wetting agent may be needed in such cases. If the initial medium fertilizer charge is too high, or if excessive liquid or slow-release fertilizer feed is used, high salt concentrations can build up and stunt or damage plants. Leaf edge burn, plant burn, or plant desiccation will be the symptoms of this condition. Test the media for electrical conductivity (EC) to see if salt levels are too high. The acceptable EC will depend on the type of test used (saturated paste, pour through, 1:1, 1:2) so the interpretation from the lab will be important. If salts are too high, then leaching the growing media with water will be required. Poor transplant growth or injury can also result from the following:

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TRANSPLANT GROWING/CONSERVATION TILLAGE CROP PRODUCTION

Heater exhaust in the house caused by cracked heat exchanger, inadequate venting, use of non-vented heaters.

Phytotoxicity from applied pesticides. Use of paints, solvents, wood treatments, or other

volatiles inside the greenhouse. Use of herbicides in the greenhouse or near greenhouse

vents. Low temperatures due to inadequate heater capacity or

heater malfunction or excessively high temperatures due to inadequate exhaust fan capacity or fan malfunction.

Grafting Vegetables: Utilizing rootstocks for grafting has resulted in increased yields, fruit quality, and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. The technique can also help meet the challenge from new strains of soil-borne disease pathogens. There has been limited research on annual vegetable crops until the last decade when the grafting movement started in Asia and Europe. Japan now utilizes extensive grafting in the production of watermelon, cucumber, melon, tomato and eggplant. Grafting can overcome tissue damage and/or plant mortality caused by the soil-bone diseases Fusarium and Verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, and nematodes. Grafting may reduce or eliminate the use of certain pesticides (especially soil fumigants) because the appropriate rootstocks will provide tolerance to many soil insect and disease pests. Grafting is also used to impart additional vigor to plants and to increase yields. Specific rootstocks have been developed for grafting the vegetables listed above. Selection of rootstocks for grafting will depend on the specific goals for grafting and there are often many rootstocks available. Consult your seed suppliers for more information on rootstock selection. A list of some available rootstocks and suppliers can be found at: http://cals.arizona.edu/grafting/howto or http://www.vegetablegrafting.org/resources/. Some commercial nurseries are starting to feature grafted transplants. As a rule, they are substantially more expensive than conventional transplants, so there should be reasonable assurance of the economic benefit. Any grower seeking to perform large-scale grafting should first consult technical resources, such as the websites in this section. Upgraded facilities and employee training will likely be necessary. Two successful and easily performed grafts are the tube graft and cleft graft. The tube graft utilizes a 45 cut in the rootstock as well as the scion. The two pieces are subsequently joined together with the angles complimenting each other and held together with a grafting clip. The cleft graft utilizes a 90 cut in the rootstock perpendicular to the soil surface. The rootstock stem is then cut in half down the center; this cut should be around one half inch depending on the size of the rootstock stem and scion. The base of the scion is then cut to form a V that will fit the notch that was cut into the rootstock. A grafting clip is secured around the graft junction. This type of graft often requires a larger grafting clip than the tube graft. A schematic of the cleft graft is illustrated in the eggplant production subsection (Section F). It is important that both the scion and rootstock stem diameter are similar. Several trial seedlings should also be grown prior to any large grafting operation to insure that the rootstock and scion seedlings grow at the same rate; if not, the stem

diameters may not coincide, which can lead to a poor graft union. Cucurbits such as watermelons, cucumbers, and muskmelons are often grafted using the one-cotyledon splice graft method. In this method, rootstock seedlings should have at least one true leaf and scion seedlings should have one or two true leaves. With a single angled cut, remove one cotyledon with the growing point attached. It is important to remove the growing point and the cotyledon together so that the rootstock seedling is not able to grow a new shoot of its own after being grafted. Cut the scion and match the rootstock and scion cut surfaces, and hold in place with a grafting clip. One of the most crucial aspects of producing grafted seedlings is healing the graft junctions. After the grafts are clipped back together they need to be placed in a high humidity environment known as a healing chamber. A healing chamber can be constructed in various ways using wooden or metal frames and a plastic covering. The goal is to create a closed environment in which the humidity can increase and the temperature can be controlled. Open water pans can be placed in the chamber or commercial humidifiers can be used to increase humidity. Propagation heat mats can also be placed in the floor of the chamber to control temperature and as well as warm water pans to increase humidity. For the first several days in the healing chamber, light should be excluded as much as possible. The increase in humidity and decrease in light slow transpiration to keep scions from desiccating while vascular tissue reconnects the scion and rootstock. After five to seven days in the healing chamber, seedlings can be moved back into a greenhouse to harden off for several weeks before moving to the field. Grafting generally adds two weeks to seedling production. Grafting can be performed at various plant growth stages ranging from the two true leaf stage on. More information on grafting can be found at: http://cals.arizona.edu/grafting/ home or http://www. vegetablegrafting.org/.

CONSERVATION TILLAGE CROP PRODUCTION

(Also referred to as No-Till Crop Production)

Conservation tillage crop production systems are beneficial for a variety of reasons. Soil compaction is reduced, water infiltration is improved, soil organic matter is increased, microbial biodiversity is increased, disease and weed pressure may be reduced, and soil erosion from wind and water is reduced in conservation compared to conventional tillage systems. Contamination of waterways with nutrients and pesticide residues is also reduced by eliminating or cu