By Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca,
Temperatures in the southeast ranged from 46 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with an average of 67 F. In the following week, temperatures are forecasted to range from 58 to 80 F. Two precipitation events (0.07 and 0.03 inches) were recorded at the Petersburg Enviro-weather station. The next precipitation events are forecast for today (Aug. 7), Thursday (Aug. 8) and Saturday (Aug. 10).
Current growing degree days (GDD) recorded at the Petersburg Enviro-weather station are 2,641, 2,298 and 1,760 (GDD base 42, 45 and 50 F respectively). The cool nights from the last two weeks put us even further behind than before on the five-year average by 192, 166 and 134 (GDD base 42, 45 and 50 F respectively).
Vegetable crops report
Sweet corn harvest continues. Corn earworm moth counts are below threshold for both the Monroe and Lenawee County traps (five and one moth per nine nights respectively). The low counts are in agreement with the low to no risk forecast.
No European corn borers have been caught in the Monroe County trap. Similarly, western bean cutworm moth counts were low at both Monroe and Lenawee County traps (three and zero moths caught in seven days respectively), but no egg masses have been observed. The risk for this insect pest is forecasted as high to moderate in our area.
Bell, jalapeno and banana pepper harvest has started. Potato harvest continues. Michigan State University Extension specialist William Kirk confirmed late blight in potatoes in St. Joseph County. Continue to scout your fields and keep up with fungicide sprays. For specific recommendations, visit the Late Blight Risk Monitoring website.
Tomato late blight has been confirmed in the southwest side of the state.
Symptoms observed in pumpkins
Cucurbit harvest continues. Squash bug numbers have increased. Squash vine borer flight will be completed in 216 GDD (base 50 F). Scout your fields for frass, wilted vines, larvae point of entry and larvae inside the crown of wilted vines. Downy mildew and angular leaf spot continue to be a problem. Symptoms similar to Anthracnose or Plectosporium blight have been observed (to be confirmed).
Cole crop harvest continues. Fall cole crop planting has started and will continue.
Source: msue.anr.msu.edu