Weekend Gardening: Tomato Pests
June 22, 2013
June is prime time for growing tomatoes here in Escambia County, but it’s also the best time to see a lot of pests in tomatoes that can totally ruin a crop. To help you figure out what’s “bugging” your tomatoes, here’s a quick rundown of some of the pests that you might see in your garden.
Silverleaf Whitefly
The adult silverleaf whitefly is small, approximately 1/16 of an inch in length, and has powdery white wings held tent-like while at rest over a yellow body. Whiteflies are usually found on the undersides of leaves. Eggs, which are yellow and football-shaped, are attached upright by a tiny stalk inserted into the lower leaf surface.
A mobile first instar (growth stage), or crawler stage, hatches from the egg and settles on the leaf. It then develops through immobile second, third, and fourth instars which look like semi-transparent, flat, oval scales. The fourth instar or “pupa” is more yellow and more easily seen without the aid of a hand lens, and typically has very distinct eyespots, and is referred to as a “red-eyed nymph.”
As the plant grows, leaves bearing the maturing nymphs are found lower down on the plant, so older nymphs can be found by looking at older leaves. Whiteflies ingest sap from the plant vascular system (phloem) through stylets similar to those of aphids and, like aphids, process a relatively large volume of plant sap by excreting excess liquid in the form of a sugary substance called honeydew. The honeydew will result in sooty mold—a black, powdery looking substance that reduces photosynthesis in the leaves. Sometimes the nymphs will feed on the fruit and that will cause white tissue on the inside of the fruit walls.
Aphids
Aphids are soft-bodied, sucking insects that can rapidly colonize plants due to their short life cycle.
Adults are delicate, pear- or spindle-shaped insects with a posterior pair of tubes (cornicles), which project upward and backward from the end of the abdomen and which are used for excreting a defensive fluid. In Florida, winged and wingless forms are all female and give birth to living young (nymphs). Nymphs are smaller but otherwise similar in appearance to wingless adults, which they become in 7 to 10 days.
Heavy aphid infestations may cause stunting and leaf distortion. Feeding on blossoms reduces fruit set. Sooty mold will grow on the honeydew that the aphids excrete. Aphids may also spread plant viruses.
Brown and Green Stink Bugs and Leaf-footed bugs
Like aphids and whiteflies, true bugs are sucking insects. True bugs can be recognized by their front wings, which are leathery close to the body but membrane-like at the tips.
Nymphs resemble adults in shape but are often colored differently and do not have fully developed wings. Stink bugs are green or brown shield-shaped bugs 1/2 to 2/3 of an inch long. Eggs are barrel-shaped and found on the undersides of leaves in masses of 10 to 50.
Leaf-footed bugs are dark-colored true bugs with parallel sides. Eggs are metallic and ovate but somewhat flattened laterally and laid in clusters. Some leaf-footed bugs lay their eggs end-to-end in a single row or chain along a stem or leaf midrib. Nymphs are oblong in shape and red in color, especially on the abdomen.
Nymphs and adults of both stink bugs and leaf-footed bugs suck juices from green fruit leaving a puncture which later may become surrounded by a discolored zone due to invasion of secondary pathogens. Stink bug feeding punctures are often surrounded with a lightened, sometimes depressed, blotch beneath the fruit surface caused by the removal of cell contents and the enzymes injected by the bug. Leaf-footed punctures may cause fruit to become distorted as they enlarge.
Tomato Hornworm
There are many caterpillars that can feed on tomatoes but the tomato hornworm can strip a plant of leaves in a few days.
The adult moth is large with mottled brown forewings that are longer than the lighter brown hind wings. The sides of the abdomen have five yellow spots on the sides. The female moth will lay eggs on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves. The adult moths are nectar feeders on many flowers and may be seen in the early evening around gardens and flowers.
The emerging caterpillars will feed on leaves and go through several molts as they develop into large green caterpillars with a black ‘horn’ on the tip of the abdomen. Caterpillars are also identified by the white or yellow ‘V’ marks on the sides of the abdomen. When it is time to pupate, the caterpillars drop to the soil and make a cell for changing to the adult moth. The pupa is reddish brown and has a loop structure at the head that contains the mouthparts. There are normally two generations of tomato hornworm a year and as late summer arrives, the hornworm goes through a resting phase.
Other plants in the tomato family can be eaten by tomato hornworms but tomatoes are the favorite in our area. The caterpillars will eat entire leaves and initially work their down on the plant, eating leaves, blossoms, and even green fruit. Because they blend in with green foliage, a homeowner will often overlook the caterpillar despite its large size.
Hornworm does have natural enemies so be cautious before reaching for the insecticide. They can also be easily handpicked and destroyed after you find them.
For further information, contact the Escambia County Extension office, (850) 475-5230.
Escambia Solid Waste Employees Win At Equipment Rodeo
June 21, 2013
Three Escambia County Solid Waste Management Department employees were recognized Thursday night by the Escambia County Commission.
The trio represented Escambia County at the Solid Waste Association of North America Battle on the Bay Road-E-O, held in St. Petersburg back in April.
Winners were:
- Dennis Rigby, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor – First Place Award, Mechanic
- Paul Steve Dutton, Equipment Operator III – Third Place Award, Heavy Equipment – Track Dozer
- Gary Gunn, Equipment Operator IV – Third Place Award, Heavy Equipment – Compactor
Pictured top: Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Dennis Rigby of Walnut Hill received a first place award in mechanics at a recent solid waste rodeo. Pictured below: Gary Gunn, Paul Steve Dutton and Dennis Rigby at Thursday night’s Escambia County Commission meeting.
Growing Together: Carver Community Center Kids Learn About Food Production
June 20, 2013
About 50 children, ages 5-14, in a summer education series program at the Carver Community Center in Century are learning a lot about food this summer.
UF IFAS/Extension Escambia County Agents have teamed up with Carver Community Center Director Marilyn Robinson to offer lessons related to nutrition, preparing healthy food, water resources, insects, livestock, discovering where originates, and healthy choices for the youth of Century.
On Wednesday, youth, chaperones and Extensions agents set out on a small farm tour to get up close and personal with food production.
Near Walnut Hill, James Earl and Blaire Hall shared information about their black Angus operation and James Earl and Tucker Hall’s watermelon patch. Unfortunately, Hall’s watermelons are not ripe just yet, but the kids still learned about subsurface drip irrigation, the importance of bees and pollination in watermelons, and how to produce tasty watermelons.
James Earl Hall also shared how livestock producers care for their animals and ensure herd health. One ambitious volunteer allowed himself to be placed in a cattle catch chute so the group could learn what it’s like for cattle to visit the doctor.
After a lunch at the Oak Grove Community Center, the Carver Community Center kids visited Matt’s Produce in Byrneville where the kids saw tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, green bell peppers, yellow banana peppers, and cayenne peppers growing on plastic with subsurface drip. They were also invited to pick fresh blackberries, and try blueberries fresh off the bush.
Many of the children at the Carver Community Center also received free shoes Wednesday as part of the Soles4Souls program.
Above: Fresh veggies at Matt Carter’s Farm near Byrneville.
Above: Learning about a cattle operation with James Earl Hall.
Above: Making a healthy snack.
Above: Enjoying fresh parfaits.
Above: Learning about a worm farm.
Above: Working with the younger children in the program.
Above: Many children at the Carver Community Center received free shoes Wednesday through the Soles4Souls program.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Brook, Gardener Attend National Leadership Forum In Arkansas
June 19, 2013
Two North Escambia students attended Harding University’s 57th annual National Leadership Forum in Searcy, AR, recently. Attendees were Taylor Brook from Northview High and Graham Gardener from Tate High.
Brook was sponsored by the Pensacola Civitan Club as a delegate to the forum, which is presented by the University’s American Studies Institute.
More than 200 young people from five states attended this year’s National Leadership Forum. Harding University, with an enrollment of over 6,000, is the largest private university in Arkansas.
Reptiles Invade The Molino Library; The Noise Guy Heads To Other Libraries
June 18, 2013
Participants in the West Florida Library’s Summer Reading Program had a chance to get up close and personal with some slithery snakes and more Monday afternoon at the Molino Branch Library.
The Summer Reading Program continues the rest of the week and throws out that old saying about being quiet in the library with Charlie “The Noise Guy” Williams. Programs will be held:
Monday: Main Library noon
Tuesday: Tryon Branch 1:30, Westside Branch 4:30
Wednesday: Century Branch 3:30
The 2013 Summer Reading Club will be held weekly through August 10. Children can register at any West Florida Public Library.
Pictured: A reptile demonstration at the Molino Library Monday afternoon. Submitted photos by Heather Murphy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One BAD Stomach Ache: Local 4-H Member Wins National Title
June 18, 2013
Izzy Kent, 10, represented Escambia County and her Barrineau Park 4-H Club at the 2013 ABGA National Boer Goat Show in West Monroe Louisiana by competing in the public speaking event.
Kent won 1st place in the Junior Division (ages 9-14) bringing home the National Public Speaking Champion title. Her topic was “One BAD Stomach Ache”, dealing with bloat among goats.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Special Needs Playground Equipment Installed
June 17, 2013
Installation of new playground equipment targeted for children with special needs is almost complete at the Molino Community Complex and Park on Highway 95A.
The new equipment, which is in addition to the playground equipment installed last January, will be open as soon as surface and dirt work is complete. The equipment is designed specifically for children of all ages with special needs and is designed to stimulate motor and sensory skills while providing enjoyment.
Six other Escambia County playgrounds will receive special needs playground equipment by the end of the summer:
- Beulah Regional Park, 7820 Mobile Highway
- Old Ensley School Park, 107 East Detroit Boulevard
- Lexington Terrace, 700 S. Old Corry Field Road
- Regency Park, 8245 Fathom Road
- Southwest Sports Complex, 2020 Bauer Road
- Wedgewood Park, 6405 Wagner Road
The project is funded by LOST – Local Option Sales Tax – funds.
The Molino Community Complex and Park is located at 6450 Highway 95A in Molino, directly behind the Molino Branch Library.
Pictured: Installation of new special needs playground equipment is almost complete at the Molino Community Complex and Park. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Your Blueberry Best: Blueberry Cooking Contest
June 16, 2013
Do you have a blueberry recipe that makes people drool? Are your blueberry muffins or pie the best in town? If you’re a talented chef or just have a favorite blueberry recipe, head for the kitchen and create a dish for the Blueberry Cooking Contest, sponsored by the ARC Santa Rosa and UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension.
Just bring your dish, recipe, registration form, and entry fee to the Extension Office at 6263 Dogwood Drive between noon and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21. Registration is only $3 and forms can be obtained by calling (850) 623-3868 or emailing ginnyh@santarosa.fl.gov. Entries will be judged on appearance, complete recipe, taste and nutritional content. Winners will be announced at the ARC Santa Rosa Blueberry Festival on Saturday, June 22. Both youth and adult winners will receive cash prizes and Simply Florida cookbooks.
High in fiber and vitamin C, blueberries make a tasty low-calorie addition to many recipes. They add color and great taste to salads, pancakes, cakes and muffins. Blueberries have grown wild in North America for thousands of years. They were a staple food for Native Americans, who dried and smoked the berries, pounding them into venison to flavor the meat. Fresh berries can be refrigerated for up to 10 days or frozen for later use. Thawed blueberries should be kept refrigerated and used within three days.
For more information about blueberries or the cooking contest, call the UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension Service at (850) 623-3868. For information about the Blueberry Festival or the blueberry recipe cookbook, call the ARC Santa Rosa at (850) 623-9320.
Healthy Summer Series: Prepare Now For Hurricanes
June 15, 2013
Whether you’re new to Florida or a long time resident of the sunshine state, preparing for this hurricane season can be made simple with a few important steps.
Number One: Make a Plan, Just Make It!
This important step can save your family crucial time in the event of an emergency. With your family, create a Family Emergency Plan that includes:
- How you will communicate with each other if separated
- Who has specific care needs, like a grandparent or very young children
- What supplies, tools or equipment you and your family will need
- How will you meet your family’s power needs
- Where you will go if you are requested to evacuate
- And a plan for your pets
When it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms, does the area you live in experience storm-related flooding? If you lose power, will you still be able to use necessary medical equipment in your home that requires electricity? Take into consideration the potential challenges of communication, the possibility of an evacuation, and any health condition needs in your plan. Planning ahead will also give your kids a chance to feel included. Talk to them about their needs and concerns.
Number Two: Build an Emergency Supply Kit!
There are critical basic items all Emergency Supply Kits should include, yet make sure your kit meets your family’s particular needs. Having at least three days of drinking water and healthy, non-perishable foods for each person is vital, yet having additional medications, health supplies and documents, or a special toy or book can be very important to your family’s comfort during the days following an emergency. Purchasing a battery-operated, all-hazards weather radio to provide alerts and updates for your immediate area is a great way to stay informed. Monitor only trusted news outlets or official sources for information during any emergency.
Number Three: Know where to go!
If asked to evacuate from your home, you’ll need to know where you can go for safe shelter. Public Emergency Shelters will be announced if opened in your area. If you decide to stay in a hotel, does it allow pets? Research ahead so you will know for sure. Do you have friends or relatives you can stay with until it is safe to return home? If you have mobility or health-related challenges, each of Florida’s counties maintains a registry of persons who may need assistance. You can pre-register for assistance to ensure appropriate help will be on the way. Check with your county’s Emergency Management Office for instructions.
The Florida Department of Health has prepared the Florida Emergency Preparedness Guide, available in multiple languages and formats to all residents and visitors on www.floridashealth.com. The guide provides detailed information and health-related planning tools for individuals and families on preparing for hurricanes, tropical storms and other types of emergencies.
And, if you already have a plan and emergency supply kit, now is the perfect time to re-check and re-stock. Having a Family Emergency Plan, an Emergency Supply Kit and a pre-determined location to evacuate if needed can give you and your family confidence in an emergency situation. Knowing what to do, where to go, and what to have on hand for potential emergencies is an important part of living in Florida.
NorthEscambia.com’s “Healthy Summer Series”, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Health, will take a weekly look at issues aimed at keeping your Florida summer safe and healthy.
Escambia Health Officials: Know The Signs Of Heat Stress
June 14, 2013
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County reminds residents that it is important to know the signs of heat stress as temperatures rise and people spend more time in the summer heat.
Heat stress is a general term to describe heat-related illnesses that can develop after exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement. Heat stress can develop into heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke. Persons most prone to heat stress are infants, elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
Warning signs of heat stress vary, but may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness (may be the only sign of heat exhaustion in an infant)
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Cool, moist skin
- Fast, weak pulse rate
- Rapid, shallow breathing
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are severe or if the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the victim to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
If you suspect significant heat stress:
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
- Rest in an air-conditioned environment
- Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
- Wear lightweight clothing
- Prevent sun burn by wearing a sunscreen of 30 SPF, or greater. Sun burn damages the skin’s ability to dissipate heat.
For specific medical questions contact your physician, or dial 911 for emergency care.