Weather-related problems showing up on spring crops

Growers in the Northeast are starting to see weather-related problems showing up on some of their spring crops. Univ. of Mass. floriculture extension specialist Tina Smith and Univ. of Conn. extension horticulture and greenhouse IPM specialist Leanne Pundt said sunscald was showing up as paper thin brown spots on many crops caused by sun and wind; wilted new growth on basil caused by chilling injury and silver color foliage on bacopa. Shade-loving perennials placed in full sun in both retail and grower locations suffered sunburned foliage.

Smith and Pundt also advise growers to monitor for Rhizoctonia web blight on impatiens, herbs and other plants. The disease pathogen is encouraged by dense canopies, closely spaced plants and humid conditions. Web blight can occur in the same locations and on the same crops year after year. Rhizoctonia is a natural inhabitant of the soil and can survive there indefinitely.