Weekend Gardening: Tomato Pests
June 15, 2014
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. Much of the information in this article was adapted from the University of Florida EDIS (Electronic Data Information Source) publication Insect Management for Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplant. Management techniques for the pests will be found in the full publication.
Click any photo to enlarge.
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.
If you would like further information, please contact the Escambia County Extension office, (850) 475-5230.
Jordan, Carnley To Wed
June 15, 2014
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Jordan of Byrneville announce the marriage of their daughter, Kasey to Dustin Carnley, son of Mr. Frankie and Mrs. Kay Carnley of Flomaton.
Grandparents of the bride are the late Gay and Nell Jordan of Flomaton and Jimmy and Barbara Wilson of Byrneville.
Kasey and Dusty will be married at Beulah Chapel on June 21, 2014, at 3 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to attend.
Byrneville’s Kilcrease Wins Retired Educators’ Essay Contest
June 14, 2014
Maille Kilcrease of Byrneville Elementary School was the 2014 winner of the Escambia Retired Educators Association’s annual Fifth Grade Essay Contest. In her essay, Kilcrease wrote about her grandpartents, Donald and Barbara Kilcrease. Maillie Kilcrease (center) is pictured with her teacher Jacke Johnston (left) and Byrneville Principal Dee Wolfe Sullivan during the EREA banquet at New World Landing. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Students Earn Microsoft, Adobe Certifications
June 13, 2014
Numerous Northview High School students in grades 9-11 earned Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications or passed Adobe certifications as follows:
Passed three MOS certifications –
- Jessica Barrows
- Ciara Campbell
- Holly Cofield
- Hailey Forcheaux
- Mallory Gibson
- Landon Godwin
- Kaitlyn Kline
- Aaron McDonald
- Danielle Robinson
- Caleb Therrell
Passed four MOS certifications -
- Alyssa Bell
- Ethan Bomba
- Christopher “Noah” Coker
- Hanna Ging
- Kaylie Hudson
- Adrian King
- Andrea Miles
- Samantha Sharpless
- Destiny Stevens
Passed five MOS certifications –
- Alyssa Borelli
- Niki Coleman
- Charmayne Fountain
- Trevor Levins
- Kaitlyn Pugh
- Mitchell Singleton
- Nathan Singleton
- Harmoni Till
- Asja Trotter
- Jessica Stacey
Passed Adobe Illustrator
- Breanna Payne
Passed Adobe Photoshop
- Jadlyn Agerton
- Sean Allister
- Natalie Barrow
- Matthew “Ryan” Chavers
- Iyanna Davidson
- Lawrence Douglas
- Austin Faircloth
- Nathan Galvan
- Mallory Gibson
- Cheyenne Gray
- Dariane Guy
- Dillon Hall
- Brayden Hubbard
- Taylor Kearley
- Kaitlyn Kleinatland
- Logan Lambeth
- Brittanie McLemore
- Teamber Moorer
- Audriene Odom
- Kortney Reid
- Savanna Roux
- Jada Tucker
- Shania Ward
- Takeya Williams
- Hadley Woodfin
Molino Teen Serves As Florida House Messenger
June 12, 2014
A young man from Molino recently spent a week serving as a messenger in the Florida House of Representatives. Mitchell Singleton, who just completed his freshman year at Northview High School, served as a messenger for Rep. Clay Ingram.
“Mitchell has served as a page in the House of Representatives during previous sessions and really made a name for himself as a hard worker. I couldn’t believe how many people at the Capitol remembered him when he came back this year as a messenger,” Ingram said.
Pages and messengers are students who work one week at the Capitol during the 60-day Regular Session. Each of Florida’s 120 representatives may sponsor one page (ages 12-14) and one messenger (ages 15-18).
Being selected to serve is considered an honor and privilege. Pages and messengers assist the representatives and their staff during the Capitol’s busiest time of year while observing state government in action.
“Mitchell has a bright future ahead of him and I’m glad that he is interested in public service. I usually introduce him to people as the future President of the United States, and he doesn’t shy away from the title,” Ingram continued.
The page and messenger program is a long-standing tradition in the Florida House, with journals making mention of them as far back as 1865. Singleton and each page and messenger will have their name appear in the official Journal of the House as an official record of their time spent serving in state government.
Pictured top. Florida House Messenger Mitchell Singleton (second from left) with other messengers and Gov. Rick Scott. Pictured inset: Singleton’s “selfie” photo with Scott. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office ‘Camp Friendship’ Underway At Molino Park Elementary
June 11, 2014
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office “Camp Friendship” is underway this week at Molino Park Elementary School. The free summer day camp for ages 6-14 features presentations by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit, jail tour, sports, arts and crafts and much more. Photo courtesy Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Private Landowners Can Receive Southern Pine Beetle Assistance
June 10, 2014
Private landowners in Florida can now receive assistance in fighting the southern pine beetle thanks to a state program.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced Monday that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program. The sign-up period will run through July 18 and is available for non-industrial private forest landowners.
“The southern pine beetle is one of the most destructive forest pests in the southeast,” said Putnam. “By taking preventative measures now, Florida’s private landowners can greatly reduce their risk of timber loss during future outbreaks.”
Periodic outbreaks can rapidly kill millions of pine trees and deplete tens of thousands of acres of timber resources. The most recent series of major southern pine beetle outbreaks resulted in an estimated $59 million in timber loss between 1999 and 2002.
The program provides incentive payments for the following:
- Conducting a first pulpwood thinning
- Conducting prescribed burning operations
- Conducting mechanical underbrush treatments
- Planting longleaf or slash pine
“Since 2005, we have assisted many private forest land owners through this program,” said Jim Karels, director of the Florida Forest Service. “More than 150,000 Florida acres have been treated for southern pine beetle prevention.”
To learn more about this program and obtain an application form, contact a local Florida Forest Service office or visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com/SouthernPineBeetle/Prevention. Qualified landowners may apply for no more than two approved preventative practices per year. Funding requests may not exceed $10,000 annually. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval. This program is supported through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.
Bratt Students Complete Heritage Projects Thanks To PCI Grant
June 10, 2014
Students that just completed the fifth grade at Bratt Elementary participated in a heritage project, thanks to computers and programs provided by a Poarch Creek Indian Endowment Grant.
Students investigated, collaborated, and created a heritage project depicting the history of their ancestors. Students were encouraged to interview older family members and incorporate the interview into their project.
The students also presented a program entitled “Americans All”, a musical celebration of America’s multicultural heritage.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Spice Kidz Go National With Winning Business Idea
June 10, 2014
Two local students are gearing up to pitch their newly launched business on a national stage, as they prepare to compete in a national competition being held in conjunction with the 10th Annual America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C.
The siblings – Eve Knight, 12, and Liam Knight, 13 – were selected to compete in this year’s competition after winning the YEA! Saunders Scholars Regional Competition in Boca Raton, Fla., with their business, The Spice Kidz. The pair started their business as part of the first-ever Pensacola YEA! program.
“Early education plays an important role in developing characteristics that are critical to becoming a successful entrepreneur,” said Greater Pensacola Chamber President Jerry Maygarden. “These two students demonstrate our region’s continued commitment to cultivating innovative qualities that can help our local youth succeed in any profession they choose to pursue.”
The Spice Kidz’ award-winning idea was to pre-package Indian-style spices to make curry and Vindaloo dinners. Twelve other middle- and high-school students from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties also launched their new businesses at Pensacola’s inaugural YEA! Trade Show in conjunction with Downtown Pensacola Gallery Night. A total of $6,600 in grants has been awarded to their businesses by several local investors and entrepreneurs, with The Spice Kidz earning the most with $1,200 in funding.
“Innovativeness and ambition are critical components that lead to professional success,” said Global Business Solutions, Inc. CEO Randy Ramos, a successful entrepreneur himself. “Programs like YEA! help to foster the entrepreneurial mindset in young people and gives them the opportunity to pursue their dreams by harnessing their energy, optimism and creativity.”
YEA! is a national educational program that guides 6th- to 12th-grade students through the process of starting and running real businesses over the course of a full academic year. Students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, educators and community members to develop ideas and objectives that help to create their own fully formed companies. Winners of this year’s national competition will be receiving scholarships, as well as the opportunity to audition for ABC’s hit TV show Shark Tank.
“Entrepreneurial education is more than just building a business plan and marketing a product or service,” said Dr. Ed Ranelli, Dean Emeritus for the University of West Florida College of Business. “Starting a business also includes learning about how to recognize opportunities and capitalize on them, which is a skill every young professional should master.”
Funds Available For Farmers, Ranchers To Help Declining Pollinators
June 9, 2014
Florida’s pollinators — like honeybees – are in trouble. City sprawl is overtaking their habitat, threatening wildflowers and ecosystems, along with the state’s agricultural industry. And now farmers and ranchers can get technical and financial assistance to help.
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is funding $300,000 in Florida through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to promote conservation practices that help reverse the loss of pollinator food and habitat. The signup deadline is July 18.
Some of the conservation practices that address loss of foraging habitat for pollinators include conservation cover, field borders and hedgerow planting. To learn more, contact the Milton Service Center at 6277 Dogwood Drive or call (850) 623-2441.
“This initiative will improve the state pollinators while reducing food costs by improving fruit and seed set in important agricultural commodities,” said Russell Morgan, Florida’s state conservationist.