No description available.

Six mulches were compared to no mulch on cantaloupes at Yuma in the Spring of 1996. The IRT film and black mulches caused "Mission" cantaloupes to produce significantly higher early yields than white mulch or no mulch. Silver mulch gave good early and total yields. All mulches seemed to favor total production but in this test differences for total yields between mulched and non-mulched plots were not significant.

The impact of foliar salt deposition, similar to that which is predicted to occur in the vicinity of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, was investigated on cantaloupe and cotton. Simulated salt drift was applied throughout the growing season. There was an increase in the amount of lead found in the fruit harvested from the highest treatment level as compared to the untreated plants. No other observable salt-induced responses were observed in the cantaloupe. A trend toward reduced yields was observed in the cotton plots receiving the salt treatments.

Cantaloupes for fresh market were studied as an alternative crop for the farmers in the Safford valley. Three varieties were tested with the top variety yielding over 1000 cwt per acre. The quality of the fruit was good, but work needs to be done to determine if there is a slot in the market for fruit from this area.

Powdery mildew of cantaloupe, caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea, is a perennial and often devastating disease in Arizona. During 1987 and 1984 potential new fungicides were evaluated in field trials for disease control. In 1987, Bayleton, Rally and Spotless provided significant disease control. In 1984, Rally and Spotless significantly reduced development of powdery mildew, while Bayleton and Tilt were less effective. Uneven development of powdery mildew within the plot may partially explain the apparent lack of significant disease control in 1988 by Bayleton and Tilt.

No description available.

A study was made of the response of six kinds of melons to different nitrogen fertilizer rates when grown with drip irrigation. Results indicated a general response of petiole nitrate and yields to increasing N rates, depending on the kind of melon. The study will be continued in 1990 and include water and N rates with three kinds of melons.

Powdery mildew of cantaloupe, caused by the fungus Sphaerotheca fuliinea, is a perennial and often serious disease in Arizona. In 1989, potential new fungicides were evaluated for disease control in a field trial. All tested materials provided significant control when compared to untreated plants. Of the compounds tested only Bayleton currently is registered for use on cantaloupe. Rally, which performed extremely well in this test; should be available for use on cantaloupe in the near future.

No description available.

Leaf drop of lettuce, caused by the plant pathogenic fungi Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and S. minor. occurs every year in some lettuce fields in Arizona. When environmental conditions are favorable, disease incidence and resulting crop loss can be significant. During the 1990-1991 lettuce season in western Arizona, different fungicides and rates of materials were evaluated in the field for disease control. All tested materials increased yields compared to not using any fungicide for disease control.