Several small-plot field studies were conducted at the University of Arizona, Yuma Agricultural Center in the spring 2001 growing season to evaluate various neonicotinoids and azadirachtin products against lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri, in lettuce. Further, these products were compared as soil-applied treatments, foliar sprays and application through sub-surface irrigation. The results of these trials provide useful information for understanding how to effectively use the new chemistries available for aphid management in lettuce. First, Platinum performed best as a post-planting application through a side-dress application or through the drip. The foliar neonicotinoids, Assail and Actara were active against lettuce aphids, but were most effective when populations densities were lower. Comparatively, the conventional chemistries (MSR, Orthene/Provado, Provado/Endosulfan) provided consistent control when used aggressively. The azadirachtin products were significantly less effective against LA in head lettuce due largely to their inability to contact the insects, but on formulation (AzaDirect) showed better efficacy when applied through drip irrigation or sprayed repeatedly in romaine lettuce.

Arizona cotton experienced a severe crisis in 1995 stemming from resistance of whiteflies to synergized pyrethroid insecticides. The insect growth regulators (IGRs), Knack® (pyriproxyfen) and Applaud® (buprofezin), served a pivotal role in resolving this problem. Similarly, Admire® (imidacloprid), the first neonicotinoid insecticide to obtain registration in Arizona, has been the foundation of whitefly control in vegetables and melons. In this paper we provide an update regarding the susceptibility to key insecticides of whiteflies from Arizona cotton, melons, and greenhouses. Overall, whitefly control in Arizona cotton remained excellent in the 2000 season and there were no reported field failures. However, there was a significant decrease in susceptibility to Applaud of whiteflies collected from cotton. One collection from Eloy, Arizona, in 2000 had susceptibility to Applaud that was reduced 129-fold relative to a reference strain. Whiteflies resistant to Knack, detected for the first time in Arizona in 1999, were again detected in 2000 but at lower frequencies than in 1999. Though whiteflies resistant to Admire/Provado® continued to be found at specific locations, overall susceptibility to Admire/Provado in 2000 remained high in whitefly collections from cotton. The new neonicotinoid insecticides, thiamethoxam and acetamiprid, were similar in toxicity to Arizona whiteflies in laboratory bioassays and we confirmed the significant but relatively low-order cross-resistance we previously reported between these neonicotinoids and Admire/Provado. Arizona whiteflies continued to be relatively susceptible to mixtures of Danitol® (fenpropathrin) and Orthene® (acephate). Factors that could undermine the current success of whitefly resistance management in Arizona are discussed. These include: 1) more severe resistance to IGRs in whiteflies from cotton, stemming from increased IGR use within and outside of cotton; 2) resistance of vegetable, melon and greenhouse whiteflies to the various formulations of imidacloprid (Admire, Provado, Merit®, Marathon®); 3) the imminent registration of new neonicotinoid active ingredients in cotton, greenhouses and other Arizona crops.

A fungicide trial was established in a commercial style greenhouse at The University of Arizona Campus Agricultural Center in November 2000 to evaluate efficacy of several fungicides for control of powdery mildew on bell pepper. Treatments included five registered fungicides: Microthiol Special (micronized sulfur), Trilogy (neem extract), Flint (trifloxystrobin), Serenade (Bacillus subtilis QST713) and AQ10 (Ampelomyces quisqualis) applied as single treatments every 10-14 days to each of four replicates. In samples to determine the percentage of leaf area affected by powdery mildew lesions and the number of leaves infected within different treatments, Microthiol Special and Serenade were significantly different from non-treated controls, while Flint and AQ10 had fewer lesions and number of leaves infected but were not significantly different from the control. Although Trilogy was not different from the control, this treatment had more lesions and number of leaves infected than all treatments.

Based on the acreage, broccoli is the third largest vegetable crop in Yuma County, after head lettuce and romaine. It generates over 36 million dollars to Yuma's economy. Efforts are continuously made by growers, seed industry and the University of Arizona outreach program to produce better crops that respond to consumer’s choice. Selection of newly adapted varieties is made based on agronomic performance as well as commercial value. Stand uniformity disease resistance, vigor, head shape and head size are among characteristics that are evaluated. The objective of this demonstration trial is to evaluate the performance of newly developed varieties grown under standard cultural practices and to provide unbiased observations to growers and the seed industry. Fourteen varieties were tested on growers' fields in Yuma County. No incidence of disease was observed among varieties tested and the overall evaluation rating was greater than 4 indicating that most of varieties tested will grow well under similar growing conditions and planting date. Significant head diameter and plant height was observed among varieties evaluated.

Romaine lettuce plays an important role in Yuma’s economy. An estimated 10,000 acres are cropped to large number of varieties each year with planting season that spreads from September to March. The demonstration site was selected to compare new and existing varieties of romaine lettuce on growers’ fields using standard farming practices. Selected growth parameters were evaluated throughout the growing season. Results indicate that varieties tested at Barkley Farms in Yuma are expected to do well if grown under similar growing conditions and planting time. Varieties tested during this planting slot did not experience any incidence of diseases. There was no significant head size and head weight difference among varieties evaluated. Number of heads per bed and number of heads left after harvest were significantly different among varieties tested.

Significant onion height reduction was observed when Prowl (pendimethalin) and Prefar (bensulide) herbicide combinations were applied preemergence (PREE). The onions resumed growth but the height was still slightly reduced later in the growing season compared to the handweeded check and the standard herbicide treatment, Dacthal (DCPA). The onion crop stand emerged initially but later in the season, a significant crop stand reduction was observed for the higher rate of Prowl at 0.5 lb AI/A plus Prefar. A lower rate of Prowl at 0.25 lb AI/A plus Prefar also caused a reduction of the onion stand compared to the handweeded check or Dacthal.

All herbicide treatments, Prefar, Frontier, Dual Magnum, Valor, and Prefar combined with Dual Magnum or Frontier caused less than 10% injury on cantaloupes. Frontier at 0.75 lb AI/A, Dual Magnum at 1.0 lb AI/A, Valor at 0.03 and 0.05 lb AI/A controlled weeds similar to Prefar. Prefar at 4.0 lb AI/A combined with Frontier controlled tumble pigweed (94%), narrowleaf lambsquarters (95%), Wright’s groundcherry (97%), and horse purslane (94%). None of the preemergence herbicide treatments controlled purple nutsedge.

Carfentrazone at 0.0125 and 0.025 lb AI/A was safe on all three lettuce cultivars. No stand reduction was observed. Sulfentrazone confirmed the initial screening test rate range of 0.05 to 0.1 lb AI/A for demonstrating marginal lettuce safety. Flumetsulam and thifensulfuron showed greater selectivity only in head lettuce while severely injuring romaine and red leaf lettuce. Rimsulfuron caused considerable stand reduction of all three lettuce cultivars. Sulfentrazone, fluroxypyr, and thifensulfuron exhibited good tolerance on broccoli as no stunting or stand reduction was observed at maturity.

Kerb (Pronamide) is often ineffective when it is leached below germinating weed seeds with sprinkler irrigation. Efficacy can be improved by making delayed aerial applications after the sprinklers have been started and before weeds have become established. Tests were conducted to determine the optimal time of application. Optimal times varied with the season and ranged from two to three days after the sprinklers had started during the early season (Sept.) to five to six days during the late season (January).

In the 2001-2002 production season, Fusarium wilt was observed for the first time in six different lettuce fields in the Gila and Dome Valley production areas of Yuma County, Arizona. The disease was found in 11 additional sites during 2002-2003. Fusarium wilt presents a serious threat to the health of the lettuce industry in Arizona. The only effective means of controlling Fusarium wilt of lettuce at this time is to avoid infested fields. On the other hand, Fusarium wilt in other crops, such as tomatoes and melons, is controlled effectively by planting cultivars resistant to the pathogen. The relative resistance of lettuce cultivars grown in the Arizona desert production region is unknown; therefore, a cultivar evaluation trial was established in a field known to contain the wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lactucae. Tested cultivars were grouped into three different planting dates: Sep 7, Oct 17 and Dec 6, 2002. A majority of the cultivars within each planting date were those that would be planted in the desert at that time. Fusarium wilt was severe in the early planting of lettuce (Sep 7), moderate in the second planting (Oct 17) and very mild in the third planting (Dec 6). Disease severity was low in some lettuce cultivars in the second planting and most cultivars in the third planting. Among the types of lettuce tested, head lettuce was usually least resistant whereas romaine was most resistant. The data presented in this report are preliminary findings, subject to confirmation in another study planned for the next lettuce production season.