Pickles, Peaches and Pansies - LSU AgCenter...By now most of you have your plants growing in the...
Transcript of Pickles, Peaches and Pansies - LSU AgCenter...By now most of you have your plants growing in the...
By Rafash Brew LSU AgCenter Area Horticulture Specialist
The tomato is one of the most popular
vegetables grown in the home garden.
They require little space when staked and
tied, and are capable of producing five or
more pounds of usable fruit per plant. The
tomato fruit is relatively low in calories
and is a good source of vitamins C and A.
All tomatoes are acidic regardless of their
color. Those said to be low acid are really
normal or high in acidity but also are high
in sugars which impart a sweet taste that
masks the sharp acidity.
There are many pest problems associated
with growing tomatoes which perhaps, has
caused many of the calls to the Extension
office in recent days. For instance, Buck-
eye rot, Blossom-end Rot, Early Blight,
Leaf Spot, Fusarium Wilt, Tomato Spotted
Wilt Virus, Bacterial Canker along with
others have all been a challenge to the
home gardener. Even with these problems
the average home gardener can still grow
tomatoes with some success.
Dealing with Pest Problems
By now most of you have your plants
growing in the home garden or container
garden and looking for fruit set. One of
the most troublesome fruit problems is
Blossom-end rot. Blossom-end rot is
distinguished by a black round circle on
the blossom end of the fruit, however do
not panic. Blossom-end rot can easily be
corrected. It is caused by a calcium
deficiency and is aggravated by any kind of
drought stress or extreme fluctuation in soil
moisture and over fertilization, especially
with nitrogen. The calcium content can be
determined by a soil analysis. If calcium is
low, the soil should be limed.
Pickles, Peaches and Pansies Quarterly Newsletter May - June 2015
Rafash E. Brew Area Horticulture Specialist
Northeast Region
Union Parish Office 210 East Water Street Farmerville, LA 71241 318-368-9935 (office) 318-355-3038 (cell)
Ouachita Parish Office 704 Cypress Street Monroe, LA 71291
318-323-2251 (office) 318-355-3038 (cell)
Email: [email protected] www.lsuagcenter.com
Contributor:
Dr. Allen D. Owings Professor
LSU AgCenter Hammond Research
Station 985-543-4125
Another practice that will help to reduce
blossom-end rot is to try to keep the soil as
uniformly moist as possible. Do not let the
plants dry out before irrigating. Provide
good drainage to remove excess water after
a heavy rain, use mulch, and do not over
fertilize. There are materials sold in local
garden centers which can be sprayed onto
the plant and corrected by the time the
plant sets the next cluster of fruit.
As you await your first picking, you may
suddenly find much of the fruit rotting
after a period of heavy rainfall. Spores
which cause Buckeye Rot are splashed
from the soil onto the lower fruit cluster.
They then enter the fruit and may rot half
of it rapidly. The rot may form regions
with lighter and darker bands or rings in
the fruit just under the skin. Buckeye Rot
can be controlled only by spraying
immediately after periods of heavy rainfall.
A good mulch cover will help stop some
of the splashing of mud.
Early Blight is a fungus disease problem
that can affect both leaves and stems.
The symptoms of the disease are brown
spots on leaves or stems. These spots
average about one-half inch in diameter,
are irregular and may take on a concentric
ring or “bullseye” pattern. Preventive
fungicide sprays at regular intervals are
necessary to control early blight.
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
CURES FOR TOMATO PROBLEMS
Fusarium Wilt is the most common and
destructive soil-borne disease in
Louisiana. The disease is most severe
during warm weather and enters the
plant through the roots to develop inside
the stem. The plants show a progressive
yellowing and wilting starting at the
bottom. A week or two may past
between first symptoms and plant death.
If the stem is cut near the soil line, a
brownish discoloration can be seen in
the inner tissue of the plant. The best
control measure is to use disease
resistant plants. The presence of this
resistance is often designated on a seed
packet or plant label as “F” following
the variety name. Many varieties will
have resistance, but keep in mind that
resistance does not imply immunity.
Under stress conditions or in heavily
infested soils, these resistant varieties
may also develop disease. In severe
cases, soil sterilization or a new
planting site should be considered.
Southern Blight is another soil-borne
wilt. It develops in warm weather and
may quickly spread from plant to plant.
A cottony fungus growth at the soil line
may be observed with Southern Blight.
Later stages, the fungus may develop
mustard seed like ‘sclerotia’ on the stem
near the soil line. Soil applied fungicides
are recommended to control Southern
Blight.
Bacterial Wilt is a serious disease in the
southern United States. It is caused by a
soil-borne bacterium. It is similar to
Fusarium wilt in symptoms, except that
it kills the plant quickly. If bacterial wilt
is contracted, it will be necessary to
rotate the tomatoes to a new planting
site.
The Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, also
called curly top, can cause unusual
symptoms to develop in the plant. The
upper leaves and upper portion of the
plants may curl, twist and become very
stunted. The leaf veins often turn
purplish in color and the leaves turn
yellow. The virus is transmitted by
insects called thrips. These insects
should be controlled early with an
insecticide. Immediately after
diagnosing a plant as having Tomato
Spotted Wilt Virus, it should be
discarded and removed from the garden.
Do not be discouraged by the problems
mentioned above you can still grow
tremendous tomatoes. Consider planting
disease-resistant varieties of plants as
well as your favorite personal
preferences. For instance, Crista-Harris,
Amelia-Harris and Bella Rosa are
varieties of tomatoes that have resistance
to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus these
varieties also have an excellent flavor
as well. Also worth trying are Roma
tomato plants they are very tough and
seam to produce tomatoes without the
spraying of pesticides. A pesticide
program of insecticide and fungicide is
an excellent cultural practice to use as
well.
PEACHES
By Rafash Brew LSU AgCenter Area Horticulture
Specialist
CONSIDER MAYHAWS AS A CASH CROP OR LANDSCAPE TREE
Mayhaw jelly was declared the state
jelly by the Louisiana state legislators
in 2003. Mayhaw a member of the
hawthorn family is native to our region.
Many people for years harvested
mayhaws from the swamp bottoms
throughout northcentral and central
Louisiana for decades. Today many
farmers are producing mayhaws on
upland type soils with great success.
Most of the research; I must admit has
been done by the farmers themselves.
Traditionally, Mayhaws ripen during the
month of May, but with new varieties
produced by Mayhaw enthusiast they
have been able to extend the season up
to about two and a half months. For
many years ripened Mayhaws may come
2-3 times over a ten year period because
of the early flowering on the native
mayhaw the fruit was often destroyed by
late freeze.
New varieties flower later than most
late freezes and provide the farmer with
ripened fruit each year during their
regular ripening period and beyond.
Other work being done with mayhaw
is directed towards marketing by
developing other uses for mayhaws
such as concentrated fruit juices as well
as ice cream. Many people have the
ability to bake mayhaw cakes and you
talk about a fancy cake!
Locally, mayhaws can be grown in the
home or back yard orchard as well as
commercial farms. The labor involved
in mayhaws is about ½ that of peaches.
Individuals considering starting a
mayhaw orchard should begin with a
plan. For instance, consider the site, soil,
size, potential wildlife as a pest as well
as tools to work the orchard. The site
should be full sun, excellent soil
drainage and have space for tree growth.
Looking closer at the site selection good
air drainage as well as surface drainage
is essential. Internal soil drainage can be
tested by digging a hole 2.5 feet deep.
Fill the hole with water and check to see
if it drains within 24 hours. If the hole
drains within 24 hour the site has
excellent internal soil drainage.
Contrary to popular believe mayhaws
do not have to have wet feet however,
adequate moisture is essential for
maximum production.
Water requirements may vary from
season to season. Consider a water
source in your planning for irrigation
purposes because thorough watering is
needed to maintain healthy trees.
May - June 2015 Pickles, Peaches and Pansies
Soil Preparation
Begin soil preparation well ahead of
planting the orchard. The soil should be
thoroughly prepared by eliminating
weeds as well as fertilizing according to
soil test results. Mayhaws grow best at a
pH of approximately 5.5-6.5 and if soil
test results call for it lime should be
applied well ahead of planting on the
row. Rows should be 25 feet wide with a
gradual elevation with the center of the
row being the highest point just as it is
done within a well planned peach
orchard. Remember, early soil
preparation is essential because these
trees will be growing in this orchard for
a number of years.
Planting the Orchard
Select and order varieties early. Grafted
trees are more expensive however; if
you are willing to learn to graft young
seedlings this could save you some
money. January through February is the
best planting time. Bare root or potted
plants can be used for planting. Potted
plants can be planted any time of the
year but winter is the best time to plant
bare root plants.
When planting bare root plants; dig the
hole wide enough to spread the roots
without bending them. Avoid digging
the hole too deep to avoid sinking. Pot-
ted plants should be planted with the
graft union approximately 2 inches
above the soil line. Do not add fertilizer
to the planting hole.
Fertilization can begin one year after
planting and at that time small amounts
frequently rather than large amounts at
one time works best. Slow release
formulations are more expensive but are
safe and effective. Fertilizer spikes can
be effective as well. Remember always
fertilize according to soil test.
Varieties
Native mayhaws can be grown with
success however; if cedar trees are
present your mayhaw tree could be
susceptible to cedar apple rust. Growers
have worked to create varieties with
some resistance to cedar apple rust like
Maxine and Cajun. Spectacular is a
variety which could be grown by
someone just using the mayhaw as a
flowering ornamental landscape tree.
Spectacular needs a pollinator for best
fruit production.
Pruning
Training of the tree should begin the day
of planting. Think about the type of
pruning system to be used. It is best to
remove all branches below two feet.
As new growth emerges from young
plants select branches that have the
characteristics to give the tree an open
type center.
Practice Pest Control
A productive orchard practices weed
control as well as other cultural practices
creating an environment that has
excellent sanitation to prevent insect
and disease problems. Preventive
measures are a must. Practice removing
old fruit and old canes from the orchard.
When planning your orchard consider
potential wild life threats.
Well-developed mayhaw trees, in most
cases mature enough fruit for you and
the birds and the best thing I’ve seen yet
for deer is an eight feet wire fence.
POMEGRANATE A BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE FRUIT CROP
Many people throughout Louisiana at
some point in time may have been
Introduced to the pomegranate fruit.
Pomegranate fruit is that leathery
orange, thick-skinned spherical, several
celled berry, with seeds that are
surrounded by a fleshy pulp.
The pomegranate fruit grows on a
deciduous shrub in Louisiana that later
develops into a small very attractive tree
that tolerates extremes of heat and
alkaline soils, but thrives under a wide
range of conditions.
Pomegranate needs full sun for best
performance.
Pomegranate can be considered a low
maintenance fruit crop, needing little
pruning and generally free of most pests
and diseases.
Pomegranate was once a popular
ornamental and fruiting shrub in old
gardens of the south but seems not to
appear to be as popular as it once was
however; home gardens should give it a
try for its fruiting and/or ornamental
value. The pomegranate tree has an
upright, oval shape which lends itself to
screening purposes and is effective for
artificial night lighting. Dry landscapes
would benefit from the pomegranate tree
significantly.
The pomegranate has bright green
foliage which turns to a yellow color in
autumn. The new foliage gives a
beautiful copper color.
The flowers borne terminally on new
wood in clusters of 1-5 from spring
through summer, and even into late
autumn in warmer areas are very showy,
orange-red, yellow or white, bell shaped,
each two to two-and-a-half inches
across. The heavy ruffled carnation like
shape attracts hummingbirds and is
highly effective in artificial night light.
There are single and double flowering
cultivars. The double flowering cultivars
do not produce fruit and or used for
ornamental purposes.
May - June 2015 Pickles, Peaches and Pansies
Young pomegranate trees can begin to
bear fruit as soon as the second year
after planting however; it usually takes
3-4 years to fruit. It normally takes 5-7
months for fruits to mature after
pollination. Younger trees less than 5
years old can show signs of severe fruit
drop which may be caused by over-
watering or over-fertilization. Mature
trees do not seem to suffer from fruit
drop.
Fruit ripens in Louisiana normally in
late September through October. They
can be harvested once the fruit has a full
red color. The fruit should not be picked
until fully ripe as they will not ripen
properly afterwards. Be careful when we
start to get rain fall during the autumn of
the year in Louisiana; because if left to
long on the tree, the fruit start to split
from too much water.
Since flowers are borne on new wood;
fruits formed later in summer normally
do not fully mature before cold weather
begins.
Pomegranate fruits have a long shelf life
if they are kept cool; they can be stored
for up to 7 months. The fruits can
improve by becoming juicier and
developing greater flavor during storage.
Home gardeners looking to try this low
maintenance fruit crop for fruit
production should try the fruiting
cultivars wonderful, sweet or fleshman.
Wonderful is a popular fruiting cultivar
commonly found in nurseries throughout
Louisiana. Alba Plena is a cultivar
normally grown for its non-fruiting
double white flowers and Albescens
also has white flowers. Nana and Chico
are dwarf cultivars which can be grown
in pots.
Pomegranates are self-fruitful and only
need one tree to produce fruits however;
more than one tree can enhance cross
pollination and improve fruit quality and
quantity.
Zahara White is one of the colors in
this newer group of landscape type
zinnias. (Photo by Allen Owings)
PANSIES
ZINNIAS PRODUCE GREAT COLOR ALL SUMMER LONG
By Allen Owings LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
Hammond, Louisiana
Home gardeners have long enjoyed
zinnias, one of our most popular warm-
season bedding plants. New zinnia
varieties have been introduced regularly
over the past few years. Extended bloom
and fewer disease problems are some of
the primary criteria in developing new
zinnia varieties.
Profusion Double Fire zinnias offer
great blooms through the summer
months. (Photo by Allen Owings)
Some of the newer zinnias include the
Profusion and the Zahara varieties.
These landscape-type zinnias resulted
from hybridization between the old
cut-flower-type zinnias and the Mexican
or narrowleaf zinnias.
Flowers and foliage are smaller than the
old cut-flower-type zinnias but larger
than the narrowleaf zinnias. Plants reach
heights of 14-18 inches and will bloom
from planting date until first killing
frost. They are also a great improvement
over the Dreamland and Peter Pan
zinnias, which have traditionally been
the primary varieties used in residential
and commercial landscapes.
Profusion zinnias are available in many
colors, including orange, white, yellow,
cherry, coral pink, apricot, deep apricot
and fire in both single and double flower
forms.
You can buy Profusion zinnias as a
three-, five- or seven-color mix and also
in a mix called Sunrise. The Profusion
Orange, Profusion Cherry and Profusion
White varieties are all All-America
Selections winners.
Zahara zinnias have been out a few
years less than the Profusions. The
Zaharas have flower colors including
fire, cherry, red, yellow, white, coral
rose, starlight rose, raspberry and
scarlet. You can also plant a formula
mix of all these colors, a Bonfire mix of
bright colors and a Raspberry Lemonade
blend. The Zahara zinnias come with
single and double flowers, too.
Zinnias can be planted throughout the
warm season in Louisiana. Typically,
you should plant in April or early May.
Some years, a spring planting looks
good into fall, and some years a spring
planting only looks good until mid- or
late summer. A mid-to-late-summer
planting works just as well as spring
plantings and leads to a great flower
display in September and October.
Zinnias flower abundantly in fall.
Plant zinnias in full sun. Most zinnias
prefer to have old flowers removed to
encourage continual bloom, but
Profusion and Zahara zinnias stay in
flower much better and longer than other
varieties. Deadheading is not needed.
Powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases
caused by fungi and bacteria are
sometimes a problem on zinnias, but
they don’t occur on the Profusion series.
Zinnias perform best in drier years.
Also, it is important to note that a well-
drained bed is preferred. Irrigation isn’t
needed very often, but avoid overhead
irrigation if you do water these plants.
In general, zinnias are remarkably
drought-tolerant.
You can see more about work being
done in landscape horticulture by
visiting the LSU AgCenter Hammond
Research Station website. Also, like us
on Facebook.
You can find an abundance of landscape
information for both home gardeners
and industry professionals at both sites.
May - June 2015 Pickles, Peaches and Pansies