IN THIS ISSUE: Fall 1996 Herbicide Trials in the L.R.G.V. of Texas What Influences Sweetness in Cantaloupe? Washing Pesticide contaminated Clothing |
FALL 1996 HERBICIDE TRIALS IN THE L.R.G.V. OF TEXAS: L. Brandenberger
During the fall of 1996 six different herbicide field trials were completed in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The trials included: Dual preemergent herbicide on bell pepper, celery, cabbage and onion; Cobra postemergent herbicide, Cobra plus Dual on bell pepper; Prism, Poast and Fusilade DX postemergent herbicides on onion. In the Dual trials, treatments were sprayed over the top of the established crop and were in addition to the normal herbicide program of the crop. Very few differences were observed between Dual treatments or the unsprayed check regarding efficacy in any of the trials. No significant differences were observed between treatments for phytotoxicity except in the celery trial, where the untreated check had significantly lower % damage (phytotoxicity). Celery appears to be sensitive to Dual and responds to this herbicide with yellowing and stunting of the crop. Treatments in the Cobra trial were applied as a shielded directed spray postemergent to the crop and weedy species. Significant differences in efficacy were observed between treatments for a majority of days that data was recorded. Percent control on both purslane and pigweed ranged from 27 to 94% control. Significant differences were observed between treatments for phytotoxicity on a majority of days. Overall, phytotoxicity ranged from a low of less than 1% for the untreated check to a high of 8% for the Cobra plus Dual treatment. Treatments in the Prism, Poast and Fusilade DX trial were sprayed over the top of the established crop at the 2-3 leaf stage of onion. Significant differences in efficacy were observed between treatments overall. Overall, Prism at the 16 oz/acre rate provided a higher percent control than either the untreated check or Prism at the 13 oz/acre rate. The predominant weed species in the trial was yellow nutsedge. No differences in phytotoxicity were observed between treatments in the Prism, Poast and Fusilade DX trial.
WHAT INFLUENCES SWEETNESS IN CANTALOUPE: James Motes from Horticulture Tips
(This article appeared in Horticulture...Tips, published by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University.)
High Sugars are promoted by temperatures above 80-85 degrees F. And full sun, good leaf condition (no disease) to increase photosynthesis, cool nights into the 70s but not below 60, selection of cultivars bred for high sugar, good fertilization and irrigation programs, and no excessive irrigation or rainfall during fruit maturation -- but also ono drought stress.
Cantaloupes should be harvested at one-half to full slip. 'Full slip' means the entire stem separates from the cantaloupe when picked. Melons are at the peak of flavor at full slip and can be harvested for local sales and home use. However, they will soften too rapidly for marketing off the farm, so off-the-farm marketing may require harvesting at one-half to three-quarters slip.
Cantaloupes are hand harvested, brushed free of soil, and graded for uniformity of size and appearance. For wholesale markets, 927 melons are packed in 40-pound crates or cardboard boxes -- hence size references to 12-count or 16- and 18-count melons. The 16- and 18-count melons (about 2.5 pounds each) are in greatest demand for supermarket sales. Some markets prefer 12-to 14-count melons. Roadside sales favor the 9- to 12-count melons (about 4.5 pounds each). There is little demand for 22-count or smaller.
Harvested melons should be kept shaded to prevent sun scald and rapid deterioration of quality, as the internal temperatures can escalate rapidly in the sun. Field heat should be removed by hydro-cooling, refrigerating, or icing. The sugar content of less than full-slip melons can increase slightly after harvest, but will never reach that of a full-slip melon. The aromatic flavors also are diminished in melons that are not full-slip.
WASHING PESTICIDE CONTAMINATED CLOTHING:
(From "TIPS on Washing Contaminated Clothing", Cotton Grower, June 1993)
When handling and applying ag chemicals, assume that your clothing has been contaminated with some of the chemical. Wash your clothing daily and keep these clothing items separate from "regular" clothing before and during washing.
If clothing is contaminated with liquid pesticide concentrate, do not try to clean the clothing for reuse. Washing will not safely remove the contaminate. Wear rubber gloves while handling and discard the clothing.
Clothing soiled with granules or wettable powders can be cleaned by washing.
Follow this procedure:
1. Remove all granules and powders from pockets, cuffs, etc., while outdoors.
2. Presoak pesticide contaminated clothing in a washing machine filled with hot water and heavy-duty liquid detergent. Spin out and drain contaminated water before beginning the regular wash cycle, again using hot water and heavy-duty liquid detergent.
3. Run a complete cycle using hot water and detergent to clean the washing machine before using it to wash other non-contaminated items.
4. Line dry the "ag chemical clothing" to avoid possible dryer contamination.
It may be a good idea to starch your clothing. Research by textile scientists at Cornell University has shown that starch traps pesticides and helps prevent their transfer to the skin. Starch-bound chemicals are then rinsed away in the wash.
Lynn Brandenberger/Editor
The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names are made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied.