Keep Guard Up and Scout Fall Crops Regularly

By Andi Anderson

The growing season has taken a positive turn this year as timely August rainfall helped improve crop conditions across many farming areas. After several years of dry late summers, farmers welcomed the increased moisture, which reduced stress on crops and improved soil conditions. The rainfall also prevented soils from becoming extremely hard and difficult to manage.

Although temperatures frequently reached the 90s during August and humidity levels remained high, cooler conditions in the 80s during the final weeks of the month provided some relief. However, forecasts suggest that high temperatures may return as September begins, making continued crop monitoring important.

The combination of heat and abundant moisture has encouraged rapid growth in pumpkin fields. Pumpkin vines have expanded aggressively, covering large areas and, in some cases, making farm access difficult. Some growers have even had to remove vines to keep drive paths open. While vigorous plant growth is generally a positive sign, it can also create favorable conditions for certain pests and diseases.

So far, preventive fungicide programs have helped keep powdery mildew under control, and no significant reports of downy mildew have been observed. Regular monitoring remains important because weather conditions can change quickly and increase disease risks.

Insect pressure has been relatively low, with only limited sightings of squash bug eggs and squash vine borers. However, farmers are encouraged to continue scouting fields carefully. Early detection can help prevent serious crop damage and protect yields.

Growers should pay special attention to pumpkin plants that suddenly become yellow or wilted. If a plant shows these symptoms, inspect the base of the stem for a small hole about the size of a pencil eraser. This can indicate the presence of squash vine borers. When such a hole is found, carefully cutting the stem lengthwise may reveal small white larvae feeding inside the plant. Identifying infestations early can help growers take timely management actions and reduce losses.

With favorable growing conditions continuing in many areas, regular crop scouting, disease prevention, and pest management remain essential practices for maintaining healthy fall crops and ensuring a successful harvest season.

Photo Credit: gettyImages-digitalvision