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OMAFRA: Horticulture crop conditions

Sugar beet growers have begun planting, with roughly 1300 acres in the ground so far, most fields prior to last week’s rain event. One ultra-early planted sugar beet field looks very good, as weather has worked in its favour so far.

Tomato acreage looks to be down marginally, and contracted price has decreased. Tomato growers and agronomists are concerned with the emergence of Phytophthora capsici, a disease that was widespread in tomatoes in 2023 with persistent rainfall. This disease also affects peppers and vine crops, so growers should be prepared for preventative control. It was noted that the horticultural pathologist vacancy at Ridgetown is a concern by industry and growers!