In the last two editions of this UA Vegetable IPM Newsletter, I have presented a melon (Cucumis melo ‘reticulatus’ L.) crop phenology model (Figure 1; Silvertooth, 2026) based on heat unit accumulations (86/55 ºF thresholds). This model can be used for predicting and tracking crop development and identifying important stages of crop growth and development (crop phenology).
I have utilized data from AZMET for three locations in the Yuma area as examples for this season. The HU accumulations from 1 January 2026 for a set of four possible 2026 planting dates are listed in Table 1. The HU accumulations from 1 January 2026 to 10 May 2026 for these sites are listed in Table 2.
The HU accumulations after planting (HUAP) for these four possible planting dates for three Yuma area locations to 10 May 2026 are shown in Table 3. The HUAP values in Table 3 are simply the difference between the values in Tables 1 and 2.
An example for the Yuma Valley 15 January 2026 planting date is: 1793 - 95 HU = 1698 HUAP for this case.
The information in Table 3 can help serve as a reference to check for melon crop development in the field against this phenological model in Figure 1. With this information we check actual field condition, evaluate crop status, and make some projections on crop development and management.
An important point of reference with the use of this or any similar model is the degree of variability in the normal plant growth and development patterns. Based on a 95% confidence interval, the standard deviations for each benchmark stage of growth associated with the model in Figure 1 are listed in Table 4. Commonly, we use a general rule of thumb in using this model in the field considering natural variation of approximately 100-150 HU, broadening from early in the season to later stages of development. That can commonly equate to 7-10 days later in the season.
Crop development can be delayed or accelerated based on several factors, some of which are listed in Table 5. A constructive aspect of using a model like this is considering the driving forces in crop development and how they interact.
Reference:
Silvertooth, J.C. 2026. 2026 Melon (Cantaloupe) Crop Growth and Development. University of Arizona Vegetable IPM Newsletter, Volume 17, No.9, 24 April 2026.
Table 2. Heat unit accumulations (86/55 ºF thresholds) after 1 January 2026 to 26 April
2026 utilizing Arizona Meteorological Network (AZMET) data for each representative
site.
HT = Heat Unit Total Accumulation.
Table 2. Heat unit accumulations (86/55 ºF thresholds) after 1 January 2026 to 26 April
2026 utilizing Arizona Meteorological Network (AZMET) data for each representative
site.
HT = Heat Unit Total Accumulation.
Table 3. Heat unit accumulations (86/55 ºF thresholds) after planting (HUAP) from four
possible 2025 planting dates and three sites in the Yuma area on 26 April 2026 utilizing
Arizona Meteorological Network (AZMET) data for each representative site. Each value
is rounded to the next whole number. Note: the values in Table 3 are determined by
taking the difference between the HUs for each representative site and four planting
dates in Tables 1 and 2.
Table 4. Standard deviations for the phenological model in Figure 1 based on heat unit
accumulations (86/55 ºF thresholds) after planting (HUAP) based on 95% confidence
intervals.
Table 5. Factors that can delay or stimulate crop phenology.
Figure 1. Melon (cantaloupe) phenological development model expressed in Heat Units
Accumulated After Planting (HUAP, 86/55 oF).
We have recently seen an increase in celery samples coming into the clinic presenting with symptoms including elongated necrotic pitting with significant horizontal cracking on the inner stalks and sometimes total breakdown of the young tissues (petiole and leaf) within the heart. In these same samples, the outer stalks and leaves appear healthy and unaffected.
At first glance, these symptoms resemble several known issues in celery, including black heart caused by calcium deficiency, black streak caused by boron deficiency, cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), and lygus feeding injury. Field observations have consistently shown low-to-absent lygus populations despite widespread incidence of severely affected celery, making insect damage an unlikely primary cause. CMV can also cause sunken, buff-colored lesions on the stalks but typically presents with additional foliar symptoms including leaf cupping and discoloration. Also, CMV doesn’t discriminate between young and old tissues, and despite testing every sample the YPHC has received thus far we have failed to detect the presence of the virus in any of the samples.
Furthermore, I have had the chance to walk two severely affected fields in-person, from which I found two consistent observations. First, these symptoms are observed uniformly throughout large sections or the entirety of the field, a distribution pattern which is atypical of a sudden outbreak of a biotic pathogen or insect pest. Second, hosts from different plantings showed uniform severity, which indicates the issue arose at the same time across celery in the area. These two observations suggest that an abiotic culprit rather than a biotic pest is to blame for this sudden eruption of host symptoms.
So with lygus and CMV being unlikely causes and consistently negative cultures for any other bacterial or fungal causes, the last two options that fit the symptoms of these samples are both abiotic in nature. Black heart is a physiological disorder most frequently associated with calcium deficiency. The internal hearts of celery with black heart experience significant breakdown of all tissues due to insufficient calcium transport, similar to what can be observed on tomatoes with blossom end rot. Black streak, similarly, is also a physiological disorder, however, it is most often associated with boron deficiency. Black streak typically presents as elongated, sunken lesions along petioles and stems with significant crosswise cracking along the petioles. However, development of brown areas and die back in black streak cases has also been reported.
Figure 1. Early blackheart symptoms
Figure 2. Late blackheart symptoms + secondary colonization
Figure 3. Black streak of celery
Both disorders can arise from inadequate fertilization of either calcium or boron or when rapid growth outpaces the plant’s ability to uptake enough of these nutrients from the soil. Both conditions have been linked to several causal environmental factors, but they commonly develop into severe losses when celery is grown in elevated temperatures above 90°F.
With black streak, greenhouse studies demonstrated that susceptibility was not uniform over time and that the highest susceptibility in celery is observed during the rapid growth phase, about 4-7 weeks after transplanting (Ngouajio 2012). During this period of rapid growth and development boron demand may not be met when the growth of aboveground tissue is further stimulated by hot weather.
When celery is affected by blackheart, it often develops the most severe symptoms as plants approach maturity. This disorder is more frequently associated with rapid fluctuations in soil moisture from drought to flood conditions, excessive fertilization or soil fertility levels of nitrogen and potassium, and high soil salinity.
Of the cases submitted to the YPHC so far, both have been occurring at roughly equal frequencies.
Sources and further reading:
Ngouajio, M.. “Hot weather requires careful management of celery to avoid black streak disorder”. Michigan State University Extension. 2010. URL: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/hot_weather_requires_careful_management_of_celery_to_avoid_black_streak_dis
Guan, W.. “Picture of the week: Blackheart of celery”. Purdue University Extension Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab. 2022. URL: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/btny/ppdl/potw-deptfolder/2022/blackheart-of-celery.html
If you have any concerns regarding the health of your plants/crops please consider submitting samples to the Yuma Plant Health Clinic for diagnostic service or booking a field visit with me:
Christopher Detranaltes, Ph.D. Cooperative Extension – Yuma County Email: cdetranaltes@arizona.edu
Cell: 602-689-7328
6425 W 8th St Yuma, Arizona 85364 – Room 109
For those interested in in-row weed control, checkout the quality video below (Fig. 1) on how finger weeders (Fig. 2) are being used on a 3,600 acre organic cotton farm in Texas. The grower states that finger weeders help him achieve 95-97% weed control and are a highly cost-effective tool for lowering hand weeding costs.
Fig. 1. Carl Pepper discusses how finger weeders are used to control in-row weeds on
his 3,600 acre organic cotton farm. Click here or on image to view. (Photo credit: Tilmor
LLC, Dalton, OH)
Fig. 2. Finger weeders, an in-row weeding tool, operating in seedling cotton. Finger
weeder pairs are centered on the seed row and overlapped slightly to loosen soil in the
row and uproot small weeds.
As we wrapped up our chemigation trial, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the participating partners and to every grower, PCA, and representative who took time from a busy schedule to visit and observe the trial.
With spring well underway across the Yuma valley, weed proliferation is accelerating rapidly. Both in winter vegetable crops approaching harvest and in newly planted, emerging warm-season crops. Proactive and effective weed management remains essential for crop protection, harvest efficiency, and long-term field productivity within this desert production system.
The Yuma Integrated Weed Management Program supports growers and pest control advisors by providing locally relevant, research-based guidance to address current and emerging weed challenges.
Crops We Typically Support
Our program works closely with the Yuma production system to address weed management challenges in:
Common Weed Challenges This Time of Year
During April in Yuma Valley, we typically observe:
Timely management decisions made now can significantly reduce weed pressure throughout the season and help prevent seed accumulation for future crops.
How the Yuma Weed Management Program Help
We provide direct, practical support to growers and pest control advisors, including:
Our focus is on solving the real-world, field-level weed problems that are unique to the Yuma region.
Get in Touch — We Are Here to Help
If you are experiencing weed problems in your fields, have concerns regarding herbicide efficacy or crop response, or need assistance planning current or future weed management programs, we encourage you to reach out.
Growers — Contact us for weed identification, control options, and management strategies tailored to the current season and your specific crops.
PCAs — We welcome collaboration and field observations. Working together allows us to address weed challenges more effectively across the entire Yuma production system.
Early communication leads to better outcomes. The Yuma Weed Management Program, operating within the broader Integrated Pest Management framework, is available throughout the season to help you manage weeds effectively and sustainably.Background
The University of Arizona Specialty Crops IPM program supports the agricultural community by delivering research-based solutions for insect pest management, with a strong emphasis on desert production systems in Yuma and surrounding regions. The program addresses key challenges, including insecticide efficacy, resistance management, biological control, and the development of practical, economically viable IPM strategies through applied research and targeted Extension and outreach efforts. The program integrates research and Extension to improve insect pest management by developing and facilitating the adoption of farm-ready tools and promoting sustainable production systems that reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
I need your help!
I am conducting this survey to gather honest, anonymous feedback on my program focus, activities, and accomplishments so far. Your input will help me to improve the program and serve you more effectively. All responses are anonymous and will remain confidential. I greatly appreciate your honest responses to help me improve my work. Please click on the link below to take the survey.
Survey link: https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SWCV_5nz4KTx9reNsavY
Thank you for your time and support!Reference evapotranspiration, or ETo, is a daily measure of atmospheric water Reference evapotranspiration, or ETo, is a daily measure of atmospheric water demand from a well-watered reference surface. For growers in Yuma Valley, where almost every drop of water a crop receives comes from irrigation, ETo is one of the most useful numbers available for deciding when and how much to irrigate.
How ETo changes over the year
The graph shows daily ETo at the AZMET Yuma Valley station from May 2023 through early 2026 (Figure 1). The pattern repeats each year: ETo is low in winter, climbs through spring, peaks during the hot summer period, and declines again in fall. From June through August, daily ETo often rises into the 0.30 to 0.40 inch per day range, with some peak days approaching 0.44 inch per day. During December through February, daily ETo often falls below 0.10 inch per day. This seasonal swing is much more important for irrigation management than the weak downward trendline.
That is a four- to five-fold difference in daily crop water demand between the peak of summer and the depth of winter. A grower irrigating a full-canopy crop in July is managing a very different situation than the same grower irrigating in January, even if the field looks similar.
Figure 1. Daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo) at the AZMET Yuma Valley station
from May 2023 through early 2026.
What high and low ETo numbers actually mean
Four weather factors drive ETo up or down: solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. When all four push in the same direction, bright sun, high heat, dry air, and strong wind- ETo climbs quickly and crop water demand rises with it. When conditions are mild and humid, ETo stays low, and irrigation needs ease off. The table below gives a practical guide to what different ETo ranges mean for a Yuma Valley grower and how to respond:
These ranges are general guides. The actual water use of any specific crop also depends on its growth stage and canopy cover, which is captured by the crop coefficient (Kc). A young transplant with little canopy uses far less water than a mature plant at full cover, even when ETo is the same.
Turning ETo into an irrigation target
Multiply daily ETo by the crop coefficient (Kc) for your crop and growth stage to get estimated crop water use:
Crop ET = ETo × Kc
For example, if ETo is 0.30 inches per day and your crop is at a growth stage with a Kc of 0.80, the crop is using about 0.24 inches of water that day. At a peak summer ETo of 0.40 inches per day with the same Kc, water use climbs to 0.32 inches per day. That difference adds up quickly across a field over a week. Staying current with daily ETo during high-demand periods matters more than it does in the cooler months, when ETo is low and there is more time to respond.
What this means for irrigation management
During warm, sunny, dry, and windy periods, particularly from April through September, check ETo daily and adjust irrigation accordingly. During cooler months, ETo is low enough that there is more flexibility, but it still varies with weather and should not be ignored entirely.
Current daily ETo for Yuma Valley is available from the AZMET network at ag.arizona.edu/azmet. Use the daily ETo value along with your crop’s Kc to estimate how much water to apply. Combining that number with soil moisture information and knowledge of your irrigation system’s output will give you the most reliable basis for scheduling. During peak summer demand, staying close to that daily target is one of the most effective things a grower can do to protect yield and avoid water stress.
VegIPM Update Vol. 17, Num. 8
April 15, 2026
Results of pheromone and sticky trap catches below!!
Corn earworm: CEW numbers remained steady at most locations over the last two weeks, high numbers continue to be seen at Welton and Tacna areas. CEW is active throughout the summer and high numbers are expected leading into the next produce season.
Beet armyworm: BAW activity remained steady over the last two weeks. Historically adult BAW is collected through the summer, although numbers are lower compared to Mar-Apr seasonal highs.
Cabbage looper: Cabbage looper moth activity continued to decrease over the last two weeks. Numbers are expected to continue decreasing as temperature gets warmer.
Diamondback moth: Adult DBM numbers decreased across most locations. Based on other years data, DBM numbers are expected to continue decreasing as cole crops acres decrease.
Whitefly: Adult remains steady across all locations, about average for this time of year. Expect numbers to continue increasing as temperatures warm up.
Thrips: Thrips activity remains steady across locations. Historically, WFT numbers peak in May.
Aphids: Winged aphid numbers continued to decrease at most sites in the last two weeks. Winged aphids disappear from our traps after April as temperatures become too hot for aphids.
Leafminers: Adult leafminer activity decreased over the last collection. Leafminers are collected in our traps throughout the summer.
