Archives for March 2013

Blueberry Open House March 14, 2013

Commercial Growers are invited to the Blueberry Open House held this year at Kerri Brooke Caterers, 755 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ.

The program, which includes Spotted Wing Drosophila management issues, begins at 9am on March 14.

[Read more…]

Peach Leaf Curl Epidemiology: Abiotic Factors

Earlier this month we discussed peach leaf curl biology and control. In this issue we’ll explore how the abiotic environment influences infection by the leaf curl fungal pathogen, Taphrina deformans. [Read more…]

Pear Psylla Oviposition Starts

An examination of a pear orchard in Gloucester  County yesterday revealed that psylla have started laying eggs. Early season control should start as soon as the weather allows for oil applications. Alternatively, Surround can be applied regardless of temperature.

Updated Weed Management Guides for Field Crops

From Weekly Crop Update
Mark VanGessel, Extension Weed Specialist; mjv@udel.edu

Updated weed management guides are available online at http://extension.udel.edu/ag/weed-science/
The Guides for “Corn Weed Management”, “Soybean Weed Management”, and” Pasture and Hay Weed Management Guide” as well as other bulletins are available.

Notes on Small Grain Weed Control

From Weekly Crop Update
Mark VanGessel, Extension Weed Specialist; mjv@udel.edu

Some fields were sprayed last spring with Osprey for control of annual ryegrass and there was no control. At least one of these fields was confirmed as having ALS-resistant annual ryegrass. If Osprey or PowerFlex (another ALS-herbicide or Group 2 herbicide), were used for annual ryegrass but did not control them, Axial XL is the only option for ryegrass control this spring.

More fields with ALS-resistant common chickweed (resistant to Finesse, Harmony Extra, Osprey, and PowerFlex) are showing up in Delaware. Spring application of Starane Ultra is the best option to suppress/control the resistant chickweed. [Read more…]

Q & A Teleconferences on FSMA

The Produce Safety Alliance, in collaboration with the FDA, will be hosting a series of Q & A teleconferences to discuss specific sections of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Proposed Produce Safety Rule. See the attachment for teleconference dates and times on the following topics:

  • Understanding Exemptions
  • Agricultural Water
  • Soil Amendments
  • Domestic and Wild Animals
  • Growing, Harvesting, Packing & Holding Activities
  • Equipment, Tools, Buildings, & Sanitation
  • Health, Hygiene, and Worker Training
  • Recordkeeping, Compliance, & Enforcement

Remember comments or questions regarding issues the FDA should clarify or address in the final rule or in companion guidance document must be submitted before May 16, 2013. See attachment for submission delivery options.