Archives for June 2014

Tis the Season for Summer Stress

Optimum growth of cool season grasses occurs within the temperature range of 60 to 75°F. Yesterday, the New Brunswick weather station indicated that soil temperature at 2 inches exceeded 75°F for more than 12 hours and peaked at 82°F.

This doesn’t mean that grasses will soon be dead. But it is a signal to be watchful for summer stress problems.

Summer stress is often a combination of multiple stresses. Localized drought, ponding of water, diseases, insect pests, poor culture (mowing, fertilization, and irrigation) and other stresses combined with high temperature stress can challenge the health and persistence of cool season turfs from now through the end of summer. It is important to avoid situations that compound too many stress at the same time. [Read more…]

Cranberry Insect IPM During Bloom

We are in the middle of bloom. If insects have been effectively managed prior to bloom, we recommend no sprays at this time. A reminder: when bees are present your only choices of insecticides are the Insect Growth Regulators –IGR- (e.g. Confirm and Intrepid) or Bt products (e.g. DiPel). [Read more…]

Potato Disease Forecasting Report 6-17-14

Potato Disease Forecasting Report 6-17-14 – Click To Download

We will be tracking DSVs for Late blight development and calculating P-days for initiating the first early blight fungicide application

The first late blight fungicide application is recommended once 18 DSVs accumulate from green row. Green row typically occurs around the first week in May in southern New Jersey. An early season application of a protectant fungicide such as mancozeb (Dithane, Manzate, Penncozeb) or Bravo (chlorothalonil) as soon the field is accessible is suggested. Please be vigilant and keep a look out for suspect late blight infections on young plants. No late blight has been reported in our region to date.

Remember the threshold for P-days is 300!  Once 300 P-days is reached for your location early blight fungicide applications should be initiated. Growers who are interested in using this model should chose the location above that is closest in proximity to their farming operation and should regularly check the Cornell NEWA website (http://newa.cornell.edu/) where this information is compiled from. Click on Pests Forecasts from the menu, select your weather station, and click on tomato diseases, set accumulation start date and a table of daily and total DSVs will be generated.

Tomato Disease Forecasting Report 6-17-14

6-17-14 Tomato Report – Click to Download

Disease severity values (DSVs) for early blight, septoria leaf spot, and tomato anthracnose development are determined daily based on leaf wetness (due to rainfall, dew) and air temperature.

On a daily basis DSV values can range from 0 to 4 where 0 = no chance for disease development to 4 = high chance for disease development.
DSVs are accumulated during the production season.

Fungicide applications are based on an individually determined DSV threshold. The first fungicide application for the control of these three diseases is not warranted until 35 DSVs have accumulated from your transplanting date. After that, growers can base fungicide applications on different DSV thresholds.

Weekly Crop Update: Soybean, Winter Wheat, & Barley

  • Postemergence Management of Glyphosate-Resistant Horseweed in Soybeans
  • Palmer Amaranth Control in Soybeans
  • Harvest Aids for Small Grain

Postemergence Management of Glyphosate-Resistant Horseweed in Soybeans

Options for controlling horseweed (marestail) resistant to glyphosate after the soybeans have emerged are very limited. Liberty Link soybeans are an exception, because Liberty 280 is fairly effective on horseweed (be sure to keep your rates up and keep spray volume up to ensure good coverage).  [Read more…]

Basil Downy Mildew Confirmed in New Jersey 6-13-14

Basil downy mildew has been reported for the first time this season near Millville, NJ in potted Thai and Cinnamon basil plants being sold at big box stores, as well as in sweet basil located in grower field. All basil growers in New Jersey should scout their fields on a daily basis. [Read more…]