Archives for October 2015

October 28, 2015

European Hornet: The Mysterious Branch Girdler

During the later weeks of summer & early weeks of fall the mysterious removal of bark sections typically found on branches of Birch, Rhododendron, and Lilac can sometimes be observed. These girdled or stripped bark sections are probably being done by European Hornets. These vespids have been reported to potentially have a worse temperament than timber rattle snakes.

River Birch Branch Girdled by European Hornets; Photo by SKRettke of RCE

River Birch branch girdled by European Hornets.
Photo by SK Rettke of RCE

European Hornet actively foraging on bark & sap of Birch branch; SKRettke of RCE

European Hornet actively foraging on bark & sap of Birch branch. Photo by SK Rettke of RCE


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Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf
October 15, 2015

Food Safety Modernization Act Update:
Farm Definition & Exemptions

FDA FSMAThe Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food final rule was published in the Federal Registry September 17, 2015. This is the first of two which may directly impact fruit and vegetable growers. To review the complete rule go to https://federalregister.gov/2015-21920.

This rule updates good manufacturing practices related to processing and clarifies the farm definition and exemptions. Under the original proposed rule there were several activities on farms in our region that would have had to comply with this rule. However, with the revised definition most activities are exempt or fall under the Produce Rule which will be published at the end of October.

Under the final definition there are two ways to be considered as a farm: as a “Primary Production Farm” or as a “Secondary Activities Farm.”
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Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Food Safety, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape
October 7, 2015

Veg IPM Update: Week Ending 10/7/15

Note: This is the last comprehensive IPM Update for the 2015 season. The trap networks are now being shut down. Limited scouting on late season crops will continue as conditions warrant. Should significant pest issues arise on these crops, information relevant to the pest and crop will be posted.

Sweet Corn

European corn borer (ECB) adults remain almost nonexistent. No map image will be produced. There should be little, if any, remaining impact from ECB this season.

Corn earworm moth (CEW) activity declined significantly over the previous week, with low temperatures prevailing (see CEW Map). At current levels, sweet corn is at reduced threat from CEW infestation.

The highest nightly CEW blacklight trap catches for the previous week are as follows:
Crosswicks  2 Georgetown  1 Sergeantsville  1
Califon  1 New Egypt  1 Tabernacle  1
Chester  1 Newton  1
Dayton  1 Pedricktown  1
cew10072015

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The blue areas in the blacklight map indicate a 4-day schedule, with clear areas indicating anything from a 5 to 7 day schedule. In general, 5-day schedules are suggested throughout southern NJ at this time.
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Filed Under: Vegetable Crops
October 1, 2015

Alert: Disaster Preparedness for Production Agriculture

Governor Chris Christie today declared a state of emergency throughout the state as a result of severe weather conditions expected in the coming days. The National Weather Service is forecasting a dangerous nor’easter weather pattern impacting New Jersey beginning on October 1, 2015, including high winds, very heavy rain, inland river flooding, as well as major coastal flooding with heavy surf and beach erosion. The National Hurricane Center currently has forecasted the track for the impending weather event Joaquin, now a major hurricane, showing it moving northward off the mid-Atlantic coast late on or about October 4, 2015, which may cause significant flooding, dangerous storm surges between eight and ten feet, substantial wind damage, and stream and river flooding threatening homes and other structures, and endangering lives in the State.

Office of the Governor

ReadyAG Can Help Plan and Prepare

ReadyAG Workbook
ReadyAGJust as we’ve finished National Preparedness Month, Governor Christie has declared a state of emergency. In case Hurricane Joaquin takes a turn toward the Jersey Shore this weekend, there are many resources and tools to help get your families and homes prepared. Make sure your farm business is ready too.
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Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape