Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Providing handwashing opportunities for customers and those working on the farm is considered a best practice in reducing human pathogen risk. Handwashing stations can be portable and inexpensive. Click on the picture below for one example of an easy to make handwashing station:
COVID-19 has farmers questioning what they need to do to protect their customers, and businesses. The University of Vermont has published useful information for produce growers on best practices for surface sanitation and hygiene.
Considerations for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Related to Coronavirus & COVID-19
The EPA has an open comment period for neonicotinoid insecticides for proposed interim decisions until April 3, 2020, for five neonicotinoid insecticides: acetamiprid (ex. Assail); clothianidin (ex. Poncho); thiamethoxam (ex. Actara), imidacloprid (ex. Admire Pro); dinetofuran (ex.Venom). The primary reason for these proposed changes is for the protection of pollinators. Human health, non-target organisms, and environmental factors were also considered.
Detailed information regarding the proposed changes can be found at https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/proposed-interim-registration-review-decision-neonicotinoids
The original posting, including how to respond during the comment period, can be found on the Federal Register at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-02-03/pdf/2020-01995.pdf
For vegetables the proposed crop stage restrictions include:
Acetamiprid – no significant change in use on fruiting vegetables or cucurbits.
Clothianidin –
Cucurbits – not to be used in either foliar or soil applications from the onset of vining to harvest, or, after first true leaf after the cotyledon stage.
Thiamethoxam –
Cucurbits – not to be used in foliar applications from the onset of vining to harvest, or, after the first true leaf after the cotyledon stage
Fruiting Vegetables – restriction for both foliar and soil labels, to not apply after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. Additionally, for tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only, EPA is also proposing to not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.
Imidacloprid –
Cucurbits- prohibit the use of foliar and soil applications from vining to harvest or after the emergence of the first true (non-cotyledon) leaf.
Fruiting vegetables – prohibit the application of both foliar and soil applications after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. For tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only: Do not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.
Dinotefuran –
Fruiting vegetables – prohibit both foliar and soil applications after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. Additionally, for tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only, EPA is also proposing to not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.
What:
2020 South Jersey Nursery Meeting
When:
March 12, 2020 8:30 A.M – 4:00 P.M. (registration deadline is this Thursday, March 5th)
Cost:
$25 per person. Registration fee covers morning coffee/tea, donuts, and lunch.
Where:
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cumberland County
291 Morton Ave. Millville, NJ 08332
Phone: 856-451-2800 ext 1
Fax: 856-451-4206
Pesticide Credits: CORE (1); PP2 (5); 1A (5); 9 (1)
This year’s meeting will be an introduction of Tim Waller and Bill Errickson to the nursery industry here in South Jersey. The educational programming will include weed and pest updates, irrigation management, pesticide use /safety, and soil fertility presentations.
The deadline for registration is this Thursday, March 5th. Please register by mailing in the registration form in the attached tri-fold brochure or call Brandi or Katie (ext 1) for assistance. Due to the proximity of the meeting please call and let us know if you will be attending.
Tri-fold brochure (print out registration form): Trifold 2020 Nursery Meeting
Meeting flyer: Flyer 2020 Nursery Meeting
NJAES Event Calendar
