Rutgers University | New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station | Pesticide User Responsibility

Archives for June 2020

June 17, 2020

IPM Update 6/17/20

Sweet Corn

European corn borer (ECB) moth catches increased somewhat over the past week although higher numbers were recorded in a relatively low number of locations.  At this time, activity is highest in Gloucester and central  Morris counties (see ECB map at left).  Catches remain widely dispersed.   Larval infestations into the 30+% range were detected as far north as Morris County this past week.  As moth catches begin to fall, larval development and damage increase.  We expect that these infestation rates will continue to climb for the next 1-2 weeks in many parts of the state.

 

Look for the characteristic “shot-hole” type of feeding (photo below at right) and consider treating when infested plants exceed 12% in a 50 plant sample.  As plantings proceed to the pre-tassel stage, ECB larvae may be found in emerging tassels (see photo at left).  It is a good idea to treat individual plantings as they move into the full tassel/first silk stage one time.  This eliminates any ECB larvae that have emerged with the tassels as they begin to move down the stalk to re-enter near developing ears.

Useful insecticides for this particular application include synthetic pyrethroids (IRAC Grp 3), spinosyns (including OMRI approved Entrust) IRAC Grp 5), and diamides such as Coragen (IRAC Grp 28) or materials such as Besiege which include the active ingredient in Coragen.  Synthetic pyrethroids alone should NOT be used for corn earworm (CEW) protection on silking corn.  Control with these materials is very inconsistent.

The highest nightly trap catches of ECB for the week ending 6/17/20 are as follows:

Eldora   2 Crosswicks   1 Medford   1
Allentown  1 Denville   1 New Egypt   1
Blairstown   1 Downer   1 Springdale   1
Cinnaminson   1 Elm   1 Tabernacle   1

 

Increased catches of corn earworm (CEW) moths were recorded this past week.   As early plantings proceed to full tassel and on to silk, they will need protection from this pest.  Blacklight catches (see map at left) were scattered, but higher in locations than the previous week.

The highest nightly trap catches of CEW in black light traps for the week ending 6/17/20 are as follows:

Matawan   3 Clinton   1 Hackettstown   1
Asbury   1 Downer   1 Hillsborough   1
Bellemeade   1 Eldora   1 New Egypt   1
Cinnaminson   1 Green Creek   1 Springdale   1

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Organic Production, Vegetable Crops
June 17, 2020

Small Business Administration Continues to Accept New EIDL Applications on June 15th

In continued response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners – including agricultural businesses, in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. Recipients do not have to be approved for a loan in order to receive the advance, but the amount of the loan advance will be deducted from total loan eligibility. SBA will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications starting on June 15 to qualified small businesses and U.S. agricultural businesses.

Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will process these applications without the need for re-applying.
Eligible small businesses and agricultural businesses may apply for the Loan Advance here.

For more information see the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) website.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates Tagged With: ,
June 17, 2020

Nursery update; focus on warm season spider mites

This advisory provides; (1) warm season spider mite biology and control options, (2) current growing degree-day information, and (3) a boxwood blight risk update.

Note: Previous spider mite advisories

Steve Rettke, Rutgers IPM, wrote two very good advisory posts pertaining to the different seasonal mites, in addition to symptomology and images of the different mites. He is a wealth of information and has contributed photos and will be assisting in future fact-sheets pertaining to common pests and their control. In light of these advisory posts (below) this current advisory will only cover the basics as it applies to pest control. Contact: rettke@njaes.rutgers.edu

Please review his very informative advisories:

Cool season mites: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/cool-season-mites-wax-as-the-warm-season-mites-wane/

Warm season mites: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/cool-season-mites-have-faded-but-warm-season-mites-now-surge/

Spider mite damaged tree

Cool season: Spruce spider mite damage on an Aberta Dwarf Spruce. Photo: Steven Rettke, RCE.

Plant covered in webs

Warm season: Two spotted spider mite webbing and damage. Photo: Steven Rettke, RCE.

(2) Basic spider mite biology and control options

Cool season mites: The mites affecting horticulture crop production can be broken into two functional groups; cool season and warm season. Cool season mites feed and lay eggs, as the name suggests, in cooler times of the year (late winter-early spring and then again fall-early winter depending on the year). The two most common cool season mites are the Spruce and Southern red spider mites that feed on conifers and broadleaf evergreens, respectively. In many cases the damages caused by these mites are not noticed until well into the growing season. Meaning that if damages are observed mid-season you would be better off waiting until the fall to control cool season mites, i.e. targeting late season egg hatches and developing mites.

Warm season mites: As the season progresses towards summer, the warm season mites including Two-spotted, Maple, Oak, Honey locust, European, and other host specific spider mites become active (typically June – September). The Two-spotted spider mite is known as a “cosmopolitan” pest because of its ability to colonize, and damage, a wide variety of horticulture crops (but are rarely observed on conifers). Sentinel plants would include rose, euonymus, and forsythia, as they are favorites of these mites. In contrast to the cool season mites, warm season mite damages are often visible while the pest is actively feeding and multiplying, as up to 10-15 generations per growing season can impact your crop. Warm season mites evade suffocation by dormant oil sprays and other miticide applications by leaving their feeding locations on plants once temperatures begin to drop, and overwinter in the soil horizon or leaf litter under the host plant. As warm season mites are preparing to go into dormancy they begin to change their color to an orange hue, meaning they are not feeding as readily and will not be as affected by miticides because of this.

Two spotted spider mites

Multiple life stages of Two spotted spider mites. Photo: Steven Rettke, RCE.

Two spotted spider mites

Two spotted spider mite females going into dormancy (orange coloration). Photo: Steven Rettke, RCE.

Conditions favoring spider mites: Full sun and dry, dusty conditions are often associated with increasing mite populations as low relative humidity often stimulates mite reproduction. Additionally, during periods of rain (and resulting leaf wetness-periods), certain fungi are able to attack and reduce mite populations (called entomopathogenic fungi). Meaning in frequently wet seasons mite numbers, damage, and miticide applications should be lowered due to increased fungal activity. However, this situation can certainly lead to increased plant pathogenic fungi activity as well, therefor a balance between the two is most desirable. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer has also been linked to explosive mite populations; therefor a well-planned nutritional regiment should be strictly followed.

IPM is important when suppressing spider mite populations!

Beneficials: In addition to entomopathogenic fungi (like Beauveria bassiana), numerous beneficial organisms can also manage mite populations including predacious mites (Phytoseiidae family), spider mite destroyer (Stethorus punctillim), ladybug larvae, midge larvae (Feltiella acarisuga), and minute pirate bugs. Given this complex, and many times free, natural defense system, applications of certain insecticides can actually cause mite populations to resurge by killing the mite-feeding beneficials (see note below). Therefor, all applications should be thoughtfully considered with economic (or cosmetic) thresholds in mind.

Compounds that can cause spider mite resurgence:

  • Carbaryl (Sevin)
  • Cyfluthrin containing compounds (Tempo, Decathalon, Scimitar)
  • Permethrin (Astro)
  • Imdacloprid (Merit, Marathon)

Warm season spider mite treatment options:

ROTATE between Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC #)

Format: [IRAC Group #]: Chemical name (Trade names)

  • [3A]: Pyrethrins (Tersus)
  • [5]: Spinosad (Conserve, Entrust)
  • [6]: Abamectin (Avid, Lucid, Aracinate TM)
  • [20D]: Bifenazate (Floramite SC)
  • [10A]: Hexythiazox (Hexygon)
  • [21A]: Pyridaben (Sanmite, Sanmite SC)
  • [21A]: Fenazaquin (Magus)
  • [23]: Spiromesifen (Forbid 4F, Judo)

“Softer” spider mite materials

  • Agitator (forces mites out of hiding): Captiva
  • Azadirachtin from the Neem plant: (Azatrol EC)
  • Beauveria bassiana: (Naturalis-L)
  • Horticulture oil: (@ 1-2% vol:vol summer applications)
  • Insecticidal soaps: (M-Pede)

Always refer to the label for allowable host crops, use-restrictions, application rates, reapplication intervals, REI times, and mix compatibility information.

NOTE: Production and pesticide information on this site are for commercial operators only and are NOT for home gardener use. Provided materials represent examples and do not cover all possible control scenarios. Please contact your local agent or chemical sales representative for more information.   

(2) Growing Degree-days as of 6/16/2020 (if you need help please contact me at twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu)

Upper Deerfield (NJ50)= 809 GDD50 Howell/Freehold (NJ10) = 628 GDD50 Pequest (NJ58) = 525 GDD50

Growing degree day map for our area: (courtesy of Cornell University; Fore Cast)

Growing degree-day map for Northeastern US

Growing degree-day map for our area. Cornell, Fore Cast.

(3) Boxwood blight risk update

Boxwood Blight Risk Model
Date Upper Deerfield (NJ50) Howell (NJ10) Pequest (NJ58)
6/14/20 Sun Very low risk Very low risk Very low risk
6/15/20 M Very low risk Very low risk Very low risk
6/16/20 T Very low risk Very low risk Very low risk
6/17/20 W Very low risk Very low risk Very low risk
6/18/20 Th Low risk Low risk Low risk
6/19/20 F Infection potential Infection potential Low risk
6/20/20 S Low risk Infection potential Low risk
6/21/20 Sun Very low risk Low risk Very low risk
Risk of infection
adapted from: https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app

Please visit this website (there is a mobile app as well): https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app

Protective fungicide applications should remain in effect or be initiated immediately for Boxwood Blight. The disease may be sporulating and spreading amongst plantings if present (or may come into your nursery via shipments) within the next few days. Please continue preventative/protectant fungicide applications utilizing; chlorothalonil (FRAC Group M05), mancozeb (FRAC Group M03), and QoI-fungicides (FRAC Group 11) in a rotation (other materials available as well).

NJAES; Plant Diagnostic Lab https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/

 

*Additional links and resources*

Please take the 2020 Nursery Industry Survey: https://forms.gle/dUjLxaiu6qDQYYsRA

Ask the Agent (every Wednesday @ 7:00pm): : https://go.rutgers.edu/t7wjkit1

NJNLA- Wine Down Wednesdays (every first and third Wednesday @ 7:00pm-8:00pm).

Email: Lori Jenssen @ njnla.director@gmail.com

Subscribe to the NJAES YouTube webpage: https://www.youtube.com/user/RutgersNJAES/

RU Sustainable Nursery Production website: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/nursery/

March meeting PDF: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/nursery/documents/2020%20SJ%20Nursery%20Meeting%20Proceedings.pdf

How to use growing degree-day resources: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/using-growing-degree-day-calculators-nursery-pest-and-pathogen-updates-important-resource-links/

2017 Southeastern U.S. Pest Control Guide for Nursery Crops and Landscape Plantings: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-pest-control-guide-for-nursery-crops-and-landscape-plantings 

Rutgers Insect Control Recs. for Shade Trees and Commercial Nursery Crops: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=E334

NJAES; Soil Testing Lab: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab/

 

Thank you,
Cumberland County Extension: Timothy J. Waller, Ph.D. @ twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu

Filed Under: Disease Forecasting, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turf
June 16, 2020

Fruit IPM for 6/17/20

Peach:

Oriental Fruit Moth: We are between generations 1 and 2, with the first insecticide applications due in southern counties by the end of the week, and in northern counties by the end of the following week. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Wine Grape
June 16, 2020

USDA Good Agricultural Practices, Harmonized and Harmonized Plus Audits

Wes Kline reports the New Jersey Department of Agriculture is now scheduling audits.

  • There had been an extension for audits before May 31, but there will be no additional extensions.
  • If you had an audit last year and need to schedule a renewal, or if you need a new audit, now is the time to make an appointment.
  • Anyone wanting an audit should have gone through food safety training which is held each year December through March.  The auditor will want to see that you have had some type of training.
  • To schedule the audit, email Chris Kleinguenther at christian.kleinguenther@ag.state.nj.us.
Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
June 15, 2020

Tonight’s Webinar for Ag Employers – Updated Agenda

Understanding & Implementing NJ’s COVID-19 Guidance For Migrant & Seasonal Farmworkers, Employers & Housing Providers
Tue June 16, 2020
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
All NJ agricultural employers are invited to learn directly from NJ Departments of Health, Labor and Agriculture who will discuss expectations for implementation of the “NJ COVID-19 Guidance for Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers, Their Employers & Housing Providers” document in a Webex webinar hosted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

This event requires registration and there will be a follow-up survey.

Agenda (Updated)
Welcome
  • Rick VanVranken & Wes Kline, Agricultural Agents, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Introductory Remarks
  • Secretary of Agriculture Doug Fisher, NJ Dept. of Agriculture
Introduction of Speakers
  • Asst. Secretary of Agriculture Monique Purcell, NJDA
Overview and Expectations for Implementing COVID-19 Guidance for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers, Agriculture Employers and Housing Providers.
  • NJ Dept. of Health
    • Amanda Medina-Forrester, MA, MPH, Executive Director, Office of Minority & Multicultural Health &
    • Siobhan Pappas, Ph.D., Coordinator, Childhood Lead Program
  • NJ Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development
    • Christine Blumauer, Policy Advisor, Office of the Commissioner
  • Comments from Federally Qualified Health Center representatives
    • Michelle Blanchfield, MPH, Zufall Health
    • Bridget Hogan, Ocean Health Initiatives
Moderated Questions & Discussion between each presentation
Reaction & Summary
  • Pete Furey, Exec. Director, NJ Farm Bureau
The webinar will end with a quick follow-up survey to assess your understanding and implementation of these guidelines. It will be completely anonymous.

The NJDOH partnered with the NJDA and the NJDOL to create this guidance for agricultural employers focusing on precautions to help protect farm employees from COVID-19 on New Jersey farms and in farm labor housing. This webinar will review these guidelines. Questions from participants will be taken and addressed during the webinar.

Register

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,