The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is now scheduling audits. If you have had an audit last year and need to schedule a renewal or if you need a new audit now is the time to schedule it. There had been an extension for audits before May 31, but there will be no additional extensions. 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.
Archives for June 2020
June 15, 2020 Cesar Rodriguez-Saona
Considerations for Managing Blunt-nosed Leafhoppers in Cranberries
Blunt-nosed leafhoppers (BNLH) continue to be an increasing threat to cranberries in NJ. This insect pest has also the potential to affect other cranberry-producing states. Here I put together some guidelines to consider when managing BNLH in cranberries:
1. A challenge for managing BNLH is the fact that they vector a phytoplasma that causes false blossom disease. For this reason it is difficult to establish economic thresholds for this pest because we don’t know the proportion of individuals that are infected in the population. Moreover, this proportion can vary depending on the variety. For instance, we have observed higher incidence of infection in the newer varieties even when populations of leafhoppers are low.
2. As an IPM practice, we recommend to monitor BNLH populations before bloom using a sweep net.
3. If BNLH populations are increasing compared to previous years and the beds have not been treated for BNLH for 2-3 years, growers should consider treatment.
4. If growers have treated for BNLH in the previous year and populations are low (average of less than 10-20 BNLH per sweep set), there is no need to treat again. Keep a record of the BNLH numbers and check those same beds again the following year to see if the numbers have increased.
5. In most cases, there is no need to apply broad-spectrum insecticides (organophosphates, carbamates) to control BNLH for two or more consecutive years. These insecticides will disrupt the biological control of other pests such as Sparganothis fruitworm and therefore cause increases in insecticide use.
6. If treatment is necessary, we have limited options to manage BNLH. The best timing for insecticide treatment is before bloom to target the young nymphs. We recommend the use of organophosphates such as Lorsban (chlorpyrifos) and Diazinon (diazinon), and carbamates like Sevin (carbaryl). The neonicotinoid Assail (acetamiprid) also works well against nymphs but we do not recommend the use of neonicotinoids before bloom due to potential negative effects on bees-neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides that can accumulate in the pollen and nectar. A new registered insecticide, Closer (sulfoxaflor), is also effective against BNLH nymphs. Although Closer has a similar mode of action as the neonicotinoids, it belongs to a different class of insecticides. Closer use is prohibited during bloom (between 3 days prior to bloom and until after petal fall). Ocean Spray growers need to check restrictions on use of these insecticides prior to application.
7. Last year, we (in collaboration with James Polashock, USDA-ARS) tested whether we could increase the cranberry’s own immune defenses to combat disease infection. In greenhouse studies (Fig. 1), we treated phytoplasma-infected cranberries with commercial products that elicit defenses in plants against diseases. Unfortunately, these treatments were unsuccessful at reducing the phytoplasma and, even worse, they made the cranberries more susceptible to BNLH and caterpillars.
Fig. 1. Greenhouse study on the effects of elicitors of plant defenses on cranberry-phytoplasma-insect interactions
8. We have observed that phytoplasma infection makes the cranberry root system weaker. Thus, applying stresses to infected cranberries such as sanding or herbicides could prevent them from growing and potentially cause their death. Greenhouse and field studies in collaboration with Thierry Besancon (Rutgers U.), James Polashock (USDA-ARS), Dan Schiffhauer and Lindsay Wells-Hansen (Ocean Spray) are underway to test this concept.
June 12, 2020 Thierry Besancon
Carolina redroot control in cranberry with Callisto® herbicide
Figure 1. Carolina redroot infestation in cranberry bog
Carolina redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana), a native plant of New Jersey Pine Barrens, has becoming an increasingly troublesome weed for cranberry production across the state (Figure 1). Carolina redroot is a perennial herbaceous weed species belonging to the Haemodoraceae family. It competes for nutritional resources during the cranberry growing season, and its rhizome serve as a feeding resource for wintering waterfowl that can cause severe uprooting damages of cranberry vines when bogs are flooded. Carolina redroot blooms after cranberry and its flower is very attractive to pollinators (Figure 2) at a time when insecticides may be applied to cranberry bogs. Additionally, the desiccated seed head of Carolina redroot can be picked up by harvesting equipment and broken in small pieces that will be difficult to eliminate during fruit processing.
Figure 2. Carolina redroot is very attractive for pollinators… at a time when insecticides may be applied!
Studies have been conducted at Rutgers since 2017 to screen various herbicides that can properly control or suppress Carolina redroot without injuring cranberry. In greenhouse screenings, Callisto® 4SC (mesotrione) has provided good control of Carolina redroot while maintaining excellent crop safety. Callisto is a systemic herbicide that will cause bleaching of weed leaves by indirectly inhibiting the biosynthesis of carotenoid that protect chlorophyll from photodegradation. Cranberry is highly tolerant because it is capable of rapidly metabolizing the mesotrione. Callisto will not kill Carolina redroot outright, but will weaken it and stunt it, preventing the formation of the floral stem (Figure 3). We are still evaluating if continued annual use of Callisto for two or three years will completely eliminate Carolina redroot.
Figure 3. Bleaching and stunting of Carolina redroot floral stem following Callisto applied at 4 fl oz/A
Spot application: ideally, Carolina redroot should be controlled before it starts colonizing large areas of a cranberry bogs. Therefore, scouting and mapping is a crucial and necessary step to detect early infestation that be treated with spot application of Callisto. We obtained in 2019 a 24(c) Special Local Need label for spot application of Callisto at rates that will help controlling perennial weeds such as Carolina redroot. We recommend mixing 3.2 teaspoons of Callisto per gallon of water and add crop oil concentrate (COC) at 1% v:v or 2.5 tablespoon per gallon of water. This rate will allow to spray up to 15 gallons of solution per acre while not exceeding the maximum labeled rate of 8 fl oz per acre and per application.
Figure 4. Reduction of Carolina redroot biomass with spot application of Callisto at three different rates and two different timings of application
At this rate and if Callisto is applied when Carolina redroot emerge above cranberry canopy in early to mid-June, we observed a reduction of Carolina redroot biomass by 70% at the end of the season. Higher rate will not significantly increase Carolina redroot suppression and later application in mid-July will not be effective (Figure 4). Spot applications will be sprayed with a backpack or hand-held sprayer that needs to be properly calibrated. Calibration of hand sprayers is determined by the walking speed of the applicator and the discharge rate from the nozzle along with the concentration of the material in the tank. Use great care in spot-treating. The difference between an 8-oz application and an 80-oz application is only seconds on the trigger. Spot treatments made to runoff will exceed the maximum application rate.
Figure 5. Annual sedge control with Callisto applied at 4 fl oz/A
Broadcast application: in bogs where Carolina redroot has colonized large areas, chemigation using irrigation sprinklers or boom application should be considered for broadcasting Callisto. Callisto can be applied at up to 8 fl oz per acre per application, but we observed bleaching and stunting of Carolina redroot floral stem with Callisto at a 4 fl oz/A rate applied with a regular boom. If chemigating, we recommend Callisto to be applied at 8 fl oz/A. Always use a COC adjuvant at 1% v:v. All application should be made when Carolina redoot leaves emerge from cranberry canopy but before the on-start of bloom because COC adjuvant may injure cranberry flowers and reduce pollination. A second application at 8 fl oz/A can eventually be applied after cranberry bloom to help suppressing Carolina redroot. Callisto will also help controlling sedges or rushes (Figure 5). Callisto applications cannot exceed 2 per acre per year and a maximum of 16 fl oz per acre per year.
June 12, 2020 Andy Wyenandt
Vegetable Disease Update – 6/12/20
- Cucurbit powdery mildew season is here. For a review of CPM control strategies please click here.
- Cucurbit downy mildew has been reported as far north as southern Georgia on cucumber and cantaloupe and in South Carolina on cucumber. For a review of CDM control please click here. To track the progress of CDM please visit the CDM forecasting website.
- No reports of Late blight in region. To track the progress of Late blight in the US please click here.
- Basil downy mildew has been reported central TN from basil started in the greenhouse and in the field in southern FL to date. None has been reported in the region. To follow the progress of BDM in the US please click here.
- Angular leaf spot has been reported in summer squash. Look for angular lesions delimited by leaf veins and ‘shotholes’ in infected leaves that develop after periods of hot, dry weather.
- Phytopthora blight has been reported in squash.
- Rhizoctonia and Pythium root rot have been reported in pepper. For a review of identifying and controlling root rots please click here.
- Septoria leaf spot and bacterial blight have been reported in parsley.
- Bacterial canker and speck have been reported in fresh-market tomato.
- Timber rot, or white mold, has been reported in tomato.
- White rust and Cercospora have been reported in spinach.
- Bacterial leaf spot has been reported in sweet basil. BLS of sweet basil is a relatively new disease of basil in the US. The bacterium has a large host range and can survive and overwinter in the soil on infested plant debris. Disease development is favored by hot, humid, rainy weather. Periods of hot, dry weather will help mitigate disease development.
- Sand blasting has been reported on a number of leafy green and other crops these past few weeks. Injury from sand blasting predisposes plants to bacterial infections. Remember, all bacteria need a wound or a natural opening, such as a stomata, to gain entry into the plant. Fields with extensive injury need to be scouted regularly, and most likely will need to be sprayed regularly with a copper fungicide or disinfectant-type product to help mitigate infection and spread.
- For a review on how to avoid sunscald injury on transplanted crops please click here.
- With the on and off again heavy rains we have been getting, along with warmer weather, all growers should consider applying at-transplanting fungicides for root rot control. Please click here to see these articles.
- The 2020/2021 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Guide is available for free online! With many county offices running reduced hours or being closed this is the easiest way to obtain the newest recommendations.
- For a quick review on managing fungicide resistance development using tank mixes and fungicide rotations, and information on FRAC group 4, FRAC group 7, and FRAC group 3 and FRAC group 11 fungicides please click on hyperlinks.
June 11, 2020 Tim Waller
Scale insect crawler activity and summer treatment options
Basic Scale Biology
There are two types of scale insects; armored and soft scales. Scale insects hatch from eggs and typically develop through 2 nymphal instar growth stages known as “crawlers”. During this “crawler stage” (many cases mid-May through July) the insects are vulnerable to insecticides and other biological enemies. Once the “crawlers” settle on a feeding location and begin to develop waxy or hard outer coverings, the insects are no longer susceptible to most insecticides.
Targeting the “crawler” stage is imperative to successful pest management.
One slight difference between armored and soft scales is how many generations they can have per year; armored (several), soft (typically only 1). Also, once settled armored scales are stationary whereas soft scales can move (albeit slowly). Many scale insect “crawlers” head towards growing vegetative tips, making this location suitable for scouting. Various sticky traps, including double sided tape wrapped around branches are utilized to determine the presence of scale “crawlers”. As noted prior, the presence of “crawlers” should be first visually confirmed if at all possible as pesticide applications made too early are not effective. Programs that utilized cool season dormant/horticultural oils, proper pruning, and the use of summertime contact or systemic insecticides are most successful.(A detailed scale insect fact-sheet is forthcoming!)
Armored and soft scales can be controlled using the same chemicals if targeting “crawlers”.
Growing Degree-days as of 6/10/2020 (Weather station selected for each location. Ex: NJ50 = Upper Deerfield)
Upper Deerfield (NJ50)= 686 GDD50 Howell/Freehold (NJ10) = 536 GDD50 Pequest (NJ58) = 441 GDD50
Scale insects target growing degree-days
(Egg hatch + crawler emergence = scout and treat as needed)
Pine needle scale – (448)
Maskell scale – (470)
Oystershell scale – (486)
Cottony camellia/taxus scale – (520)
Euonymus scale – (522)
European elm scale – (542)
White prunicola (Peach) scale – (594)
Cryptomeria scale – (600-800)
Golden oak scale (680)
Juniper scale – (694)
Hemlock ‘fioriniae’ scale – (300-799)
Spruce bud scale – (700)
Fletcher Scale – (730)
Azalea bark scale – (737)
Oak lecanium scale – (789)
Beech scale – (800)
Japanese maple scale – (829)
Calico scale – (834)
Cottony maple scale – (850)
European fruit lecanium scale – (940 DD)
Summertime scale treatment options
ROTATE between Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC #)
Format: [IRAC Group #]: Chemical name (Trade names)
- [1A]: Carbaryl (Sevin SL)
- [1B]: Acephate (Orthene, Leptitect, Precise GN)
- [1B]: Chlorpyrifos (Dursban 50W, DuraGuard ME)
- [1B]: Malathion (Malathion 5 EC)
- [3A]: Cyfluthrin (Decathlon)
- [3A]: Bifenthrin (Talstar S Select, Onyx)
- [3A]: lambda-cyhalothrin (Scimitar GC)
- [3A + 4A] Imidacloprid + Bifenthrin (Allectus SC)
- [3A + 4A] Imidaclopird + cyfluthrin (Discuss NG)
- [4A]: Acetamiprid (TriStar 8.5 SL)
- [16]: Buprofezin (Talus 70DF)
- [7C]: Pyriproxifen (Distance IGR)
- Insecticidal soaps (M-Pede)
- Azadirachtin from the Neem plant: (Aza-Direct, Azatin O or XL, Azatrol EC)
Please read the label. The label will provide allowable plant species, use rates, restrictions (phytotoxicity or pollinator concerns), and re-application intervals.
Some useful scale resources: (bare in mind there is variability amongst models and GDD depending on the source, but generally the information will help you make better pest management choices)
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/e2812.pdf
- https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/beware-of-the-cryptomeria-scale-hiding-beneath-a-transparent-cover/
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/managing_soft_scales_in_conifers#:~:text=Spruce%20bud%20scale%20is%20typically,more%20often%20than%20higher%20branches.&text=Usually%2C%20eggs%20hatch%20and%20tiny,or%20GDD%2C%20base%205).
- http://cues.cfans.umn.edu/old/Web/102CottonyMapleScale.pdf
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/agriculture/christmas_trees/gdd_of_landscape_insects
- https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/beware-of-the-cryptomeria-scale-hiding-beneath-a-transparent-cover/
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 Recommendations for Shade Trees and Commercial Nursery Crops: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=E334
Online events and Rutgers Resources:
Ask the Agent (every Wednesday @ 7:00pm): Join: 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
Please take the 2020 Nursery Industry Survey: https://forms.gle/dUjLxaiu6qDQYYsRA
Subscribe to the NJAES YouTube webpage: https://www.youtube.com/user/RutgersNJAES/
RU Sustainable Nursery Production website: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/nursery/
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/
NJAES; Plant Diagnostic Lab: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/
NJAES; Soil Testing Lab: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab/
Contact: Timothy Waller, Ph.D. at: twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu
June 11, 2020 Rick VanVranken
Webinar Scheduled for Ag Employers – 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
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.
- Amanda Medina-Forrester, MA, MPH, Executive Director, Office of Minority & Multicultural Health, NJ Dept. of Health
- Christine Blumauer, Policy Advisor, Office of the Commissioner, NJ Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development
Moderated Questions & Discusson
Reaction & Summary
- Pete Furey, Exec. Director & Ben Cassella, Field Representative, 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.
