Archives for April 2021
Pesticide Applicator or Dealer Storage Inventory with Cover Letter Due May 1st to Fire Department
Beef Cattle Management 101-Webinar Series
Session 1: April 19th -7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Changes and Updates to Relief Programs that Impact Farmers
- What Farmers Need to Know about Changes and Updates to the Latest Relief Bills
- Checklist for Calving Success.
Presenters include:
- Dr. Robin Brumfield, Extension Specialist in Farm Management at Rutgers University
- Melissa Bravo, M.S. Assistant Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agronomy and Livestock Agent, Salem County
Register for this event: https://go.rutgers.edu/RUBeef1
Session 2: April 26th -7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Forage Quality and Nutritional Requirements
- Handling Facilities and Safety
- Manure Management Plans
Presenters include:
- Dr. Mike Westendorf, Animal Science Extension Specialist/Professor of Rutgers University
- Hank Bignell, Sr. Program Coordinator for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Warren County
- Sandra Howland and Kelly Steimle, Research Scientists for NJ Department of Agriculture
Register for this event: https://go.rutgers.edu/RUBeef2
Each webinar has a different URL, register for each session separately.
For questions about the series or for instructions to access Webex please email Hank Bignell at hdbignell@njaes.rutgers.edu
Preparing Orchards Against the Frost – Low Tech Strategies
Frost is common in the north-eastern US, however, frost events during bloom, specifically in orchard crops can be economically devastating. Often the cause is a few hours of temperatures below the injury threshold temperature for the developing buds as cooler nights result in the rapid loss of thermal energy. Fortunately, there are several passive methods or low-tech strategies, that can help maintain a slightly higher orchard floor temperature, has the potential to prevent substantial crop loss. [Read more…]
Allium leaf miner update: 04/06/21
Allium Leaf Miner
Allium leaf miner (ALM) feeding/egg laying scars were detected in a large chive planting near Milford, Hunterdon County on Tuesday of this week. Feeding was very low (<0.5% of chive clusters), but several adults were observed in the planting. This indicates that the first (spring) flight of these flies has now begun and damage will increase. No injury or adults were found in a similar inspection of a commercial chive planting near Lawrenceville (Mercer Co.) on the same day. Yellow sticky cards were deployed in both locations and will be checked weekly. We look to identify the peak of the flight in central and northern NJ, as well as the period when the adult population is in decline. Growers in southern counties should assume there is egg laying activity in their area currently.
Photo: Sabrina Tirpak. Allium leafminer oviposition scars on onion
The Milford and Princeton NJ weather stations that are closest to these farms both surpassed 250 growing degree days (GDD) base 39˚F on Monday (4/5). This GDD base is close to that (38.3˚ F) which our colleagues at Penn State recommend for predicting the first emergence of ALM adults.
Growers should consider initiating the control method of their choice at this time. Affected crops include chives, scallions, garlic, onions and leeks. Look for neat rows of white spots descending from the upper tips of allium leaves (see photo at left). Initial injury often occurs on the tallest leaves. Under warmer, less breezy conditions, adults may be seen near the tips of leaves (see photo of adult at lower right).
Floating row covers, kept on until this flight ends will help minimize access to plants. Insecticide applications targeting adults may be helpful as well, although frequency of applications is uncertain. Spinosyn materials (Radiant, Entrust (OMRI approved)), pyrethroids (Mustang Maxx, 
Warrior), neonicotinoids (Scorpion, Venom) and the insect growth regulator Trigard are labeled for miner control.
Adult activity and observations of feeding will be reported on in the IPM Update as they occur. At this time, all growers should respond to the first adult generation. We will attempt to identify the end of the first flight so that growers know when the risk of infestation has abated.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar: The Landscape Harbinger of Spring
Throughout much of NJ during this week, the growing degree days (GDD) will be increasing consistently. By the end of the week, many areas will exceed 90 GDD, which means the eastern tent caterpillars will begin to hatch. Not all eggs will hatch at once since a staggered hatching period will potentially increase survival rates if the weather happens to cool again.
The photographs of the eastern tent caterpillar’s life cycle included in this blog were all taken during the spring of 2016 at the same site in Freehold, NJ. They are placed in chronological order covering a time span of 10 weeks from 1st egg hatch on 3/23/16 to late pupation on 6/2/16. In 2016, central NJ experienced a relatively warm early spring that enabled the speedy first hatching.
Date: 3/23/16 (No hatch). Do you see it? One inch long Tent Cat egg mass overwinters encircling 2-3 year old twigs. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Date: 3/23/16 (No Hatch). Close-up of the Tent Cat egg mass. It has the appearance & feel of styrofoam. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Evaluate Your Wine Grape Planting Material Before Planting
Spring is the best time to plant new grapevines in New Jersey. You may be receiving ordered grapevines in the coming days or weeks. 1You must ensure that your planting material is healthy enough to avoid problems after planting. While it is a good idea to plant grapevines as soon as they arrive, inspecting the physical attributes of your ordered vines before planting may save you some troubles later. Nurseries send planting material on pre-determined dates hence; you should have enough time for a detailed inspection. [Read more…]
