Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Note: Insect trap data are unavailable from much of southern New Jersey this past week due to staff shortages. No maps will appear in this edition. Maps will resume later in September as conditions permit. Interpretations from available data will continue in the absence of maps.
Sweet Corn
European corn borer (ECB) moth catches are nearly non-existent now. At this time, no feeding has been detected.
Grower planting small grains for ‘grain’ harvest next year should review the Hessian fly-free planting date for their area. Wheat is more at risk, rye for grain is least at risk.
Additional information on this season’s damage in wheat in Salem County can be found at: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/crop-progress-and-hessian-fly-sightings/
Penn State article on early planting and risk of hessian fly damage
Penn State Fact Sheet on Hessian Fly
Beck’s Hybrids has a map on their website that is also helpful to gauge your location
The national oceanic and atmospheric agency at Colorado University has released their forecasting for the next two months of the Hurricane and Tropical Storm Season. The strong La Nina is persisting into a third year coupled with decreasing water temperatures returning closer to normal for this time of year are reportedly similar to 1999, 2000, 2011 and 2021 conditions.
Field corn: The stalk stability of droughty corn is much less tolerant to high winds than non-droughty corn. Given the drought conditions, corn producers may have the ability to harvest corn earlier than normal due to rapid dry down on the cob. Current soil moisture conditions are very suitable for fitting fields for winter small grain establishment.
Aspergillus mold species often show up after drought conditions, posing a significant risk of aflatoxins in the corn crop if present. Aspergillus molds are carcinogenic to people and cause losses in livestock and poultry. Combine operators and elevator operators should take precautions against inhaling fungal spores. Signs of Aspergillus ear rot include evidence of powdery olive-green mold on the ear tip or on kernels in the ear.
Fusarium ear rots are also probable in fields that had significant high humidity and high temperatures as grains are developing to black layer. Fusarium molds show up as white to pink cotton-like growths mold scattered throughout the ear. A starburst like pattern may occur on infected kernels that may also be brown in color.
*Inhaling poison ivy volitile oils and ivyleaf morning glory and jimson weed dust as they go through the combine along field edges should also be avoided.
For additional images see https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/encyclopedia/aspergillus-ear-rot-of-corn
Hurricane Season: Hurricane forecasters have stated that this La Nina and nearer to average water temperatures are similar to 1999, 2000, 2011 and last year. Given that in 1999, 11.41 inches of rain fell in Salem County; and in 2000, 5.76 inches fell in Salem County; and in 2011, 6.19 inches fell in Salem County in the month of September, producers who can harvest early may want to consider higher moisture harvest if standability is an issue. Hurricane season peaks from mid-August to mid-October with the season ending on Nov. 30.
Soybeans: Soybean fields should be walked for signs of stem snap in areas with high levels of soybean stem borer activity in 2020 and where July herbicide applications visibly stressed plants during the height of the drought this season. Due to in season stresses, bean maturity in the pods may be farther along in some fields than leaves indicate. If 90% of the beans are tan, test moisture levels frequently.
Salem County producers can pick up mycotoxin plant analysis bags at the extension office. Current pricing from regional laboratories are as follows:
1. NJ Department of Agriculture website submission form: (click link)
| Mycotoxin test. Please call the laboratory to check on current availability and pricing |
2. Dairy One Mycotoxin Testing: (click link)
3. Dairyland Laboratories Individual Toxins: (click link)
Check out the historical storm map maker image below at https://spacecoastdaily.com/2019/08/noaa-historical-hurricane-tracks-explore-more-than-150-years-of-historical-hurricane-landfalls/
A Chardonnay wine tasting and evaluation workshop for winemakers was held on August 18, 2021, at the William Heritage Winery, located in Gloucester County. Chardonnay is one of the most suitable Vitis vinifera varieties for New Jersey for both north and south New Jersey. It is also one of the best white varieties for New Jersey in terms of consistency in ripening. It can be easily adapted in the winery for Sparkling, dry still varietals, and white wine blends. For example, a few wineries blended 75-80% Chardonnay with the remaining comprised of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc. The responses to a survey weeks before the event formed the basis of discussion at the workshop. Winemakers also described how they accomplished each of their wines. [Read more…]
Sweet Corn
European corn borer (ECB) moth catches have declined, and are at very low levels throughout the state. At this time, no feeding has been detected.
The highest nightly trap catches of ECB for the week ending 09/07/22 are as follows:
| Allentown 2 | Lawrenceville 1 |
| New Egypt 2 | Pennington 1 |
| Crosswicks 1 | |
| Georgetown 1 |
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a new program to offset some expenses related to preparing for the food safety requirements. The “Food Safety Certification For Specialty Crops” (FSCSC) will cost share expenses for:
The FSCSC application period for 2022 is June 27, 2022, through January 31, 2023, and the application period for 2023 will be announced at a later date. Farm Service Agency will issue payments at the time of application approval for 2022 and after the application period ends for 2023. If calculated payments exceed the amount of available funding, payments will be prorated.
Interested specialty crop producers can apply by completing the FSA-888, Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program (FSCSC) application. The application, along with other required documents, can be submitted to the FSA office at any USDA Service Center nationwide by mail, fax, hand delivery or via electronic means. Producers can visit farmers.gov/service-locator to find their local FSA office. Specialty crop producers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to assist.
Farm Storage Facility Loans
A second program that has been available for several years is the farm storage loan program. This covers cold storage construction along with equipment in a packing operations such as baggers, brush polishers, bulk bin tippers, cement flooring, circulation fans, dip tanks, conveyors, graders, refrigeration units, sizers, sorting bins and tables, trucks, washers, waxers, etc. A grower may borrow up to $500,000 for up to 12 years. If an operation needs to make major changes in a packinghouse or needs a refrigerated truck this program is worth considering. Contact your local FSA office for details.
RAM-AMS Harmonized GAP Assistance Program
The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) and USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) covers the cost of voluntary USDA Harmonized GAP and Harmonized Plus audits. This is only available for growers, producer cooperatives and food hubs. Once the audit is completed USDA will generate a bill to the auditee which summarizes the cost and then show a credit for the same amount. The funds will cover 100% of the audit fees. These funds are available for 2022 which may be the last year of availability.
