Two probable infestations of allium leafminer have been discovered. One of these was on the Hunterdon/Warren County border involving overwintered garlic and onions planted this spring. The second, a very minor infestation, was found near Princeton in Mercer County on overwintered chives. While we await word from USDA as to where specimens should be sent for final confirmation, the signs of infestation are very characteristic of allium leafminer, and larvae and eggs were found in association with the egg laying scars (oviposition scars) on the leaves of onions and garlic. Both of these infestations appear to be very recent, with larvae in very early growth stages. [Read more…]
Pest Alert: Probable Allium Leafminer infestations found in NJ
Veg IPM Update: Week Ending 5/11/16
Two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) infestations have recently been discovered in high tunnels.
TSSM feeding results in small white pin-spots on the upper leaf surface (see photos). Mites are actually underneath leaves. These pests can increase dramatically in the warm, dry environment of the tunnel.
Check 5 plants each in 5 separate locations in the tunnel. Inspect the entire plant, and be sure to check the underside of leaves that display the whitish mite feeding. If mites are found, it is best to immediately treat. TSSM is much more easily managed, when the problem is addressed at low levels. If allowed to spread throughout the tunnel, TSSM will be much more difficult to control.
See the 2016 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations – Pest Management section for materials that are labeled for use in greenhouse structures, including those that are OMRI approved.
[Read more…]
Veg IPM Update: Week Ending 10/7/15
Note: This is the last comprehensive IPM Update for the 2015 season. The trap networks are now being shut down. Limited scouting on late season crops will continue as conditions warrant. Should significant pest issues arise on these crops, information relevant to the pest and crop will be posted.
Sweet Corn
European corn borer (ECB) adults remain almost nonexistent. No map image will be produced. There should be little, if any, remaining impact from ECB this season.
Corn earworm moth (CEW) activity declined significantly over the previous week, with low temperatures prevailing (see CEW Map). At current levels, sweet corn is at reduced threat from CEW infestation.
The highest nightly CEW blacklight trap catches for the previous week are as follows: | ||
Crosswicks 2 | Georgetown 1 | Sergeantsville 1 |
Califon 1 | New Egypt 1 | Tabernacle 1 |
Chester 1 | Newton 1 | |
Dayton 1 | Pedricktown 1 |
The blue areas in the blacklight map indicate a 4-day schedule, with clear areas indicating anything from a 5 to 7 day schedule. In general, 5-day schedules are suggested throughout southern NJ at this time.
[Read more…]
Veg IPM Update: Week Ending 9/30/15
Sweet Corn
European corn borer (ECB) adults were nearly nonexistent this past week. No map image will be produced. There should be little, if any, remaining impact from ECB this season.
Corn earworm moth (CEW) activity declined over the previous week, with low temperatures prevailing (see CEW Map). The current warmer, disturbed weather pattern and tropical storm forecast to hit our area within the next week may result in increased activity. At current levels, CEW remains a significant threat to silking sweet corn plantings.
The highest nightly CEW blacklight trap catches for the previous week are as follows: | ||
Crosswicks 2 | Georgetown 1 | Pedricktown 1 |
Belvidere 1 | Milltown 1 | Sergeantsville 1 |
Chester 1 | New Egypt 1 | Springdale 1 |
East Vineland 1 | Newton 1 | Tabernacle 1 |
Veg IPM Update: Week Ending 9/23/15
Sweet Corn
Cool night temperatures and a declining late European corn borer (ECB) generation have resulted in very few moth captures this past week (see ECB map). Damage from this pest is largely being overshadowed by that of the fall armyworm. Very few plantings remain that are not silking. However, consider treating when the number of infested plants in a 50 plant sample exceeds 12% in any planting that has not reached the silk stage yet.
See the 2015 Commercial Vegetable Recommendations Guide for insecticide choices.
Veg IPM Update: Week Ending 9/16/15
Sweet Corn
Only a scattering of European corn borer (ECB) moths are being captured now, with somewhat more consistent catches in Mercer County (see ECB map). Damage from this pest is largely being overshadowed by that of the fall armyworm.
As always, consider treating when the number of infested plants in a 50 plant sample exceeds 12%. Any planting remaining at or above threshold as it proceeds to full tassel should be treated, as this is the last stage at which ECB larvae will be exposed and vulnerable to insecticidal sprays.
See the 2015 Commercial Vegetable Recommendations Guide for insecticide choices.