Register for the NEW – 2025 Ornamental IPM Program PLUS Boxwood Blight, Pest emergence, Updates

Ornamental IPM 2025 v1 flyer

Please consider signing up for the NEW 2025 – Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program.

The focus of this program is to provide timely updates on pest, disease, and weeds impacting commercial ornamental producers. The webinars will focus on the most important pests for a 2 week interval, will be recorded, and will be shared shortly thereafter with Spanish overdub (spoken word). The trap packages are in an effort to find grower led solutions for monitoring economically important pests throughout the multiple regions of New Jersey. Please consider joining this program for its inaugural year.

Registration includes:

  • Site visit to your ornamental nursery/farm from Rutgers agents
  • Delivered printed IPM resources (Guides, factsheets, bulletins)
  • Free pheromone & sticky trap kit + guidance on setup/monitoring
  • Access to live bi-weekly webinars (Zoom)
  • (First session NEXT TUESDAY 4/8 @ 12PM)
  • Every Second and Fourth, Tuesday, April through September
  • Webinars will be recorded – posted later with Spanish overdub

This program is free, however registration is required.

click here to Register

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 3/4/2025
Region Location CODE 31-March 1-April 2-April 3-April 4-April 5-April
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low Minor Risk Very Low 
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 Minor Risk Very Low  Very Low  Low Minor Risk Very Low 
Northern Wantage NJ79 Low Very Low  Very Low  Low Risk Very Low 
M T W TH F S
 Please check YOUR LOCAL risk (click here)

Please download and print the Rutgers Nursery and Landscape Pest Scouting Guide  or  Conifer and Christmas Tree Pest Scouting Guide and refer to this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-days (GDD)” for additional information.  (See pest scouting guides for complete list of references) 

Please SHARE what you SEE!! If you see a pest, disease, otherwise interesting or troublesome issue please report it to the Working Group by following the QR Code on the front of the Pest Scouting Guides or by filling out this reporting form.

Keep reading for more resources!

 

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Central Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting

There is still time to register for the 2025 Central Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting!

February 14th, 2025

8:30 am – 2:30 pm

at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building

4000 Kozloski Road

Freehold, NJ  07728

Registration: $40 (includes morning refreshments and lunch)

For registration questions, contact Cathy VanBenschoten at 732-431-7260

or email to Catherine.VanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

CJVGM Brochure 2025

NJDEP Pesticide Credits Approved

CORE – 02

PP2 – 03

1A – 03

10 – 02

 

Agenda  

8:30 am to 9:00 am: Registration

9:00 am to 10:00 am (1 hour): Pesticide Safety for Applicators and Handlers

George Hamilton, Ph.D. – Specialist in Pest Management, Rutgers, NJAES, RCE

Safe and effective use of pesticides is essential for controlling pests of vegetables, while protecting human health and the environment. This presentation will focus on the proper storage and use of pesticides and the requirements for training and record keeping applicable to commercial vegetable growers. Dr. Hamilton is an extension specialist and chair of the department of entomology at Rutgers University. He has been involved with the initial certification and recertification of New Jersey’s pesticide applicators since 1986.

 

10:00 am to 11:00 am (1 hour): Updates on Vegetable Disease Control

Andy Wyenandt, Ph.D. – Specialist in Vegetable Pathology, Rutgers, NJAES

Crop losses due to vegetable diseases impact commercial growers every season. As new research findings emerge, our controls are becoming more efficient and effective for addressing these persistent challenges. This presentation fill focus on updates for controlling important diseases in vegetable production as well as new information in the 2023-2024 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations.

 

11:00 am to 11:15 am (15 minutes): BREAK

 

11:15 am to 11:45 am (30 minutes): Updates from the Vegetable IPM Program (Pre-recorded presentation)

Amanda Quadrel – Senior IPM Program Coordinator, Rutgers NJAES

Managing insect pests continues to be a major problem for commercial vegetable growers in New Jersey. This talk will discuss important updates to the Rutgers Vegetable IPM program, such as new personnel, new trapping protocols, techniques or products to consider for the upcoming season, and updates on pests and pesticide resistance.

 

11:45 – 12:15 (30 minutes): Industry and Service Provider Updates

 

12:15 pm to 1:00 pm (45 minutes): LUNCH

 

1:00 – 1:30 pm (30 minutes): Food Safety Update for NJ Farms

Meredith Melendez – County Agent, Mercer, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

This talk will provide an Update of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule agricultural water regulations for the 2025 growing season, clarification on NJ Cottage Food Law ingredient allowances, and how gleaning activities can impact your FSMA PSR inspection.

 

1:30 pm to 2:00 pm (30 minutes): Laser Scarecrows for Bird Damage Control

Kate Brown – County Agent, Somerset, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

This presentation will introduce growers to lasers, how they work, and their role in the bird damage control toolbox. The primary goals of this presentation are to describe results from local and regional efficacy trials, highlight laser safety practices, and provide an overview of how lasers are currently being utilized on four NJ farms.

 

2:00 pm to 2:30 pm (30 minutes): Beginner Farmer Program Update

Bill Hlubik – County Agent, Middlesex, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

Matt Milburn – Program Associate, Middlesex, RCE

This presentation will provide an update on the Rutgers RU Ready to Farm Beginner Farmer Training Program and ask the group for input on practical applied research and programs the farmers would like to see in 2025 and beyond.

 

This Annual Event is brought to you by Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Central Jersey Turf & Ornamental Institute

February 28th, 2025

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building

4000 Kozloski Road

Freehold, NJ  07728

Registration: $75 (includes morning refreshments and lunch

CJTOI Brochure 2025

For registration questions, contact Cathy VanBenschoten at 732-431-7260

or email to Catherine.VanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

DEP Pesticide Credits Applied For:

Core – TBD

PP2 – TBD

1A  – TBD

2  – TBD

3A  – TBD

3B  – TBD

6A  – TBD

6B  – TBD

7A  – TBD

8A  – TBD

8B  – TBD

8C  – TBD

9  – TBD

10  – TBD

13 – TBD

 

 

Program Agenda

8:30 – 9:00 AM            Registration/Sign-in

 

9:00 – 10:00 AM          Pesticide Safety Regulations and Updates

George Hamilton Ph.D. – Specialist in Pest Management, RCE, Rutgers, NJAES

 

10:00 – 10:30 AM        Mosquito Management for Green Industry Professionals

Dina Fonseca Ph.D. – Professor, Chair Dept. of Entomology, Director, Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University

 

10:30 – 11:00 AM       Managing Ticks in NJ

 Emily Fontaine – Program Coordinator, NJTicks4Science, Rutgers University

 

11:00 – 11:15 AM       Break

 

 11:15 – 11:45 PM        IPM Essentials for Ornamentals

William Errickson – Monmouth County Agricultural Agent, RCE, Rutgers, NJAES

 

11:45 – 12:15 PM       Boxwood Best Management Practices

Timothy Waller Ph.D. – Cumberland County Agricultural Agent, RCE, Rutgers, NJAES

 

12:15 – 1:00 PM          LUNCH

 

 1:00 – 1:30 PM           Managing Invasive Plants

Michele Bakacs – Middlesex County Natural Resources Agent, RCE, Rutgers, NJAES

 

1:30 – 2:00 PM            Mites: Magnificent Marvels of Miniature Malevolence

Steve Rettke – IPM Program Associate, RCE, Rutgers, NJAES

 

2:00 – 2:30 PM             Things to Consider Before Applying Fungicides to Control Turfgrass Diseases

Ming-Yi Chou –  Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Pathology, Rutgers University

 

2:30 – 3:00 PM           Innovations in Weed Management

Matthew Elmore Ph.D.  – Extension Specialist in Weed Science, Rutgers University

 

3:00 – 3:30 PM           Implementation of Best Establishment Practices Can Reduce Weed Encroachment and Herbicide Use

Bradley Park – Researcher in Turfgrass Management, Rutgers University

 

3:30 Pesticide Credits, Evaluations, Adjourn

 

This Annual Event is Hosted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension

 

Central Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting

February 14th, 2025

8:30 am – 2:30 pm

at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building

4000 Kozloski Road

Freehold, NJ  07728

Registration: $40 (includes morning refreshments and lunch)

CJVGM Brochure 2025

For registration questions, contact Cathy VanBenschoten at 732-431-7260

or email to Catherine.VanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

DEP Pesticide Credits Applied For:

CORE – TBD

1A – TBD

PP2 – TBD

10 – TBD

 

Agenda  

8:30 am to 9:00 am: Registration

9:00 am to 10:00 am (1 hour): Pesticide Safety for Applicators and Handlers

George Hamilton, Ph.D. – Specialist in Pest Management, Rutgers, NJAES, RCE

Safe and effective use of pesticides is essential for controlling pests of vegetables, while protecting human health and the environment. This presentation will focus on the proper storage and use of pesticides and the requirements for training and record keeping applicable to commercial vegetable growers. Dr. Hamilton is an extension specialist and chair of the department of entomology at Rutgers University. He has been involved with the initial certification and recertification of New Jersey’s pesticide applicators since 1986.

 

10:00 am to 11:00 am (1 hour): Updates on Vegetable Disease Control

Andy Wyenandt, Ph.D. – Specialist in Vegetable Pathology, Rutgers, NJAES

Crop losses due to vegetable diseases impact commercial growers every season. As new research findings emerge, our controls are becoming more efficient and effective for addressing these persistent challenges. This presentation fill focus on updates for controlling important diseases in vegetable production as well as new information in the 2023-2024 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations.

 

11:00 am to 11:15 am (15 minutes): BREAK

 

11:15 am to 11:45 am (30 minutes): Updates from the Vegetable IPM Program (Pre-recorded presentation)

Amanda Quadrel – Senior IPM Program Coordinator, Rutgers NJAES

Managing insect pests continues to be a major problem for commercial vegetable growers in New Jersey. This talk will discuss important updates to the Rutgers Vegetable IPM program, such as new personnel, new trapping protocols, techniques or products to consider for the upcoming season, and updates on pests and pesticide resistance.

 

11:45 – 12:15 (30 minutes): Industry and Service Provider Updates

 

12:15 pm to 1:00 pm (45 minutes): LUNCH

 

1:00 – 1:30 pm (30 minutes): Food Safety Update for NJ Farms

Meredith Melendez – County Agent, Mercer, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

This talk will provide an Update of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule agricultural water regulations for the 2025 growing season, clarification on NJ Cottage Food Law ingredient allowances, and how gleaning activities can impact your FSMA PSR inspection.

 

1:30 pm to 2:00 pm (30 minutes): Laser Scarecrows for Bird Damage Control

Kate Brown – County Agent, Somerset, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

This presentation will introduce growers to lasers, how they work, and their role in the bird damage control toolbox. The primary goals of this presentation are to describe results from local and regional efficacy trials, highlight laser safety practices, and provide an overview of how lasers are currently being utilized on four NJ farms.

 

2:00 pm to 2:30 pm (30 minutes): Beginner Farmer Program Update

Bill Hlubik – County Agent, Middlesex, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

Matt Milburn – Program Associate, Middlesex, RCE

This presentation will provide an update on the Rutgers RU Ready to Farm Beginner Farmer Training Program and ask the group for input on practical applied research and programs the farmers would like to see in 2025 and beyond.

 

This Annual Event is brought to you by Rutgers Cooperative Extension

 

Monmouth County Twilight Meetings

Need credits? Join us next week for two twilight meeting opportunities in Monmouth County.

Rutgers Specialty Crop Research and Extension Center Field Tour
September 17, 2024

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
283 Route 539 Cream Ridge, NJ 08514

Join Rutgers Cooperative Extension for this FREE twilight meeting showcasing current field trials and a new row mulcher at the Cream Ridge Extension Center. The tour will be from 6 to 7pm, with refreshments and time for additional discussion from 7 to 7:30pm.

  • Low Input Native and Ornamental Plant Trials
    William Errickson, Agriculture Agent, RCE Monmouth Co
  • High Protein Soybeans and Hemp Field Trials
  • William Bamka, Agriculture Agent, RCE Burlington Co.

NJ Pesticide License Recertification Credits: PP2(2), 1A(1), 3A(1), 10(2)

To register, contact Cathy Van Benschoten at 732-431-7260 or Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

Cream Ridge Field Tour Promo 2024

 

Twilight Meeting at Pleasant Run Nursery
September 20, 2024

5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
93
Ellisdale Road Allentown, NJ 08501

Join Carl Hesselein, President of Pleasant Run Nursery, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension for this FREE twilight meeting. We will tour the nursery and discuss best management practices for container production of native and low-input plant species.

This twilight meeting will be geared towards growers, landscape professionals, and agricultural service providers.

NJ Pesticide License Recertification Credits PP2(3); 3A(3); 10(3)

To register, contact Cathy Van Benschoten at 732-431-7260 or Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

Pleasant Run Tour Promo 2024

Twilight Meeting at Pleasant Run Nursery

September 20, 2024
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

93 Ellisdale Road
Allentown, NJ 08501

Join Carl Hesselein, President of Pleasant Run Nursery, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension for this FREE twilight meeting. We will tour the nursery and discuss best management practices for container production of native and low-input plant species.

This twilight meeting will be geared towards growers, landscape professionals, and agricultural service providers.

NJ Pesticide License Recertification Credits PP2(3); 3A(3); 10(3)

To register, contact Cathy Van Benschoten at 732-431-7260 or Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

Pleasant Run Tour Promo 2024