Rutgers University | New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station | Pesticide User Responsibility

April 3, 2025

Register for the NEW – 2025 Ornamental IPM Program (including Christmas Tree Farmers)

Ornamental IPM 2025 v1 flyer

Attention Christmas Tree Growers – This is ALSO FOR YOU

Topics applicable to Christmas Tree Production in the first session include:

  • Balsam twig aphid
  • Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid
  • Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid
  • Pine Bark Adelgid
  • European pine sawfly
  • Hemlock Rust Mite
  • Spruce spider mite

We are trying to make these seminars as applicable as possible to as many different ornamental crop producers.

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

Filed Under: Christmas Trees
March 31, 2025 and

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!

 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
March 4, 2025

Approaching 2025 Boxwood Blight Season

March weather is always unpredictable, however, if we have sustained periods of increased temperatures and spring rains, boxwood blight (BWB) will become an issue quickly.

New – [pictorial tri-fold] Common Boxwood Pests and Diseases (click-here). This includes Box Tree Moth images. Print the PDF out double-sided, then fold. We are working to have a better resolution print of this material very soon.

If you suspect Boxwood Blight and would like to have this verified – please contact the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (click here) for sample submission instructions

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 3/4/2025
Region Location CODE 3-March 4-March 5-March 6-March 7-March 8-March
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Very Low  Very Low  Low Minor Risk Very Low  Very Low 
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 Very Low  Very Low  Low Minor Risk Very Low  Very Low 
Northern High Point NJ59 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Minor Risk Very Low  Very Low 
M T W TH F S
 Please check YOUR LOCAL risk (click here)

There is a minor potential for boxwood blight infections this Wednesday & Thursday, throughout ALL of NJ. Incoming rains, coupled with warmer temperatures may initiate boxwood blight infections this week.

  • It is time to begin protective fungicide applications in boxwoods throughout the state if you have not already done so. 

  • If BWB is important to your business – Use the USPEST – PUSH Alerts – (click here) – to setup weekly email alerts. Create an account, watch the tutorial, and then set up your subscriptions. You select which locations (as many as you like), days you want to receive emails, and what you would like to receive alerts about (BWB and a variety of other pests and diseases). Rutgers is not directly affiliated, however this is an incredible tool. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
February 6, 2025

Southern NJ Nursery Round Table : Next Monday & Delaware BTM Updates

Nursery Round Tables – I am hosting these free events at the Cumberland RCE (291 Morton Ave, Millville NJ)

Free RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/hJhesNgBxv Or RSVP at: 856-451-2800 ext 1.
February 10th – Hands on Growing Degree-days. We are going to sit down with computers (I have 10+ laptops), our cellphones, and a tablet to see how easy it is to use GDD calculators. We will then compare with the Rutgers Pest Scouting Guides (this is the guide;  https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/LONT-PSG-DISTRIB-2023.pdf)
  • Like the idea of using growing degree-days, but are unsure how to use the online calculators or other resources – THIS IS FOR YOU. On Monday 2/10 – we will be using laptop computers (I have 12 on-site), tablets, and smart cellphones to access and explore online growing degree-day calculators. We will then use the Rutgers Pest Scouting Guides to line up when to expect these pests and will discuss treatment opportunities with overlapping pest populations.

    -Each person will use all three technology methods to obtain their local growing degree-days. – By the end of the training you will be able to access and utilize this powerful tool anywhere.
February 24th – 2025 Playbook: We will be discussing emerging threats like Box Tree Moth and numerous plant diseases we need to be prepared for. The session will conclude with a 30-minute CORE credit session. 1 unit – CORE obtained-only.
Note you don’t HAVE to be from southern NJ, however I would appreciate you being with a nursery or other commercial ornamental operation. I just want to facilitate thoughtful communication. Registration greatly appreciated.

____________________________________________________

ALL DELAWARE NOW QUARANTINED (DA-2024-47)(as of 12/4/24)

Subject:           APHIS Establishes Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) Quarantines in Delaware and Pennsylvania

To:                   State, Tribal, and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), is adding the entire State of Delaware and Erie County, Pennsylvania to the box tree moth (BTM; Cydalima perspectalis) quarantined area. APHIS is taking this action in response to the confirmed detections of BTM in a residence in Little Creek, Delaware, on July 11 and in Lakeside Cemetery in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania, on August 29. PDA has established an intrastate quarantine area for BTM that parallels the Federal quarantine. This Federal Order supersedes Federal Order DA-2024-17.

The attached Federal Order (click here) and additional information about BTM are located on the APHIS box tree moth webpage. For additional information, you may contact:

Matthew Travis
National Policy Manager
580-240-5394
matthew.a.travis@usda.gov

If you see, or think you see this pest, or its damages in New Jersey please contact:

  • RCE -Cumberland Co. Nursery Agent: Tim Waller – twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu
  • Nursery Inspection Program Manager: Sarah Katzenbach –  sarah.katzenbach@ag.nj.gov  (609) 406-6939

Please educate yourself about this in-bound pest here – Resources:

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
December 9, 2024

UPDATE: APHIS Establishes Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) Quarantines in Delaware and Pennsylvania

FROM APHIS EMAIL:

Subject:           APHIS Establishes Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) Quarantines in Delaware and Pennsylvania

To:                   State, Tribal, and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), is adding the entire State of Delaware and Erie County, Pennsylvania to the box tree moth (BTM; Cydalima perspectalis) quarantined area.

APHIS is taking this action in response to the confirmed detections of BTM in a residence in Little Creek, Delaware, on July 11 and in Lakeside Cemetery in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania, on August 29. PDA has established an intrastate quarantine area for BTM that parallels the Federal quarantine. This Federal Order supersedes Federal Order DA-2024-17.

To prevent the spread of BTM, APHIS considers it necessary to regulate the interstate movement of regulated articles of boxwood from quarantined areas. Boxwood plants may only be moved interstate from a quarantined area from an establishment operating under a compliance agreement, and only if accompanied by a certificate issued by a state agricultural authority certifying that the requirements of this Federal Order and the compliance agreement have been met. These requirements will prevent producers and distributors of boxwood from moving infested plants interstate. State agricultural authorities may prescribe additional safeguards and protocols.

APHIS prohibits movement of all other regulated articles of boxwood, including plant parts, pieces, cuttings, clippings, debris, and any portion of the plant, alive or dead, except for decorative purposes.

The attached Federal Order (click here) and additional information about BTM are located on the APHIS box tree moth webpage. For additional information, you may contact:

Matthew Travis
National Policy Manager
580-240-5394
matthew.a.travis@usda.gov

Box Tree Moth poses a serious threat to boxwood production, maintenance, and export.

If you see, or think you see this pest, or its damages in New Jersey please contact:

  • RCE -Cumberland Co. Nursery Agent: Tim Waller – twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu
  • Nursery Inspection Program Manager: Sarah Katzenbach –  sarah.katzenbach@ag.nj.gov  (609) 406-6939

Please educate yourself about this in-bound pest here – Resources:

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
October 3, 2024

Virtual and In-Person Credit Meetings this October – Rutgers Horticulture Plant Health Educational Series

We invite ALL horticulture professionals (nursery, greenhouse, Christmas tree, vegetable, row crops, fruit, turf management, arborist, landscape professionals, etc.) to attend the following educational sessions surrounding overall plant health topics, pest management principals, and pesticide use and safety considerations. The events on Thursday October 10th and Tuesday October 15th will be virtual (& free), and Tuesday October 22nd will be in-person ($30 fee) at the Cumberland County RCE building (see below).

The virtual courses will count as in-person credits so long as you follow these instructions. 

  • MUST have a live video feed (and are visible the entire time), upload a government issued photo ID —AND— NJ Pesticide license prior to the meeting (1 time for both 10/10 and 10/15) via a secure Rutgers Connect folder (follow directions below, only the agents will have access to information for verification), and participate in all poll questions.
  • MUST – UPLOAD Gov ID —AND— Pesticide License HERE – PRIOR TO MEETING (1 time for the whole series)
    • “Last name_ First_ Photo ID” AND “Last name_ First_ Pesticide License”
    • If you click on the photo ID upload link using a smart phone/tablet you will have the option of simply taking a photo of your IDs and uploading them directly into the system. Otherwise, you can scan a copy of your photo ID into a computer and follow the directions at the upload link. Please contact twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu if you are having trouble with this and we will assist you.

Rutgers is dedicated to protecting your privacy and keeping your personal information safe.  Upon upload, your files will be encrypted and stored to Rutgers Connect. Your information will be kept strictly confidential; used solely to meet NJDEP ID verification protocol for recertification credit; and will not be used for any other purpose. Your files will be deleted within 60 days after the training series. 

——————————————————————————————-

October 10th (TH) – virtual:

5:30-6:00pm: Login and ID verification: 5:30 – 6:00pm, (Poll #1 at 6:00pm)

6:00 – 7:00PM: Beech Leaf Disease & Experimental Treatment Options – Jean Epiphan RCE

  • Credits obtained: 2 each PP2, 2, 3A, 6B, 8C, 9, 10

7:15-8:15PM: How Chemicals Work and Which to Use – Tim Waller RCE

  • Credits obtained: 2 each – CORE, 1A, 3A, 3B, 6B, 8C, 10, PP2

——————————————————————————————-

October 15th (TU) – virtual:

5:30-6:00pm: Login and ID verification: 5:30 – 6:00pm, (Poll #1 at 6:00pm)

6:00 – 7:00PM: Root Disease Management in Plants – Tim Waller RCE

  • Credits obtained: 2 each – PP2, 1A, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 6B, 8C, 10

7:15-8:15PM: Designing a Pesticide Regime – Tim Waller RCE

  • Credits obtained: 2 each – PP2, 1A, 3A, 3B, 3C, 6B, 8C, 10

——————————————————————————————-

October 22nd (TU) – IN-PERSON (Cumberland County RCE – 291 Morton Ave. Millville, NJ 08332)

5:30-6:00pm: Arrival and sign in.

6:00 – 8:15PM: Horticultural Plant Health – CORE 101– Tim Waller RCE

Credits obtained: 4 each – CORE, 1A, 3A, 3B, 3C, 6B, 8C, PP2

  • Note for this in-person event (10/22/24) there is a $30.00 fee per participant. Only checks or cash will be accepted at the start of the event. Please make checks payable to “Rutgers the State Univ. of NJ”. Pre-registration is encouraged.
  • Registration: By phone – Cumberland County RCE Office: 856-451-2800, EXT 1, or walk-in (but be early, session will begin on-time).
Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, pesticide credits Tagged With: , ,