March 16, 2022

Action required NOW to safeguard Nursery shipping – SLF egg mass guide, additional resources, permitting

EXTREMELY  IMPORTANT – PLUS EGG MASS VISUAL GUIDE

Crippling load-by-load phytosanitary requirements are a very REAL concern for the nursery industry this spring.

WE as an industry are in this together, in order to safeguard our industry please do the following:

  1. SLF Training Permits for hang-tags (click here) are required for each company driver who delivers your plants out-of-state. This training is relatively simple and you can also obtain Training materials to educate your employees (click here)
  2. Scout every plant for ANY SLF life stages – from dead adults to egg masses. REMOVE any egg masses prior to shipment and train employees to know the various appearances of SLF egg masses.
  3. Use this guide – SLF EGG MASS GUIDE – USE FOR TRAINING (click here to download) (print and hang up / distribute to personnel)
  4. Refer to this great resource from Penn State: Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide (click here)
    1. An excerpt pertaining to the use of Dormant/Hort oils to suffocate egg masses (note this is not enough for plants about to be shipped (scraping required!), rather this may be considered for plants with SLF that are not being shipped this spring)Ovicides to Kill Egg Masses
      Experiments have shown that some insecticide sprays can kill SLF eggs. So far, all experiments were done between February and April using egg masses that had intact protective coverings. The most effective insecticides tested that are registered for use on ornamentals were horticultural and dormant oils. When oils were applied directly to the egg masses at a concentration of at least 3 percent, they were effective in killing up to 75 percent of treated eggs. Labels must be followed to prevent plant damage, and not all plants should be sprayed due to phytotoxic damage potential.These experiments suggest that registered insecticidal oils may provide some control of eggs if they are applied between February and April in high enough volumes to get excellent coverage. Oils offer a lower-toxicity option and may provide some control of egg masses that are not accessible for scraping or smashing. However, for egg masses that are within a reachable area, scraping or smashing will provide greater efficacy than currently available ovicides. We are actively researching other ovicides that could provide increased control, and we encourage you to stay up to date on our progress.

Please be diligent in this matter. Early season sprays to target nymphs will be discussed soon, but for now remove ANY and ALL signs of SLF in ANY SHIPMENTS! 

Use this guide – SLF EGG MASS GUIDE – USE FOR TRAINING (click here to download)

 

The following is an alert and reminder from NJDA and NJNLA, and Nick Polanin’s prior post…

Grower Alert: Don’t Let Spotted Lanternfly Impact Spring Shipping

The spring shipping season is upon us, and Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) should be one of your top concerns. You are probably well aware of the shipping disruptions that could occur if any life stage of Spotted Lanternfly is found on outbound deliveries from NJ growers.

No doubt many of you heeded the NJ Dept. of Agriculture’s recommendations last fall and implemented control measures to prevent the spread of neighboring infestations into your nursery or greenhouse facility. To the extent that those efforts might have come up short, you would be well advised to begin scouting and removing any egg masses (and adult carcasses) from your crops – especially as items are being loaded for shipment. Otherwise, you run the risk of contaminated shipments being fully rejected by the vigorous inspections that are planned at out-of-state retail and landscape destinations this season.

Even though you may disagree with these measures, be advised that it remains within the discretion of any state to impose crippling load-by-load phytosanitary requirements on future deliveries.

Load-rejections that occurred last fall underscore the seriousness of the Spotted Lanternfly situation and the far-reaching impact it might have on your business and the NJ industry at large.

Additionally, Spotted Lanternfly training permits are required for each company driver who delivers your plants out-of-state. This training is relatively simple and available online by clicking HERE.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to NJNLA (609-291-7070) or the NJ Department of Agriculture Plant Diagnostic Lab (609-406-6939).

Joseph Zoltowski, NJDA; Ed Overdevest and Lori Jenssen, NJNLA

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turf, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,
February 25, 2022

Spotted Lanternfly Summit 2022 (USDA-NIFA + collaborators) – Most up-to-date research from across the region

Next week, many of the researchers focused on the invasive Spotted Lanternfly will be presenting their findings at the 2022 Spotted Lantern Fly Summit.

(Quote from stopSLF.org) “Funding was provided by the Northeastern IPM Center to form a working group in summer of 2018 with Penn State as the lead institution. The working group met several times and submitted a successful proposal to the USDA-NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative in December 2018 to study the biology, ecology, and management of spotted lanternfly.”

Rutgers and many other universities, Federal, and State research groups from all SLF impacted areas are set to share their most up-to-date findings. Topics will cover various commodities, and will be research heavy, however, these sessions may prove valuable to you and your constituents.

Click here to register for this free event – 2022 Spotted Lanternfly Summit – Updates on research 

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turf Tagged With: , , , , ,
February 18, 2022

Increasing temperatures = scout for insects pests! 2022 Nursery and Conifer Pest Scouting Guides HERE

With the increases in daily temperature averages expected over the next week for the southern and central areas of NJ, pest scouting should commence on commercially important ornamental crops and landscapes. Typically, in our region, growing degree-days (GDD50) are counted beginning March 1st (known as a biofix date), however this year by March first we may see degree-day accumulation approaching 20+. Therefor scouting efforts should be commenced, especially in conifers. 

We have compiled the GDD resources into one single document – please download and print multiple copies of this for yourself and employees in efforts to best scout for these insect pests. These guides do not dictate when to spray, rather they inform scouting ranges for insect pests, vulnerable life-stages, and overlapping timeframes for multiple troublesome pests.

Download here:

Nursery and Landscape Pest Scouting Guide 2022 PDF (note this contains conifer pests as well)

Conifer Pest Scouting Guide 2022 PDF

Refer to this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-days” for additional information 

We will be making regular announcements throughout the season, however we wanted you to have this beta-version of the compiled growing-degree day information. This will be updated and modified throughout the season – PLEASE let me know what difference you are seeing in the field so we can continue to make this resource better for all of us.   

Contact: twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu (or call the Cumberland County Extension Office – 856-451-2800)

Growing degree-days as of writing this (using USPEST.org weather station codes):

  • Southern (NJ50): 13
  • Central (NJ10): 13
  • Northeastern (Greater NYC Metro area (D6302) and Northwestern (NJ59): 0

Crop type

Common Name

Scientific Name

GDD Min (50F)

GDD Max (95F)

Reference

Developmental / Target Stage
Conifer
Conifer rust mites
Eriophyidae
7
22
4
Overwintering eggs hatch
Pomes, Stone fruit
European red mite
Panonychus ulmi
7
58
2
1st adults active
Conifer
White pine weevil
Pissodes strobi
7
58
RU
Overwintering adults become active / prevent egg laying
Deciduous
Oystershell scale
Lepidosaphes ulmi
7
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Deciduous, Yew
Cottony camellia / taxus scale
Pulvinaria floccifera
7
91
5
Spring control of overwintering stage
Many
Southern red mite
Oligonychus ilicis
7
91
5
Overwintering eggs hatch
Conifer
Taxus mealybug
Dysmicoccus wistariae
7
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Oaks
Kermes oak scales
Kermes spp.
7
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Elongate hemlock scale
Fiorinia externa
7
120
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Many
Aphids
Aphidoidea
7
120
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Spruce spider mite
Oligonychus ununguis
7
121
RU
Overwintering eggs hatch
Oaks
Golden oak scale
Asterolecanium variolosum
7
121
5
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Pales weevil
Hylobius pales
7
121
RU
Overwintering adults become active / prevent egg laying
Magnoliaceae
Tuliptree scale
Toumeyella liriodendri
12
121
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Rhododendron, Azalea
Azalea lacebug
Stephanitis pyrioides
18
372
RU
Spring control of overwintering stage
White and Scotch Pine
White pine aphid
Cinara strobi
22
91
RU
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Pine bark adelgid
Pineus strobi
22
58
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Magnoliaceae
Magnolia scale
Neolecanium cornuparvum
22
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Spruce bud scale
Physokermes piceae
22
120
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Juniper scale
Carulaspis juniperi
22
148
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,
February 4, 2022

Next Tuesday 2/8 – Nursery Sessions at the Atlantic City Agricultural Convention and Tradeshow

Please join us on Tuesday 2/8 – for a full day of nursery and ornamental educational sessions

NJ Agricultural Convention and Tradeshow – Nursery and Ornamental Sessions (Atlantic City – in-person) This upcoming Tuesday 

  • See here for a full list of speakers and here to register
  • Speaker highlight – If you have issues with Red-headed flea beetle you don’t want to miss our guest speaker Danny Lauderdale (NC State), he will be discussing control options for adults and larvae. We are EXTREMELY lucky to have this opportunity – Don’t miss this, he basically wrote the book on this pest. 
  • Pesticide credits requested

Nursery and Ornamental Tracks at the 2022 VGA

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January 24, 2022

Upcoming educational and credit opportunities – either Rutgers led or in cooperation with Rutgers RCE

Rutgers logos

 

There are numerous educational opportunities in the next few weeks that are either led directly by Rutgers RCE faculty or Rutgers faculty served on the association’s Educational Committee

Rutgers Led Programing:

1. This Saturday (1/29 – 12:00 – 1:30pm) – NJ Christmas Tree Growers Association – Annual Winter Meeting – Virtual – Open to anyone but you must register – click here  (Must upload IDs to a Rutgers Connect Secure Folder –  click here to upload Gov. ID and Pesticide license for this meeting only!) 

  • 12:00 – 12:45pm – Tim Waller and Bill Errickson – Detection and Management of Phytophthora in Christmas Trees – update from summer research
  • 12:45-1:30pm – George Hamilton – Pesticide Safety and Regulations Update
  • Pesticide credits (1x CORE, PP2, 3A, 10)

2. (2/8 – Morning and Afternoon Sessions) – NJ Agricultural Convention and Tradeshow – Nursery and Ornamental Sessions (Atlantic City – in-person)

  • See here for a full list of speakers  and here to register
  • Speaker highlight – If you have issues with Red-headed flea beetle you don’t want to miss our guest speaker Danny Lauderdale (NC State), he will be discussing control options for adults and larvae. We are EXTREMELY lucky to have this opportunity – Don’t miss this, he basically wrote the book on this pest. 
  • Pesticide credits available

Rutgers advisory to associations’ Educational Committee Events: 

1. (2/2 and 2/3) – NJ Nursery and Landscape Association – Total Pro Expo (in-person)

2. (2/23) – NJ Landscape Contractors Association – Landscape New Jersey (in-person)

 

We look forward to seeing everyone at these virtual or in-person events soon! Stay tuned for more programing as the seasons develops.

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 event.

 

 

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
November 18, 2021

Pennsylvania Phasing In Ban Of Invasive Japanese Barberry – Official PA Dept. Ag. Press Release

Relayed from the – Original Press Release (click here)

Harrisburg, PA – The PA Department of Agriculture added Japanese Barberry, or Berberis thunbergii, to a list of noxious weeds — plants that cannot be legally sold or cultivated in the state. The popular, non-native, ornamental shrub forms dense, prickly thickets that crowd out plants and disrupt native ecosystems. It is also thought to harbor black-legged ticks that spread lyme disease. The ban on sale and cultivation took effect October 8, 2021.

Enforcement of the ban will be phased in over two years to allow time for nurseries to eliminate it from their stock, find non-harmful alternatives, and develop seedless, sterile varieties that pose less threat to the environment and agriculture. Landscape and nursery businesses will receive notices of the timeline, procedures and exemption process for sterile varieties. Property owners should consider eliminating the shrubs on their land.

“Many seemingly attractive plants can actually harm our environment, our food supply and our health,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Pennsylvania does not take banning the sale of a plant lightly. Prevention is the best alternative — choosing native plants that harbor pollinators and allow a healthy, natural ecosystem. Carefully considering the potential impact of what we plant can prevent lasting damage that is difficult, expensive or impossible to reverse.”

Japanese barberry was originally brought to the U.S. from Japan and eastern Asia in the 1800s to be planted as an ornamental.  It is widely used as a landscape shrub because of its fall coloring and resistance to deer. It has garnered attention in the past several years as a prolific invader that can easily spread into woodlands, pastures, fields and natural areas.

The timeline for the two-year rollout of the ban is as follows:

  • November 2021 – Nursery and landscape businesses will receive notice from the department, advising them to immediately begin adjusting propagation, ordering and planting of Japanese barberry to decrease inventory.
  • Fall 2022 – The department will issue letters of warning to any plant merchant still selling Japanese barberry, providing a date in Fall 2023 after which remaining inventory will be subject to a destruction order.
  • Fall 2023 – The department will issue Stop Sale and destruction orders to plant merchants selling or distributing Japanese barberry.

Merchants with questions should contact ra-plant@pa.gov.

Effective October 8, 2021, the department added two other plants to the noxious weed list: garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, and Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum. These plants are generally not sold in nurseries but are invasive and common in Pennsylvania. Landowners with these plants on their property are encouraged to remove them.

Find more information about noxious, controlled and poisonous plants in Pennsylvania at agriculture.pa.gov. For comprehensive information about controlling invasive species in Pennsylvania, visit the Governor’s Invasive Species Council.

MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon Powers, 717.603.2056; shpowers@pa.gov

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