Fruit Crops Edition - Blueberry Section

Seasonal updates on diseases, insects, weeds impacting small fruit (blueberry, cranberry, and wine grape). Fruit Pest Alerts are also available via this category feed.
 
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May 12, 2026 , , and

Fruit IPM Report 5/11/2026

 

Apples
Disease management considerations

Primary scab season is coming to an end or has ended. While the majority of mature ascospores have been released, there is still a risk of infection. An apple scab infection period occurred over the weekend (5/9-5/11) and currently the forecast indicates an apple scab infection period for May 13-14. Rust infection is also a risk during this time. These diseases need to be managed even if you have little to no apple crop in order to maintain healthy trees and keep inoculum low going into next season. A conservative spray program can focus on broad-spectrum fungicides, such as mancozeb, captan, ziram, and sulfur. Mancozeb is the only broad-spectrum product to control rust while sulfur is the only broad-spectrum product to control powdery mildew.

Marssonina Blotch, Glomerella Leaf Spot, and Frogeye Leaf Spot (Figure 1) should be managed as these diseases will cause defoliation and provide a source of inoculum for black rot and bitter rot next season.  Maintain coverage of captan, manzate, or ziram prior to rain events through the growing season according to the cover spray rule of applications every 2” of rain or 14 days, whichever comes first.

Frogeye leaf spot on apple.

Figure 1. Frogeye leaf spot on apple.

For those who have fruit on their trees, there are additional fungicide options to consider particularly to manage bitter rot and sooty blotch & flyspeck. Products such as Merivon, Luna Sensation, Inspire Super, Omega, and Aprovia are effective, and can be combined or rotated with broad spectrum fungicides such as captan and ziram for sustained control.

Fireblight

Infections can still occur post bloom. Products such as Apogee or Kudos mixed with plant defense inducers like Actigard should be used for the management of shoot blight. If there is still some bloom, apply antibiotics when infection events are forecasted using the NEWA fire blight model. A potential infection period is predicted for May 13-14. Remember to rotate streptomycin and oxytetracycline products. If symptoms appear, it is generally recommended to cut out infected limbs and remove them from the orchard when possible; however, this is a practical decision that must be made. Applications of Prohexadione calcium (Kudos or Apogee) are highly recommended to help slow infections. Repeated applications may be necessary to help control shoot blight from previous blossom infections, or leftover cankers in the trees.

Insect Update

Codling Moth: A Codling Moth Biofix was set in Southern counties on 4/20 and in Northern counties on 5/5. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates. Where Mating Disruption has been employed, supplemental Madex applications should be made at the timings listed below.

Codling Moth Degree Day Timing
Application and Insecticide Type
County Area Biofix Rimon:

75-100DD + 14-17 days later

 

 Intrepid

150 + 450 DD

Diamides – Altacor, Voliam mixes: (150-200 DD)

 Madex

250 DD + every 7-9 days during brood hatch (later if first spray is an IGR)

 Standard Insecticides –  Delegate, Avaunt, OP’s, carbamates, pyrethroids

250 DD + 550 DD

 
DD 75 100 150 450 250 250 550
Southern April 20 Past Past 5/9 Too far off 5/19 5/19 Too far off
Northern  May 5 5/12 5/14 5/19 Too far off Too far off Too far off Too far off

Rosy Apple Aphid: Aphid activity has been very low to start this season. RAA can feed extensively on foliage and terminals, causing leaf curling and stunting. This can impact next year’s fruit that will be set in this season. Without fruit, the trees may tolerate a higher threshold of these pests, but they should still be managed. Monitor for colonies during bloom and use a treatment threshold of 1 colony/tree at petal fall.

Green Apple (Spirea) Aphids (GAA): GAA colonies are being observed in some apple blocks. GAA is generally a pest that can be tolerated since they do little direct damage. Treatment thresholds for GAA are if 50% of the shoots are infested with no beneficial insects present. Movento will also control GAA and should control scale when applied in mid-May, and suppress scale when applied in late May or early June.

Ambrosia Beetle: Trap captures have decreased from previous weeks in South Jersey, indicating peak flight has ended. However, in some of the most Northern New Jersey counties, trap captures are increasing, which indicates we are entering peak flight. Infested trees should be showing signs of stress or will be soon. Once these beetles bore into the trunk, they will form a gallery in the heartwood of the tree to lay their eggs and farm the ambrosia fungus to feed themselves and their larvae. Once the female lays her eggs, it will take about 30 days for them to become adults and emerge from their host tree to begin the second flight. If you have had a history of this pest in your orchard, you should begin scouting for damage and flag any trees that have been attacked for continued monitoring.

Pears
Pear Diseases

Although the primary bloom infection period is largely complete, fire blight remains a concern during warm and wet periods. Continue to protect actively growing shoots, particularly during warm, wet, or stormy conditions. In high-risk situations, oxytetracycline (e.g., Mycoshield, FireLine) may be used post-bloom for shoot blight suppression. Maintain protectant fungicides (e.g., Mancozeb, Ziram) for rust, scab and Fabraea leaf spot to protect foliage. Use FRAC 3, 7, and premix fungicides (e.g., Inspire Super, Merivon, Luna products) where needed for foliar disease control. In blocks with little to no fruit, fungicide programs can often be reduced and focused on maintaining healthy foliage rather than fruit protection.

Pear Psylla

Second generation pear psylla adults and eggs have been observed in southern counties. Options for control include Actara, Assail, and Belay (IRAC group 4A), Sivanto Prime (IRAC group 4D), Delegate (IRAC Group 5), and products containing abamectin (IRAC group 6). Other options include Movento (IRAC Group 23). The addition of 0.25-1 gal of summer oil may improve control. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions regarding the addition of penetrants for these products.

Peaches
Peach Diseases

Given the widespread crop loss in many orchards, disease management programs should be adjusted accordingly. With little to no fruit present in most blocks, emphasis should shift away from fruit protection and toward maintaining tree health and reducing inoculum for next season.

  • Peach scab:
    • In orchards without a history of high disease pressure, scab is generally not a concern in the absence of fruit
    • In blocks with a history of scab, lesions can still develop on current-season shoots and serve as inoculum for next year
    • In these situations, a reduced program may be warranted, with Captan applications timed ahead of significant rainfall events (e.g., ~2.5 lb/A)

  • Bacterial leaf spot on peach.

    Figure 2. Bacterial leaf spot on peach.

  • Bacterial spot:
    • Maintain low-rate copper programs to protect foliage and reduce inoculum for future seasons
    • Particularly important in blocks with a history of bacterial spot or under warm, wet conditions
    • Avoid combining copper with captan, especially following extended cloudy or slow-drying conditions
    • Antibiotics containing oxytetracycline may also be used and may offer more residual activity during long wetting periods.
    • We have observed bacterial leaf spot symptoms in the field starting in early May (Figure 2).

 

  • Rusty spot and brown rot:
    • Not a concern in blocks with little to no fruit
    • Fungicide applications targeting these diseases can be eliminated in most orchards this season.
Insect Update

Insect management programs in peaches and nectarines should be adjusted this season based on reduced crop load. In blocks with little to no fruit, many fruit-feeding pests will not require treatment; however, monitoring should continue, and management should focus on pests that impact tree health or future production.

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM)

A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/7 for southern counties and 4/15 in northern counties. The second insecticide timings for first generation Oriental Fruit Moth control fall at 350-375 degree days base 45 after biofix. No Insecticides for OFM are needed where mating disruption is implemented.

OFM 1st Generation Timing
Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by 5/10 base 45 Conventional

170-200, 350-375

 Diamide

100-150, 300-350
Gloucester – Southern 434 1st –past

2nd – past

 1st –past

2nd –past
Middlesex – Northern 325 1st –past

2nd –5/12-514

  1st – past

2nd –5/9-5/12

Green Peach Aphid: Aphid activity has been very low to start this season. GPA colonies usually begin forming sometime during bloom. Examine trees for the presence of aphids by counting the number of colonies on ten trees and use a treatment threshold of 2 colonies/tree at petal fall for peach, and 1 colony/tree for nectarine. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates. Aphid colonies curling leaves was noted in southern counties starting the week of 5/4.

Plum Curculio; Tarnished Plant Bugs; and Other Catfacing Insects: Injury on fruit from plum curculio has been observed on developing peaches and apples in southern counties (Fi

Plum curculio feeding in apple fruitlets.

Figure 3. Plum curculio feeding in apple fruitlets.

gure 3). Plum curculio start to move into orchards at about 88-100 degree days base 50 after January 1. Applications for PC should be initiated once all petals are off, with a second application made with ovicidal materials at 379-402 DD. We are currently past this treatment window as southern counties have accumulated about 508 DD base 50 and northern counties have accumulated 457 DD base 50. Growers can monitor degree day development at their site by finding the nearest weather station and using the degree day development tool at NEWA. Tarnished plant bug and catfacing insect activity has been low and is considered a low priority for management where fruit is not present. If you are planning to retain a crop, you must continue to intensively manage insect pests as you would in a normal season.

Scale Insects: White peach scale crawlers have not yet emerged but usually begin emergence about the third week of May and continue emergence until about the middle of June. San Jose scale crawlers typically begin emergence about late May or Early June and continue emergence for up to 6 weeks. Control options during crawler emergence include Esteem and Centaur. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide and the product labels for more information.

Lesser and Greater Peach Tree Borers: Growers using mating disruption for borer control can begin placing dispensers around the end of April and should have them in place by mid-May.

Blueberries
Insect Update

Scouting activities were conducted across 139 fields in Burlington and Atlantic Counties. Field evaluations focused on the presence of leafrollers, spongy moths, plum curculio, and thrips. Insect activity remains low in beating tray samples and observations on developing fruit of feeding and oviposition injury.

Table 1. Beating Tray Data

Leafrollers Spongy Moth Plum Curculio Thrips
Avg High Avg High Avg High Avg High
4/17 0.0649 2 0.0001 0.1 0.0686 2.5 0.5547 9
4/25 0.0801 0.8 0.0001 0.1 0.1156 3 1.0383 26
5/1 0.1 0.8 0.0007 0.1 0.15 3 2.38 39
5/9 0.08 0.7 0 0 0.245 4.5 1.89 37

 

Table 2. Fruit Monitoring Data

% Leafroller Berry Infestation % Plum Curculio Berry Infestation
Avg High Avg High
5/9 0.125 1 0.235 2.6

 

Trap Monitoring: Cranberry and cherry fruitworm traps were deployed and will be monitored on a weekly basis.

Cherry fruitworm activity is increasing, indicating that adults are in flight and mating (Table 3).

Table 3. Trap Data

Cranberry Fruitworm

(AC)

 Cherry Fruitworm (AC) Cranberry Fruitworm (BC) Cherry Fruitworm (BC)
Avg High Avg High Avg High Avg High
5/1 0 0 2.5 5 0 0 3.5 7
5/9 0 0 4.4 6 0 0 6.25 10
AC: Atlantic County, BC: Burlington County

 

Scale traps targeting Putnam and terrapin scale will be set up in the coming week to monitor for first-generation crawler emergence and to assist in optimizing treatment timing.

Grapes
Diseases

We are prebloom in vineyards in southern counties. The most important diseases to manage at this time are Phomopsis and Powdery Mildew. Starting at 3″ growth start managing for Black Rot. More information about early season disease control can be found in this blogpost from Virginia Tech.

Insect Update

We are catching first generation of grape berry moth in pheromone traps in vineyards; however, a biofix will not be set until early native varieties are at trace bloom. Insecticide timings will target control of later generations of grape berry moth in vineyards infesting developing fruit bunches. Spotted lanternfly nymphs have been observed in southern NJ vineyards (Figure 4). There is no need to control SLF at this time.

Spotted lanternfly nymphs on grapevines.

Figure 4. Spotted lanternfly nymphs on grapevines.

 

Filed Under: Blueberry, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Uncategorized, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
May 4, 2026 , , and

Fruit IPM Updates Week of 4/27/2026

Tree Fruit Phenology Update

Tree fruit development across New Jersey continued to progress over the past week, and the impacts of the recent freeze event are now becoming more clearly defined. Across much of the state, significant injury to blossoms and young fruit has been confirmed, with many orchards reporting substantial crop loss. The extent of damage remains highly variable by location, elevation, variety, and phenological stage at the time of the freeze, with the most severe injury observed in low-lying areas and blocks that were at full bloom or petal fall.

At this stage, surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify, although some additional drop is still expected over the coming week. Growers are encouraged to continue evaluating blocks carefully before making final management decisions, as crop potential may continue to change.

In apples, early varieties such as ‘Pink Lady’ sustained significant injury in many locations. However, some later-developing blooms appear to have escaped the freeze, and limited fruit set is being observed from these later flowers. While this provides some promise in select blocks, overall yield potential remains extremely low across most orchards. Variability remains high even within individual blocks.

In pears, most varieties across the state were at or just past bloom during the freeze, and widespread crop loss has now been confirmed. In many orchards, little to no viable fruit remains, though isolated pockets of surviving fruit may still be present depending on site conditions.

Peach and nectarine varieties in southern counties, which were at petal fall to early shuck split during the freeze, experienced extensive crop loss in many orchards. In northern counties, where bloom was still ongoing at the time of the freeze, damage remains variable but is often substantial in more exposed locations.

Despite reduced crop potential, continued monitoring and management remain important, particularly in blocks with surviving fruit or where maintaining tree health and supporting return bloom for the 2027 season are priorities.

Apples
Apple Phenology Update

Apple phenology continued to progress across New Jersey over the past week, with most blocks now moving through bloom into petal fall. The impacts of the recent freeze event are now becoming more apparent, with significant injury observed in many orchards statewide. Early varieties in southern counties, such as ‘Pink Lady,’ sustained substantial damage where they were at full bloom during the freeze.

Later varieties and more northern regions show variable levels of injury depending on bloom stage and site conditions. In some blocks, later-developing blooms appear to have escaped damage and are setting limited fruit. Surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify, although some additional drop may still occur over the coming week.

As development continues into petal fall and early fruit set, this remains a critical period for disease management, particularly for fire blight, apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust. Even in blocks with reduced crop, maintaining protection of foliage and any surviving fruit is essential for overall tree health and to support return bloom next season. Monitoring for early-season insect pests should also continue, with management decisions adjusted based on crop presence and block-specific conditions.

Phenology Dates by County (earliest varieties)

County Green Tip Tight Cluster Pink Bud Bloom Petal Fall
Cumberland 3/22 3/28 4/3 4/8 4/17
Gloucester 3/22 3/28 4/3 4/8 4/17
Burlington 3/22 3/28 4/2 4/13 4/22
Mercer 3/22 3/28 4/2 4/13 4/22
Middlesex 3/22 4/1 4/4 4/14 4/22
Monmouth 3/22 4/1 4/4 4/14 4/22
Hunterdon 3/22 4/1 4/10 4/17 4/24
Morris 3/26 4/4 4/11 4/17 4/24
Warren 3/30 4/4 4/13 4/17 4/24
Sussex 3/31 4/10 4/14 4/18 4/24
Bergen 3/22 4/1 4/4 4/14 4/24
Apple Scab
Apple scab season is approaching the end of primary ascospore release, with most ascospores now matured and a large proportion already discharged. We are transitioning out of peak primary infection risk; however, recent infection events and any established lesions can continue to drive secondary spread if not controlled.Recent wetting events earlier this week resulted in infection periods, but the upcoming forecast is relatively dry, which should limit additional infection risk in the short term. Growers should continue to monitor conditions closely and maintain coverage, particularly where primary infections may have already occurred. Models are available through NEWA and RIMpro
Current Update using the Upper Deerfield Station
  • ~91–94% ascospore maturity as of April 29–May 1
  • ~62–63% cumulative ascospore discharge to date
  • Forecasted to reach ~95–98% maturity by May 2–6
  • Cumulative ascospore discharge forecasted to increase to ~73% by May 2–6
  • Infection events occurred April 29–30 under sufficient wetting and favorable temperatures
  • Limited infection risk is forecast over the next several days due to dry conditions

While primary scab season is nearing completion, remaining ascospores and recent infection events mean that protection should be maintained until discharge is complete and orchards are scouted for lesions.

Management Considerations

Fungicide programs should be maintained through petal fall and early fruit set, particularly in blocks where infection events occurred this week. However, as primary scab season nears completion and ascospore maturity approaches full discharge, growers should begin planning to wind down intensive scab programs.

One additional well-timed fungicide application over the next week may be sufficient to protect against any remaining ascospore release and recent infection events. Following this, programs can be adjusted based on scouting and the presence or absence of lesions.

Despite widespread freeze injury, protecting foliage remains critical for tree health and return bloom. Programs should continue to prioritize apple scab until primary season is complete, along with powdery mildew and cedar apple rust. Fire blight protection should continue where bloom or trauma blight risk remains.

Recommended Programs

  • Final primary scab spray (next 5–7 days):
    • Mancozeb or Captan + single-site fungicide (use reduced rate when tank mixing)
    • Time this application ahead of any remaining wetting events to protect against final ascospore discharge
  • Primary scab season is nearing completion — begin transitioning out of intensive spray programs
  • One final fungicide application over the next week should be sufficient in most blocks to cover remaining ascospore discharge
  • Recent infection events occurred April 29–30 — ensure coverage was adequate and consider follow-up where needed
  • After this final application, shift to scouting for primary lesions and adjust programs accordingly
  • Do not fully relax programs where foliage health is still a priority, especially in blocks with any remaining crop
  • Powdery mildew remains active under dry conditions
  • Do not tank mix Captan with oil due to phytotoxicity risk

Fireblight

Models

Fire blight risk remains present as we move through the end of bloom and into early post-bloom, particularly in blocks with open blossoms or where freeze injury may have created additional infection sites. Recent conditions included wetting events on April 29–30; however, risk has been relatively low over the past few days.

Forecasts indicate increasing risk heading into early next week, with Cougarblight values rising and infection potential (EIP) expected to increase by May 5–6 under warmer conditions. These conditions may support infection if bloom remains or if trauma events occur.

Given the current outlook, one to two additional bactericide applications may be warranted, particularly in blocks with a history of fire blight, open bloom, or high-value varieties. Applications should be timed ahead of forecasted rain events where possible.

Management Considerations

  • Consider 1–2 additional sprays.
    • Particularly important in blocks with open bloom, recent freeze injury, or known fire blight history
    • Time applications ahead of forecasted wetting events
  • Rotate bactericides.
    • Streptomycin, Kasugamycin, and Oxytetracycline should be rotated to reduce resistance risk
    • Kasumin is labeled through bloom/petal fall only
    • Streptomycin and oxytetracycline may be used post-bloom (FireLine 45 allows only one post-bloom application)
  • Monitor models closely.
    • Use Cougarblight and EIP tools to guide timing
    • Enter your last streptomycin application date to improve model accuracy
  • Be aware of trauma blight risk.
    • Freeze injury, wind, or hail can create entry points for infection even after bloom
  • Plan for aggressive sanitation this season.
    • With reduced crop in many blocks, this is an ideal year to focus on removing infected wood
    • Prune out blighted shoots and cankers during dry conditions to reduce inoculum for future seasons

Monitor:

    • NEWA models
    • Weather/wetting events
    • Phenology
Insect Update

Insect management programs should be adjusted this season based on reduced crop load in many orchards. In blocks with little to no fruit, many early-season insect pests will not require treatment; however, monitoring should continue, and management should be maintained where pests threaten tree health or next year’s crop.

  • Ambrosia Beetle
    • No new significant flight activity has been observed in recent days
    • Peak flight period appears to have passed, though low-level activity may still occur
    • Continue monitoring traps, particularly in stressed, freeze-damaged, declining, or newly planted blocks
    • Freeze-injured trees may remain attractive, so risk is not fully eliminated
    • No additional insecticide applications are needed in most blocks at this time unless activity resumes or trees are under stress
  • Codling Moth (CM)
    • Biofix has been set for southern New Jersey as of April 20, 2026
    • In blocks with little to no crop, CM management programs can often be reduced or delayed, as the risk of economic injury is low; however, monitoring should continue.
    • Mating disruption should remain in place where already deployed; do not remove dispensers, as they will continue to suppress populations
    • Where Mating Disruption has been employed or there is a reduced insecticide program, supplemental Madex applications can be made at the timings listed below if threshold exceeds 5 or more moths per trap per week.
Codling Moth Degree Day Timing
Application and Insecticide Type
County Area Biofix Rimon:

75-100DD + 14-17 days later

 

 Intrepid

150 + 450 DD

Diamides – Altacor, Voliam mixes: (150-200 DD)

 Madex

250 DD + every 7-9 days during brood hatch (later if first spray is an IGR)

 Standard Insecticides –  Delegate, Avaunt, OP’s, carbamates, pyrethroids

250 DD + 550 DD

 
DD 75 100 150 450 250 250 550
Southern April 20 5/4 5/5 5/11 Too far off Too far off Too far off Too far off
Northern  NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
  • Other Apple Insects
    • In blocks with little to no crop, many early-season fruit-feeding insects will not require treatment at this time. Continue monitoring, and focus management on pests that impact tree health, terminal growth, or future crop potential.
  • Plum curculio, tarnished plant bug, stink bugs, BMSB, TABM, and OBLR:
    • In most blocks, treatment is not necessary where little to no fruit is present
  • Mites:
    • Continue to use standard thresholds through June
    • Maintaining healthy foliage is important for return bloom next season
  •  Rosy apple aphid:
    • Manage only in cases of severe infestation to avoid excessive leaf curling and shoot distortion
  • Dogwood borer:
    • Manage as needed in blocks with a history of infestation
Summary
  • The recent freeze has resulted in widespread blossom and fruit loss across many orchards, with damage now becoming more clearly defined at the block level
  • Some late-developing apple blooms have escaped injury and are setting limited fruit
  • Apple scab season is nearing completion, with most ascospores matured and a large portion already discharged; one final well-timed fungicide application should be sufficient in most blocks
  • Fire blight risk remains in blocks with open bloom or recent injury; 1–2 additional bactericide applications may be warranted based on model predictions and weather conditions
  • Insect management programs can be reduced in many blocks due to low crop, but monitoring should continue and management maintained for pests that impact tree health
  • Maintaining healthy foliage and overall tree vigor remains critical to support return bloom and production for the 2027 season

Pears
Pear Phenology Update

Pear development continued to progress across New Jersey over the past week, and the impacts of the recent freeze event are now becoming more clearly defined. Significant injury to blossoms and young fruit has been confirmed across much of the state, with many orchards reporting substantial crop loss.

Most European pear varieties were at full bloom to early petal fall during the freeze and have sustained widespread damage, particularly in low-lying or frost-prone areas. In many blocks, little to no viable fruit remains, though isolated pockets of surviving fruit may still be present depending on site conditions.

Asian pear varieties, which were generally more advanced at the time of the freeze, appear to have experienced even greater levels of injury in some locations. In northern counties, where bloom was still ongoing, damage remains variable but is often still substantial in exposed sites.

At this stage, surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify (Figure 2), although some additional drop may still occur over the coming week. Growers should continue to assess blocks carefully before making final management decisions.

Pear fruitlets cut to assess freeze injury—internal tissue appears viable; however, additional drop may occur. Salem County, NJ.

Figure 1. Pear fruitlets cut to assess freeze injury—internal tissue appears viable; however, additional drop may occur. Salem County, NJ.

Despite reduced crop potential, maintaining disease management and overall tree health remains important, particularly to support return bloom and long-term productivity.

Pear Psylla
  • Pear psylla activity remains low across much of southern New Jersey, with limited observations to date
  • Some variability exists by block, though overall pressure remains light at this time
  • Freeze-damaged orchards may be more susceptible to colonization as stressed trees can favor psylla buildup

Regional Observations:

  • Gloucester County: None observed
  • Salem County: Newly emerged Adults observed
  • Burlington County: No activity observed to date
  • Mercer County: No activity observed to date

As orchards move through petal fall and temperatures warm, psylla populations may increase gradually, particularly in blocks where adults are present. However, given the widespread crop loss this season, economic risk is reduced in many orchards.

Management Considerations

  • In most blocks, immediate treatment is not necessary at this time
  • Continue monitoring for adults, eggs, and early nymphs, especially in historically infested blocks
  • Where management is needed, target newly hatched nymphs, which are the most susceptible stage
  • Focus treatments on blocks with high historical pressure, active populations, or significant freeze stress
  • Even with little to no crop, psylla should be managed where populations build to levels that may impact tree health, vigor, or lead to honeydew and sooty mold accumulation

Recommended Options

  • Movento (IRAC 23) – excellent systemic control of psylla, scale, and aphids (apply with a spreading/penetrating adjuvant for best performance)
  • Actara, Assail, Belay (IRAC 4A) – effective options for psylla control
  • Centaur (IRAC 16) – targets immature stages
  • Sivanto Prime (IRAC 4D) – effective, softer option with good activity
  • Agri-Mek (IRAC 6) – strong option when applied with oil/adjuvant, especially for nymph control

With little to no fruit in many blocks, psylla management should be highly targeted rather than routine. Focus on monitoring and only treat where populations threaten tree health or where there is a history of significant infestation.

Pear Diseases
Fire Blight and Early Season Management

As pear orchards move through petal fall and into early post-bloom, the primary bloom infection period is largely complete. However, fire blight remains a concern, particularly in blocks with freeze injury, where damaged tissue and rapid regrowth increase susceptibility.

The recent freeze has created additional risk for trauma blight, as injured blossoms and developing shoots provide entry points for infection during periods of warm temperatures, wind, or rain. At the same time, widespread crop loss reduces the need for fruit-focused disease programs, shifting management emphasis toward protecting tree health and controlling shoot blight.

At Petal Fall and Post-Bloom:

  • Continue monitoring forecasts using NEWA for fire blight risk, especially following storms or warm periods
  • Discontinue streptomycin after petal fall (not labeled beyond this stage)
  • Kasumin may be used up to petal fall only; do not apply afterward
  • Focus on protecting actively growing shoots, particularly during warm, wet, or stormy conditions
  • In high-risk situations, oxytetracycline (e.g., Mycoshield, FireLine) may be used post-bloom for shoot blight suppression

Management Considerations:

  • Monitor closely for trauma events (hail, wind, heavy rain), which can trigger shoot blight infections
  • Maintain heightened awareness in blocks with a history of fire blight or significant freeze injury
  • Rapid shoot growth under warm conditions increases susceptibility—vigorous orchards are at higher risk
  • With little to no crop in many blocks, focus management on tree health and reducing inoculum for future seasons

Fungicide Considerations (Post-Bloom)

  • Maintain protectant fungicides (e.g., Mancozeb, Ziram) for pear scab and Fabraea leaf spot to protect foliage
  • Use FRAC 3, 7, and premix fungicides (e.g., Inspire Super, Merivon, Luna products) where needed for foliar disease control
  • Rotate FRAC groups to manage resistance and maintain program efficacy
  • In blocks with little to no fruit, fungicide programs can often be reduced and focused on maintaining healthy foliage rather than fruit protection
Summary
  • The recent freeze has resulted in widespread blossom and fruit loss across many New Jersey pear orchards, with damage now more clearly defined at the block level.
  • Most orchards are now at petal fall to early post-bloom in southern counties, while northern counties have largely progressed through bloom with variable levels of injury.
  • Asian pear varieties, which were more advanced at the time of the freeze, experienced greater levels of injury in many locations; in most blocks, little to no viable fruit remains.
  • Pear psylla pressure remains low at this time; while populations may increase with warmer temperatures, most blocks do not require immediate treatment, though monitoring should continue—particularly in freeze-stressed or historically infested orchards.
  • Insecticide applications can be reduced in many blocks due to low crop; where needed, target early nymph stages and focus on blocks with active populations or a history of pressure.
  • Pear scab risk peaked during the April 25–27 infection period; current risk is declining, and one additional fungicide application is likely sufficient in most blocks to cover remaining primary infection.
  • Fire blight risk remains a concern in blocks with freeze injury and actively growing shoots; 1–2 additional bactericide applications may be warranted depending on conditions and model predictions.
  • With little to no crop in many orchards, management should shift toward maintaining healthy foliage, reducing inoculum, and supporting return bloom and productivity for the 2027 season.
  • Continued scouting and monitoring of weather conditions, pest activity, and tree response will remain important over the next 7–10 days.

Peaches
Peach Phenology

Peach and nectarine development continued to progress across New Jersey over the past week, and the impacts of the recent freeze event are now becoming more clearly defined. Significant injury to blossoms and young fruit has been confirmed in many orchards, particularly in southern counties.

Most varieties in southern New Jersey were at shuck split during the freeze, a highly sensitive stage, and have sustained substantial crop loss, especially in low-lying or frost-prone areas. In many blocks, little to no viable fruit remains, though isolated pockets of surviving fruit may still be present depending on site conditions.

In northern counties, where bloom was still ongoing at the time of the freeze, damage remains variable but is often still significant in more exposed locations. Some blocks may retain limited crop depending on bloom stage and site protection.

At this stage, surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify, although additional drop may still occur over the coming week. Growers should continue to assess crop viability at the block level before making final management decisions.

Despite reduced crop potential, maintaining disease management and overall tree health remains important to support return bloom and long-term productivity for the 2027 season.

Petal Fall / Early Cover Disease Programs

Given the widespread crop loss in many orchards, disease management programs should be adjusted accordingly. With little to no fruit present in most blocks, emphasis should shift away from fruit protection and toward maintaining tree health and reducing inoculum for next season.

  • Peach scab:
    • In orchards without a history of high disease pressure, scab is generally not a concern in the absence of fruit
    • In blocks with a history of scab, lesions can still develop on current-season shoots and serve as inoculum for next year
    • In these situations, a reduced program may be warranted, with Captan applications timed ahead of significant rainfall events (e.g., ~2.5 lb/A)
  • Bacterial spot:
    • Maintain low-rate copper programs to protect foliage and reduce inoculum for future seasons
    • Particularly important in blocks with a history of bacterial spot or under warm, wet conditions
    • Avoid combining copper with captan, especially following extended cloudy or slow-drying conditions
  • Rusty spot and brown rot:
    • Not a concern in blocks with little to no fruit
    • Fungicide applications targeting these diseases can be eliminated in most orchards this season.
Insect Update

Insect management programs in peaches and nectarines should be adjusted this season based on reduced crop load. In blocks with little to no fruit, many fruit-feeding pests will not require treatment; however, monitoring should continue, and management should focus on pests that impact tree health or future production.

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM)

  • OFM biofix has been set for April 7 in southern New Jersey and April 15 in northern counties
  • Degree-day accumulations should continue to be tracked from biofix to time first-generation management
  • In blocks with little to no fruit, OFM pressure will have limited economic impact; however, a well-timed application may still be beneficial to reduce populations, particularly in young blocks or orchards with historically high pressure
  • Where treatment is warranted, first-generation control should be timed around 170–200 DD (base 45°F) after biofix
  • A second treatment can be timed 10-14 days after petal fall where traps capture moths above threshold (>10) at 300-350 DD.
  • Mating disruption should remain in place where already deployed; do not remove dispensers
OFM 1st Generation Timing
  Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days

by 5/3 base 45

 Conventional

170-200, 350-375

 Diamide

100-150, 300-350
Gloucester – Southern 288 1st –past

2nd – 5/7-5/9

 1st –past

2nd – 5/4-5/7
Middlesex – Northern 206 1st –4/30-5/2

2nd –

  1st – past

2nd –

Scale

  • Beneficial insects may help suppress populations in many blocks
  • In orchards with a history of infestation, plan to target the crawler stage later in the season
  • In severe infestations, materials such as Esteem or Centaur may be used
  • Where scale is a recurring problem, an application of Centaur at petal fall or Movento between petal fall and shuck split should “clean up” problem blocks. Centaur is recommended at 34.5 ozs./ac and Movento should be applied at 6-9 ozs./ac. A penetrant must be included to Movento as per the product label. Movento will also control green peach aphid when used at this time.
  • Continue monitoring historically infested blocks and planning for crawler management later in the season if populations persist.

Green Peach Aphid

  • Continue scouting as terminals expand and colonies begin to establish
  • Manage populations to prevent leaf curling and shoot distortion
  • Treatment thresholds remain:
    • Nectarines: 1 colony per tree
    • Peaches: 2–3 colonies per tree

Lesser and Greater Peach Tree Borers

  • Growers using mating disruption for borer control can begin placing dispensers around the end of April and should have them in place by mid-May.
  • Even in orchards with little fruit, borers will need to be managed to maintain healthy tree stands for the next season. If this has been a historical pest in your orchard, mating disruption is recommended.
  • Continue monitoring and manage as usual in problem blocks

Other Insects

  • Plum curculio, tarnished plant bug, stink bugs, BMSB, Japanese beetle, TABM, and thrips: In most blocks with little to no fruit, treatment is not necessary

Recommended Options

  • OFM / Leafrollers:
    • Altacor, Asana, Delegate, Besiege, Voliam Flexi
  • Lesser and Greater Peach Tree Borers
    • Asana XL, Pounce 25WG
  • Green Peach Aphid:
    • Assail, Actara, Admire Pro
Summary
  • The recent freeze has resulted in widespread blossom and fruit loss across many peach and nectarine orchards, with damage now clearly defined at the block level
  • Most southern New Jersey orchards have little to no viable fruit remaining, while northern orchards show variable but often significant injury depending on bloom stage and site conditions
  • Surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify, though additional drop may still occur over the coming week
  • With minimal crop present, disease management programs can be significantly reduced, with emphasis shifting to maintaining foliage health and reducing inoculum for next season
  • Fruit diseases such as brown rot and rusty spot are not a concern in most blocks this season
  • Insect management programs can also be reduced; most fruit-feeding pests will not require treatment in blocks without crop
  • Oriental fruit moth should still be monitored and may warrant a well-timed application in high-pressure or young blocks to reduce populations
  • Green peach aphid and mites should be managed as needed to protect foliage and support return bloom
  • Maintaining tree health and canopy development remains critical to support productivity for the 2027 season
  • Continued scouting and monitoring of weather, pest activity, and tree response will be important over the next 7–10 days

Blueberries
Blueberry Phenology

Blueberries were observed in bloom throughout Atlantic and Burlington Counties. While the freeze event the week of April 20 had some impact on earlier blooming varieties, later-blooming acreage that did not have significant freeze damage is now hitting peak bloom (Draper, Elliott, etc.).

Insect Update

Scouting activities were conducted across 141 fields in Burlington and Atlantic Counties. Field evaluations focused on the presence of leafrollers, spongy moths, plum curculio, and thrips. There was a minor increase in plum curculio and thrips; however, due to the ongoing pollination period, the application of insecticides is not recommended at this stage.

IPM Data

Leafroller Spongy Moth Plum Curculio Thrips
Avg High Avg High Avg High Avg High
4/17 0.0649 2 0.0001 0.1 0.0686 2.5 0.5547 9
4/25 0.0801 0.8 0.0001 0.1 0.1156 3 1.0383 26

 

Trap Monitoring: Cranberry and cherry fruitworm traps were deployed and will be monitored on a weekly. Scale traps targeting Putnam and terrapin scale will be set up in the coming week to monitor for first-generation crawler emergence and to assist in optimizing treatment timing.

Grapes
Grape Phenology

Grape development across New Jersey has progressed under recent warm conditions, with most vineyards in southern counties moving through early shoot growth stages. In many areas, shoots are now between 1–6 inches, depending on variety and site conditions.

Damage is most apparent in low-lying or frost-prone sites, where primary shoots may have been injured or killed. In these situations, secondary buds are beginning to push (Figure 2) and may help compensate for some crop loss, though overall yield may still be reduced depending on the extent of primary bud injury.

At this stage, vineyards should be assessed for primary shoot viability and uniformity of growth. Blocks with uneven development may require adjustments in management timing over the coming weeks.

Grapevines with secondary bud break.

Figure 2. Grapevines with secondary bud break.

Diseases
Insect Update
  • Insect pests to monitor are grape flea beetle, and climbing cutworms. Controls for these insects are rarely needed.
  • The first generation flight of grape berry moth (GBM) was completed in April. Management of GBM will focus on controlling later generations when they migrate into fields after bloom.
  • Spotted lanternfly nymphs have been observed in southern NJ vineyards (Figure 3). There is no need to control SLF at this time.
    Spotted lanternfly nymphs on grapevines.

    Figure 3. Spotted lanternfly nymphs on grapevines.

    It’s also not too late to scout for and destroy SLF egg masses on posts and trunks.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Uncategorized, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
April 27, 2026

South Jersey Wine Grape Twilight

When:     May 20 (Wed) 5:00 PM
Where:    Saddlehill Winery and Vineyards: 1407 White Horse Rd, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043
Credits:  CORE; PP2; 1A; 10

5:00 pm Welcome and Updates
        Bill Green, Owner, Saddlehill Winery
        Hemant Gohil, Gloucester County Extension Agent, Rutgers NJAES

        Drone in Vineyard Applications – Demonstration
        What Should You Know to Legally Fly Drones in Agricultural Applications?
        Nathan Graham, UAV/Drone Specialist, Hoober Inc., PA.

        Field Observations from the Wine Grape IPM Pilot Program
        Janine Spies, Statewide Fruit IPM Program Leader, Rutgers NJAES.

        Insect Pest Management in the Vineyard
        Anne Nielsen, Extension Specialist in Fruit Entomology, Rutgers NJAES.

        Timing, Chemistry, Coverage: The Formula for Effective Disease Control
        Nancy Sharma, Extension Specialist, Fruit Pathology, Rutgers NJAES.

        Weed Management Updates for Vineyard
        Thierry Besancon, Extension Specialist, Weed Science, Rutgers NJAES.

        Pesticide recertification credits and adjourn.

Light fare will be provided. 
If you plan to attend, please email Joan Medany at jmedany@co.gloucester.nj.us or call 856-224-8030. 
For additional assistance, please contact Hemant Gohil at 856-224-8029 before the meeting.

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Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Fruit, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , ,
April 20, 2026

NJ DEP issues Controlled Open Burn Permit from April 18, through Wednesday April 22.

(TRENTON) – With the state expected to experience cooler spring temperatures, the Department of Environmental Protection has agreed with NJDA Secretary Ed Wengryn’s request to allow farmers to do controlled open burning or use specialized torches known as smudge pots to protect flowering crops from damage beginning Saturday, April 18, through Wednesday, April 22. Temperatures are expected to drop to the 30s or below this week with varying winds through portions of the state. These expected temperatures follow warm temperatures in recent days. Damage from freezing weather now can significantly reduce yields of certain fruits and vegetables that are in the flowering stage.

The DEP and the Department of Agriculture are allowing these steps to protect farmers’ livelihoods and ensure that consumers can enjoy an ample supply of Jersey produce later this year.  The DEP intends to exercise its authority and discretion under the Air Pollution Control Code, N.J.A.C. 7:27, et seq., and other applicable authorities to permit the following procedure for open burning or the use of smudge pots to assist farmers in protecting their crops in low temperatures. Farmers who believe they will need to conduct open burns and/or use smudge pots must provide notice to the DEP’s 24-hour Communications Center at 1-877- WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337). Notification to DEP does not require implementing either technique, but it ensures proper procedures are followed should they become necessary. If a farmer does not call DEP in advance but uses either technique, the farmer must notify DEP by 9 a.m. the following day. The farmer will be asked which technique was used. Farmers must record the incident number provided to them by the Communications Center. The following information is to be provided:

 Name of the individual making the decision to conduct the open burning/use of smudge pots and name of the farm.

  • Actual street address of the farm on which either technique will be used (no P.O. Boxes).
  • Telephone number of a contact at the farm.
  • Predicted temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) at the agricultural operation when the technique will be used.
  • Wind speed anticipated when the technique will be used.
  • Predicted hours of open burning and/or use of smudge pots.
  • Materials expected to be burned.
  • At the time of the initial call to the Communications Center, farmers will be given an email address and incident number.

Within two days, they must submit to DEP via this email address the following information:

  • The DEP Communications Center incident number.
  • Ambient temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) at the time the technique was used.
  • Actual wind speed at the orchard at the time the technique was used.
  • A statement verifying that all restrictions in the open burning or use of smudge pots were followed.
  • The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Forest Fire Service caution all farmers and agriculture businesses with respect to the use of open burning in high wind velocity conditions. Please take note that farmers are encouraged to utilize smudge pots for warming as necessary during higher wind conditions. Use of open burning when wind velocity is greater than 5 mph is strictly prohibited, may contribute to wildfire risk, and can carry significant penalties.
  • Smudge pots must be fueled only with either kerosene or No. 2 fuel oil.
  • Open burning can consist only of either the following materials: clean and untreated scrap lumber, felled trees, clippings pruned from trees and shrubs, hedgerows, or firewood. Absolutely no refuse, trade waste, tires or garbage of any type may be added to the authorized open burning material.

 The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Forest Fire Service caution all farmers and agriculture businesses with respect to the use of open burning in high wind velocity conditions. Please take note that farmers are encouraged to utilize smudge pots for warming as necessary during higher wind conditions. Use of open burning when wind velocity is greater than 5 mph is strictly prohibited, may contribute to wildfire risk, and can carry significant penalties.

###

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), established in 1916, serves New Jersey’s agricultural community and residents through a wide range of programs across its divisions that ensure the preservation and continuation of the state’s agricultural landscape.  NJDA works to ensure the safety and quality of New Jersey’s food supply, protect animal and plant health, and promote the overall long‑term viability of agriculture. The Department also connects consumers with New Jersey’s farmers and locally grown products while supporting the state’s diverse agricultural industry through initiatives of the Jersey Fresh program.  

For more information about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NJDeptofAgriculture and www.facebook.com/JerseyFreshOfficial; on Instagram @njdeptofagriculture; on X/Twitter @NJDA and @JerseyFreshNJDA; and on LinkedIn at New Jersey Department of Agriculture. 

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Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Fruit, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , ,
April 16, 2026

Farm Safety Needs Assessment Closing May 1

The Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Working Group is conducting a survey to evaluate the priority needs of New Jersey farmers for training and resource development related to safety and health.  As a New Jersey farmer, you are invited to complete this survey by Friday, May 1, 2026. Click here to access the survey and learn more.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: ,
April 10, 2026

Assessing the Severity of Frost Damage to Peach and Apple Flower Buds

Figure 1. The brown and shrunken pistil (L) indicates the flower is dead; a green and upright pistil indicates that the flower is alive. Photo by H. Gohil.

The below-freezing temperatures on Wednesday (4/8/26) and Thursday (4/9/26) early mornings are likely to cause frost damage in several peach and a few apple orchards in New Jersey. It got down to 25°F–28°F in Southern NJ, and 22°F -27°F in Central and Northern NJ, and those temperatures could have killed vulnerable blossoms. The night of April 8th saw wind speeds above 10 mph, which mixed the cold air at the bottom with the warm air above. This prevented cold-air stratification and reduced the heat loss from the soil surface and plant tissues. The night of April 9th was even colder, and the wind dropped below 5 mph, almost coming to a standstill for a few hours. This causes the rapid loss of thermal energy from the soil and plant tissues. Most unprotected peach and a few apple orchards were affected by these conditions on the night of April 9th. In several parts of New Jersey, peach flower buds were at full bloom, the most susceptible stage to frost (Fig. 1). In Apples, though most orchards were in the tight cluster or earlier stages of bud development, and few varieties were in the first pink. The critical temperatures for 90% bud kill at these stages are 21°F for the tight cluster and 24°F for the first pink; hence, only a few apple orchards in South NJ were vulnerable to significant frost damage (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Frost damage to Apple bloom at first pink

In Peach, not all flowers bloom at the same time, which makes frost-damage assessment a little more difficult. Often, many flowers look damaged, but they still bear fruit. This estimate can be even more difficult in some varieties, simply because they bloom so much that even 90% damage can yield close to the full crop. The natural tendency is to look for open flowers, which can easily lead to overestimating the damage. The developing flower buds will quickly die once damaged by a freeze. You can’t tell what will happen just by looking at the flower. The browning of flower petals doesn’t mean the ovary is dead.

You can do a quick, destructive assessment of loss by randomly opening 10-20 flowers per tree; do this on 5-10 trees across an acre or block for each variety. This can give a relative estimate of bloom loss. If you take a more systemic approach, you may get more accurate results. Due to cold-air stratification, cold air settles to the bottom, so more buds are damaged at the bottom; therefore, you want to sample from both the upper and lower branches. Sometimes, the loss of flower buds could be as good as natural thinning. So, flower bud loss may not result in a crop loss.

After opening the flower, if the pistil is shrunken and brown, consider it dead; and if completely green, consider it alive (Fig 1). The pistil is sticking out, and you see it is brown; it could have been pollinated and is in the senescence stage. It is not brown because of frost, but it’s brown because of the normal progression of development. In another scenario, the pistil is brown because it has frost damage, but it still may have done its job of pollination. It served its purpose and senescence because both frost and pollination are over. After pollination and fertilization, rapid hormonal changes enhance fruit development and make them slightly more cold-hardy. So even the destructive analysis is a close approximation.

Figure 3. Uneven development of peach due to frost injuries, represented by very small ripe fruits in PF Flamin Fury 24 (Left) and Silverglo (right), and a significant number of green unripe fruits in Lady Nancy (middle). Photo by H. Gohil.

If frost occurs at the shuck-split or shuck-off stage, the seed/pit will be damaged. But the fruit looks normal. However, they will not reach full size because the nonviable seed cannot produce the hormones required for fruit growth (Fig. 3). Even if they do grow, they may still face other problems. For example, the pit may have sustained damage, predisposing it to shatter during phase III of fruit growth. If you wait for a week to 10 days, it will be easier and more accurate non-destructive assessment. The live flowers will develop normally, and the dead flowers will be shrunken brown mummies that can be flicked away easily. You will still have plenty of time to adjust fruit thinning to achieve a near-normal crop. You should not be in a hurry to do fruit thinning this year! If you see some fruits that have stopped getting bigger and are distinctly smaller, will you want to thin? Maybe after the June drop.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Fruit, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , ,