Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Seasonal updates on diseases, insects, weeds impacting tree fruit and small fruit (blueberry, cranberry, and wine grape). Fruit Pest Alerts are also available via this category feed.
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Tree Fruit Phenology:
Tree Fruit Phenology remains about normal. In southern counties all peach orchards are at full bloom to petal fall. Redhaven was at approximately full bloom on 4/12. Plums are at petal fall and pears are at full bloom. Red Delicious is at pink with just a few blossoms beginning to open. Sweet cherries are at early to full bloom and tart cherries are nearing bloom. [Read more…]
Have you ever felt that you did everything right at controlling brown rot during the preharvest period, but still got a significant amount of brown rot at harvest? Your preharvest fungicide applications were at tight intervals during the roughly 21-day fruit ripening period. Rains occurred but you were protected. Even when you looked back at the bloom period you saw no obvious gaps in coverage. Yet, the brown rot appeared at harvest. If this is you, read on. [Read more…]
Frost is common in the north-eastern US, however, frost events during bloom, specifically in orchard crops can be economically devastating. Often the cause is a few hours of temperatures below the injury threshold temperature for the developing buds as cooler nights result in the rapid loss of thermal energy. Fortunately, there are several passive methods or low-tech strategies, that can help maintain a slightly higher orchard floor temperature, has the potential to prevent substantial crop loss. [Read more…]
Spring is the best time to plant new grapevines in New Jersey. You may be receiving ordered grapevines in the coming days or weeks. 1You must ensure that your planting material is healthy enough to avoid problems after planting. While it is a good idea to plant grapevines as soon as they arrive, inspecting the physical attributes of your ordered vines before planting may save you some troubles later. Nurseries send planting material on pre-determined dates hence; you should have enough time for a detailed inspection. [Read more…]
This past week brought several changes and updates to relief programs that impact farmers. This blog from the University of Minnesota is a good summary of changes and announcements by USDA on relief programs that impact farmers and includes links to websites with more information: https://blog-abm-news.extension.umn.edu/2021/03/paycheck-protection-program-extended.html.
The American Rescue Plan Act uses the 2501 definition of “socially disadvantaged”, which includes Black/African American, American Indian or Alaskan native, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian American or Pacific Islander. Gender is not a criteria in and of itself, but of course women are included in these categories.
For the latest CFAP details, visit farmers.gov/cfap.
To find your local service center and learn more about how to access their services during the pandemic, visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.
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