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April 25, 2024 , , and

NJ Depts of Agriculture & Environmental Protection Allow Controlled Open Burning to Protect Crops

(Trenton) [On April 20, w]ith 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 today, April 20, through Saturday, April 27.

Temperatures are expected to drop to the 30s or below tonight 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 Department of Agriculture are allowing these steps to protect farmers’ livelihoods and to ensure that consumers will be able to 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 to protect 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 the implementation of either technique but 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.

###

To learn more about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NJDeptofAgriculture and www.facebook.com/JerseyFreshOfficial or Twitter @NJDA1 and @JerseyFreshNJDA.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Fruit, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , ,
April 23, 2024 and

Tree Fruit IPM Report for April 24, 2024

Tree Fruit Phenology: Tree fruit phenology has slowed. In southern counties all peach orchards are petal fall to shuck split. Redhaven /PF-17 was at approximately full bloom on April 5. Plums are at shuck off. Pears are at petal fall. Red Delicious is just past full bloom. Sweet cherries are at about late bloom depending on variety.

Peach:

Bacterial Spot: Copper formulations should be used starting at petal fall to suppress bacterial spot. Generally we recommend starting at 0.5 ozs metallic copper and gradually lowering the rate as the season progresses. The rate applied will depend on the formulation. Dr. Lalancette published a chart listing common copper formulations and rates for peach and nectarine applications. Avoid combining copper with captan especially if it has been overcast for several days. Also avoid acidic spray solutions when applying copper. Dr. Lalancette has published a handy guide for copper applications in early covers. Antibiotics containing oxytetracycline may also be used and may offer slightly more residual activity during long wetting periods.

Peach Scab: In addition to Rusty Spot and Bacterial Spot, Peach Scab requires protective applications starting at petal fall. Peach scab cankers begin to expand at bloom and by shuck split begin to shed spores during wetting periods. Topsin, Topsin/Captan combinations, Flint Extra, Inspire Super, and especially Quadris Top applied at petal fall are the best materials for blocks that had scab last year. Quadris Top, Flint Extra or Topsin should be used at the high rate to suppress overwintering lesions on the wood. Quadris Top contains azoxystrobin which is phytotoxic to many apple varieties. Phytotoxic residues can remain in the tank for long periods after an application is made, even if a tank cleaner is used. Do not use Quadris Top or Abound in the same sprayer used for apples. Bravo (chlorothalonil) is also a good protectant that may be applied no later than shuck split. Captan is also helpful in cover sprays after shuck split where scab was troublesome last year.

Oriental Fruit Moth: A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/10 in both northern and southern counties.  The first of two insecticide timings for first generation Oriental Fruit Moth control fall at 170-200 degree days base 45 after biofix. This timing generally coincides with 100% petal fall in peaches. Timings are updated below: Note that timings have been pushed back from last week due to cooler than forecast weather. Do not apply insecticides until all bloom is off. No Insecticides for OFM are needed where Mating Disruption is implemented.

OFM 1st Generation Timing
Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by  4/12 base 45 Conventional

170-200, 350-375

 Diamide

100-150, 300-350
Gloucester – Southern 20 1st –4/26-4/29

2nd –

 1st –4/16-4/23

2nd –
Middlesex – Northern 12 1st –5/2-5/8

2nd –

  1st – 4/22-5/2

2nd –

Green Peach Aphid: GPA colonies begin forming sometime during bloom. Examine trees for the presence of colonies from pink to shuck split. Count 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. The best way to scout for aphids during bloom is with a beating tray. Blossoms may also be collected, opened, and examined for the presence of aphids using a hand lens. This is particularly important for nectarine blocks. Check 10 trees per block with the beating tray. Collect 50 blossoms per block and examine for the presence of aphids. If more than 1 colony of aphids are found in nectarines, or 2-3 colonies are found in peaches, an insecticide for aphids will be needed when all petals are off. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates. The first aphid activity was noted in southern counties last week.

Plum Curculio; Tarnished Plant Bugs; and Other Catfacing Insects: 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. Currently we have accumulated about 168 DD base 50 in southern counties, and 109 DD base 50 in northern counties. Growers can monitor degree day development at their site by finding the nearest weather station and using the degree day development tool at NEWA. Catfacing insects are starting activity but cause little damage at this time of the year. Catfacing insects will become more of an issue as temperatures warm and mowing and other ground cover activities become more common after bloom. Insecticides for catfacing insects are not recommended until after all petals are off.

Scale Insects: Dormant oil applications are standard recommendations for scale control but in some years when conditions are not optimal for oil application scale control may be less than desired. Where oil was not applied or in orchards 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 timing.

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.

Apples and Pears:

Diseases: Fire Blight, Apple Scab, Rust diseases, and Powdery Mildew are the main targets at this stage. The NEWA apple scab model is estimating about 88% ascospore maturity as of 4/22 in southern NJ with 83% of cumulative ascospores discharged. The model estimates about 69% ascopsore maturity for Northern Counties with 43% ascospores released. Primary apple scab spores are released during any substantial infection period. Between tight cluster and first cover include products effective  for powdery mildew and cedar apple rust. To manage Fire Blight in both apples and pears, consider using Kasumin at bloom. Kasumin is an antibiotic like Streptomycin and Oxytetratracycline. It contains Kasugamycin which is a different chemistry. Kasumin is only labeled for bloom and petal fall applications while strep and oxytet are labeled for post bloom use (Note that Fireline 45 is only labeled for 1 post bloom application on apple.). Using 3 different chemistries in rotation allows for resistance management while extending the protection into the post bloom period when late blossoms typically appear which ever material you use, the addition of Actigard, Lifegard, or other plant defense elicitors may improve control.

Rust Diseases: The two most common rust diseases that affect pome fruit are Quince Rust and Cedar Apple Rust. In some years these diseases can be troublesome in commercial orchards. Most disease control programs for scab will also control rust. In organically managed blocks in the east options are limited for approved materials that are effective for rust. Potassium Bicarbonate products have shown good efficacy for rust diseases in trials performed in Virginia. Organic growers should seek out and plant rust resistant cultivars. Cultural controls are not practicable due to the widespread presence of alternate host Junipers both wild and cultivated. Rust disease development on junipers should now be producing large spore releases during wetting periods. See this link for pictures of rust on pome fruit and juniper.

Codling Moth: A Codling Moth Biofix was set in Southern counties on 4/22. 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 22 4/30 5/2 5/5 Too far off 5/11 5/11 Too far off
Northern

Scale Insects: Dormant oil applications are standard recommendations for scale control but in some years when conditions are not optimal for oil application scale control may be less than desired. Where oil was not applied or in orchards 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 apple aphids, including Wooly Aphid, when used at this timing. In pears Movento may also control aphids and 1st generation pear psylla when applied at petal fall.

Rosy Apple Aphid:  If a pre-bloom application was not made, monitor for colonies during bloom and use a treatment threshold of 1 colony/tree at petal fall.

Ambrosia Beetle: This pest has traditionally been an economically damaging pest of ornamental crops. In more recent years we have found it opportunistically attacking our tree fruit orchards. Ambrosia Beetles are attracted to young, stressed trees with trunks no greater than 4 inches in diameter, however it will attack larger trees in some years. Over the past few years, some New Jersey farms have experienced significant tree loss to this pest. In northern counties we are been experimenting with Ambrosia Beetle monitoring tools. Each farm in the program has had one clear sticky trap with a commercial ethanol lure and three wood dowel traps filled with ethyl alcohol placed along the wood line closest to their tree fruit orchards. The clear sticky trap is being used to monitor flights of this pest while the wood dowel traps are being used to time management decisions. We had our first Ambrosia Beetle trap catch on 4/8, since then this pest has been caught on the clear sticky traps at every location they were placed at. We had our first damage to the wood dowel traps on 4/18 so we can expect to see these beetles becoming an issue in orchards where they have historically attacked relatively soon. Indeed we have seen tunneling in southern county orchards this past week.

Pear Psylla:  Dormant oil applications should have already been started to deter psylla egg laying. At the green cluster stage a pyrethroid or Esteem is generally included with oil. Pyrethroids may knock down some of the adults migrating into the orchard, while Esteem may sterilize them.  In lieu of oil or insecticides, Surround may also be applied starting at swollen bud and continued through petal fall. If using Surround through the bloom period stop at petal fall and switch to applications of 1% summer oil @ 1gal/100 in no less than 150 gals/ac. these should be made at no more than 2 week intervals. At petal fall insecticide options for Psylla control include Actara, Assail, Belay, Movento, Sivanto Prime, and Agri-mek. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates.

Pear Diseases:  Include effective materials such as Ziram or EBDC formulations for Pear Scab and Rust diseases beginning at the cluster bud stage. At white bud use products effective for pear scab, rusts, and fabrea leaf spot. For both apples and pears, consider using Kasumin at bloom. Kasumin is an antibiotic like Streptomycin and Oxytetratracycline. It contains Kasugamycin which is a different chemistry. Kasumin is only labeled for bloom and petal fall applications while strep and oxytetracycline are labeled for post bloom use. Using 3 different chemistries in rotation allows for resistance management while extending the protection into the post bloom period when late blossoms typically appear. Whichever material you use, the addition of Actigard, Lifegard, or other plant defense elicitors may improve control.

Grapes: Grapes are at budbreak to the 3″ stage of development. The most important disease to manage at this time is Phomopsis. Insect pests to monitor are Grape Flea Beetle, and Climbing Cutworms. Controls for these insects are rarely needed. If control is determined to be necessary, use one of the materials recommended in the New Jersey Commercial Grape Production Guide. It’s also not too late to scout for and destroy SLF egg masses on posts and trunks.

Phenology Table: Based on annual observations made in Gloucester County.

Pest Event or Growth Stage Approximate Date 2024 Observed Date
 Bud Swell (Redhaven/PF-17)  March 23 +/- 15 Days March 13
1/4″ Green Tip Red Delicious March 31 +/- 13 Days March 18
Pink Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 4 +/- 15 Days March 18
Tight Cluster Red Delicious April 9 +/- 13 Days March 30
Full Bloom Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 9 +/- 14 Days April 5
Pink Apple (Red Delicious) April 14 +/- 12 Days April 9
Full Bloom Apple (Red Delicious) April 22 +/- 11 Days April 20
Petal Fall (Redhaven) April 22 +/- 10 Days April 15
Petal Fall (Red Delicious) April 27 +/- 13 Days
Shuck Split (Redhaven) April 30 +/- 11 Days
Pit Hardening June 15 +/- 9 Days

 

 

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Southern Counties

STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB
3/23/2024 70 0
3/30/2024 29 0 0
4/6/2024 421 0 0
4/13/2024 415 7 1
4/20/2024 900 7 0

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Northern Counties

STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB AMBROSIA BEETLE
3/23/2024
3/30/2024
4/6/2024 0 0
4/13/2024 3.25 37.6
4/20/2024 11.75 93
Filed Under: Tree Fruit
April 23, 2024 and

Statewide Wine Grape Twilight Meeting.

Sponsored by the New Jersey Center for Research and Education, the program’s highlight is the demonstration of the new in-row weeding machine from TILMOR by Allonardo Enterprises. There will also be a demonstration talk on Groundhog management and other wildlife management in the vineyard. The program details are below. The sequence of presentations may change depending on the set-up at the winery. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Cranberry, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, vegetable, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , , ,
April 12, 2024

Tree Fruit IPM Report for April 12, 2024

Tree Fruit Phenology: Tree Fruit Phenology remains advanced in peach, but development is slowing. In southern counties all peach orchards are late bloom to petal fall. Redhaven and PF-17 were at approximately full bloom on April 6. Plums are at shuck split. Pears are full bloom for Asian varieties and first bloom for Europeans. Apples and cherries are coming into bloom.

Peach:

Brown Rot: Blossom infections from the brown rot fungus can occur whenever pistils are exposed and a favorable climate exists. Infections can occur during any wetting period when temperatures are between 41 and 86 °F. However, optimum conditions for infection occur with wetting and temperatures in the mid 70’s. During long wetting periods (several days or more) blossoms can be infected regardless of temperature. Generally infections that occur when conditions are sub optimal are less severe. Blossoms and fruitlets will remain susceptible until the pistil desiccates (sometime between petal fall and shuck split). Initiate coverage for blossom blight starting at pink for short petal varieties and 5-10% bloom for showy flowers. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates.

Bacterial Spot: Copper formulations should be used starting at petal fall to suppress bacterial spot. Generally we recommend starting at 0.5 ozs metallic copper and gradually lowering the rate as the season progresses. The rate applied will depend on the formulation. Dr. Lalancette published a chart listing common copper formulations and rates for peach and nectarine applications. Avoid combining copper with captan especially if it has been overcast for several days. Also avoid acidic spray solutions when applying copper. Dr. Lalancette has published a handy guide for copper applications in early covers. Antibiotics such as Mycoshield or Fireline may also be used and may offer slightly more residual activity during long wetting periods.

Peach Scab: In addition to Rusty Spot and Bacterial Spot, Peach Scab requires protective applications starting at petal fall. Peach scab cankers (Fig. 1) begin to expand at bloom and by shuck split begin to shed spores during wetting periods. Topsin, Topsin/Captan combinations, Flint Extra, Inspire Super, and especially Quadris Top applied at petal fall are the best materials for blocks that had scab last year. Quadris Top, Flint Extra or Topsin should be used at the high rate to suppress overwintering lesions on the wood. Quadris Top contains azoxystrobin which is phytotoxic to many apple varieties. Phytotoxic residues can remain in the tank for long periods after an application is made, even if a tank cleaner is used. Do not use Quadris Top or Abound in the same sprayer used for apples. Bravo (chlorothalonil) is also a good protectant that may be applied no later than shuck split. Captan is also helpful in cover sprays after shuck split where scab was troublesome last year.

Fig. 1 Peach Scab lesions on peach twig.

 

Oriental Fruit Moth: A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/11 in both northern and southern counties. It is not too late to place dispensers for OFM mating disruption, however if they aren’t in place soon the first generation should be controlled with insecticides. The first insecticides for first generation Oriental Fruit Moth control should be applied at 170-200 degree days base 45 after biofix. This timing generally coincides with 100% petal fall in peaches.  Do not apply insecticides until all bloom is off regardless of degree day timing. No Insecticides for OFM should be needed needed where Mating Disruption is implemented.

OFM 1st Generation Timing
Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by  4/12 base 45 Conventional

170-200, 350-375

 Diamide

100-150, 300-350
Gloucester – Southern 20 1st –4/20-4/22

2nd –

 1st –4/16-4/18

2nd –
Middlesex – Northern 12 1st –4/20-4/22

2nd –

  1st – 4/18-4/20

2nd –

Green Peach Aphid: GPA colonies begin forming sometime during bloom. Examine trees for the presence of colonies from pink to shuck split. Count 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. The best way to scout for aphids during bloom is with a beating tray. Blossoms may also be collected, opened, and examined for the presence of aphids using a hand lens. This is particularly important for nectarine blocks. Check 10 trees per block with the beating tray. Collect 50 blossoms per block and examine for the presence of aphids. If more than 1 colony of aphids are found in nectarines, or 2-3 colonies are found in peaches, an insecticide for aphids will be needed when all petals are off. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates. No aphid activity has been noted on southern counties to date.

Plum Curculio; Tarnished Plant Bugs; and Other Catfacing Insects: 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. Currently we have accumulated about 103 DD base 50 in southern counties. Growers can monitor degree day development at their site by finding the nearest weather station and using the degree day development tool at NEWA. Catfacing insects are starting activity but cause little damage at this time of the year. Catfacing insects will become more of an issue as temperatures warm and mowing and other ground cover activities become more common after bloom. Insecticides for catfacing insects and plum curculio are not recommended until after all petals are off.

Scale Insects: Dormant oil applications are standard recommendations for scale control, but in some years conditions are not good for oil and control is less than desired. Where scale has been recurring the application of Movento at petal fall to shuck split has “cleaned up” chronic scale outbreaks. Movento should be applied at 6-9 ozs/ac. a penetrant must be included as described on the product label. Movento will also control green peach aphid at this timing.

Lesser and Greater Peach Borer: Mating disruption dispensers for borers should be deployed in early May. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended dispensers and rates.

Apples and Pears:

Diseases: Fire Blight, Apple Scab, Rust diseases, and Powdery Mildew are the main targets at this stage. The NEWA apple scab model is estimating about 40% ascospore maturity as of 4/12 in southern NJ with 38 % of cumulative ascospores discharged. Northern counties were at Green tip on or about 3/18. The model estimates about 22% ascopsore maturity for Northern Counties with only 21% ascospores released. Primary apple scab spores are released during any substantial infection period. More information can be found in this blogpost from Penn State. Between tight cluster and first cover include products effective for powdery mildew and cedar apple rust. To manage Fire Blight in both apples and pears, consider using Kasumin at bloom. Kasumin is an antibiotic like Streptomycin and Oxytetratracycline. It contains Kasugamycin which is a different chemistry. Kasumin is only labeled for bloom and petal fall applications while strep and oxytet are labeled for post bloom use (note that Fireline 45 only allows for 1 postbloom application on apple). Using 3 different chemistries in rotation allows for resistance management while extending the protection into the post bloom period when late blossoms typically appear which ever material you use, the addition of Actigard or other plant defense elicitors may improve control.

Rust Diseases: The two most common rust diseases that affect pome fruit are Quince Rust and Cedar Apple Rust. In some years these diseases can be troublesome in commercial orchards. Most disease control programs for scab will also control rust. In organically managed blocks in the east options are limited for approved materials that are effective for rust. Potassium Bicarbonate products have shown good efficacy for rust diseases in trials performed in Virginia. Organic growers should seek out and plant rust resistant cultivars. Cultural controls are not practicable due to the widespread presence of alternate host Junipers both wild and cultivated. Rust disease development on junipers should now be producing large spore releases during wetting periods. See this link for pictures of rust on pome fruit and juniper.

Scale Insects: Dormant oil applications are standard recommendations for scale control, but in some years conditions are not good for oil and control is less than desired. Where scale has been recurring the application of Movento at petal fall to shuck split has “cleaned up” chronic scale outbreaks. Movento should be applied at 6-9 ozs/ac. a penetrant must be included as described on the product label. Movento should also control rosy apple aphid at this timing.

Rosy Apple Aphid:  If a pre-bloom application was not made, monitor for colonies during bloom and use a treatment threshold of 1 colony/tree at petal fall. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates.

Pear Psylla:  Dormant oil applications should have already been started to deter psylla egg laying. At the green cluster stage a pyrethroid or Esteem is generally included with oil. Pyrethroids may knock down some of the adults migrating into the orchard, while Esteem may sterilize them.  In lieu of oil or insecticides, Surround may also be applied starting at swollen bud and continued through petal fall. If using Surround through the bloom period stop at petal fall and switch to applications of 1% summer oil @ 1gal/ac in no less than 150 gals/ac. these should be made at no more than 2 week intervals. At petal fall insecticide options for Psylla control include Actara, Assail, Belay, Movento, Sivanto Prime, and Agri-mek. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates.

Pear Diseases:  Include effective materials such as Ziram or EBDC formulations for Pear Scab and Rust diseases beginning at the cluster bud stage. At white bud use products effective for pear scab, rusts, and fabrea leaf spot. For both apples and pears, consider using Kasumin at bloom. Kasumin is an antibiotic like Streptomycin and Oxytetratracycline. It contains Kasugamycin which is a different chemistry. Kasumin is only labeled for bloom and petal fall applications while strep and oxytet are labeled for post bloom use. Using 3 different chemistries in rotation allows for resistance management while extending the protection into the post bloom period when late blossoms typically appear. whichever material you use, the addition of Actigard or other plant defense elicitors may improve control.

Grapes: Grapes are at budbreak to the 1″ stage of development. The most important disease to manage at this time is Phomopsis. Insect pests to monitor are Grape Flea Beetle, and Climbing Cutworms. Controls for these insects are rarely needed. If control is determined to be necessary, use one of the materials recommended in the New Jersey Commercial Grape Production Guide. It’s also not too late to scout for and destroy SLF egg masses on posts and trunks.

 

Pest Event or Growth Stage Approximate Date 2024 Observed Date
 Bud Swell (Redhaven/PF-17)  March 23 +/- 15 Days March 13
1/4″ Green Tip Red Delicious March 31 +/- 13 Days March 18
Pink Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 4 +/- 15 Days March 18
Tight Cluster Red Delicious April 9 +/- 13 Days March 30
Full Bloom Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 9 +/- 14 Days April 5
Pink Apple (Red Delicious) April 14 +/- 12 Days  April 9
Full Bloom Apple (Red Delicious) April 22 +/- 11 Days
Petal Fall (Redhaven) April 22 +/- 10 Days
Petal Fall (Red Delicious) April 27 +/- 13 Days
Shuck Split (Redhaven) April 30 +/- 11 Days
Pit Hardening June 15 +/- 9 Days

 

 

Filed Under: Tree Fruit, Wine Grape
April 11, 2024

North Jersey Fruit Twilight Meeting I Program

North Jersey Fruit Twilight Meeting I

April 17, 2024

4:30 PM- 7:30 PM

Stony Hill Farms

193 Parker Road

Long Valley, NJ

Program

4:15 PM – Registration/Light Refreshments

4:30 PM – Early Season Weed Management Updates

Thierry Besancon PhD, Specialist in Weed Science, Rutgers NJAES

5:00 PM – Pesticide Safety and Compliance

Patricia Hastings, Extension Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator, Rutgers NJAES

5:30 PM – Wagon Tour of Farm

Dale Davis IV and Brandt Davis, Stony Hill Farms

5:45 PM – Tree Fruit Insect and Disease Update

Kaitlin Quinn, North Jersey Tree Fruit IPM Program Associate, Rutgers NJAES

6:15 PM – Using Climate Monitoring Tools to make Optimal Decisions for Pest and Disease Management

Janine Spies PhD, State Fruit IPM Program Leader, Rutgers NJAES

6:45 PM – Soil Fertility and Nutrition for Tree Fruit

Joseph Heckman PhD, Soil Fertility Extension Specialist, Rutgers NJAES

 

Light refreshments will be served.

The Following Pesticide Recertification Credits will be Offered

3 PP2     1 CORE    3 CAT 1A    3 CAT 10

 

Please RSVP for the meetings by April 15, 2024 with a call or E-mail to: 

Kim Crommelin at 908-788-1338 or kfrey@co.hunterdon.nj.us

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, pesticide credits, Tree Fruit
April 9, 2024

North Jersey Tree Fruit Twilight Meeting I

North Jersey Tree Fruit Twilight Meeting I

April 17, 2024
4:30 PM-7:30 PM

Stony Hill Farms

193 Parker Road

Long Valley, NJ 07853

FULL PROGRAM WILL BE FORTHCOMING

Light refreshments will be served.

Pesticide Recertification Credits are Anticipated

Please RSVP for the meeting by April 15 with a call to Kim Crommelin at 908.788.1338 or
kfrey@co.hunterdon.nj.us

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, pesticide credits, Tree Fruit