Pathogens such as Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora, Thielaviopsis and Rhizoctonia that cause pre- and post-emergent damping-off can cause serious problems in organic (and conventional) transplant production.
The key to controlling and/or suppressing damping-off pathogens with biological controls is keeping the biological populations high and continually present on root surfaces of the host, and by following good cultural practices. [Read more…]
Organic Farm Advisory
The Plant & Pest Advisory serves NJ growers by reporting on important pests and recommending responses that are grounded in reproducible trials.
Articles in this section contain information helpful to the NJ commercial organic grower.
Sharing organic practice trial results between land-grant universities is a cost effective way to create a common knowledge base built on the strengths of individual programs. In the sidebar, find institutions with programs in organic agriculture which augment knowledge developed at the Rutgers New Jersey Ag Experiment Station.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Field Guides: These concise guides help with decision making from pre-planting to harvest. For each crop listed, learn what pests to proactively look for as the season progresses, how to look for them, and when to take action.
Organic Production: Suppressing Soil-borne Pathogens
Vegetable Production Recommendations and Organic Practices
Growers who chose to farm under organic conditions can find valuable information on cultural practices, variety recommendations, alternative pest management methods, and NOP approved products in the 2014 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Guide.
Note that people who apply pesticides for the purpose of raising an agricultural commodity, including organic farmers, need to be licensed as a Private Pesticide Applicator. Small/Organic Farms Private Pesticide Applicator Training is being held April 9, 2014 in Mercer County.
The 2014 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Guide is published annually and is now available for free download. Between publications, updates to the guide can be found here on the Plant & Pest Advisory.
Small/Organic Farms Private Pesticide Applicator Training
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County
April 9, 2014 10:00 – 3:00
$20 includes lunch and materials RSVP required by April 4th! Registration form 4/9/14
Contact: Meredith Melendez 609-989-6830 melendez@njaes.rutgers.edu
Topics covered will include:
- NJ Licensing Regulations
- The Label is the Law
- Pesticide Health and Safety
- Worker Protection Standard
- Applicator Resources
- Compliance Inspections
USDA-NRCS Program Application Date Extended
State Conservationist Carrie Mosley has extended the application period for two conservation programs to November 15th. All applications received for Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by November 15 will be ranked and funds allocated after the new deadline. [Read more…]
Late Blight Confirmed on Organic Tomato in South Jersey
Late blight was confirmed in an organic tomato field late last week south of Bridgeton, New Jersey. As a note, growers who are still picking tomatoes should continue to scout up until the final pick and destroy field as soon as possible once harvesting is finished either by applying gramoxone or discing under plant material. Growers with late blight issues this growing season should be especially diligent. The threat of late blight in our area will remain up until the first frost. Late blight has the potential to overwinter in our area on infested potatoes left in cull piles or unharvested tubers left in the field.