Vegetable Crops Edition

Seasonal updates and alerts on insects, diseases, and weeds impacting vegetable crops. New Jersey Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations updates between annual publication issues are included.
 
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April 1, 2022

Weed Science Webinar Series

Weed Science Webinar Series

USDA – ARS and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) are co-hosting 10 webinars on weed science and research. Beginning April 5, presentations will be given by ARS weed science research experts.

The webinars will occur every Tuesday from 2-3p.m. Eastern Time (ET) and include an interactive Q&A session.

Register Here Today!

Two people conducting research in a field

Weed Science Webinar Series Schedule

April 5
ARS Weed Science: Past, Present, and Future: Steve Duke, Principal Scientist at the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi, Steve Young, National Program Leader – Weeds and Invasive Pests, WSSA Representatives and ARS Administrators

Meeting Information:

Zoom Meeting Link

Webinar ID: 831 3320 1055

Passcode: 825921

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Theme I: Tactics

April 12
Integrated Weed Management in Cropping Systems: Marty Williams, Ecologist at the Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit in Urbana, IL

April 19
Non-Crop Systems: Advancements in Weed Biocontrol Tools: Melissa Smith, Research Ecologist at the Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, FL

April 26
New Technology for Weed Identification and Control: Steven Mirsky, Research Ecologist at the Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory in Beltsville, MD

Theme II: Mechanisms

May 3
Role of Plant Physiology in Weed-Crop Competition: Dave Horvath, Research Plant Physiologist at the Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit in Fargo, ND

May 10
Molecular Basis for Controlling Invasive Plants: Matt Tancos, Research Plant Pathologist at the Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit in Fort Detrick, MD

May 17
Addressing Herbicide Resistance with Alternative Chemistries: Scott Baerson, Molecular Biologist at the Natural Products Utilization Research Unit in Oxford, MS

Theme III: Impacts

May 24
Spread and Distribution of Invasive Plants: John Madsen, Research Biologist at the Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Unit in Albany, CA

May 31
Climate Change Effects on Weeds and Management: Dana Blumenthal, Ecologist at the Rangeland Resources & Systems Research Unit in Fort Collins, CO

June 7
Restoration for Managing Invasive Plants: Roger Sheley, Ecologist at the Range and Meadow Forage Management Research Unit in Burns, OR

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , , ,
March 30, 2022

Allium leaf miner update: 03/31/22

Allium Leaf Miner (ALM)

Many weather stations in southern and central counties have exceeded 250 growing degree days (GDD) base 39˚F within the past week.  39˚F is close to the lower developmental temperature (38.3˚ F) which our colleagues at Penn State recommend for predicting the first emergence of ALM adults.  Last year, initial feeding/egg laying scars were detected within a few days of local weather stations recording the 250 GDD threshold.  Limited inspections (Hunterdon, Morris counties) have not revealed scars yet, but feeding and egg laying is sure to come with the next series of warmer days.   Growers in southern counties may reasonably assume there is ALM activity in their area currently.

Allium Leaf Miner

Photo: Sabrina Tirpak. Allium leafminer oviposition scars on onion

Growers should consider initiating the control method of their choice at this time.  Affected crops include chives, scallions, garlic, onions and leeks.  Look for neat rows of white spots descending from the upper tips of allium leaves (see photo at left).  Initial injury often occurs on the tallest leaves.  Under warmer, less breezy conditions, adults may be seen near the tips of leaves (see photo of adult at lower right).

Floating row covers, kept on until this flight ends will help minimize access to plants.  Insecticide applications targeting adults may be helpful as well, although frequency of applications is uncertain.  Spinosyn materials (Radiant, Entrust (OMRI approved)), pyrethroids (Mustang Maxx, Adult allium Leaf MinerWarrior), neonicotinoids (Scorpion, Venom), the diamide Exirel (section 2ee recommendation) and the insect growth regulator Trigard are labeled for miner control.

Adult activity and observations of feeding will be reported on in the IPM Update as they occur.  At this time, all growers should prepare to respond to the first adult generation.  We will deploy yellow sticky cards and attempt to identify the end of the first flight so that growers know when the risk of infestation has abated.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Organic Production, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , ,
March 28, 2022

South Jersey Integrated Vegetable Crop Management Meeting April 7, 2022

Integrated Vegetable Crop Management Twilight Meeting

NOTE – change of date from earlier announcements

THURSDAY, April 7, 2022

6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

East Vineland Fire Hall

4931 Landis Ave., Vineland, NJ

across from the Savoy Restaurant

(please park behind the building and enter conference room door in rear)

6:30 pm    Tools for Pesticide Safety & Regulatory Compliance for Growers & Pesticide Handlers

  • Pat Hastings, RCE Pesticide Education Program Coordinator

7:00 pm    Understanding the New FSMA Water Rule

  • Wes Kline, RCE Cumberland

7:20 pm    Cover-crops for Fertility Management

  • Michelle Infante-Casella, RCE Gloucester

7:40 pm    Cover-crops and Other Weed Management Strategies for Plasticulture Crops

  • Thierry Besancon, RCE Specialty Crop Weed Specialist

8:10 pm    Disease Control Options for Spring Vegetable Crops

  • Andy Wyenandt, RCE Vegetable Plant Pathologist

8:40 pm    Pepper Weevil & Early Season Diamond Back Moth Management Options

  • Joe Mahar, Vegetable IPM Coordinator

9:10 pm    COVID-19 and New Roles for Extension Going Forward

  • Rick VanVranken, RCE Atlantic

9:30 pm    Adjourn

Pesticide Recertification Credits 

PP2 (PRIVATE APPLICATOR CATEGORY)     04
CORE (BASIC SAFETY & HANDLING)          01
1A (AGRICULTURAL PLANT)                       04
10 (DEMONSTRATION & RESEARCH)         03

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Richard VanVranken, Agricultural Agent, Atlantic County

Wesley L. Kline, Agricultural Agent, Cumberland County

Michelle Infante-Casella, Agricultural Agent, Gloucester County

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
March 28, 2022

Are you familiar with the federal soil quarantine map, associated pests of concern

During soil testing season, we often get calls about what laboratory to send samples to and what to test for. You may not know that under certain circumstances USDA-APHIS may have a quarantine for a particular plant or animal pest that can be carried in soil, and movement of soil from that region is restricted and requires a permit. This includes all territories of the United States such as Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. APHIS also restricts the movement of domestic soil from areas within the continental United States that are under quarantine for specific plant pests and adjoining countries. For example, currently soil cannot enter the U.S.  from Canada if from the following areas of Alberta: A farm unit and associated land located near the municipality of Fort Saskatchewan; and a farm unit and associated land located near the municipality of Spruce Grove; British Colombia: That portion of the municipality of Central Saanich on Vancouver Island, ease of the west Saanich Road; Newfoundland and Labrador: The entire Island of Newfoundland; and Quebec: The municipality of Saint- Amble.

The Federal Domestic Soil Quarantines Map provides an overview of the plant pest quarantines that affect the movement of soil. USDA recently updated their Federal Domestic Soil Quarantine Map on February 10, 2022 which is available as a pdf at:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/stakeholder-messages/plant-health-news/federal-domestic-soil-quarantine-map-2-10-22

This map contains a lot of information that is useful for producers, growers and consumers who are purchasing plant materials that may contain soil to be mindful of the presence of significant plant pests of concern that have not yet made it to New Jersey, and to do their part to not bring them here. While many are limited to infestations along the west coast and gulf coast, others are closer to home. For example, the golden nematode is a potato nematode that is quarantined in some parts of western New York State. The pale cyst nematode is another potato nematode of concern that is quarantined from a small area of Idaho and the island of Newfoundland, Canada.

Others like the imported fire ant continue to spread and are now found in hot spots in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Puerto Rico. Quarantine efforts thus far have been able to limit the spread of witchweed to locations in South and North Carolina.

If you have specific questions about bringing in soil from any of these areas denoted in this USDA soil quarantine map or about these quarantine pests, contact the USDA-APHIS NJ state office, state plant health director at (609) 259-5244 or for more contact information see https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/ppq-program-overview/sphd/new+jersey

 

Filed Under: Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops
March 25, 2022

NJ Department of Agriculture Issues Burn Permit for Frost Protection – Thru April 5

New Jersey Department of Agriculture has issued a notice concerning open burning due to colder spring overnight temperatures presently forecasted for areas of New Jersey from March 22 through April 5th, 2022, which could adversely affect fruit, vegetable, and floriculture crops in bloom or near bloom around the state. For details read below the links.

Note: The NJDEP 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 is warming as necessary during higher wind conditions. Use of open burning when wind velocity is greater than 5mph is strictly prohibited, may contribute to wildfire risk, and can carry significant penalties. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Fruit, Nursery, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , , , , ,
March 21, 2022

NJ Pesticide Credits. March 24th Weed Management Webinar

For NJ applicators in 10, 1A and PP2

4 category credits.

A virtual workshop will be held on March 24 from 8 am to 11 am for farmers interested in learning how to use integrated weed management (IWM)) techniques to control  troublesome weeds in their fields. This is the fifth year for the workshop series, which is a collaborative effort between the University of Maryland, Virginia Tech, and the University of Delaware.

Education regarding weed identification and integrated management strategies continues to be critically important to enable early intervention and effective management options.  2022 is shaping up to be especially challenging with anticipated shortages of many commonly used herbicides. The 2022 workshop series will provide tactics to manage important weeds given limited herbicide availability and increased input prices. Material covered will target row-crop production systems, but tactics learned may be applicable to other systems. These workshops are free, but participants will need to register at https://go.umd.edu/IWM.

Pesticide credits will be available for MD, DE, NJ and WV. Two hours of CCA continuing  education credits will be offered for each session.

For more information, contact Kurt Vollmer at (443) 446-4260 or Ben Beale at (301) 475- 4481.

If you are attending from NJ, contact Melissa Bravo to upload your pesticide license and photo i.d. at 856-340-6582. This meeting counts as an ‘in person’ meeting as long as you stay on camera. If you cannot stay on camera the entire time, no credits will be awarded. 

NJ Applicators remember, attendees of online courses can earn 25% of their credits for each category from online sources.  Only those whose 5-year recertification period is ending 10/31/2022 are eligible to earn 100% of their credits online.  Attendees can check their eligibility online at www.pcpnj.org.

—

Kurt M. Vollmer, Ph.D.

Extension Specialist-Weed Management
University of Maryland
Wye Research and Education Center
124 Wye Narrows Drive
Queenstown, MD 21658
(443) 446-4260
Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops