In response to the global pandemic COVID-19, and in line with the Mexican government’s call to increase social distancing, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico will suspend routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services starting March 18, 2020, and until further notice. For farmers this means, H-2A workers and others from Mexico may be prevented from entering the U.S. until further notice. NJ Farm Bureau is researching the subject for more clarification. For now to see more information go to the U.S. Embassy’s website at: https://mx.usembassy.gov/status-of-u-s-consular-operations-in-mexico-in-light-of-covid-19/
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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NJ Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations
Rutgers Weather Forecasting - Meteorological Information important to commercial agriculture.
Status of U.S. Consular Operations in Mexico in Light of COVID-19
Build Your Own Handwashing Station
Your Produce Operation and COVID-19 Concerns
COVID-19 has farmers questioning what they need to do to protect their customers, and businesses. The University of Vermont has published useful information for produce growers on best practices for surface sanitation and hygiene.
Considerations for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Related to Coronavirus & COVID-19
Environmental Protection Agency Proposes Interim Decisions for Several Neonicotinoid Pesticides
The EPA has an open comment period for neonicotinoid insecticides for proposed interim decisions until April 3, 2020, for five neonicotinoid insecticides: acetamiprid (ex. Assail); clothianidin (ex. Poncho); thiamethoxam (ex. Actara), imidacloprid (ex. Admire Pro); dinetofuran (ex.Venom). The primary reason for these proposed changes is for the protection of pollinators. Human health, non-target organisms, and environmental factors were also considered.
Detailed information regarding the proposed changes can be found at https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/proposed-interim-registration-review-decision-neonicotinoids
The original posting, including how to respond during the comment period, can be found on the Federal Register at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-02-03/pdf/2020-01995.pdf
For vegetables the proposed crop stage restrictions include:
Acetamiprid – no significant change in use on fruiting vegetables or cucurbits.
Clothianidin –
Cucurbits – not to be used in either foliar or soil applications from the onset of vining to harvest, or, after first true leaf after the cotyledon stage.
Thiamethoxam –
Cucurbits – not to be used in foliar applications from the onset of vining to harvest, or, after the first true leaf after the cotyledon stage
Fruiting Vegetables – restriction for both foliar and soil labels, to not apply after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. Additionally, for tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only, EPA is also proposing to not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.
Imidacloprid –
Cucurbits- prohibit the use of foliar and soil applications from vining to harvest or after the emergence of the first true (non-cotyledon) leaf.
Fruiting vegetables – prohibit the application of both foliar and soil applications after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. For tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only: Do not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.
Dinotefuran –
Fruiting vegetables – prohibit both foliar and soil applications after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. Additionally, for tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only, EPA is also proposing to not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.
New cucurbit downy mildew forecasting website up and running for 2020
For cucurbit growers who have been using the CDMpipe website the past few years to track the progress of cucurbit downy mildew in the US, a new website has been relaunched for the 2020 growing season. Importantly, for those you have signed up in the past you should be receiving an email in the near future asking you to sign up for the new website. You can visit the new website by clicking here. Click on the Alerts tab at the top of the page and fill out the form to receive alerts!
Updated tables for insecticide and fungicide use in the greenhouse available in new 2020/2021 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations
The new 2020/2021 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Guide has newly updated tables for selected conventional and organic fungicides and insecticides for use on greenhouses vegetables. This information can be found in the Pest Management Section E in Table E-6 on pages 114-116 for insecticides and in Table E-11 on pages 125-127 for fungicides.
The 2020/2021 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations guide is now available FREE on-line or can be purchased in hardcopy form through your county agricultural office in New Jersey. The complete 2020/2021 Vegetable Production Recommendations guide or specific sections can be downloaded depending on your production needs.