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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March 17, 2020 and

Produce Pick-Up and Deliveries During the COVID-19 Outbreak- Keeping things Safe

New Jersey produce buyers and shippers are essential in keeping our produce department shelves stocked for consumers.  Questions have come into the Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety Team regarding best practices for the shipping or receiving of produce. Communication is key, and prominent signage is the best way to convey your policies.  Here are some suggestions to reduce risk:

-Train workers on proper handwashing.  Click here for printable signage on the proper technique and frequency.
-Implement an ill worker policy if you don’t have one already – workers feeling sick (fever, cough, flu-like symptoms) must stay home.
-Clean and sanitize food contact surfaces and other frequently touched surfaces regularly.  Products must be labeled for the intended use, and directions should be strictly followed.  Note that there is a “surface must stay wet” for a specified amount of time in order to be effective.

Some additional considerations:

1. If you are loading the truck have the driver stay in their truck, if possible
2. Do not allow the driver to walk around the loading area
3. If possible have separate bathroom and handwashing facilities for the truckers, keep these stocked and make sure to clean and sanitize at least daily
4. Have a sign explaining what is expected of drivers
5. Post signage on handwashing
6. For package drop-off, have one designated area for this activity

For more information on produce safety, visit the Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety Team webpage and Facebook page

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
March 17, 2020

Status of U.S. Consular Operations in Mexico in Light of COVID-19

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: Field of plantershttps://mx.usembassy.gov/status-of-u-s-consular-operations-in-mexico-in-light-of-covid-19/

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape
March 15, 2020

Build Your Own Handwashing Station

Providing handwashing opportunities for customers and those working on the farm is considered a best practice in reducing human pathogen risk.  Handwashing stations can be portable and inexpensive.  Click on the picture below for one example of an easy to make handwashing station:

Instructions to build a handwashing station

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops
March 13, 2020

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

Filed Under: Food Safety, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
March 10, 2020

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.

Filed Under: Vegetable Crops
February 28, 2020

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!

Filed Under: Vegetable Crops Tagged With: ,