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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November 16, 2015

On Farm Food Safety Winter Trainings Announced

Flier

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On-farm food safety trainings will be held this winter throughout the state.  Certificate based third party audit trainings will be offered in Rosenhayn and Chatsworth.   Three additional trainings, located in Atlantic City, Trenton and Pittstown, will offer the required curriculum for compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act.  More information on who will need to comply with FSMA to be published soon, as the final rule was just released and we are working to understand its implications for NJ produce growers.

Registration is required for attendance at these trainings!

Filed Under: Blueberry, Food Safety, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops
October 15, 2015

Food Safety Modernization Act Update:
Farm Definition & Exemptions

FDA FSMAThe Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food final rule was published in the Federal Registry September 17, 2015. This is the first of two which may directly impact fruit and vegetable growers. To review the complete rule go to https://federalregister.gov/2015-21920.

This rule updates good manufacturing practices related to processing and clarifies the farm definition and exemptions. Under the original proposed rule there were several activities on farms in our region that would have had to comply with this rule. However, with the revised definition most activities are exempt or fall under the Produce Rule which will be published at the end of October.

Under the final definition there are two ways to be considered as a farm: as a “Primary Production Farm” or as a “Secondary Activities Farm.”
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Food Safety, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape
October 7, 2015

Veg IPM Update: Week Ending 10/7/15

Note: This is the last comprehensive IPM Update for the 2015 season. The trap networks are now being shut down. Limited scouting on late season crops will continue as conditions warrant. Should significant pest issues arise on these crops, information relevant to the pest and crop will be posted.

Sweet Corn

European corn borer (ECB) adults remain almost nonexistent. No map image will be produced. There should be little, if any, remaining impact from ECB this season.

Corn earworm moth (CEW) activity declined significantly over the previous week, with low temperatures prevailing (see CEW Map). At current levels, sweet corn is at reduced threat from CEW infestation.

The highest nightly CEW blacklight trap catches for the previous week are as follows:
Crosswicks  2 Georgetown  1 Sergeantsville  1
Califon  1 New Egypt  1 Tabernacle  1
Chester  1 Newton  1
Dayton  1 Pedricktown  1
cew10072015

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The blue areas in the blacklight map indicate a 4-day schedule, with clear areas indicating anything from a 5 to 7 day schedule. In general, 5-day schedules are suggested throughout southern NJ at this time.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Vegetable Crops
October 1, 2015

Alert: Disaster Preparedness for Production Agriculture

Governor Chris Christie today declared a state of emergency throughout the state as a result of severe weather conditions expected in the coming days. The National Weather Service is forecasting a dangerous nor’easter weather pattern impacting New Jersey beginning on October 1, 2015, including high winds, very heavy rain, inland river flooding, as well as major coastal flooding with heavy surf and beach erosion. The National Hurricane Center currently has forecasted the track for the impending weather event Joaquin, now a major hurricane, showing it moving northward off the mid-Atlantic coast late on or about October 4, 2015, which may cause significant flooding, dangerous storm surges between eight and ten feet, substantial wind damage, and stream and river flooding threatening homes and other structures, and endangering lives in the State.

Office of the Governor

ReadyAG Can Help Plan and Prepare

ReadyAG Workbook
ReadyAGJust as we’ve finished National Preparedness Month, Governor Christie has declared a state of emergency. In case Hurricane Joaquin takes a turn toward the Jersey Shore this weekend, there are many resources and tools to help get your families and homes prepared. Make sure your farm business is ready too.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape
September 30, 2015

Veg IPM Update: Week Ending 9/30/15

Sweet Corn

European corn borer (ECB) adults were nearly nonexistent this past week. No map image will be produced. There should be little, if any, remaining impact from ECB this season.

Corn earworm moth (CEW) activity declined over the previous week, with low temperatures prevailing (see CEW Map). The current warmer, disturbed weather pattern and tropical storm forecast to hit our area within the next week may result in increased activity. At current levels, CEW remains a significant threat to silking sweet corn plantings.

The highest nightly CEW blacklight trap catches for the previous week are as follows:
Crosswicks  2 Georgetown  1 Pedricktown  1
Belvidere  1 Milltown  1 Sergeantsville  1
Chester  1 New Egypt  1 Springdale  1
East Vineland  1 Newton  1 Tabernacle  1

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Vegetable Crops
September 29, 2015

Update on Ag Worker Protection Standard

A pre-publication version of the Ag Worker Protection Standard Revisions has been posted on the EPA’s website. In addition, a document comparing new protections to existing protections is available. Per Nancy Fitz, US EPA – Office of Pesticide Programs, compliance with most of the new standards will be required in mid-December 2016. Thanks to Pat Hastings, Rutgers NJAES Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator, for the heads-up.

Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Revisions (314pp, 880K)

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape