Rutgers Cooperative Extension
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.
Subscriptions are available via EMAIL and RSS.
Quick Links:
NJ Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations
Rutgers Weather Forecasting - Meteorological Information important to commercial agriculture.
by Kathryn Homa1,2, Robert Pyne1, Bill Barney2, Andy Wyenandt1, and Jim Simon1
Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, 1Rutgers University; 2IR-4 Program
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an economically important fresh culinary herb grown in the United States. In fall of October 2007, a new disease of basil, downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) was first reported in FL. [Read more…]
The strobilurin, or QoI fungicides (FRAC code 11) are extremely useful in controlling a broad spectrum of common vegetable pathogens. You may know some of strobilurins as azoxystrobin (Quadris), trifloxystrobin (Flint), pyraclostrobin (Cabrio), or Pristine (pyraclostrobin + boscalid, 11 + 7). [Read more…]
Since 2011 the vegetable working group has teamed up with Cornell University’s NEWA to bring tomato and potato late blight and early blight forecasting to vegetable growers throughout New Jersey. Over 30 weather stations from Sussex to Cape May County now offer disease as well as insect forecasting services for 19 specific pests. [Read more…]
Skin blotch of garlic caused by the fungus, Embellisia allii, has been found in a homeowner’s garden. Symptoms on infected plants include the a diffuse coating of charcoal-colored flecks on the outer surfaces of infected stems. [Read more…]
Clopyralid, marketed under the trade name STINGER, was labeled for use in asparagus for years. About eight years ago Dow removed asparagus from the Stinger label due to liability concerns. A generic version of clopyralid called SPUR, produced by Albaugh Inc., is now available and includes asparagus on the label with a 48 hour PHI.
By this time last year, we had already begun catching European corn borer (ECB) adults, as well as a few corn earworm (CEW) adults. Due to much cooler conditions this season, blacklight trap catches have very few insects of any type. As a result, there will be no maps published in this IPM Update. In general, sweet corn is well behind recent seasons in terms of development. As ECB numbers develop, their activity will be reported here.
In many locations, imported cabbageworm butterflies (ICW) are active. These butterflies were seen laying eggs on kale in Hunterdon County this week. Egg deposition is undoubtedly occurring all over the state, during warm periods. Be sure to check the youngest portions of plants, as this is often where the ICW larvae go to feed. Feeding can damage the growing point of plants, if it is not detected in time. Check 5 consecutive plants each in 10 random locations throughout the field. Consider treating if caterpillars are found on 10% or more plants that are in the 0-9 true leaf stage. From 9-leaf to the early head stage (in broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage) infestations up to 20% may be tolerated. Once heads begin to form, a 5% threshold should be observed to protect the marketable portion of the plant. For leafy greens such as collards and kale, 10% plants infested is the threshold throughout.
Crucifer flea beetle is active on many plantings, particularly when conditions are warm. When scouting cole crops for caterpillar pests, check for the presence of flea beetles. Consider treating if flea beetles are present on 50% or more plants, and feeding injury is evident on the plants. Be sure to monitor newly emerged or transplanted fields for the presence of this pest. In general, plants like arugula and mustard (those with a “hotter” flavor) are more favorable to flea beetles.
