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.
Private Applicators: NJDEP August Mailing of 2025 Invoices & Recertification Credit Status
Cucurbit Downy Mildew Alert – Pumpkin and Summer Squash – 8/21/24
Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) has been reported on pumpkin in central New Jersey (8/18) and on yellow summer squash and zucchini in southern New Jersey. These are the first reports of CDM on pumpkin and summer squash in the state and region this growing season. All cucurbit growers should scout on a daily basis and initiate a preventative CDM fungicide program immediately. CDM was confirmed on cucumber in New Jersey on 6/19/24. Remember, some CDM isolates fall into Clade I which predominately infect watermelon, pumpkin, and squash, where CDM isolates in Clade II predominately infect cucumber and cantaloupe.
For more information on CDM, the clades, and CDM control please click here.
2025 USDA Sustainable Agriculture Farmer Grant Project Information
Farmers in the Northeast can apply for up to $30,000 in funding for sustainable agriculture projects starting in 2025. These projects can range from experiments to on-farm events and demonstrations or other educational activities.
The Call for 2025 Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Farmer Grants is now available. Approximately $850,000 has been allocated to fund projects. Awards of up to $30,000 are available. Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on November 12,2024.
Q&A Sessions are taking place alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October. Register once to attend any of the sessions.
Sessions will take place on: Oct 8, 16, 22, 30. from 12 to 1 EST
To register see https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlcO-qrjguGtSNrOemAOP7pZWbUCcl5GqN#/registration
To see the call for proposals https://www.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/Northeast-SARE-Farmer-Grant-Call-for-Proposals.pdf
To learn more about the SARE Farmer Grants https://northeast.sare.org/grants/get-a-grant/farmer-grant-program
For More Information contact USDA NESARE or your State Coordinator: Stephen Komar at komar@njaes.rutgers.edu
Cucurbit Downy Mildew Update 8/18/24
Cucurbit Downy Mildew Update
Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) was discovered by IPM technician Chris Cloutier in Morris County, just south of Morristown on Friday. Suspect leaves from pumpkin plants were incubated and ultimately produced spores on Sunday. All NJ growers of pumpkins and winter squash should treat fields accordingly. Look for chlorotic areas bordered by veins on the upper leaf surface (photo at lower right). If conditions are moist, dark sporulation may be found on the lower leaf surface (photo at lower left).
Useful materials for CDM may be found in the Pumpkin and Winter Squash Section of the 2024/25 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations. Downy mildew specific fungicides should be added to the existing powdery mildew fungicide program.
Vegetable IPM Update 8/14/24
Sweet Corn
Fall armyworm (FAW) infestations remain present, although they have become lighter and more sporadic in most scouted locations in central and northern NJ counties. Re-infestations following treatment can and have occurred. Because FAW moths are highly mobile, it is important to monitor fields at least weekly for signs of infestation. Whorl stage plants are prime targets for egg laying. Delays in treating whorl stage infestations can lead to stunted plants and poor ear size.
Newly hatched FAW larvae cause holes and scratches on leaves that are similar to ECB feeding, except that they tend to be more concentrated and always lead down into the whorl (see photo at left). As the larvae grow, the feeding becomes more destructive, with large ragged holes and obvious droppings deposited in the whorl (see photo at right). 
We will provide updates on new FAW appearances and severity as reports come in. FAW are resistant to synthetic pyrethroids. Effective sprays should include IRAC grp. 5 (spinosyns) or IRAC grp. 28 (diamides). The carbamate (IRAC grp. 1A) Lannate is also still effective. Sufficient water should be used in the applications to allow the solution to penetrate the layer of droppings that may have formed above the caterpillar.
Agrivoltaic farmer trainings in New Jersey!
The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program and the American Farmland Trust are excited to host our inaugural agrivoltaics farmer trainings in New Jersey! This Technical Assistance Program for Agrivoltaics (TAPAS) will introduce the dual-use of land for both agricultural and solar energy production, and explore the opportunities it may present for greater farm viability in New Jersey.
There are three training events, but due to limited capacity, we are encouraging participants to only register for one training session so we may train as many producers as possible. The in-person events have a capacity of 20 participants. Register today to secure your spot as soon as possible! While these trainings are exclusively held for farmers and ranchers, we will have other opportunities in the future for non-farmer participants to learn from our team of experts.
Training Opportunities
Session 1: Full-day training intended for specialty crop farmers on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 121 Northville Rd, Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Session 2: Half-day training intended for livestock producers or those who focus on grazing and forage on Tuesday, August 27 at the Round House next to 65 Sheepfold Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Session 3: A virtual training for all types of producers on Tuesday, September 10 from 5-7:30 pm ET
For more information and to sign up for one of these training sessions please click here.
