Rutgers Cooperative Extension
“The NJDA Deer Fencing Program makes cost-sharing funding available for the installation of deer fencing on unpreserved farms. The program is conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A 4:40-6.1.”
Please click here for the full application, eligibility, and other important information
Timing is important if considering this program. NJDA began accepting applications on 5/15/23.
Artillery Fungus (Sphaerobolus): This wood decomposer is found in mulched areas and has probably caused the most concern to landscapers and potentially poses some economic concern to their clients. This fungus produces fruiting structures that resemble tiny cream or orange-brown cups that hold a spore mass resembling a tiny black egg (0.1 inches in diameter). When enough water accumulates, the spores are shot high into the air up to several yards. The dark-colored spores resemble small tar spots and will stick to house siding, downspouts, cars, leaf surfaces, and any nearby structure. The artillery fungus is strongly phototrophic & will shoot its spores toward light sources or white-colored surfaces. The spores have extreme adhesive qualities & are difficult to remove, even with high-pressure sprayers.
The black colored spores of Artillery Fungus can also be mistaken for pests (e.g., scales) when stuck on the undersides of plant leaves. (Photo Credit: Tim Waller, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Artillery Fungus black spores can mare the surface of white siding on houses. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
The Landscape Pest Notes Blog for Late May 2023 reviews a dozen insect & disease pests that are commonly observed during the second half of May within NJ landscapes & nurseries. The insect pests highlighted include the elongate hemlock scale, pine needle scale, Euonymus scale, Taxus mealybug, four-lined plant bug, & aphids. In addition to the artillery fungus, the other fungal organisms included are black sooty mold, Volutella blight, cedar rust diseases, Cytospora canker, & Botrytis.
In this edition:
Please click “read more” below to get updates on pests, diseases, and other important resources for the week of 5/15/2023.
Fungal Leaf Spots: Commonly found on the foliage of many plants, fungal leaf spots are largely cosmetic diseases. Most do not interfere with the normal growth & development of the plant. Therefore, within the landscape, fungicides are not normally recommended. Years that have relatively dry spring weather will experience fewer leaf spot infections.
Many fungal leaf spot infections will demonstrate typical symptoms. Surrounding the initial infected spot will be alternating light-dark-colored concentric rings. The darker areas contain plant-defensive chemicals that the plant uses in an attempt to compartmentalize the invading fungus. If the fungus is virulent enough it may have the ability to move past the barrier & infect the tissue outside of it. The plant will respond again & form a new barrier surrounding the infected area. Sometimes these light-dark discolorations can continue until a target appearance forms. Many times, black fruiting bodies can be seen within the center of the light-colored bull’s eye site where the infection originated.
A dark colored halo will often surround the central fungus infection site. The black fruiting bodies can be observed within the central tan area. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Alternating light-dark colored concentric rings. The dark rings are composed of plant defensive chemicals the plant uses in the attempt to wall-off the invading fungus. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
The Landscape Pest Notes Blog for Early May 2023 is listed below & is composed of some commonly observed insect/mite & disease pests occurring within landscape & nursery plants. The insect/mite pests included are andromeda lace bug, lilac borer, boxwood leafminer, spruce spider mite, & horned/gouty oak galls. The disease pathogen pests included in addition to fungal leaf spots are black knot, sycamore anthracnose, Diplodia tip blight, & apple scab fungus.
Please note: The Rutgers Nursery and Green Industry Working Group is working to deliver regular pest and disease updates throughout the season. These will be in addition to important alerts, critical topics, and pesticide credit opportunities. This tool is made for you, the commercial agriculture business, so please let us know if there are particular topics you would like to see included in the regular update.
Email: twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu Phone: 856-451-2800 Ext. 1.
Insect Pests
| Projected GDD50 accumulation as of 4/25/2023 (these change throughout the season!) | ||||||
| Region | Location | 25-Apr | 1-May | 1-Jun | 1-Jul | 1-Aug |
| Southern | Upper Deerfield (NJ50) | 251 | 281 | 682 | 1370 | 2218 |
| Central | Howell / Freehold (NJ10) | 188 | 207 | 537 | 1160 | 1957 |
| Northern | High Point (NJ59) | 142 | 143 | 371 | 864 | 1507 |
| Forecast: 7-month NMME based seasonal climate forecast (USPEST.ORG) | ||||||
Please download and print the Rutgers Nursery and Landscape Pest Scouting Guide or Conifer and Christmas Tree Pest Scouting Guide and refer to this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-days (GDD)” for additional information. (See pest scouting guides for complete list of references)
Please SHARE what you SEE!! If you see a pest, disease, otherwise interesting or troublesome issue please report it to the Working Group by following the QR Code on the front of the Pest Scouting Guides or by filling out this reporting form.
Please continue reading for much more detailed and important information!
Two important notes:
More information:
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