March 6, 2026

ALERT: Be prepared to manage White Pine Weevil in conifers early next week

With increasing temperatures, it is plausible that a critical treatment window for controlling White Pine Weevil (WPW) will be present early next week, throughout many areas of NJ. Factors leading to this post include increased air temperatures and climbing growing degree-days (WPW adult movement and egg laying is around 7-58 growing degree-days (GDD50)), and most importantly rising soil temperatures as this pest typically begins movement with soils hovering around 50F. All of these factors lead to the possibility of WPW movement early next week and growers may wish to utilize a preventative, long lasting residual spray (pyrethroids) to target adults before they begin egg laying.

So we have: 

  • NJ will be within the GDD window for adult movement and approaching egg laying (7-58 GDD50)
  • Soil temperatures in some areas may be close to 50F.
  • Increased air temperatures and insect mobility
White Pine Weevil (Pissodes strobi) – potential for emergence as of 3/6/2026 
Region Location CODE METRIC FRI SAT SUN MON TUES WEDS
6-Mar 7-Mar 8-Mar 9-Mar 10-Mar 11-Mar
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 GDD50 0 0 9 13 18 31
High Temp [ºF]  (Average) 49 (43.5) 52 (50.5) 63 (52) 67 (45) 71 (62) 71 (60.5)
24hr Average –       Soil TEMP [ºF] 47.1 <- (This will change over time / no prediction available)
Central Freehold / Howell NJ50 GDD50 0 0 4 6 9 17
High Temp [ºF]  (Average) 42(39) 49(48) 62(51.5) 69(56.5) 74(63) 70(59)
24hr Average –       Soil TEMP [ºF] 40.7 <- (This will change over time / no prediction available)
Northern HACKETTSTOWN G5633 GDD50 0 0 3 3 6 17
High Temp [ºF]  (Average) 41(37.5) 47(45.5) 61(49.5) 69(55) 76(63) 68(55)
24hr Average –       Soil TEMP [ºF] 34.1 <- (This will change over time / no prediction available)
USPEST.ORG – Model: simple average/growing degree-day, Min: 50F – Max: 95F, NMME forecast
Forecast:  7-month NMME based seasonal climate forecast (USPEST.ORG) – Subject to change regularly = Check Often
Air temperatures: Weather Underground (https://www.wunderground.com/) and NEWA: (https://newa.cornell.edu/)
Soil temperatures (10cm): https://www.greencastonline.com/tools/soil-temperature
Compiled by Waller. T. 3/6/2026 [twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu]

 

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Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
March 4, 2026

ALERT – Potential for Ambrosia Beetle flight early next week – if you regularly have issues with this pest – take notice

The last few seasons we have seen an upswing in ambrosia beetle activity in nursery production, principally in field grown nursery stock of thin barked trees (commonly – dogwood, honey locust, magnolia, maple, redbud, zelkova, styrax, Prunus spp.). Based on evidence from multiple lines of trap collection data throughout the United States, adult female flights appear to be correlated to consecutive days (2-3) of 70F temperatures (highs) with daily average air temps around 65F (max+min/2). That is extremely close to what we will have throughout most areas of NJ early next week, based on 10-day weather forecasts. Note: this is historically very early for treatment of this pest and it will get colder the following days, however, we have missed control opportunities over multiple years so take treatment into consideration if you regularly encounter this pest.

Consider using pyrethroids in your production areas next Monday or Tuesday (weather dependent) if this pest has been a regular problem.

Contact insecticides: 

  • Pyrethroids [3A]: –thrins (bifenthrin, permethrin, etc.) – Pyrethroids longer lasting residual activity is why these materials are so effective against ambrosia beetles. 
  • Systemic insecticides DO NOT WORK

 

Potential for adult female ambrosia beetle flight 2026

Stay informed:

  • Sign up for the 2026 – Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program – click here to sign up
  • First webinar 4/14/26
  • Program is free, but registration is required – Registration includes:
    • Site visit to your ornamental nursery/farm from Rutgers agents
    • Delivered printed IPM resources (Guides, factsheets, bulletins)
    • Free pheromone & sticky trap kit + guidance on setup/monitoring (for commercial nursery/greenhouse and Christmas tree farms)
    • Access to live bi-weekly webinars (Zoom)
    • (First session TUESDAY 4/14 @ 12PM)
    • Every Second and Fourth, Tuesday, April through September

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Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
March 2, 2026

Approaching boxwood blight season – 2026 (threat this week in Central and Southern NJ)

March weather is always unpredictable, however, if we have sustained periods of increased temperatures (above 50F) and spring rains, boxwood blight (BWB) can become an issue quickly.

[pictorial tri-fold] Common Boxwood Pests and Diseases (click-here). This includes Box Tree Moth images. Print the PDF out double-sided, then fold.

If you suspect Boxwood Blight and would like to have this verified – please contact the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (click here) for sample submission instructions

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 3/2/2026
Region Location Station

CODE

 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
2-Mar 3-Mar 4-Mar 5-Mar 6-Mar 7-Mar
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Infection Risk Low Low 
Southern Vineland NJ73 Very Low  Very Low  Low  Infection Risk Infection Risk Infection Risk
Southern Millville KMIV Very Low  Very Low  Low  Infection Risk Low  Low 
Southern Bridgeton D4116 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Infection Risk Low  Low 
Southern Mays Landing G4661 Very Low  Very Low  Low  Infection Risk Low  Low 
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low  Low  Low 
Central Princeton F0303 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low  Infection Risk Very Low 
Central Somerville F6261 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low  Infection Risk Infection Risk
Northern High Point NJ59 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low  Low 
Northern Randolph AU137 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low  Low 
Northern Belvidere E7133 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low  Very Low 
Please check your local boxwood blight risk at (https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app)  

There is a minor potential for boxwood blight infections this Thursday, Friday, & Saturday throughout Southern and Central NJ. Incoming rains, coupled with warmer temperatures may initiate boxwood blight infections this week. This will likely extend into the following week with anticipated higher temperatures.

  • It is time to begin protective fungicide applications in boxwoods throughout the state if you have not already done so. 

  • If BWB is important to your business – Use the USPEST – PUSH Alerts – (click here) – to setup weekly email alerts. Create an account, watch the tutorial, and then set up your subscriptions. You select which locations (as many as you like), days you want to receive emails, and what you would like to receive alerts about (BWB and a variety of other pests and diseases). Rutgers is not directly affiliated, however this is an incredible tool. 

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Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
February 13, 2026

Farm Safety Needs Assessment

The Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Working Group is conducting a survey to evaluate the priority needs of New Jersey farmers for training and resource development related to safety and health.  As a New Jersey farmer, you are invited to complete this survey. Click here to access the survey and learn more.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: ,
January 20, 2026

H2A Farm Labor Meeting – February 2, 2026 – Upper Deerfield, Cumberland County

Learn about H2A, the federal farm labor program.

Insights about costs, legal considerations, and practical matters, from experts, growers, and NJ Farm Bureau.

February 2nd, 2026

121 Northville Road
Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302

The Event is provided free of charge, but you must RSVP

Lunch and refreshments will be provided

To register, please contact Karen Adams:
adams@udel.edu
302-831-3328

Link for PDF

9:30 – 10:00 Check-in / Registration
10:00 – 10:10 Welcome
10:10 – 10:55 Real Cost of H2A Workers Nate Bruce, University of Delaware
10:55 – 12:00 Legal Aspects of the H2A Process Brandon Davis, Phelps Dunbar LLP
Paul Goeringer, University of Maryland
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 1:10 New Jersey Considerations for H2A Workers Ben Casella, New Jersey Farm Bureau
1:10 – 1:30 Experiences with the H2A Program and Q&A Henry Bennett, Bennett Orchards
1:30 – 1:45 Evaluations

Speakers, times, and availabilities subject to change.

This work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

This event is brought to you jointly by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, a service of the UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, a service of the UMD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources — both are land-grant institutions and are equal opportunity providers. If you have special needs that need to be accommodated, please contact the office two weeks prior to the event.

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , , ,
January 18, 2026

NE Agriculture Expo and Rutgers Educational Sessions Start Tuesday 1/20/26 to Thursday 1/22/26 in Atlantic City

The NE Agriculture Expo and Rutgers Educational Sessions Start Tuesday 1/20/26 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, 777 Harrahs Boulevard. The final day of educational sessions and trade show ends on Thursday at 5pm.

The weather may be cold, but no rain or no snow in the forecast, and warm times inside the conference center to network with others in the industry.  An afternoon Hospitality Room will be available 12-5pm on Wednesday and Thursday to relax and unwind in the trade show area. Come for the social aspects, education and gain pesticide recertification credits. Check out the Rutgers Educational Program to see what topics you would like to learn about. go.rutgers.edu/2026rutgerseduprog

What’s Happening

January 20 (Tuesday)

  • Pre–trade show workshops and sessions

January 21 (Wednesday)

  • Full day of educational sessions for all commodity groups • Year of the Women Farmer Luncheon
  • Packed trade show with vendor booths sold out
  • Live charity auction with FREE food

January 22 (Thursday)

  • More sessions
  • Another day packed trade show with vendor booths sold out
  • Special appearance by Temple Grandin book signing /meet and greet, then her special session (additional cost)

Registration Options On-Site at the Regitration Counter (hallway of conference center) or On-line https://vganj.com/convention-tickets“>https://vganj.com/convention-tickets

✔️ VGANJ Membership – $100

Includes 2 Expo passes

Additional passes just $25 each

✔️ One-Day Pass – $60

Access to sessions + trade show

Register On-Line to

  • Save time at registration
  • Walk in, grab your badge
  • Enjoy FREE breakfast (8am-10am Wednesday and Thursday in Trade Show)
  • Head straight to learning, growing, and catching up with friends

This event under one roof, packed with education and energy, and celebrating New Jersey agriculture at its best.

Plus, buy your tee shirt or hoodie at the registration desk to “Support New Jersey Farmers” and tout “No Farmers No Food” – new this year.

 

Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, pesticide credits, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Strawberry, training, Tree Fruit, vegetable, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape, work shop Tagged With: , ,