Landscape, Ornamentals, Nursery, and Turf Edition
Seasonal updates on ornamental, nursery, and turf pests.
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Rutgers Weather Forecasting - Meteorological Information important to commercial agriculture.
NEW: Rutgers Private Applicator 2023 Online License Renewal Assistance Available Daily Until October 31st!
NJ BPU Asking for Participation in Broadband Access Study Commission Survey
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS FROM THE NJ DEPT OF AGRICULTURE ON BEHALF OF NJ SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE DOUGLAS FISHER
The New Jersey Bureau of Public Utilities (BPU), in accordance with the New Jersey Broadband Access Study Commission – established by the state of New Jersey Legislature this past March, has engaged ECC Technologies, Inc., to complete a comprehensive broadband focused project in New Jersey. Among other things, the project addresses broadband infrastructure and service, and includes a survey to identify broadband availability.
We especially encourage state agricultural producers to participate in this project.
Read the full press release at https://bit.ly/3VlwvcU.
Find the survey at www.broadband-nj.com.
Autumn Pest Review: Soft Scales, Leafminers, Aphids, Mites & Adelgids
AUTUMN PEST REVIEW: Although the season is beginning to wind-down, there are still a number of insect & mite pests that require scouting during the fall weeks. The pests discussed in this blog include soft scale nymphs, boxwood leafminers, white pine aphids, spruce spider mites, southern red spider mites, hemlock rust mites, eastern spruce gall adelgids & hemlock woolly adelgids. The use of low %-rates of horticultural oils this fall can be especially valuable against controlling many of these pests.
SOFT SCALE NYMPH MIGRATIONS: Most soft scale species (exceptions include magnolia, tuliptree, and globose) have 1st instar nymphs that spend July and August feeding along veins on the undersides of leaves of their deciduous host (the use of a hand lens may be needed). During the weeks of late summer and early fall, these nymphs migrate off the leaves onto woody stem tissue and molt into the overwintering 2nd instar stage. The size of the nymphs increases 3-times after molting and their presence is usually observable even without magnification (they can be as large as lenticels). Typically, overwintering soft-scale nymphs have a dark coloration, to help absorb sunlight and maintain body warmth.
European elm 1st-instar nymphs settled along the main vein underneath elm leaf. During the early weeks of fall they migrate from leaves onto the bark to overwinter. (Photo Credit: Cornell University)
Virtual Pesticide Recertification Credit Series – Horticulture 3x Sessions
Sessions hosted by Tim Waller and Bill Errickson – through RCE of Cumberland County
Individual Sessions – October 13th (Th), 20th (Th), 26th (W) 6-7:00pm (Login @ 5:30pm)
Please join us as we discuss topics applicable to all horticulture applicators – the classes of chemistries we use, which to use under various circumstances, and safe handling thereof. These sessions are valuable to our general understanding of IPM tactics via a deeper understanding of the tools available to us.
NOTE: These free virtual sessions (on Zoom) will count as “in-person”, meaning all attendees will receive offered CEUs if they: have a live video feed (and are visible) and upload a government issued photo ID + NJ Pesticide license prior via a secure Rutgers Connect folder (follow directions below, only the agents will have access to information for verification). This approach avoids the 25% online credit restrictions previously in place for those with licenses NOT expiring 10/31/2022.
Government issued photo ID and NJ Pesticide License upload:
- Click here to upload BOTH your government issued Photo ID and Pesticide License prior to the meeting
- Upload directions: If you click on the photo ID upload link using a smart phone/tablet you will have the option of simply taking a photo of your ID and uploading it directly into the system. Otherwise, you can scan a copy of your photo ID into a computer and follow the directions at the upload link. If you are unable to upload documentation prior to the meeting, please contact Tim Waller for assistance (twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu).
- Please upload files of your photo ID and applicator license to the link above as; “Last name_ First_ Photo ID” AND “Last name_ First_ Pesticide License”
Sessions: (You must register for each session individually, but only need to upload ID material one time)
Date: 10/13/2022 (Thursday)
- Click here to register for 10/13 (TH)
- How Chemicals Work and Which to Use (Tim Waller, Ph.D. RCE – Cumberland Co.)
- Tim Waller will be discussing the various types of chemistries and classes thereof that are available for use in comestible agriculture to horticulture to right-of-way to green industries when treating some form of pest (diseases, insects, weeds, etc.). He will explain how these materials behave in or on plants, their effects on pests, when to use which materials, proper handling and safety considerations, and concepts of pesticide resistance that will ultimately lead to better chemical stewardship.
- CEUs: CORE-2, 1A-2, 3A-2, 3B-2, 6B-2, 8C-2, 10-2, PP2-2
Date: 10/20/2022 (Thursday)
- Click here to register for 10/20 (TH)
- Science and Application of Horticultural Sanitation Techniques (Bill Errickson / Tim Waller – RCE – Monmouth / Cumberland Co.)
- Bill Errickson and Tim Waller will be discussing sanitation techniques that are broadly applicable to horticulture. Sanitation basics, chemical types, and locations where to best utilize sanitation approaches, will be covered. Sanitizing chemistries and pesticides will be highlighted throughout this presentation and will focus on proper handling and safety as many of these compounds are potentially dangerous. Throughout the presentation pest or plant life cycles will be discussed to demonstrate implementation of sanitation techniques.
- CEUs: CORE-2, 3A-2, 10-2, PP2-2
Date: 10/26/2022 (Wednesday)
- Click here to register for 10/26 (W)
- Horticulture Pesticide Safety and Regulation Updates (George Hamilton, Ph.D. – Rutgers Extension Specialist – Pest Management; NJ Pesticide Safety)
- Dr. George Hamilton will be discussing the reasons for wearing protective equipment (PPE) and the proper types of equipment to use. He will also cover regulations related to recording keeping and application exclusions as well as other pesticide safety related topics.
- CEUs: CORE-2
Contact RCE of Cumberland County – 856-451-2800 ext.1 with any questions.
ALSO – Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County (254 County House Rd, Clarksboro, NJ 08020) is holding an in-person, half-day event, on Tuesday, October 18th from 9:00AM to 12:00PM at their office. Please click here for additional information. CEUs offered at that meeting: CORE-3, 1A-3, 3A-3, 3B-3, PP2-3
Instructions for Virtual Sessions:
- Register for each session individually at the above links
- Include your pesticide license number and date of birth if you would like recertification credits
- After registration you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the actual twilight meeting.
- Upload a copy of your government issued photo ID and pesticide license at the link above
- Day-of – 5:30pm: follow confirmation email link to the session (you may need to copy-paste it)
- Day-of: Have your video on if you wish to obtain credits
Required to be eligible to receive pesticide applicator recertification credits for these virtual programs:
1. Attend the entire meeting with live VIDEO feed on, seated in the center of the frame. Those without a webcam or phone attendees without a live video feed are not eligible to receive credits. Call-ins (audio only) are not eligible for pesticide recertification credits as of now; you need a computer/phone/tablet with *live* video capability. If you choose to access via your smartphone, it is recommended that it is fully charged or plugged in; and that any background applications are not running.
2. Attendees must participate throughout the entire session, staying to the end. Individuals are not eligible for credits if they arrive after the start of the first training topic or leave before the end of the last topic. Polls will be randomly scheduled, and attendance will be visually monitored to verify attendance.
Rutgers is dedicated to protecting your privacy and keeping your personal information safe. Upon upload, your files will be encrypted and stored to Rutgers Connect. Your information will be kept strictly confidential; used solely to meet NJDEP ID verification protocol for recertification credit; and will not be used for any other purpose. Your files will be deleted within 60 days after the training event.
Spruce Spider Mites: A Key Cool Season Mite Pest
Spruce spider mite species (Oligonychus ununguis) are found in Christmas tree farms as well as landscapes & nurseries in the New Jersey region. The late weeks of September & early weeks of October are transition periods for this cool season mite. With the arrival of autumn & cooler temperatures, the spruce spider mites begin to “wake up” from their summer dormancy & will be observed feeding & laying eggs. Observations this past week in Christmas tree farms have shown increased activities of the spruce spider mites. This spider mite species will feed exclusively on various conifers including spruce, fir, Douglas-fir, hemlock, Cryptomeria, arborvitae, false-cypress, pine, & juniper.
This Christmas tree farm is an ideal site for potential spruce spider mite infestations. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Driving into High Path Avian Influenza Quarantine Zones in PA. Know the rules.
September 28, 2022. There has been a significant area placed under quarantine in Lancaster County East Lampeter Township. Read below to refresh on the rules when driving into a HighPath Quarantine Area.
For those traveling to Lancaster County for equipment, supplies and feed, be aware of the 20km zone that includes areas near Ephrata, New Holland, Gap, Quarryville, and Manhiem locations; and the 10km zone that includes Lancaster and Stroudsburg areas; and the epic-center 3km zone.
Secretary Fisher has sent along the PADLS quarantine map to Ag Agents, you can contact your Ag agent for a copy of the map. The map when it is updated, can also be found at: https://padeptag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a9066a3d68a443a08043766cb84bf4ae
“Migration season is underway and the virus is obviously in the environment. Please ensure all your poultry caretakers are practicing their best biosecurity, especially regarding using clean and dedicated footwear when entering the poultry houses.”- PADLS
Earlier this year….
As of 5/11/2022: The PA Department of Agriculture, via communications from Kevin D. Brightbill, DVM | State Veterinarian | Director is requesting continued compliance of the agriculture industry at large with the General Quarantine Order; Virus Control for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Poultry, Poultry Litter, Conveyances, Feed, Refuse, Containers and Material Standards for the existing control zones established in Lancaster and Berks County.
There is an Interstate (existing or carried on between states) and General Quarantine Order in effect in Pennsylvania; specific to Virus Control for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Vehicle, Container and Material Standards that is critical to abide by to prevent introduction of High Path. The specifics of “following the conditions and requirements of this Interstate and General Quarantine Order Order related to vehicles and products being transported including other domestic animals” can be found in the Pennsylvania Bulletin Volume 52 Issue 18 52 Pa.B. 2597 General Quarantine Order; Virus Control for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Poultry, Poultry Litter, Conveyances, Feed, Refuse, Containers and Material Standards.
https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol52/52-18/637.html
New Jersey agriculture producers, please be mindful of these efforts as you travel in and out of the location of the current quarantine area (10 kilometer radius) as shown in the PA DEPT AG MAP https://padeptag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a9066a3d68a443a08043766cb84bf4ae.
Elsewhere in the region, please consider how you can help reduce potential spread as you travel to and from agriculture service centers in the region.
To stay up to date on the quarantine restrictions and recommendations related to disinfecting transportation vehicles and conveyances, please join the weekly Pennsylvania High Path Avian Influenza call by contacting Jennifer Reed – Harry, Penn Ag Industries at Email: jrharry@pennag.com
NJ Poultry Producers. To participate in the next South-Jersey Poultry Association monthly webinar with guest veterinarians from either USDA or state agencies, contact Melissa Bravo at the Salem County Extension Office.
