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May 10, 2022

ALERT – Boxwood Blight Infection Potential for the majority of NJ this weekend (5/13 – 5/15)!

There is a potential for new boxwood blight infections this weekend throughout much of NJ – especially southern regions. The end of week rains coupled with increased temperatures and prolonged periods of leaf wetness will contribute to the spread of boxwood blight infections.

  • It is time to begin protective fungicide applications in high value areas if you have not already done so! 

  • Protective fungicide applications should remain in effect or be initiated immediately for Boxwood Blight throughout much of NJ
  • If your area is not listed (throughout all of NJ please visit the USPEST.ORG Boxwood Blight Risk Model – CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL PREDICTIONS
  • BWB has already been observed this season just south of us in Maryland.

Boxwood Blight risk-model information, considerations, and links:

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 5/10/2022
Region Location CODE 10-May 11-May 12-May 13-May 14-May 15-May NOTES
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low  Infection Risk Infection Risk High probability of new infections
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low*  Low*  Low*  *5/13-15 very close to infection risks
Northern High Point NJ59 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Very Low Low*  Low*  *5/14-15 very close to infection risks
Please check your local boxwood blight risk at (https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app)

(CLICK on this link – input your area code – select closest weather station – check 7-14 prediction – click on graph / table)

These advisories are general in nature and change rapidly over time and throughout the state! Someone from your business should be using this risk model daily if boxwood is important to your financial stability – In 30 seconds you can have a better idea of boxwood blight (and other pathogen) activity in your immediate area! Please contact Tim Waller if you need help using this service (twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu), I want to help! 

Fungicides; 

  1. You very well may have these materials already applied as ‘cover-sprays’ – But – be mindful that protectant fungicides loose efficacy the more rain (or overhead irrigation) they are subjected to, and reapplication may be warranted.
  2. ROTATE between Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC codes) to avoid this pathogen becoming resistant to specific chemicals

Format: [FRAC code]: Chemical name (Trade names * no endorsement implied) 

  • [M05]: Chlorothalonil (Daconil WS)
  • [M05 + 1] Chlorothalonil + Thiophanate methyl (Spectro 90WDG)
  • [11] Trifloxystrobin + [7] Fluopyram  (Broadform)
  • [11] Trifloxystrobin + [3] Triadimefon (Armada 50WDG)
  • [M03] Mancozeb
  • [12] Fludioxonil (Medallion WDG)
  • [3] Tebuconazole (Torque)BW

DISCLAIMER: The label is the law, always refer to it for allowable host crops, use-restrictions, application rates, reapplication intervals, re-entry intervals (REI), and mix compatibility information. Production and pesticide information on this site are for private/commercial pesticide applicators and landscape professionals only, and are NOT for home gardener use. Provided materials represent examples and do not cover all possible control scenarios. Trade-names listed do not imply endorsement and are used as examples only. Please contact your local agent or chemical sales representative for more information or to discuss additional pest management options.

Resources 

Background on the pathogen: 

There will be another post pertaining to insect development tomorrow (5/12/22)

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
May 4, 2022

ALERT-Potential for new boxwood blight infections tomorrow in Southern NJ

There is a potential for new boxwood blight infections tomorrow in Southern NJ

  • Protective fungicide applications should remain in effect or be initiated immediately for Boxwood Blight in these areas
  • If your area is not listed (throughout all of NJ please visit the USPEST.ORG Boxwood Blight Risk Model – CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL PREDICTIONS
  • BWB has been observed already this season just south of us in Maryland.

Boxwood Blight risk-model information, considerations, and links:

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 5/4/2022
Region Location CODE 4-May 5-May 6-May 7-May 8-May 9-May
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Low  Low  Very Low  Low  Low  Very Low 
Southern Vineland NJ73 Low  Low  Very Low  Low  Low  Very Low 
Southern Millville KMIV Very Low Low  Very Low  Low  Low  Very Low 
Southern Bridgeton D4116 Low Infection Risk- Sus. vars. Very Low  Low  Low  Very Low 
Please check your local boxwood blight risk at ___ CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL PREDICTIONS
  • These advisories are general in nature and change rapidly over time and throughout the state! Someone from your business should be using this risk model daily if boxwood is important to your financial stability – In 30 seconds you can have a better idea of boxwood blight (and other pathogen) activity in your immediate area!
    • (click on the link – input area code – select closest weather station – check 7-14 prediction – click on graph / table) 

Fungicides; 

  1. You very well may have these materials already applied as ‘cover-sprays’ – But – be mindful that protectant fungicides loose efficacy the more rain (or overhead irrigation) they are subjected to, and reapplication may be warranted.
  2. ROTATE between Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC codes) to avoid this pathogen becoming resistant to specific chemicals

Format: [FRAC code]: Chemical name (Trade names * no endorsement implied) 

  • [M05]: Chlorothalonil (Daconil WS)
  • [M05 + 1] Chlorothalonil + Thiophanate methyl (Spectro 90WDG)
  • [11] Trifloxystrobin + [7] Fluopyram  (Broadform)
  • [11] Trifloxystrobin + [3] Triadimefon (Armada 50WDG)
  • [M03] Mancozeb
  • [12] Fludioxonil (Medallion WDG)
  • [3] Tebuconazole (Torque)BW

DISCLAIMER: The label is the law, always refer to it for allowable host crops, use-restrictions, application rates, reapplication intervals, re-entry intervals (REI), and mix compatibility information. Production and pesticide information on this site are for private/commercial pesticide applicators and landscape professionals only, and are NOT for home gardener use. Provided materials represent examples and do not cover all possible control scenarios. Trade-names listed do not imply endorsement and are used as examples only. Please contact your local agent or chemical sales representative for more information or to discuss additional pest management options.

Resources 

Background on the pathogen: 

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
May 1, 2022

Drought planning. Monitoring real time stream flow

With dry conditions occurring as planting season is underway monitoring real time stream flow is a useful tool.

Non-irrigation users as well as those who rely on irrigation can use this tool to forecast short term and long term conditions that will benefit or impact when and what to plant, when to water, and how precipitation or the lack thereof will help or hurt applications of nitrogen fertilizer and herbicides that require surface moisture for activation.

Here is the link to the USGS real time stream flow readings on the National Water Dashboard for Salem County and surrounding areas. Chose stream level data and aquifer type in the legend box to see streams near your location.

At the end of March, the county was about at an inch and a half deficit for rainfall compared to the 30-year average. Despite the inches received in April, streamflow readings at nine locations in the coastal plain aquifer system of South-Central NJ are much below normal. Ten readings are below normal, and one reading on Mantua Creek in Pitman, NJ is at an all-time low for this day.

If we use the US Drought Monitor comparison slider, we can see that much of Cumberland County and parts of Salem and Gloucester are experiencing drier conditions then this time last year. Gusty winds and below average high temperatures the last three days of April stressed spring seedling flower transplants and annual crop germinations. The duration of wind significantly dried surface soil moisture limiting transplant root expansion and delayed new seeding Adventitious roots from expanding deeper into the soil. Comparing this information to last year’s crop progress and monitoring root development (moisture seeking behavior) can help producer’s estimate crop progress and response to droughty conditions going forward.

The current forecast has a good chance of rain on Wednesday and again on Friday and Saturday. After the rains, revisit the real time stream monitoring site and see if local conditions have changed. If stream discharge improves, this is a good indication sub soil has adequate moisture, and in sandy soils this will help roots to expand deeper into the soil profile.

https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NJ

 

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops
April 29, 2022

The NJ Plastic Bag Ban and Your Retail Farm Market

The NJ plastic bag ban will impact retail farm markets starting May 4th.  Note that enforcement of this ban will vary based on your retail sales location.  Counties and municipalities may use their health or other departments for enforcement along with the DEP. Without specific guidance on how to enforce the ban in farm retail settings there will likely be variations based on location.

Some key pieces of information about the rule that may impact your market are detailed below:

Paper bags are banned only for stores that are identified as a “grocery store”.  If you are not considered a grocery store (see definition below) you may use paper bags.

Grocery stores are defined as “self-service retail establishment that occupies at least 2,500 square feet and that sells household foodstuffs for offsite consumption, including fresh produce, meat, poultry, deli products, dry foods, baked foods, prepared foods.”  We anticipate that enforcement will vary based on local jurisdiction with this definition.  If you are a retail farm market that is over 2,500 square feet, including your outdoor sales areas, it is suggested that you communicate with your municipality or county to determine if you can use paper bags or not.

The state does not define what types of plastic bags can be used for exempted items, and we have had varying guidance from DEP. Questions about the rule can be directed to singleuseplastics@dep.nj.gov Contact your municipality or county to determine how they plan to regulate exempted item bagging. DEP identifies the following items as exempt:

  • Loose items including: fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee, grains, baked goods, candy, greeting cards, flowers, small hardware items
  • Uncooked meat, fish, or poultry
  • Food sliced or prepared to order, including soup and hot foods

You cannot sell single use bags at your store, except for pre-packaged bags such as bulk trash bags, pet waste bags, zip-lock bags, etc.

The regulation does not discuss biodegradable single-use bags  that can be decomposed by bacteria and other living organisms in a short period of time. The plastic bag ban is specific to single-use bags made from a synthetic materials. Many biodegradable bags are made from corn-based materials and have improved in their strength since they were first released a number of years ago. Should you plan on purchasing biodegradable bags make sure you can prove what materials they are made of in case of customer or regulatory questioning. The New Jersey Office of Innovation has a listing of companies that sell bags that are allowable under the ban.

Reusable bags ideally should be made of materials that can be easily cleaned and must have handles stitched onto them. Fabrics that can be washed and dried in a machine are preferred since the heat cycle in the dryer will kill any potential human pathogens that find their way onto the bags surface. If purchasing reusable bags to give to your customers be sure to look at the cleaning instructions and communicate proper handling of these bags to your customers. You are not required to provide reusable bags to your customers.

As we better understand this regulation, we will share that information with you.

*article updated on June 15, 2022

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops
April 21, 2022

Scouting for Broad Mites in the Greenhouse

Broad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) are an extremely small species of mites that affect many ornamental crops. At this point in the season they may be active in the greenhouse and should be included in all greenhouse IPM scouting programs. Broad mites are only 0.2 mm long, which is about half the size of a two-spotted spider mite. This makes them nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye during regular routine scouting and challenging to locate, even with the use of a hand lens. They have a translucent yellow-green appearance and a short but rapid life cycle ranging from 5 to 13 days.

Broad mites under microscope  Broad mites under microscope Broad mites under microscope

Broad mites feed on new growth and emit saliva that is toxic to the plants. This results in leaf curl, stunting, and deformity that may be mistaken for herbicide damage, physiological disorders, or a fungal pathogen. Broad mites tend to favor New Guinea impatiens, Sunpatiens, and dahlia in the greenhouse this time of year, though they may also cause damage to gerbera, ivy, lantana, standard impatiens, snapdragon, verbena, begonia, and zinnia. They can spread via plant-to-plant contact and may even hitchhike on whiteflies or aphids to reach a new destination.

Broad mite damage on Sunpatiens

Broad mite damage on Sunpatiens. Notice the stunted growth and leaf curling. Photo: W. Errickson

Control can be achieved using miticides that are labeled specifically for broad mites, as some materials that are effective against two-spotted spider mites and spruce spider mites may not work as well on broad mites. Effective materials include Akari, Avid, Dormant Oil, Judo, Magus, Pylon, SanMite, Sirocco, Summer Oil, and Triact. Always follow the instructions on the label and take note of any sensitivities for use on specific plant species. Rotating chemical classes is also very important when treating broad mites because their rapid life cycle has the potential to lead to the development of resistance in a short period of time. Biological controls involving the release of predatory mites that feed on broad mites have also demonstrated success. Predatory mite species that are effective against broad mites include Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus cucumeris, and N. californicus. Broad mites can be effectively managed in the greenhouse if they are detected early and correctly identified as part of a regular IPM program.

Additional Resources

Broad Mites Fact Sheet, University of Tennessee

https://go.rutgers.edu/zg9kdzod

Broad Mites in Ornamental Crops, Michigan State University

https://go.rutgers.edu/56gic7up

Broad mites infesting plantsDealing with Broad Mite, Greenhouse Product News

https://go.rutgers.edu/6doflkwc

Broad Mite is Becoming an Increasing Problem, Greenhouse Management

https://go.rutgers.edu/1pftyvss

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf Tagged With: , , , , ,
April 18, 2022

Spotted Lanternfly egg hatch is coming or here now – Critical knockdown of nymphs

Spotted Lanternfly nymphs will be emerging now through the first week of May for Southern and Central New Jersey – reduce their population early in the nursery industry!

 

Through conversations with nursery operators, state inspectors (NJDOA), and internal agent communications four shade trees represent the vast majority of nursery stock with adult SLF eggs. This means we should be targeting these trees early – treating for nymphs as they emerge from the egg masses and before they move on to more tender hosts.

The vast majority of shade trees with egg masses in NJ are:

  1. Red maple – huge proportion
  2. Birch
  3. Willow
  4. Styrax

Generally, adults are laying eggs on these four nursery crops late summer/fall, then as the nymphs emerge (April/May) they move to more tender growth, often onto understory plants, weeds, hedge rows, roses (wild and cultivated), and tender herbaceous and perennial plants (May, June, early July). This means we have a very short window to target a large percentage of nymph emergence on these four crops with Contact Insecticides. Scout these areas for nymphs over the next few weeks, and be at the ready to treat immediately. 

Be ready to target nymph populations early this season with contact materials 

Once the nymphs have moved on to their favored 1st-3rd instar crops (herbaceous, perennial, roses, grapes, etc.) they will then begin to move back to these four shade trees (and other woody hosts) as 4th instars (red-coloration, mid/late July) and adults (August) that will ultimately mate and lay eggs (September/October), repeating the cycle.

Systemic materials – Generally systemics are best utilized when targeting late instars and adult populations (both born at the nursery and flying in from outside), often requiring approximately 3-4 weeks prior to anticipated insecticidal activity. In the nursery setting we may already be utilizing systemic materials to treat other insect populations, offering some level of protection from the nymphs migrating away from theses four shade trees, towards their favored feeding locations. In operations where egg masses have been abundant, treating with systemic materials, when appropriate should be considered to reduce local populations in addition to targeting nymphs with contact materials.

Penn State – Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide (click here) – Contains the most complete list of labeled systemic and contact insecticides for SLF

Note – applications during bloom for specific host crops should be avoided to protect pollinators. 

 

Additional information: 

We are collectively trying to avoid crippling load-by-load phytosanitary inspections: 

WE as an industry are in this together, in order to safeguard our industry please do the following:

  1. SLF Training Permits for hang-tags (click here) are required for each company driver who delivers your plants out-of-state. This training is relatively simple and you can also obtain Training materials to educate your employees (click here)
  2. Scout every plant for ANY SLF life stages – from dead adults to egg masses. REMOVE life stage prior to shipment and train employees to know the various appearances of SLF egg masses. Use this guide – SLF EGG MASS GUIDE – USE FOR TRAINING (click here to download) (print and hang up / distribute to personnel)

 

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,