On May 12, NJ Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #241 eliminating the requirement for wearing masks in outdoor spaces taking effect immediately. Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher has summarized the changes that may impact agriculture operations. The full text of his letter can be read in this attached file.
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May 18, 2021 Rick VanVranken
Letter from Secretary Fisher Regarding Governor’s Executive Order #241 Eliminating Requirement for Masks in Outdoor Spaces
May 18, 2021 Tim Waller
It is time to put Bagworms on your radar in Southern NJ
Photo: Rich Buckley
Bagworms should begin hatching in the next 2-6 weeks throughout NJ, starting in the southern regions. Now is an optimal time to get this pest on your radar and prepare materials or approaches to attack first/second instar caterpillars. The control window for this pest is typically between 600-900 GDD50 (growing degree-days) and treatments should be in use prior to their mobile, airborne, “ballooning” phase. Check that the eggs have hatched prior to application of pesticides – as most compounds will not be effective at all if the first instar caterpillars are not present. Lethal pesticide doses are important, as sub-lethal doses can trigger early pupation, making the pest all but invincible to chemical or biological treatments.
Bagworm management – mechanical: If eggs have not hatched: hand-remove sacs/bags. Typically female/egg filled sacs are higher in the canopy so keep that in mind while scouting.
Treatment options for Lepidoptera (caterpillars) to have at the ready – containing: B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis)(Dipel), spinosad (Entrust SC), bifenthrin (Talstar, UP-Star), cyfluthrin (Decathlon 20WP), carbaryl (Sevin SL), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn), cyclaniliprole (Sarisa), cyclaniliprole + flonicamid (Pradia), Lambda-cyhalothrin (Scimitar GC), cyantraniliprole (Mainspring), Indoxacarb(Provaunt)
IT IS CRITICAL TO ROTATE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BETWEEN IRAC GROUPS DUE TO THE NUMBER OF POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
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.
More information on Bagworms:
Steve Rettke’s 2020 PPA Post – Bagworm caterpillars have hatched throughout most of NJ
Bagworms on Ornamental Landscape Plants
Photo Credits: Rich Buckley (Plant Diagnostics Laboratory) https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/
May 13, 2021 Rick VanVranken
Letter from Secretary Fisher Regarding Governor’s Executive Order #239 Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions
On May 12, NJ Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #239 regarding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions which will become effective on May 19. Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher has summarized the changes that may impact agriculture operations. The full text of his letter can be read in this attached file.
May 12, 2021 Hemant Gohil
Recordings of Webinar – Ask the Expert: Orchard Soil Fertility and Tree Nutiriton
Please use below links for the audio and video recordings of Webinar – Ask the Expert Series -V held on May 5th. The recording includes lively discussion on various aspects of orchard soil fertility and plant nutrition, including Q &A from growers, with, Dr. Robert Crassweller from PSU; and Dr. Joseph Heckman, Dr. Megan Muehlbauer and Dr. Hemant Gohil from Rutgers NJAES. Some of the information is also applicable to other crops. [Read more…]
May 11, 2021 Nick Polanin
Resuming In-Person RCE Programming – A Guide for Attendees
Rutgers Cooperative Extension has announced the resumption of in-person programming beginning this month. Extension professionals across all program areas have the option to offer in-person programming, limited at this time to outdoor events with no more than 25 total in attendance. This includes farm and field visits, twilight meetings, and pesticide applicator recertification events. Resuming in-person events doesn’t mean that online or hybrid events will end; both are essential tools for successful RCE programming.
These RCE guidelines and expectations are for all participants to follow to attend these events:
Voluntary Participation – Participation at in-person RCE activities is completely voluntary – there is no requirement for attendance.
Health Screening Form – Attendees will be required to bring a completed RCE Health Screening Form, which can be be accessed at https://go.rutgers.edu/RCE.healthform. Once completed, please take a screenshot of the big green checkmark or print out a copy to show when you arrive before being allowed to attend.
Face Masks – Every participant will be required to wear a face mask / covering over their mouth and nose at all times. Arrive wearing your mask, and make sure to keep it in place during the entire event.
Physical Distancing – Everyone will be required to practice physical distancing, staying at least 6 feet apart.
Hygiene & Sanitation – Everyone who attends is expected to practice good hygiene habits. Participants should wash or sanitize their hands when they arrive and before they leave, and as needed throughout the activity. You are encouraged to bring your own hand sanitizer to limit shared surfaces.
What to Bring With You – Food will not be provided and sharing food is not permitted. Make sure to bring your own refreshments, filled water bottle, tools/equipment, notebook and writing tool, camp chair, etc. depending on the event you’re attending.
All participants are expected to follow these rules and procedures to help make every RCE in-person event safe and enjoyable for everyone. Please be sure to check the NJAES Calendar of Events and the RCE office in your county for upcoming events.
May 5, 2021 Tim Waller
Nursery and Conifer Pest Scouting Guide: 250-600 GDD & Boxwood Blight Information & Request for Collaborators
Please print or download these resources (click on them):
General Nursery Scouting (contains conifer information within range)
- Printable Nursery Pest Scouting 250-600 GDD
- Expanded Nursery Pest Scouting Guide 250-600 with CLICKABLE LINKS
- (Zoom in and click directly on the links within this document)
Conifer / Christmas Tree Specific Pest Scouting Guides
- Conifer/Christmas Tree Specific Pest Scouting Guide 0-600 GDD – PRINTABLE
- Conifer/Christmas Tree Specific Pest Scouting Guide 0-600 GDD – CLICKABLE LINKS
- (Zoom in and click directly on the links within this document)
To determine your local growing degree-days, please review this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-day information”
| Projected GDD50 accumulation as of 5/5/2021 | ||||||
| Region | Location | 5-May | 1-Jun | 1-Jul | 1-Aug | 1-Sep |
| Southern | Upper Deerfield (NJ50) | 308 | 665 | 1342 | 2184 | 2970 |
| Central | Howell / Freehold (NJ10) | 208 | 511 | 1132 | 1926 | 2660 |
| Northern | High Point (NJ59) | 127 | 315 | 767 | 1373 | 1928 |
| Forecast: NOAA NCEP Coupled Forecast System model version 2 (CFSv2) forecast system (3.5 months) (USPEST.ORG) | ||||||
| Pest Scouting – Growing Degree-day Ranges | (240-600 GDD50) | |||||
| CROP TYPE | Common Name | Scientific Name | GDD Min (50F) | GDD Max (95F) | Reference | Developmental / Target Stage |
| Many | Redheaded flea beetle | Systena frontalis | 242 | 600 | Unv. Del | First control target – egg hatch / larval activity |
| Conifer | Arborvitae leafminer | Argyresthia thuiella | 245 | 360 | RU | Larvae Treatments (1st generation) |
| Prunus | American plum borer | Euzophera semifuneralis | 245 | 440 | 5 | Adult flight, egg laying |
| Boxwood | Boxwood mites | Eurytetranychus buxi | 245 | 600 | RU | All Stages |
| Lilac | Lilac leafminer | Caloptilia syringella | 246 | 363 | 5 | Larvae Treatments |
| Holly | Holly leafminer | Phytomyza ilicis | 246 | 448 | RU | Larvae Treatment |
| Yew | Taxus mealybug | Dysmicoccus wistariae | 246 | 618 | RU | Adults/Crawlers |
| Conifer | Pine sawflies (Red-headed) | Neodiprion lecontei | 246 | 1388 | RU | Larvae (1st generation) |
| Boxwood | Boxwood leafminer | Monarthropalpusi flavus | 249 | – | 6 | Adult emergence |
| Conifer | Eastern spruce gall adelgid | Adelges abietis | 250 | 310 | 5 | Egg hatch, galls begin forming (not a control target) |
| Birch | Birch Leafminer | Fenusa pusilla | 275 | 375 | 4 | Adults laying eggs |
| Boxwood | Boxwood Psyllid | Cacopsylla busi | 290 | 440 | RU | Nymphs |
| Conifer | Pine Needle Scale | Chionaspis pinifoliae | 298 | 448 | RU | Crawlers (1st generation) – control target |
| Locust | Locust leafminer | Odontota dorsalis | 298 | 533 | 5 | Typical treatment window |
| Conifer | Pine eriophyid mites | Eriophyidae | 298 | 533 | 5 | Typical treatment window |
| Malus | Redbanded leafroller | Argyrotaenia velutinana | 298 | 618 | 5 | Typical treatment window |
| Privet | Privet Rust Mites | Aculus ligustri | 298 | 802 | RU | All stages |
| Oaks | Kermes oak scale | Allokermes spp. | 298 | 912 | 5 | Typical treatment window |
| Conifer | Pine root collar weevil | Hylobius radicis | 300 | 350 | 4 | 1st adults active |
| Conifer | Turpentine beetle | Dendroctonus terebrans | 300 | 350 | 4 | Parent beetles colonizing brood material |
| Spirea | Spirea aphid | Aphis spiraecola | 326 | – | 6 | Adults/nymphs |
| Conifer | Hemlock Woolly Adelgid | Adelges tsugae | 350 | 350 | RU | Eggs and 50% hatch |
| Malus, Prunus, many | Lesser peach tree borer | Synanthedon pictipes | 350 | 375 | 4 | Adult flight, egg laying |
| Rhododendron | Azalea Lacebug | Stephanitis pyrioides | 350 | 646 | RU | Adults (1st generation) |
| Dogwood, apple, pecan, elm, hickory, willow | Dogwood borer | Synanthedon scitula | 350 | 850 | 4 | adults, eggs, caterpillars |
| Conifer | Elongate Hemlock Scale | Fiorinia externa | 360 | 700 | RU | Crawlers (1st generation) |
| Elm | Elm Leaf Beetle | Xanthogaleruca luteola | 363 | 530 | RU | Larvae treatment (1st generation) |
| Conifer | Larch casebearer | Coleophora laricella | 363 | 618 | 2,4 | Nymphs active – typical treatment window |
| Many | Oystershell Scale | Lepidosaphes ulmi | 363 | 707 | RU | Crawlers |
| Walnut | Walnut blister mite | Eriophyes erinea | 363 | 707 | 5 | Typical treatment window |
| Beech | Woolly beech aphids | Grylloprociphilus imbricator & Phyllaphis fagi | 363 | 7070 | 5 | Typical treatment window |
| Conifer | Striped pine scale | Toumeyella sp. | 400 | 500 | 3 | Crawlers (1st generation) |
| Conifer | Pine needle midge | Thecodiplosis brachynteroides | 400 | 500 | 7 | Adults (1st generation) |
| Conifer | Pine tortoise scale | Toumeyella parvicornis | 400 | 1000 | 4 | Crawlers |
| Yews, Rhododendrons, many | Black Vine Weevil | Otiorhynchus sulcatus | 400 | 2800 | RU | Adults treatment |
| Basswood | Basswood lacebug | Gargaphia tiliae | 415 | – | 6 | Adults/nymphs |
| MANY | Fourlined plant bug | Poecilocapsus lineatus | 435 | – | 6 | Egg hatch / early instars |
| Many | Two-Spotted Mite | Tetranychus urticae | 437 | 997 | RU | Adults (build-up activity) |
| Birch | Bronze Birch Borer | Agrilus anxius | 440 | 880 | RU | Adults (egg laying) |
| Boxwood | Boxwood Leafminer | Monarthropalpusi flavus | 448 | 700 | RU | Larvae treatment |
| Rhododendron | Azalea whitefly | Pealius azaleae | 448 | 700 | 5 | Adults/nymphs |
| Oak | Oak skeletonizer | Bucculatrix ainsliella | 448 | 707 | 5 | Typical treatment window |
| Conifer | Hemlock looper | Lambdina fiscellaria | 448 | 707 | 5 | Typical treatment window |
| Conifer | Pine shoot beetle | Tomicus piniperda | 450 | 500 | 4 | Adults emerge; begin shoot feeding – control target |
| Conifer | Pine Chafer (Anomela Beetle) | Anomala oblivia | 450 | 600 | 7 | Adults (1st generation) |
| Many | Gypsy moth | Lymanttria dispar | 450 | 900 | 4 | Caterpillar to pupation – control target missed |
| Juniper | Maskell scale | Lepidosaphes pallida | 470 | – | 6 | Crawlers (1st generation) |
| Conifer | European pine shoot moth | Rhyacionia buoliana | 480 | 710 | 5 | Larvae Treatment |
| Malus, Prunus, many | Peach Tree Borer | Synanthedon sp. | 500 | 600 | RU | Adults – emerge (1st treatment both types) |
| Rhododendron | Rhododendron Borer | Synanthedon rhododendri | 509 | 696 | RU | Adults emerge |
| Many | White prunicola scale | Psedaulacaspis prunicola | 513 | – | 6 | Crawlers (1st generation) |
| Many | Redheaded flea beetle | Systena frontalis | 517 | 1028 | Unv. Del | Adults – feeding / laying eggs |
| Many | Cottony camellia / taxus scale | Pulvinaria floccifera | 520 | – | 6 | Crawlers (1st generation) |
| Birch | Birch Leafminer | Fenusa pusilla | 530 | 700 | RU | Larvae (2nd generation) |
| Conifer | Arborvitae Leafminer | Argyresthia thuiella | 533 | 700 | RU | Adults (egg laying) – larvae treatments |
| Euonymus | Euonymus Scale | Unaspis euonymil | 533 | 820 | RU | Crawlers (1st generation) |
| Oak | Oak blotch leafminers | Cameraria spp. ; Tisheria spp. | 533 | 912 | 5 | Typical treatment window |
| Maple | Greenstriped mapleworm | Dryocampa rubicunda | 533 | 1645 | 5 | Control target |
| Conifer | Balsam gall midge | Paradiplosis tumifex | 550 | 700 | 4 | Galls apparent |
| Conifer | Juniper scale | Carulaspis juniperi | 550 | 700 | 7 | Egg hatch |
| Malus, Prunus, many | Greater peach tree borer | Synanthedon exitiosa | 575 | 710 | 4 | Adult emergence |
| Conifer | Cryptomeria scale | Aspidiotus cryptomeriae | 600 | 800 | 3 | First crawler emergence |
| Conifer | Bagworm | Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis | 600 | 900 | RU | Larvae (early instars) – ONLY CONTROL WINDOW |
| Conifer | Cooley spruce gall adelgid | Adelges cooleyi | 600 | 1000 | 7 | Nymphs active – Douglas fir (control target) |
| RU | Rutgers Cooperative Extension – Landscape IPM Notes | |||||
| 2 | http://ccetompkins.org/resources/using-growing-degree-days-for-insect-management | |||||
| 3 | https://extension.psu.edu/ipm-basics-for-christmas-trees#section-2 | |||||
| 4 | https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/agriculture/christmas_trees/gdd_of_conifer_insects | |||||
| 5 | https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/documents/landscape-pests.pdf | |||||
| 6 | https://extension.umd.edu/ipm/pest-predictive-calendar-landscapenursery | |||||
| 7 | https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/agriculture/christmas_trees/gdd_of_landscape_insects | |||||
| Unv. Del. | Coorespondance with Dr. Kunkel (University of Delaware) | |||||
Boxwood Blight risk-model information, considerations, and links:
| Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 5/5/2021 | ||||||||
| Region | Location | CODE | 4-May | 5-May | 6-May | 7-May | 8-May | 9-May |
| Southern | Upper Deerfield | NJ50 | Infection Risk | Infection Risk | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low |
| Central | Howell / Freehold | NJ10 | Low | Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low |
| Northern | High Point | NJ59 | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low |
| Please check your local boxwood blight risk here (click here and type in your area code – select closest station) | ||||||||
Wednesday 5/4/21 -PPA Post regarding boxwood blight activity (click here)
- These advisories are general in nature and change rapidly so someone from your business should be using this risk model (CLICK HERE) 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)
Phytophthora sampling and Redheaded Flea Beetle survey requests (5-minutes to take both)
Contact – Timothy J. Waller – twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu for more information
