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Seasonal updates on ornamental, nursery, and turf pests.
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March 5, 2021

IPM vs. PHC: Is There a Difference?

History

During the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was an approach to field crop management that farmers increasingly began to practice in the United States. It took barely a decade for farm agriculture to fully realize the problems associated with the over-reliance on pesticides when controlling pests. The classic example of the overuse of the chlorinated hydrocarbon (DDT) immediately comes to mind. Despite the astonishing success that synthetic pesticides usually have at killing pests, some have failed with disastrous results. This especially has occurred when the same material was used repeatedly over extended periods of time. For this reason, the IPM approach became necessary for US farmers managing extensive row crops. Approximately 20-25 years after farmers began implementing IPM methods, the landscaping or “green industry” started to gradually incorporate IPM methods into their service programs.

Tractor tilling a field

US Agriculture initially began to practice IPM with extensive row crop farming more than 60 years ago. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)

Sign denoting GMOs

The use of GMO’s with crops such as Round-Up Ready soybeans & corn is certainly an IPM tactic, but emerging complications are a concern. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab
March 5, 2021

Value-Added Producer Grants in New Jersey

Grant.gov applications are due by April 29, 2021 and
paper applications must be postmarked by May 4, 2021

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program administered by the USDA’s Rural Development Agency (RD), helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , ,
March 5, 2021

Covid Update From Secretary of Agriculture

March 5, 2021

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Dear Farm Owner/Operator:

On March 1, 2021 Governor Murphy announced that farmworkers will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting March 15, 2021.

We understand that the ag community is anxious to have everyone on their farm vaccinated as soon as possible, especially since some of you already have workers in the field.

Here is how the vaccination program will roll out over the next week:

  • The Department of Health (DOH) will send out a vaccine Q&A.
  • A brief survey will be included in that email that will help them with supply and delivery planning. Survey questions will include:
  • Business location
  • Contact person for scheduling vaccinations
  • Number of workers to be vaccinated
  • Logistic considerations

 

Once you receive the survey, please fill it out and return it as directed to the DOH.

A Health official will follow up with your contact person to schedule vaccinations either on your farm or at a standing location.

 

Sincerely,

Douglas H. Fisher

Secretary

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops
March 4, 2021

Upcoming ornamental meetings, webinars, and Boxwood Blight resources

Virtual education opportunities and digital resources update.

Virtual Meetings:

NJLCA – University 2021 (online)

NJNLA – Total Pro (online)

2021 –Rutgers– Central Jersey Turf & Ornamentals Institute (online)

2021 –Rutgers– 30th Anniversary Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium (online)

FREE-Webinars:

HRI tHrive Series (all taught by international experts):

  • Seeing Red? – Problems with and management options for redheaded flea beetles in nurseries
  • International Boxwood Blight Series: Germany – A 15-Year Love-Hate Relationship
  • Plant Benefits or Features – Which Cue is More Effective?

Boxwood Blight Resources

Please contact Timothy J. Waller with any questions: twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf
March 2, 2021

2021 Central Jersey Turf & Ornamentals Institute Goes Virtual on March 17 – 2:00-5:30pm

QR codeGo to:  https://go.rutgers.edu/unlavof5 or use the QR code for details and registration.

This annual event is brought to you by Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Burlington, Ocean & Somerset Counties.

Seminar topics will benefit those who work in grounds maintenance including school board members, maintenance supervisors, employees of highways, parks, cemeteries, industrial grounds, lawn & home ground services, garden center and nurserymen operators.

 

2:05–2:35pm Pesticide Safety & IPM Program Update

2:40–3:10pm Weed Management Updates for Landscape Turf

3:15–3:45pm Using Growing Degree Day Models as Part of Your IPM Program

3:50–4:20pm Effects of Climate on Soil Nutrients, pH, & Organic Matter

4:25–4:55pm Spotted Lanternfly Monitoring & Control

5:00–5:30pm Sustainable Landscape Plants for Your IPM Program

5:30pm Closing Remarks

Pesticide Recertification Credits Available
CATEGORY #Units
Core (Basic Safety and Handling) 1
1A (Agricultural Plant) 3
3A (Ornamentals) 1
3B (Turf) 2
6B (Right-A-Way) 2
8C (Campground) 2
9 (Regulatory) 1
PP2 (Private Applicator Category) 3

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf Tagged With: , , , , ,
March 1, 2021

Governor Murphy Announces Expansion of Eligibility for New Jersey’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Secretary Fisher would like to share the following Press Release from Governor Murphy regarding the vaccination of farmworkers.

“A healthy workforce is of critical importance for agriculture and the food industry supply chain,” said New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher. “We appreciate that Governor Murphy has prioritized the vaccination of our essential farmworkers as we ramp up for New Jersey’s growing season.”

Governor Murphy Announces Expansion of Eligibility for New Jersey’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Expansion Includes Educators, Childcare Workers, Transportation Workers, and Other Frontline Essential Workers and High-Risk Groups

TRENTON – Governor Murphy today announced the expansion of eligibility for more frontline essential workers and high-risk groups in New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination program. Eligible groups include educators and staff in pre-k through 12th grade settings, childcare workers, and transportation workers, among others.

“Our administration has built the infrastructure – including nearly 300 vaccination sites across the state – needed to support New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination demand,” said Governor Murphy. “As the federal government continues to make more vaccine doses available, we are confident in our ability to expand our vaccination program to reach more of our essential workers and vulnerable populations. Our goal is to provide every New Jerseyan with a vaccine when it is available and they are eligible.”

“As vaccine supply increases, this phased expansion of new eligibility groups keeps New Jersey moving forward toward our goal of vaccinating 70 percent of the eligible adult population,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.

Beginning Monday, March 15, the following categories are eligible for vaccination:

  • Educators, including support staff, in pre-K through 12th grade settings;
  • Childcare workers in licensed and registered settings;
  • Public and local transportation workers, including bus, taxi, rideshare, and airport employees; NJ TRANSIT workers; and Motor Vehicle Commission staff;
  • Public safety workers who are not sworn law enforcement or fire professionals, including probation officers and fire safety inspectors;
  • Migrant farm workers;
  • Members of tribal communities; and,
  • Individuals experiencing homelessness and those living in shelters, including domestic violence shelters.

Additionally, beginning on Monday, March 29, frontline essential workers in the following categories are also eligible for vaccination:

  • Food production, agriculture, and food distribution;
  • Eldercare and support;
  • Warehousing and logistics;
  • Social services support staff;
  • Elections personnel;
  • Hospitality;
  • Medical supply chain;
  • Postal and shipping services;
  • Clergy; and,
  • Judicial system.

Additionally, the eligibility list will indicate that all individuals ages 16-64 with certain medical conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that increase the risk or might increase the risk of severe illness from the virus, are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.

For more information about eligibility, statewide vaccination site locations, and to preregister for a vaccination, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/vaccine

For more information on CDC criteria for eligibility, please click here. 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , , , ,