The passing of tropical storm, Fay brought some needed precipitation to the region, albeit too much at once in many places. Relatively dry soils (assumes not being over-irrigated) and the long, warm days of summer should allow turfs to dry out reasonably fast. But what about gray leaf spot? Spores of the pathogen are thought […]
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July 14, 2020 Pat Hastings
Revised New Jersey Pesticide Regulations — NOW POSTED ONLINE!
The final revisions to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) pesticide regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:30 for the Pesticide Control Code were adopted on April 6, 2020. Public comments received on NJDEP’s proposed revisions to the regulations were addressed and published in the final rule adoption. The April 6, 2020 rule amendments to the […]
July 8, 2020 Rick VanVranken
Gov. Murphy to Sign Order Requiring Outdoor Face Coverings
As reported at njbiz.com Wednesday morning, NJ Governor Phil Murphy has indicated he will be signing “an executive order mandating that masks or other face coverings be worn outdoors, as the COVID-19 virus surges across the country and the transmission rate creeps up in New Jersey.”
The state currently requires the use of face coverings indoors and at many outdoor businesses, and strongly encourages their use when in crowded public spaces, such as at the beach. The new order will require that masks will have to be worn outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
There are many outdoor operations around the farm. Be sure to plan accordingly with supplies of masks/face coverings for all agricultural workers and harvesters, in addition to planning all field work with adequate space for individuals to keep socially distanced.
For more information on keeping you, your workers and your family safe, be sure to read and implement the recommendations in NJ’s “INTERIM CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) GUIDANCE FOR MIGRANT AND SEASONAL FARMWORKERS, THEIR EMPLOYERS, AND HOUSING PROVIDERS.”
July 8, 2020 Pat Hastings
NJDEP Notice: Delayed Processing of Applications and Other Requests Due to July COVID-19 Furloughs
NJDEP Notice posted July 7, 2020. Pesticide information excerpt courtesy of NJAES Please be advised that a large number of DEP staff are required to take intermittent furlough days throughout the month of July. The Bureau of Licensing and Registrations remains committed to assisting the public and will continue to process applications and other requests […]
July 2, 2020 Michelle Infante-Casella
Governor Signs Permit Extension Act: NJDEP Water Certifications Extended 1 Year
Governor Murphy signed The Permit Extension Act (A3919/S2346) this week, which extends certain permits during the COVID-19 emergency. Agricultural Certifications issued by the DEP are included in this extension, so any Agricultural Certification which expired on or after March 9, 2020 will be extended.
Any complete new, renewal or modification application already submitted to the DEP will continue to be reviewed and issued for the full five-year term.
Any Certification holder who received the first renewal reminder which contained the pre-filled application form does not need to do anything at this time. The DEP will forward you a new pre-filled application once the extension period is over.
“COVID-19 extension period” means the period beginning March 9, 2020 and continuing for as long as a public health emergency, pursuant to the “Emergency Health Powers Act,” P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-1 et seq.), or a state of emergency, pursuant to P.L.1942, c. 251 (C.App.A.9-33 et seq.), or both, that has been declared by the Governor in response to COVID-19, is in effect.
Please be advised that annual water diversion reports were required to be submitted to the DEP by February 28, 2020 and are not extended due to the passage of this Bill. The DEP is issuing reminders to those who failed to submit this information in accordance with their Certification. Continue to log diversion amounts and submit your reports in accordance with the deadlines in your Certification.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension is working very closely with the DEP’s Bureau of Water Allocation & Well Permitting to resolve any ongoing issues and concerns. The Bureau is aware that many renewal applications are awaiting the Ag Agent review and signature. With the extension act, these renewal applications are being extended as mentioned above.
Some RCE Offices remain closed or with minimal access at this time. Call your local Rutgers Cooperative Extension office for specific information. In addition, during the month of July, staff in the NJ Department of Agriculture and the NJ DEP personnel are furloughed, and response times will be slowed, so please be patient during these challenging times.
June 25, 2020 Steven K. Rettke
Azalea Leafminer: A Commonly Unrecognized Azalea Pest Problem
The Azalea Leafminer (Caloptilia azaleella) produces plant symptoms that are typically subtle & can often be overlooked. Symptoms from this caterpillar can also confuse people by having both leafminer & leafroller stages. The early instar stages are leafminers, while the later instar stages are leafrollers or leaftiers. Commercial nurseries generally have more concerns with this pest, while they often receive little attention in the landscape. Although the Azalea Leafminer has 2+ generations per year, the azalea (Rhododendron genus) is the only known host of this native caterpillar having the unique one-two punch.
Azalea Leafminers: Symptom stages from 3 leafmines & a single leafroller (Photo Credit: Steven Rettke of RCE)
