June 22, 2020

Boxwood blight update for 6/22-6/26/20

There are consistently high infection potentials this week for boxwood blight.

Protective fungicide applications should remain in effect or be initiated immediately. 

Boxwood Blight Risk Model
Date Upper Deerfield (NJ50) Howell (NJ10) Pequest (NJ58)
6/20/20 S Low risk Very low risk Infection potential
6/21/20 Sun Low risk Infection potential Infection potential
6/22/20 M Infection potential Infection potential Infection potential
6/23/20 T Infection potential Infection potential High Inf. potential
6/24/20 W High Inf. potential High Inf. potential High Inf. potential
6/25/20 Th Infection potential Infection potential Low risk
6/26/20 F Very low risk Very low risk Low risk
— — — — —
^Risk of infection^
adapted from: uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app 

The weather: Don’t let these beautiful early summer days fool you, we all know that violent thunderstorms can appear out of nowhere, bringing with them high winds and rain (wind driven rain) causing high persistent humidity. I.e. the perfect storm for fungal pathogens to spread and successfully infect. Accordingly, many other fungal pathogens are equally active under these conditions and should be managed accordingly. Prevention is always easier than a cure. 

These advisories are general in nature so someone from your business should be using this risk model 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!

 

Boxwood blight information:

The disease may be sporulating and spreading amongst plantings if present (or may come into your nursery or landscapes via shipments) within the next few days. The pathogen, Calonectria pseudonaviculata, (aka Cylindrocladium buxicola) can also infect other hosts within the boxwood family (Buxaceae). These include common landscape plants such as Pachysandra and Sweetbox, so treatments should be directed towards these hosts as well. Leaf-litter suspected of boxwood blight should only be removed carefully under dry conditions (i.e. do not use a leaf blower to remove leaf-litter in Pachysandra or Boxwood plantings this week!). Additionally, please refrain from touching the plants at all during wet conditions as boxwood blight spores are sticky and can be transferred from plant-to-plant or site-to-site. Please follow proper sanitization and sterilization practices in addition to a preventative spray program. Tools, clothing, and transportation equipment should be routinely cleaned with alcohol or bleach to prevent the spread of this disease. Additionally, this pathogen forms small (yet bomb-proof) survival structures (Microsclerotia) that can remain as a source of infections for 7-10 years within the soil and leaf-litter (part of why you do not want to use a leaf blower to clean out leaf-litter!).

See the following for what to do in multiple boxwood blight scenarios. 

Boxwood blight key symptoms:

  • Straw-yellow to bronzing leaves that have a characteristic halo of lighter brown and yellow around the infection point.
  • LEAVES FALL OFF, TYPICALLY STARTING AT THE BOTTOM. These leaves then act as a source for new infections.
  • Twigs will have long brown lesions

Look-a-likes: NOT ALL FOLIAR DISEASES are Boxwood blight:

  • Volutella Blight (straw-yellow or golden leaves with pink spores, branches have loose bark).
  • Macrophoma leaf spot (straw-yellow leaves with black fungal structures (black spots))

 

Fungicides; 

ROTATE between Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC codes)

Format: [FRAC code]: Chemical name (Trade names)

  • [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)

 

Always refer to the label for allowable host crops, use-restrictions, application rates, reapplication intervals, re-entry intervals (REI), and mix compatibility information.

DISCLAIMER: Production and pesticide information on this site are for commercial operators only and are NOT for home gardener use. Provided materials represent examples and do not cover all possible control scenarios. Please contact your local agent or chemical sales representative for more information.   

 

Previous Boxwood Blight Plant and Pest Advisory Posts;

Additional resources on boxwood blight;

Contact: Timothy J. Waller, Ph.D.  (twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu)

 

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf
June 17, 2020

Nursery update; focus on warm season spider mites

This advisory provides; (1) warm season spider mite biology and control options, (2) current growing degree-day information, and (3) a boxwood blight risk update.

Note: Previous spider mite advisories

Steve Rettke, Rutgers IPM, wrote two very good advisory posts pertaining to the different seasonal mites, in addition to symptomology and images of the different mites. He is a wealth of information and has contributed photos and will be assisting in future fact-sheets pertaining to common pests and their control. In light of these advisory posts (below) this current advisory will only cover the basics as it applies to pest control. Contact: rettke@njaes.rutgers.edu

Please review his very informative advisories:

Cool season mites: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/cool-season-mites-wax-as-the-warm-season-mites-wane/

Warm season mites: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/cool-season-mites-have-faded-but-warm-season-mites-now-surge/

Spider mite damaged tree

Cool season: Spruce spider mite damage on an Aberta Dwarf Spruce. Photo: Steven Rettke, RCE.

Plant covered in webs

Warm season: Two spotted spider mite webbing and damage. Photo: Steven Rettke, RCE.

(2) Basic spider mite biology and control options

Cool season mites: The mites affecting horticulture crop production can be broken into two functional groups; cool season and warm season. Cool season mites feed and lay eggs, as the name suggests, in cooler times of the year (late winter-early spring and then again fall-early winter depending on the year). The two most common cool season mites are the Spruce and Southern red spider mites that feed on conifers and broadleaf evergreens, respectively. In many cases the damages caused by these mites are not noticed until well into the growing season. Meaning that if damages are observed mid-season you would be better off waiting until the fall to control cool season mites, i.e. targeting late season egg hatches and developing mites.

Warm season mites: As the season progresses towards summer, the warm season mites including Two-spotted, Maple, Oak, Honey locust, European, and other host specific spider mites become active (typically June – September). The Two-spotted spider mite is known as a “cosmopolitan” pest because of its ability to colonize, and damage, a wide variety of horticulture crops (but are rarely observed on conifers). Sentinel plants would include rose, euonymus, and forsythia, as they are favorites of these mites. In contrast to the cool season mites, warm season mite damages are often visible while the pest is actively feeding and multiplying, as up to 10-15 generations per growing season can impact your crop. Warm season mites evade suffocation by dormant oil sprays and other miticide applications by leaving their feeding locations on plants once temperatures begin to drop, and overwinter in the soil horizon or leaf litter under the host plant. As warm season mites are preparing to go into dormancy they begin to change their color to an orange hue, meaning they are not feeding as readily and will not be as affected by miticides because of this.

Two spotted spider mites

Multiple life stages of Two spotted spider mites. Photo: Steven Rettke, RCE.

Two spotted spider mites

Two spotted spider mite females going into dormancy (orange coloration). Photo: Steven Rettke, RCE.

Conditions favoring spider mites: Full sun and dry, dusty conditions are often associated with increasing mite populations as low relative humidity often stimulates mite reproduction. Additionally, during periods of rain (and resulting leaf wetness-periods), certain fungi are able to attack and reduce mite populations (called entomopathogenic fungi). Meaning in frequently wet seasons mite numbers, damage, and miticide applications should be lowered due to increased fungal activity. However, this situation can certainly lead to increased plant pathogenic fungi activity as well, therefor a balance between the two is most desirable. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer has also been linked to explosive mite populations; therefor a well-planned nutritional regiment should be strictly followed.

IPM is important when suppressing spider mite populations!

Beneficials: In addition to entomopathogenic fungi (like Beauveria bassiana), numerous beneficial organisms can also manage mite populations including predacious mites (Phytoseiidae family), spider mite destroyer (Stethorus punctillim), ladybug larvae, midge larvae (Feltiella acarisuga), and minute pirate bugs. Given this complex, and many times free, natural defense system, applications of certain insecticides can actually cause mite populations to resurge by killing the mite-feeding beneficials (see note below). Therefor, all applications should be thoughtfully considered with economic (or cosmetic) thresholds in mind.

Compounds that can cause spider mite resurgence:

  • Carbaryl (Sevin)
  • Cyfluthrin containing compounds (Tempo, Decathalon, Scimitar)
  • Permethrin (Astro)
  • Imdacloprid (Merit, Marathon)

Warm season spider mite treatment options:

ROTATE between Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC #)

Format: [IRAC Group #]: Chemical name (Trade names)

  • [3A]: Pyrethrins (Tersus)
  • [5]: Spinosad (Conserve, Entrust)
  • [6]: Abamectin (Avid, Lucid, Aracinate TM)
  • [20D]: Bifenazate (Floramite SC)
  • [10A]: Hexythiazox (Hexygon)
  • [21A]: Pyridaben (Sanmite, Sanmite SC)
  • [21A]: Fenazaquin (Magus)
  • [23]: Spiromesifen (Forbid 4F, Judo)

“Softer” spider mite materials

  • Agitator (forces mites out of hiding): Captiva
  • Azadirachtin from the Neem plant: (Azatrol EC)
  • Beauveria bassiana: (Naturalis-L)
  • Horticulture oil: (@ 1-2% vol:vol summer applications)
  • Insecticidal soaps: (M-Pede)

Always refer to the label for allowable host crops, use-restrictions, application rates, reapplication intervals, REI times, and mix compatibility information.

NOTE: Production and pesticide information on this site are for commercial operators only and are NOT for home gardener use. Provided materials represent examples and do not cover all possible control scenarios. Please contact your local agent or chemical sales representative for more information.   

(2) Growing Degree-days as of 6/16/2020 (if you need help please contact me at twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu)

Upper Deerfield (NJ50)= 809 GDD50 Howell/Freehold (NJ10) = 628 GDD50 Pequest (NJ58) = 525 GDD50

Growing degree day map for our area: (courtesy of Cornell University; Fore Cast)

Growing degree-day map for Northeastern US

Growing degree-day map for our area. Cornell, Fore Cast.

(3) Boxwood blight risk update

Boxwood Blight Risk Model
Date Upper Deerfield (NJ50) Howell (NJ10) Pequest (NJ58)
6/14/20 Sun Very low risk Very low risk Very low risk
6/15/20 M Very low risk Very low risk Very low risk
6/16/20 T Very low risk Very low risk Very low risk
6/17/20 W Very low risk Very low risk Very low risk
6/18/20 Th Low risk Low risk Low risk
6/19/20 F Infection potential Infection potential Low risk
6/20/20 S Low risk Infection potential Low risk
6/21/20 Sun Very low risk Low risk Very low risk
Risk of infection
adapted from: https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app

Please visit this website (there is a mobile app as well): https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app

Protective fungicide applications should remain in effect or be initiated immediately for Boxwood Blight. The disease may be sporulating and spreading amongst plantings if present (or may come into your nursery via shipments) within the next few days. Please continue preventative/protectant fungicide applications utilizing; chlorothalonil (FRAC Group M05), mancozeb (FRAC Group M03), and QoI-fungicides (FRAC Group 11) in a rotation (other materials available as well).

NJAES; Plant Diagnostic Lab https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/

 

*Additional links and resources*

Please take the 2020 Nursery Industry Survey: https://forms.gle/dUjLxaiu6qDQYYsRA

Ask the Agent (every Wednesday @ 7:00pm): : https://go.rutgers.edu/t7wjkit1

NJNLA- Wine Down Wednesdays (every first and third Wednesday @ 7:00pm-8:00pm).

Email: Lori Jenssen @ njnla.director@gmail.com

Subscribe to the NJAES YouTube webpage: https://www.youtube.com/user/RutgersNJAES/

RU Sustainable Nursery Production website: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/nursery/

March meeting PDF: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/nursery/documents/2020%20SJ%20Nursery%20Meeting%20Proceedings.pdf

How to use growing degree-day resources: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/using-growing-degree-day-calculators-nursery-pest-and-pathogen-updates-important-resource-links/

2017 Southeastern U.S. Pest Control Guide for Nursery Crops and Landscape Plantings: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-pest-control-guide-for-nursery-crops-and-landscape-plantings 

Rutgers Insect Control Recs. for Shade Trees and Commercial Nursery Crops: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=E334

NJAES; Soil Testing Lab: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab/

 

Thank you,
Cumberland County Extension: Timothy J. Waller, Ph.D. @ twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu

Filed Under: Disease Forecasting, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turf
June 11, 2020

Scale insect crawler activity and summer treatment options

Basic Scale Biology

There are two types of scale insects; armored and soft scales. Scale insects hatch from eggs and typically develop through 2 nymphal instar growth stages known as “crawlers”. During this “crawler stage” (many cases mid-May through July) the insects are vulnerable to insecticides and other biological enemies. Once the “crawlers” settle on a feeding location and begin to develop waxy or hard outer coverings, the insects are no longer susceptible to most insecticides.

Targeting the “crawler” stage is imperative to successful pest management.

One slight difference between armored and soft scales is how many generations they can have per year; armored (several), soft (typically only 1). Also, once settled armored scales are stationary whereas soft scales can move (albeit slowly). Many scale insect “crawlers” head towards growing vegetative tips, making this location suitable for scouting. Various sticky traps, including double sided tape wrapped around branches are utilized to determine the presence of scale “crawlers”. As noted prior, the presence of “crawlers” should be first visually confirmed if at all possible as pesticide applications made too early are not effective. Programs that utilized cool season dormant/horticultural oils, proper pruning, and the use of summertime contact or systemic insecticides are most successful.(A detailed scale insect fact-sheet is forthcoming!)  

Armored and soft scales can be controlled using the same chemicals if targeting “crawlers”.

 

Growing Degree-days as of 6/10/2020 (Weather station selected for each location. Ex: NJ50 = Upper Deerfield)

Upper Deerfield (NJ50)= 686 GDD50 Howell/Freehold (NJ10) = 536 GDD50 Pequest (NJ58) = 441 GDD50

Scale insects target growing degree-days

(Egg hatch + crawler emergence = scout and treat as needed)

Pine needle scale – (448)

Maskell scale – (470)

Oystershell scale – (486)

Cottony camellia/taxus scale – (520)

Euonymus scale – (522)

European elm scale – (542)

White prunicola (Peach) scale – (594)

Cryptomeria scale – (600-800)

Golden oak scale (680)

Juniper scale – (694)

Hemlock ‘fioriniae’ scale – (300-799)

Spruce bud scale – (700)

Fletcher Scale – (730)

Azalea bark scale – (737)

Oak lecanium scale – (789)

Beech scale – (800)

Japanese maple scale – (829)

Calico scale – (834)

Cottony maple scale – (850)

European fruit lecanium scale – (940 DD)

 

Summertime scale treatment options

ROTATE between Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC #)

Format: [IRAC Group #]: Chemical name (Trade names)

  • [1A]: Carbaryl (Sevin SL)
  • [1B]: Acephate (Orthene, Leptitect, Precise GN)
  • [1B]: Chlorpyrifos (Dursban 50W, DuraGuard ME)
  • [1B]: Malathion (Malathion 5 EC)
  • [3A]: Cyfluthrin (Decathlon)
  • [3A]: Bifenthrin (Talstar S Select, Onyx)
  • [3A]: lambda-cyhalothrin (Scimitar GC)
  • [3A + 4A] Imidacloprid + Bifenthrin (Allectus SC)
  • [3A + 4A] Imidaclopird + cyfluthrin (Discuss NG)
  • [4A]: Acetamiprid (TriStar 8.5 SL)
  • [16]: Buprofezin (Talus 70DF)
  • [7C]: Pyriproxifen (Distance IGR)
  • Insecticidal soaps (M-Pede)
  • Azadirachtin from the Neem plant: (Aza-Direct, Azatin O or XL, Azatrol EC)

Please read the label. The label will provide allowable plant species, use rates, restrictions (phytotoxicity or pollinator concerns), and re-application intervals.

Some useful scale resources: (bare in mind there is variability amongst models and GDD depending on the source, but generally the information will help you make better pest management choices)

 

Southeastern U.S. Pest Control Guide for Nursery Crops and Landscape Plantings: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-pest-control-guide-for-nursery-crops-and-landscape-plantings

Rutgers Insect Control Recommendations for Shade Trees and Commercial Nursery Crops: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=E334

 

Online events and Rutgers Resources:

Ask the Agent (every Wednesday @ 7:00pm): Join: https://go.rutgers.edu/t7wjkit1

NJNLA- Wine Down Wednesdays (every first and third Wednesday @ 7:00pm-8:00pm). Email: Lori Jenssen @ njnla.director@gmail.com

Please take the 2020 Nursery Industry Survey: https://forms.gle/dUjLxaiu6qDQYYsRA

Subscribe to the NJAES YouTube webpage: https://www.youtube.com/user/RutgersNJAES/

RU Sustainable Nursery Production website: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/nursery/

How to use growing degree-day resources: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/using-growing-degree-day-calculators-nursery-pest-and-pathogen-updates-important-resource-links/

NJAES; Plant Diagnostic Lab: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/

NJAES; Soil Testing Lab: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab/

 

Contact: Timothy Waller, Ph.D. at:      twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turf
June 8, 2020

Bagworms will be hatching very soon and need attention

This advisory has three topics: (1) Bagworm hatch, (2) boxwood blight activity, and (3) NJNLA online pesticide credit course availability.

Bagworm hanging from a branch

Photo: Rich Buckley

Bagworms

Photo: Rich Buckley

(1) Bagworms

Bagworms (and many other caterpillars) will be hatching any day now, and should be managed very soon. Bagworms should be targeted during egg hatch through first/second instar caterpillars, typically between 600-900 GDD50 (growing degree-days) prior to their 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.

Growing degree-days as of 6/7 (Using NEWA): (Upper Deerfield: 651 GDD50)(Howell: 502 GDD50)(Pequest: 414.5 GDD50)

Bagworm management: 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.

Bagworm preferred materials: B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis) and Spinosad containing compounds.

Other bagworm material options: Indoxacarb(Provaunt), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryne), cyantraniliprole (Ference), growth regulator such as tebufenozide (Mimic), and many other compounds are available. Please contact your extension agent or chemical dealer for more information.

Please read the label. The label will provide use rates, restrictions (phytotoxicity or pollinator concerns), and re-application intervals.

Bagworm links / Shade tree insect recommendations:

https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/bagworm-caterpillars-have-hatched-throughout-most-of-nj/#more-5610

https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=FS1144

https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=E334

Photo Credits: Rich Buckley (Plant Diagnostics Laboratory) https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/

(2) Boxwood blight

Please continue or initiate protective/preventative applications this week for Boxwood Blight.

Previous Boxwood PPA 6/4/2020: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/immediate-potential-for-boxwood-blight-activity/

Boxwood blight activity as of today (6/8) for the next week (using a Millville, NJ weather station) 

As of now the predicative model found at (https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app) indicates that there is a possibility for Boxwood Blight activity Wednesday (10th) and Thursday (11th) of this week. Additionally, I am expecting another round of pathogen activity on Sunday (14th). The tropical storm systems pushing up from the south may bring higher winds and short periods of rain that could easily spread the disease if present. Be mindful of overhead irrigation during this period and only water when leaves will have adequate time to dry.

Please visit and use this webpage for local disease forecasting (select a close-by weather station within the website or application): https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app) 

(3) NJNLA online pesticide credit opportunity

NJNLA pesticide credit webinar/course: Invasive Forest Pests: New Threats and Their Management

Sign-up: https://www.njnla.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1383945

Webinar – June 10th, 2020 – 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Invasive Forest Pests: New Threats and Their Management. You must include your email address when registering. Information to join Webinar will be sent just prior to the start. Cost: $35/Member, $50/Non-Member

NJ Pest Credits: 3A (Ornamentals) – 3, PP2 (Private Applicator Category) – 3, Plus: 2 (Forest) – 3, 8C (Campgrounds) – 3, 9 (Regulatory) – 3,. CNLP: Environment – 1.5, LTE/LTCO: 1 CEU, NJUCF: 1 CEU and ISA is still pending.

 

Please take the 2020 Nursery Industry Survey: https://forms.gle/dUjLxaiu6qDQYYsRA

Have a plant problem? Contact the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/

 

 

Timothy J. Waller, Ph.D. @ twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu

 

Filed Under: Disease Forecasting, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turf
June 4, 2020

Immediate potential for Boxwood Blight activity: Plus a Nursery and Greenhouse growers’ update

 

There is a potential for new boxwood blight infections in the next few days according to https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app.

Protective fungicide applications should remain in effect or be initiated immediately for Boxwood Blight. The disease may be sporulating and spreading amongst plantings if present (or may come into your nursery via shipments) within the next few days. According to https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app, this is the first legitimate potential for boxwood blight spread and new infections in 2020 for southern NJ. Please continue preventative/protectant fungicide applications utilizing; chlorothalonil (FRAC Group M05), mancozeb (FRAC Group M03), and QoI-fungicides (FRAC Group 11) in a rotation. Please contact Tim Waller at twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu for more information or questions.

UPDATES: 

Growing Degree-days as of 6/4/20 using NEWA

GDD50 = Growing Degree-Day with min. temp. set to 50F

Upper Deerfield = 548.5 GDD50 ; Howell = 407.5 GDD50 ; Pequest = 335.0 GDD50

How to use growing degree-day resources: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/using-growing-degree-day-calculators-nursery-pest-and-pathogen-updates-important-resource-links/

Pests: The number of accumulated growing degree-days has been rapidly increasing with higher and higher temperatures (approaching normalcy). Throughout New Jersey various adult borers will be emerging, these include; Lilac, Emerald Ash, Banded Ash Clearwing, and Peach Tree borers. Additionally, Ambrosia beetles (multiple species) will be in-flight and actively seeking egg-laying locations. Pyrethroids should be used as preventative sprays but should be targeted to the bases of susceptible hosts such as Magnolias, Yellow bud, Red bud, Japanese maples, Styrax, and Hybrid chestnuts. These Targeted applications are geared towards protecting beneficial insect populations. The eggs of many scale insects are hatching now, leaving their ‘crawler’ stage vulnerable to pesticide applications. Scale insect species to be mindful of; Maskell, Oystershell, Taxus, Euonymus, Prunicola, Oak lecanium, Japanese maple, Cottony maple, Calico, Golden oak, and Juniper scale. Aphids, especially on roses, and mites will be increasing their populations with the warmer weather and should be minded when in high density. Management should utilize an appropriate pesticide rotation when necessary, as these pests are prone to developing pesticide resistance quickly. Four lined plant bugs, basswood lacebug, and multiple leaf and plant hoppers have been reported south of NJ and should be monitored and treated for as appropriate through the coming weeks as many of these insects are capable of vectoring plant viruses. Lilac leafminer, Juniper tip-midge, and Pin oak sawfly may also be an issue in some locations. Red-headed flea beetle will be hatching between 250-480 GDD50, with adults emerging between 500-1000 GDD50. A second generation of larva will then be active between 1,570 to 1860 GDD50, emerging later 1,878 to 2,318 GDD50. Reminder, keep an eye out for the Box tree moth that has been identified approaching the border of US and Canada. This pest has prompted APHIS importation amendments for Boxwood, Euonymus, and Illex. Gypsy moths, Bagworms, Mimosa webworm will be hatching or emerging in many parts of the state very soon, (in some locations they may already have).

Please visit https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=E334 for more specific information.

Understanding and approaching plant diseases: The weather as of late has been conducive to plant disease for much of NJ. Higher humidity, increasing temperatures, and prolonged periods of leaf wetness (particularly at night) are considered the factors associated with the ‘sweet spot’ of disease development. Regularly scheduled protectant fungicide applications should be continued if a pathogen or history-thereof is suspected. Compounds should be rotated to guard against pesticide resistance to any one compound (rotating high/medium-risk with low-risk materials). Also, any steps geared towards increasing airflow, reducing wet-feet, limiting mechanical injury, and reducing leaf wetness duration or excessive overhead irrigation during this warm and humid period will benefit disease management efforts.

Please visit: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=E036 for more specific information on individual plant and pathogen species.

Other timely diseases to note: Many needle cast diseases of conifers should be well into a fungicide application schedule, utilizing chlorothalonil, azoxystrobin, basic sulfate coppers, mancozeb, and T-methyl in a rotation of materials. Many of these compounds will also control Pine needle rust that may become prevalent in some locations, especially those locations with high levels of goldenrod or aster weeds. Botrytis and powdery mildew are still a concern in many parts of the state, especially those that are experiencing cooler nighttime temperatures. What fungicide used is dependent on the specific host species in many cases. Please refer to the link above for specific information. Fungal and bacterial leaf spots are very common and often only intensively treated if those plants are to enter the market the next season. However, in areas prone to disease or severe cases (defoliation occurs), treatments should be preventative and conducted throughout the season. Sooty mold grows on the honeydew produced by large populations of sap-sucking insect pests (aphids, scales, leaf/plant hoppers). Controlling the insect pests is our best option to reduce this unsightly disease. In severe casts of sooty mold, plants can be washed free of this fungal growth using mild detergents. Phytophthora diseases are ever present at the nursery, however cultural practices such as sterilized potting media, cleaning tools and machinery regularly, efforts to reduce wet-feet or overwatering, and sterilization or treatment of recycled water can have profound impacts on the expression or spread of Phytophthora diseases. When fungicide applications are required, materials like phosphorus acids, fosetyl-Al (Aliette), mefenoxam (Ridomil), and etridiazole + T-methyl (Banrot) are commonly used. Rotation of these compounds and proper disease identification are incredibly important as many root-rotting pathogens have a strong propensity towards developing pesticide resistance.

Please consider the Rutgers Plant Diagnostics Laboratory for pest/pathogen identification concerns: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/

 

Online discussions and credit events

NJNLA pesticide credit webinar/course: Invasive Forest Pests: New Threats and Their Management (6/10/20): https://www.njnla.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1383945

Webinar – June 10th, 2020 – 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Invasive Forest Pests: New Threats and Their Management. You must include your email address when registering. Information to join Webinar will be sent just prior to the start. Cost: $35/Member, $50/Non-Member. NJ Pest Credits: 3A (Ornamentals) – 3, PP2 (Private Applicator Category) – 3, 2 (Forest) – 3, 8C (Campgrounds) – 3, 9 (Regulatory) – 3,. CNLP: Environment – 1.5, LTE/LTCO: 1 CEU, NJUCF: 1 CEU and ISA is still pending. 

EPA information pertaining to online credits for licenses expiring in 2020: https://pestmanagement.rutgers.edu/increased-online-ceus-for-licenses-expiring-2020-act-now/

Ask the Agent (every Wednesday @ 7:00pm): https://go.rutgers.edu/t7wjkit1 . A new online forum has been created where anyone can log-on and speak with Rutgers Cooperative Extension agents (multiple agents from multiple counties)

NJNLA- Wine Down Wednesdays (every first and third Wednesday @ 7:00pm-8:00pm). Email: Lori Jenssen @ njnla.director@gmail.com. This is a great opportunity to speak with other green-industry businesses.

 

Rutgers nursery survey, advisory, and other resources:

Please take the 2020 Nursery Industry Survey: https://forms.gle/dUjLxaiu6qDQYYsRA

The new nursery agents have prepared a preliminary survey aimed at understanding the needs of our growers and clientele, i.e. you. Please take a moment to complete the survey, as this type of information really helps the agents secure grant funding to deal with the problems you actually have. Thank you!

Subscribe to the NJAES YouTube webpage: https://www.youtube.com/user/RutgersNJAES/

RU Sustainable Nursery Production website: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/nursery/

March meeting PDF: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/nursery/documents/2020%20SJ%20Nursery%20Meeting%20Proceedings.pdf

Filed Under: Disease Forecasting, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turf Tagged With: ,
May 19, 2020

NJMVC Further Extends Driver License, Registration, and Inspection Expiration Dates Due to COVID-19

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton, on Monday, May 18th, announced additional extensions to driver license, registration, and inspection expiration dates in the continuing efforts to mitigate COVID-19 and safeguard public health.

Effective immediately, the following documents, if expiring between March 13 and May 31, have been extended to July 31. Documents expiring June 30 are extended two months to August 31, and those expiring July 31 are extended to September 30.

• All Standard driver licenses (including permits) and standard non-driver IDs
• Privately owned and commercial vehicle registrations (including Farmer and Farm Use registrations)
• Vehicle inspections
• Purple Heart/Disabled Veteran placards
• Temporary tags

“Get it done online now, if you’re able,” Fulton suggests. “We do anticipate that volumes will spike once we reopen and when we reach the end of these extensions. Our job is to serve customers in the most efficient way possible and one way we can do that is by steering people to our expanded list of online services.”

On March 13, the NJMVC initially announced two-month extensions for licenses, registrations, and inspection stickers expiring in March, April, and May, timelines that have now been pushed back.

The NJMVC encourages customers to utilize online services, which have been expanded during the COVID-19 crisis. In most cases, customers can renew a license, replace a lost license, change an address, renew a registration, and complete other transactions through the NJMVC’s Online Services portal.

Customers also should check NJMVC.gov for the latest information and updates.

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