Greetings from the Veg IPM team! Read more for the latest pest and disease updates.
Letter from New Jersey Department of Agriculture concerning cyclospora
There have been several reports concerning Cyclospora in the news lately and the NJDA and Rutgers Cooperative Extension wanted to update growers as to the status in New Jersey. Below is a statement from NJDA.
Dear New Jersey Residents and Consumers,
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture wants to emphasize that no produce coming from New Jersey farms has been linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak. To date, no New Jersey-grown produce has been identified as a source of cyclosporiasis cases. National and New Jersey health officials and experts are continuing to investigate the outbreak and monitor any cases.
Our Jersey Fresh farmers meet the high-quality standards imposed not only by their own compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) but also with the quality-grading standards of the Jersey Fresh program.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture will continue keeping the public informed about any produce categories grown in New Jersey that have been identified by health experts as being a risk.
To help protect against cyclosporiasis and other foodborne illnesses, NJDOH and NJDA recommend:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water, even if you plan to peel them.
- Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing or eating.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.
Edward D. Wengryn
New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture
July 10, 2026 Amanda Quadrel and Maria Cramer
Vegetable IPM Update 7/10/26
Greetings from the Veg IPM team! Read more for the latest pest and disease updates.
July 3, 2026 Amanda Quadrel and Maria Cramer
Vegetable IPM Update 7/3/26
Greetings from the Veg IPM team! We hope everyone is staying cool in these extreme temperatures as we move into July. Read more for the latest pest and disease updates.
July 1, 2026 Maria Cramer and Amanda Quadrel
Pepper weevil alert 07/01/2026
This week we saw our first pepper weevil of the season in Hammonton NJ. It’s a good idea to be on the lookout for pepper weevil — read more to learn what to look for. [Read more…]
July 1, 2026 Wes Kline
High Temperatures and Effect on Tomato Pollination and Fruit Set
We are in a period of high temperatures which will result in poor pollination, blossom drop or poor fruit set. Day temperatures over 90F and night temperatures over 70F reduce fruit set. In fact, three hours at 104F on two consecutive days will result in poor fruit set. These temperatures may sound high, but if the tomatoes are grown in high tunnels without shade and outside temperatures are in the high 90’s it could be in the 100’s inside the tunnel. Good air flow and shade cloth can help reduce the temperature. The tunnel should have roll up sides and if possible, have the ends open.
Look at the joint just below the flower for a swollen yellow area followed by yellowing to the flower as an indicator of poor pollination. At high temperatures applying a product to encourage pollination will not be beneficial.
