For the past 6 years, Rutgers has led efforts in the breeding of sweet basil for resistance to downy mildew. Currently, basil downy mildew threatens 100% of the basil acreage in the US and other parts of the world. Rutgers University, along with researchers at Michigan State, University of Florida, Oregon State University, Cornell University, […]
Continue reading...May 4, 2016 Andy Wyenandt
Got humidity? Get rid of it!
Unfortunately, closed greenhouses retain heat and humidity which can spell problems if left unchecked. Remember, high relative humidity equals wet leaves which favor the development of fungal diseases such as Botrytis or bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf spot. To avoid potential problems, do your best to vent out as much humidity as possible in the […]
Continue reading...May 4, 2016 Andy Wyenandt
Wet Weather Ripe for Strawberry Fruit Rots
Fruit rots in strawberry can cause significant losses if not recognized early and controlled. The use of good cultural practices such as: keeping fields weed-free and promoting good drainage; long crop rotations, and preventative fungicide applications are critical. Pathogens such as anthracnose, gray mold (Botrytis), and leather rot can become systemic problems in strawberry plantings […]
Continue reading...May 3, 2016 Kris Holmstrom
Veg IPM Update: Week Ending 5/3/16
Note: The black light trap network has been deployed and is being monitored by IPM Program personnel. The corn earworm (CEW) pheromone trap network is not yet deployed. As adult European corn borer (ECB) and CEW begin to arrive in traps, population maps of these pests will be published in the Plant and Pest Advisory […]
Continue reading...May 3, 2016 Wes Kline
On-Farm Food Safety:
The Difference Between an Audit & an Inspection
Over the last 15 years we have talked about third party audits to verify your food safety plan. Now you are hearing about inspections. What is the difference? Audits Audits are voluntary evaluations that growers are doing at the request of their buyers. Some growers may not think that audits are voluntary since some growers […]
Continue reading...May 2, 2016 Joe Ingerson-Mahar
Allium Leafminer, a New Invasive Pest
Allium leafminer, a leafmining fly, was found about two weeks ago in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Since then the leafminer, which feeds on onions and related plants, has been found in four more counties in eastern Pennsylvania; Dauphin, Delaware, Chester, and Lehigh. This is the first time that this fly has been found in the western […]
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