The weather this spring has been relatively wet with a few hot days sprinkled in between. Unfortunately, these weather patterns can cause problems in transplant production, especially when it comes time for watering. Hot days may require more than one watering, and cloudy days may require no water. In either case, growers need to anticipate […]
Continue reading...May 8, 2024 Andy Wyenandt
Identifying and Controlling Pathogens at Transplanting in 2024
It is extremely important to know which pathogen is causing damping-off problems and which fungicide to properly apply. The key to controlling damping-off is being proactive instead of reactive. Always refer to the fungicide label for crop use, pathogens controlled, and application rates. Damping-off is caused by a number of important vegetable pathogens and is […]
Continue reading...May 7, 2024 Rick VanVranken
Heat and Pollen Combine For Uncomfortable Outdoor Working Conditions
Though the CDC Heat Risk Forecast indicates minor risk today, and little to none for the rest of the week, NJ pollen forecasts indicate tree pollen counts will be high for the next several days. It doesn’t take much outdoor work to see, and feel, the amount of pollen in the air. Working in these […]
Continue reading...May 7, 2024 Andy Wyenandt
Controlling strawberry fruit rots with an emphasis on mitigating fungicide resistance development
Fruit rots in strawberry can cause significant losses if not recognized early and properly controlled. The use of good cultural practices such as keeping fields weed-free, promoting good drainage and air movement, long crop rotations, and preventative fungicide applications are critically important for reducing the potential development of fruit rots in strawberry. Pathogens such as […]
Continue reading...May 6, 2024 Rick VanVranken
NJDA Announces 2nd RFP for Underserved, Beginning and Military Veteran Farmers Mini-Grant Program
Last Friday, the NJDA closed the Request for Proposals (RFP) period for our Underserved, Beginning and Military Veteran Farmers Mini-Grant Program. Due to a recent increase in interest in the program, we have decided to extend a second RFP window to members of our specialty crop community who qualify. The second RFP will be open to the public […]
Continue reading...May 5, 2024 Kate Brown
Beat the Heat: Tools for Evaluating Heat Risk
As the weather warms up, prepare yourself to evaluate the heat risk for outdoor tasks. We often use a weather application on our phone to check the daily high and low temperature, but air temperature alone is not sufficient to evaluate heat risk. Heat index is a more appropriate measurement because it combines the effects […]
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