Blunt-nosed leafhopper is an important concern for cranberry, not because the insect causes that much feeding damage, but because it can transmit cranberry false blossom disease. False blossom is characterized by a malformation of the flowers. The flower pedicels become erect and there is no production of fruit, with devastating effects for cranberry yield. Blunt-nosed […]
Continue reading...Vegetable Disease Briefs 7-15-14
Cucurbit downy mildew was confirmed in Wicomico County, Maryland late last week. All growers should continue to scout all cucurbit fields on a regular basis. Once harvesting is finished all fields should be disked under and or sprayed with gramoxone. Please see the 2014 Commercial Vegetable Recommendations Guide for specific fungicide recommendations. To track the progress […]
Continue reading...Cluster Thinning Effects on Cabernet Sauvignon and C. Franc Yield and Wine Quality

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc can produce excellent wine grapes and wine in New Jersey, but the effect of cluster thinning on optimal yields has not been established. This study suggests that high quality grapes and wines can be made from these varieties under various climatic conditions and without the necessity of economically unsustainably low […]
Continue reading...Farm Food Safety: An Emergency Plan for your Portable Toilet

What would you do if your portable toilet had a spill? Operations that utilize portable toilets should have an emergency containment plan in place and all workers should be familiar with this plan. The goal of this plan is to contain the spill to the immediate area around the portable toilet and to prevent contamination of […]
Continue reading...