Tree Fruit IPM Report for 4/27/21

Peach:

Oriental Fruit Moth: First generation timings are updated below: Growers that have utilized mating disruption for OFM can focus on PC; GPA; and catfacing insect pests as described below. If you have not placed mating disruption dispensers yet they can still be deployed for later generations, but this generation must be treated with insecticides at the first generation timings. [Read more…]

2021 Mid-Atlantic Field Crop Weed Management Guide

2021 Mid-Atlantic Field Crop Weed Management Guide

The 2021 updated version of the “Mid-Atlantic Field Crop Weed Management Guide” is available. This guide is produced by Penn State Extension in cooperation with weed scientists from University of Delaware, University of Maryland, Rutgers University, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia University.

The guide covers weed management  for field corn, sorghum, soybean, small grains, and forage and pastures. Information concerning the use,  restrictions, and recommendations of burndown, preemergence, and postemergence herbicides labeled on these crops can be found in the guide, including relative effectiveness data from locally conducted research. Description of the various premixes as well as guidance for  managing troublesome weeds are also part of the guide.

The guide  can be ordered on-line at https://extension.psu.edu/mid-atlantic-field-crop-weed-management-guide. Available to order are the paper copy for $10, the digital guide for $8, or both a hard copy and pdf for $18.

 

Comparing the Efficacy of Various Integrated Weed Management Tactics

Efficacy of Weed Management Tactics

Integrated weed management (IWM) combines various methods to reduce or eliminate the effect of weeds on crop production over time, using a combination of practices that are most effective for solving specific weed issues. These weed management techniques form a “toolbox” in which each “tool” can be integrated into a weed management plan catered to the particular farm and problem. The toolbox includes preventative, biological, chemical, cultural, and mechanical strategies. IWM also considers the weed species present and tailors strategies for these species.

A collaborative effort led by Dr. Michael Flessner with Virginia Tec has been developed to compare the efficacy of various integrated weed management tactics before and after planting at reducing the impact of common troublesome weed species. Other universities of the Mid-Atlantic Region (Rutgers, West Virginia University, Penn State, University of Delaware, and University of Maryland) have also participated to this project.

A poster providing relative effectiveness of various integrated weed management tactics for summer annual crops is now available (https://agweedsci.spes.vt.edu/extension/publications/iwm.html) and will help growers identify the most effective tactics to manage weeds.