August 19, 2020

CFAP Webinars for Additional Eligible Commodities

Join the USDA Farm Service Agency this afternoon, Wednesday August 19th at 3 pm, for the “Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Producer Webinar: Additional Eligible Commodities Added.” USDA Farm Service Agency will discuss additional commodities that are now eligible for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), providing detailed examples on nursery crops, specialty crops, cut flowers, eligible aquaculture, and more. Registrations for this webinar are being accepted here.

The New Jersey Farm Service Agency (FSA) will be hosting an informational Nursery/Cut Flowers Stakeholders Webinar on Thursday, August 20th at 10 am regarding nursery and cut flowers eligibility for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This webinar will be held by a virtual Teams Meeting. Instructions on how to enter a Teams meeting using a computer or smartphone can be viewed here. If you are unable to attend virtually via Teams, you may dial in to hear the presentation. Slides to be presented are available here, although they are subject to modification prior to the event.

Please contact Lindsay Caragher at Lindsay.Caragher@usda.gov or 609-438-3133 with any questions about Teams Meeting or the webinar in general.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency is accepting applications through September 11, 2020 for the CFAP program which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , ,
July 20, 2020

Managing Heat Stress in Nursery and Landscape Plants

With temperatures approaching or exceeding 95oF for many areas of the state, there is potential for heat stress to negatively impact nursery and landscape plants both in the ground and in containers. Most trees and shrubs in our area can begin to experience some degree of heat stress when temperatures exceed 85oF. Several factors can influence the extent of heat stress injury, including the severity and duration of high temperatures, relative humidity, wind, soil moisture status, the age and condition of the plant, and how well the particular species of plant is adapted to dealing with these conditions.

Japanese Maple

Leaf Scorch on Japanese Maple caused by heat stress. Photo Credit.

Heat stress can cause damage to the leaves, resulting in dried or curled edges, as well as reddish or pale coloration as the green chlorophyll pigment begins to break down. This damage may only be superficial, but in some cases it could cause serious injury and death of the leaf tissue. One factor that greatly affects the severity of tissue damage caused by heat stress is the hydration status of the plant before the onset of extreme temperatures.

Plants will naturally dissipate heat through the process of transpiration, provided there is adequate moisture in the soil to support this function. During periods of extreme temperatures, the roots will struggle to draw enough water from the soil to keep up with the rate of water vapor that is exiting the leaves through transpiration. This leads to symptoms such as leaf scorch, curled leaves, discoloration, defoliation, die-back, and temporary wilting. Because the plant is experiencing stress and a disruption in its normal physiological functions, it becomes more susceptible to insect and disease problems.

There are several preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the impacts of heat stress in nursery and landscape plants.

  1. Thoroughly water plants either in the evening or in the early morning before extreme temperatures occur. Water the plants deeply and use irrigation methods that minimize leaf wetness to reduce the potential for foliar diseases.
  2. Properly mulch plants to conserve water in the soil and help lower soil temperatures. Bark mulch, leaf mulch, straw, and other organic mulches will help to lower the temperature in the root zone, while gravel mulches can actually increase root zone temperatures. Be sure to provide additional water to newly mulched plants to prevent dry mulch from taking moisture away from the roots.
  3. Avoid fertilization during periods of heat stress because this can absorb moisture in the root zone and further contribute to dehydration of the plant.
  4. Avoid applying herbicides that can volatilize in high temperatures and drift, causing damage to non-target species.
  5. Pay special attention to plantings that are located next to driveways, concrete patios, or other structures that can absorb and radiate additional heat to the plants. These areas will likely require additional irrigation.

 

Additional Resources:

How to Protect Trees and Other Landscape Plants from Heat Stress

Reducing Heat Stress to Container Grown Plants

Natter’s Notes: Heat Stress

Hot Weather Takes a Toll on Georgia Landscapes

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery Tagged With: , , , ,
June 4, 2020

Immediate potential for Boxwood Blight activity: Plus a Nursery and Greenhouse growers’ update

 

There is a potential for new boxwood blight infections in the next few days according to https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app.

Protective fungicide applications should remain in effect or be initiated immediately for Boxwood Blight. The disease may be sporulating and spreading amongst plantings if present (or may come into your nursery via shipments) within the next few days. According to https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app, this is the first legitimate potential for boxwood blight spread and new infections in 2020 for southern NJ. Please continue preventative/protectant fungicide applications utilizing; chlorothalonil (FRAC Group M05), mancozeb (FRAC Group M03), and QoI-fungicides (FRAC Group 11) in a rotation. Please contact Tim Waller at twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu for more information or questions.

UPDATES: 

Growing Degree-days as of 6/4/20 using NEWA

GDD50 = Growing Degree-Day with min. temp. set to 50F

Upper Deerfield = 548.5 GDD50 ; Howell = 407.5 GDD50 ; Pequest = 335.0 GDD50

How to use growing degree-day resources: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/using-growing-degree-day-calculators-nursery-pest-and-pathogen-updates-important-resource-links/

Pests: The number of accumulated growing degree-days has been rapidly increasing with higher and higher temperatures (approaching normalcy). Throughout New Jersey various adult borers will be emerging, these include; Lilac, Emerald Ash, Banded Ash Clearwing, and Peach Tree borers. Additionally, Ambrosia beetles (multiple species) will be in-flight and actively seeking egg-laying locations. Pyrethroids should be used as preventative sprays but should be targeted to the bases of susceptible hosts such as Magnolias, Yellow bud, Red bud, Japanese maples, Styrax, and Hybrid chestnuts. These Targeted applications are geared towards protecting beneficial insect populations. The eggs of many scale insects are hatching now, leaving their ‘crawler’ stage vulnerable to pesticide applications. Scale insect species to be mindful of; Maskell, Oystershell, Taxus, Euonymus, Prunicola, Oak lecanium, Japanese maple, Cottony maple, Calico, Golden oak, and Juniper scale. Aphids, especially on roses, and mites will be increasing their populations with the warmer weather and should be minded when in high density. Management should utilize an appropriate pesticide rotation when necessary, as these pests are prone to developing pesticide resistance quickly. Four lined plant bugs, basswood lacebug, and multiple leaf and plant hoppers have been reported south of NJ and should be monitored and treated for as appropriate through the coming weeks as many of these insects are capable of vectoring plant viruses. Lilac leafminer, Juniper tip-midge, and Pin oak sawfly may also be an issue in some locations. Red-headed flea beetle will be hatching between 250-480 GDD50, with adults emerging between 500-1000 GDD50. A second generation of larva will then be active between 1,570 to 1860 GDD50, emerging later 1,878 to 2,318 GDD50. Reminder, keep an eye out for the Box tree moth that has been identified approaching the border of US and Canada. This pest has prompted APHIS importation amendments for Boxwood, Euonymus, and Illex. Gypsy moths, Bagworms, Mimosa webworm will be hatching or emerging in many parts of the state very soon, (in some locations they may already have).

Please visit https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=E334 for more specific information.

Understanding and approaching plant diseases: The weather as of late has been conducive to plant disease for much of NJ. Higher humidity, increasing temperatures, and prolonged periods of leaf wetness (particularly at night) are considered the factors associated with the ‘sweet spot’ of disease development. Regularly scheduled protectant fungicide applications should be continued if a pathogen or history-thereof is suspected. Compounds should be rotated to guard against pesticide resistance to any one compound (rotating high/medium-risk with low-risk materials). Also, any steps geared towards increasing airflow, reducing wet-feet, limiting mechanical injury, and reducing leaf wetness duration or excessive overhead irrigation during this warm and humid period will benefit disease management efforts.

Please visit: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=E036 for more specific information on individual plant and pathogen species.

Other timely diseases to note: Many needle cast diseases of conifers should be well into a fungicide application schedule, utilizing chlorothalonil, azoxystrobin, basic sulfate coppers, mancozeb, and T-methyl in a rotation of materials. Many of these compounds will also control Pine needle rust that may become prevalent in some locations, especially those locations with high levels of goldenrod or aster weeds. Botrytis and powdery mildew are still a concern in many parts of the state, especially those that are experiencing cooler nighttime temperatures. What fungicide used is dependent on the specific host species in many cases. Please refer to the link above for specific information. Fungal and bacterial leaf spots are very common and often only intensively treated if those plants are to enter the market the next season. However, in areas prone to disease or severe cases (defoliation occurs), treatments should be preventative and conducted throughout the season. Sooty mold grows on the honeydew produced by large populations of sap-sucking insect pests (aphids, scales, leaf/plant hoppers). Controlling the insect pests is our best option to reduce this unsightly disease. In severe casts of sooty mold, plants can be washed free of this fungal growth using mild detergents. Phytophthora diseases are ever present at the nursery, however cultural practices such as sterilized potting media, cleaning tools and machinery regularly, efforts to reduce wet-feet or overwatering, and sterilization or treatment of recycled water can have profound impacts on the expression or spread of Phytophthora diseases. When fungicide applications are required, materials like phosphorus acids, fosetyl-Al (Aliette), mefenoxam (Ridomil), and etridiazole + T-methyl (Banrot) are commonly used. Rotation of these compounds and proper disease identification are incredibly important as many root-rotting pathogens have a strong propensity towards developing pesticide resistance.

Please consider the Rutgers Plant Diagnostics Laboratory for pest/pathogen identification concerns: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/

 

Online discussions and credit events

NJNLA pesticide credit webinar/course: Invasive Forest Pests: New Threats and Their Management (6/10/20): https://www.njnla.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1383945

Webinar – June 10th, 2020 – 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Invasive Forest Pests: New Threats and Their Management. You must include your email address when registering. Information to join Webinar will be sent just prior to the start. Cost: $35/Member, $50/Non-Member. NJ Pest Credits: 3A (Ornamentals) – 3, PP2 (Private Applicator Category) – 3, 2 (Forest) – 3, 8C (Campgrounds) – 3, 9 (Regulatory) – 3,. CNLP: Environment – 1.5, LTE/LTCO: 1 CEU, NJUCF: 1 CEU and ISA is still pending. 

EPA information pertaining to online credits for licenses expiring in 2020: https://pestmanagement.rutgers.edu/increased-online-ceus-for-licenses-expiring-2020-act-now/

Ask the Agent (every Wednesday @ 7:00pm): https://go.rutgers.edu/t7wjkit1 . A new online forum has been created where anyone can log-on and speak with Rutgers Cooperative Extension agents (multiple agents from multiple counties)

NJNLA- Wine Down Wednesdays (every first and third Wednesday @ 7:00pm-8:00pm). Email: Lori Jenssen @ njnla.director@gmail.com. This is a great opportunity to speak with other green-industry businesses.

 

Rutgers nursery survey, advisory, and other resources:

Please take the 2020 Nursery Industry Survey: https://forms.gle/dUjLxaiu6qDQYYsRA

The new nursery agents have prepared a preliminary survey aimed at understanding the needs of our growers and clientele, i.e. you. Please take a moment to complete the survey, as this type of information really helps the agents secure grant funding to deal with the problems you actually have. Thank you!

Subscribe to the NJAES YouTube webpage: https://www.youtube.com/user/RutgersNJAES/

RU Sustainable Nursery Production website: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/nursery/

March meeting PDF: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/nursery/documents/2020%20SJ%20Nursery%20Meeting%20Proceedings.pdf

Filed Under: Disease Forecasting, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turf Tagged With: ,
May 27, 2020

Specialty Crops Producers Can Now Apply for Financial Assistance Through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service sent this bulletin at 05/26/2020 03:31 PM EDT

Agriculture marketing serviceWASHINGTON, May 26, 2020-–Specialty crops producers can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. The application and a payment calculator are now available online and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers complete applications. The agency set up a call center in order to simplify how they serve new customers across the nation. Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020.

Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion for vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

We also want to remind producers that the program is structured to ensure the availability of funding for all eligible producers who apply. In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available.

Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov/cfap. Also, on that webpage, producers can find a payment calculator to help identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.

Additionally, producers in search of one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. This is a good first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

Applying for Assistance

Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office. Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print off a pre-filled CFAP application to sign and submit to your local FSA office either electronically or via hand delivery. Please contact your local office to determine the preferred method. Producers can find contact information for their FSA county office by visiting farmers.gov/CFAP and using the Find Your Local Service Center tool at the bottom of the page.

Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested after the application is filed. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.

 Additional Commodities

USDA is also establishing a process for the public to identify additional commodities for potential inclusion in CFAP. Specifically, USDA is looking for data on agricultural commodities, that are not currently eligible for CFAP, that the public believes to have either:

  1. suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,
  2. shipped but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channel, or
  3. not left the farm or remained unharvested as mature crops.

More information about this process is available on farmers.gov/cfap.

 More Information

To find the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

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Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , , ,
May 26, 2020

JUST RELEASED – INTERIM COVID-19 Guidance For Migrant & Seasonal Farmworkers, Their Employers, & Housing Providers

Cover 5-20-2020 NJ DOH Interim Guidance for Migrant-Seasonal Farmworkers

My apologies for not including our nursery growers that may also be impacted by this guidance when originally posted last week.

NJ Dept of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher just announced, “At 3:30 today, we just received final approval to release the attached official guidance on migrant seasonal farmworker housing.”

The New Jersey Department of Health is partnering with its sister agencies New Jersey Department of Agriculture and New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to assist agricultural businesses and farm workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please review the attached document carefully. This is titled INTERIM CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) GUIDANCE FOR MIGRANT AND SEASONAL FARMWORKERS, THEIR EMPLOYERS, AND HOUSING PROVIDERS.

Adopt these recommendations carefully for the protection of not only your workforce, but for you, your family and the entire ag community.

 

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,
March 25, 2020

COVID-19 Resources for Nursery, Greenhouse, Landscape, Garden Centers, etc.

Please contact Cumberland County Extension Agent Tim Waller if you would like to have an association added to the “Green Industry COVID links PDF”. twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu

 

Defining Essential Businesses

Closing of non-essential retail businesses following New Jersey Executive Orders 107 and 108 have had many NJ green-industries wondering, “what does this mean for my business”.

Many NJ Green-Industries are now considered Essential Businesses (as of 3/24/20, list subject to change).

  • Nurseries
  • Greenhouses
  • Landscaping
  • Garden Centers
  • Farms
  • Farm equipment suppliers
  • Farmer-markets
  • Farms that sell directly to customers
  • Grocery stores
  • Hardware and home improvement stores
  • Livestock feed stores

These businesses can remain open as long as they adhere to the safety guidelines outlined in Executive Order 107 and the CDC recommendations (links in PDF attachment).

The included attachment (PDF) with web-links: has a number of important resources concerning COVID-19 at state and federal levels (click or copy links). East and west coast states have been included, as many nurseries will be shipping throughout those regions. Additionally, web-links to nursery and landscape associations of each state, have been included to serve as a point of reference when shipping in to or out of that state. Contact the local associations for additional clarification if needed. The list is in no way exhaustive as many states have numerous green-industry associations.

Links pertaining to international land border agreements between the USA, and Canada, and Mexico have also been listed.

 

(PDF): Green Industry COVID links PDF 3 30  (Click link. Copy web-address if not working)

 

Quick links to New Jersey Associations:

New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association: https://www.njlca.org/

New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association: https://www.njnla.org/

New Jersey Green Industry Council: http://njgic.org/

New Jersey Turfgrass Association: https://njta.wildapricot.org/

New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association: https://njchristmastrees.org/

New Jersey Farm Bureau: https://njfb.org/

 

BUSINESSES WILL NEED TO FOLLOW SOCIAL DISTANCING PRACTICES.

Business social distancing:

Social distancing for customers will include but limited to, signage for customers to remain 6 feet apart from one another as well as a concerted effort by owners/employees to sanitize frequently used carts, doors, loading equipment, etc.

  • Commonly touched hard surfaces should be routinely disinfected while wearing disposable gloves with 70% alcohol, or other common EPA-registered household disinfectants (diluted bleach instructions below). Soft/porous surfaces should be cleaned with EPA-approved spray/aerosol sanitizers. Any fabric that can be laundered (uniforms, table cloths, etc.) should be done so separately from household laundry. The use of non-clothing linens should be discouraged. For example the use of tablecloths under cash registers is discouraged.

Employee social distancing:

These same efforts must be applied for social distancing amongst employees, including but not limited to, prohibit sharing of vehicles between different work crews or tightly packing single vehicles, routinely sanitizing commonly used tools and equipment, prohibiting congregations around break/lunch areas, etc.

  • Travelers per vehicle should be limited to maximize physical distance between employees/occupants. If possible 1 crew per vehicle for the duration of COVID-19 concerns should be implemented. While conducting business, employee sanitation efforts should be constantly minded. This would include cleaning hard vehicle interiors with disinfectant solutions (70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants) as well as soft interior surfaces with EPA-approved spray/aerosol sanitizers while wearing disposable gloves. Any fabric that can be laundered (seat covers, work uniform, bibs, etc.) should be done so separately from household laundry.

Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:

  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Detailed disinfection instructions can be found at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html

 

Businesses are encouraged to give each employee a letter indicating that the employee works in an industry permitted to continue operations.

Employees reporting to work are permitted to travel to and from their place of business. This would also apply when nursery deliveries or landscapers services are being performed.

 

Ideas to generate more business during COVID-19:

  • Increase social media marketing, targeting local audiences
  • Offer delivery services or order online-pick up at store
  • Generate ‘kits’, of easy to grow plants for a new wave of horticulture enthusiasts
  • Offer online demonstrations or classes, branding your business as top-notch
  • Promote different horticulture techniques that should spur purchases
  • Promote unique plants that the average person has not seen and may take interest

 

In the case of economic disaster:

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has been approved for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which includes businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and non-profits. Application filing deadline is 12/18/2020.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

phone: (800) 659-2955

email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

 

OTHER IMPORTANT QUICK LINKS:

CDC COVID page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

NJ COVID page: https://covid19.nj.gov/

Inventory or donations of PPE (Executive Order No. 109): https://covid19.nj.gov/ppereport

All current and archived executive orders: https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/approved/eo_archive.html

 

 

Stay healthy. Exercise caution on- and off-the-clock!  

 

 

 

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,