Rutgers University | New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station | Pesticide User Responsibility

March 31, 2025 and

Register for the NEW – 2025 Ornamental IPM Program PLUS Boxwood Blight, Pest emergence, Updates

Ornamental IPM 2025 v1 flyer

Please consider signing up for the NEW 2025 – Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program.

The focus of this program is to provide timely updates on pest, disease, and weeds impacting commercial ornamental producers. The webinars will focus on the most important pests for a 2 week interval, will be recorded, and will be shared shortly thereafter with Spanish overdub (spoken word). The trap packages are in an effort to find grower led solutions for monitoring economically important pests throughout the multiple regions of New Jersey. Please consider joining this program for its inaugural year.

Registration includes:

  • Site visit to your ornamental nursery/farm from Rutgers agents
  • Delivered printed IPM resources (Guides, factsheets, bulletins)
  • Free pheromone & sticky trap kit + guidance on setup/monitoring
  • Access to live bi-weekly webinars (Zoom)
  • (First session NEXT TUESDAY 4/8 @ 12PM)
  • Every Second and Fourth, Tuesday, April through September
  • Webinars will be recorded – posted later with Spanish overdub

This program is free, however registration is required.

click here to Register

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 3/4/2025
Region Location CODE 31-March 1-April 2-April 3-April 4-April 5-April
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low Minor Risk Very Low 
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 Minor Risk Very Low  Very Low  Low Minor Risk Very Low 
Northern Wantage NJ79 Low Very Low  Very Low  Low Risk Very Low 
M T W TH F S
 Please check YOUR LOCAL risk (click here)

Please download and print the Rutgers Nursery and Landscape Pest Scouting Guide  or  Conifer and Christmas Tree Pest Scouting Guide and refer to this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-days (GDD)” for additional information.  (See pest scouting guides for complete list of references) 

Please SHARE what you SEE!! If you see a pest, disease, otherwise interesting or troublesome issue please report it to the Working Group by following the QR Code on the front of the Pest Scouting Guides or by filling out this reporting form.

Keep reading for more resources!

 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
September 12, 2024

Monmouth County Twilight Meetings

Need credits? Join us next week for two twilight meeting opportunities in Monmouth County.

Rutgers Specialty Crop Research and Extension Center Field Tour
September 17, 2024
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
283 Route 539 Cream Ridge, NJ 08514

Join Rutgers Cooperative Extension for this FREE twilight meeting showcasing current field trials and a new row mulcher at the Cream Ridge Extension Center. The tour will be from 6 to 7pm, with refreshments and time for additional discussion from 7 to 7:30pm.

  • Low Input Native and Ornamental Plant Trials
    William Errickson, Agriculture Agent, RCE Monmouth Co
  • High Protein Soybeans and Hemp Field Trials
  • William Bamka, Agriculture Agent, RCE Burlington Co.

NJ Pesticide License Recertification Credits: PP2(2), 1A(1), 3A(1), 10(2)

To register, contact Cathy Van Benschoten at 732-431-7260 or Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

Cream Ridge Field Tour Promo 2024

 

Twilight Meeting at Pleasant Run Nursery
September 20, 2024
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
93 Ellisdale Road Allentown, NJ 08501

Join Carl Hesselein, President of Pleasant Run Nursery, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension for this FREE twilight meeting. We will tour the nursery and discuss best management practices for container production of native and low-input plant species.

This twilight meeting will be geared towards growers, landscape professionals, and agricultural service providers.

NJ Pesticide License Recertification Credits PP2(3); 3A(3); 10(3)

To register, contact Cathy Van Benschoten at 732-431-7260 or Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

Pleasant Run Tour Promo 2024

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Field, Forage & Livestock, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, pesticide credits, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , ,
April 4, 2023

HIGH potential for Boxwood Blight this Thursday 4/6

There is a potential for boxwood blight infections this WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY throughout much of NJ – especially central regions. Thursday’s high temperatures coupled with prolonged periods of leaf wetness overnight will contribute to the spread of boxwood blight infections.

If BWB is important to your business – Use the USPEST – PUSH Alerts – (click here) – to setup weekly email alerts. Create an account, watch the tutorial, and then set up your subscriptions. You select which locations (as many as you like), days you want to receive emails (pick Sunday/Monday), and what you would like to receive alerts about (BWB and a variety of other pests and diseases). Rutgers is not directly affiliated, however this is an incredible tool. 

  • It is time to begin protective fungicide applications in high value areas if you have not already done so! 

  • Protective fungicide applications should remain in effect or be initiated immediately for Boxwood Blight in “Infection risk or High Risk areas”. 
  • If your area is not listed (throughout all of NJ please visit the USPEST.ORG Boxwood Blight Risk Model – CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL PREDICTIONS

Boxwood Blight risk-model information, considerations, and links:

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 4/4/2022
Region Location CODE 3-Apr 4-Apr 5-Apr 6-Apr 7-Apr 8-Apr
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Very Low  Low  Minor Risk Very Low  Very Low  Very Low 
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 Very Low  Low  Minor Risk Very High Very Low  Very Low 
Northern High Point NJ59 Very Low  Very Low  Low  High Risk Very Low  Very Low 
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
 Please check YOUR LOCAL risk (click here)

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,
March 22, 2023

Immediate potential for Boxwood Blight 3/24 and 3/25 – First infection potentials

There is a potential for new boxwood blight infections this FRIDAY and SATURDAY throughout much of NJ – especially central regions. Increased temperatures and prolonged periods of leaf wetness will contribute to the spread of boxwood blight infections.

  • It is time to begin protective fungicide applications in high value areas if you have not already done so! 

  • Protective fungicide applications should remain in effect or be initiated immediately for Boxwood Blight in “Infection risk or High Risk areas”. 
  • If your area is not listed (throughout all of NJ please visit the USPEST.ORG Boxwood Blight Risk Model – CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL PREDICTIONS

Boxwood Blight risk-model information, considerations, and links:

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 3/22/2023
Region Location CODE 22-Mar 23-Mar 24-Mar 25-Mar 26-Mar 27-Mar NOTES
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Very Low  Low Low  Infection Risk Very Low  Very Low 
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 Very Low  Low HIGH Risk HIGH Risk Very Low  Very Low  High prob. of first BWB infections
Northern High Point NJ59 Very Low  Very Low   Infection Risk Very Low Very Low  Very Low 
 Please check YOUR LOCAL risk (click here)

(input your area code – select closest weather station – check 7-14 prediction – click on graph / table)

These advisories are general in nature, change rapidly over time, are site-specific…therefore  Someone from your business should be using this risk model daily if boxwood is important to your financial stability– In 30 seconds you can have a better idea of boxwood blight (and other pathogen) activity in your immediate area! Please contact Tim Waller if you need help using this service (twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu), we want to help! 

Fungicides; 

  1. You very well may have these materials already applied as ‘cover-sprays’ – But – be mindful that protectant fungicides loose efficacy the more rain (or overhead irrigation) they are subjected to, and reapplication may be warranted.
  2. ROTATE between Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC codes) to avoid this pathogen becoming resistant to specific chemicals

Format: [FRAC code]: Chemical name (Trade names * no endorsement implied, other options exist)  

  • [M05]: Chlorothalonil (Daconil WS)
  • [M05 + 1] Chlorothalonil + Thiophanate methyl (Spectro 90WDG)
  • [11] Trifloxystrobin + [7] Fluopyram  (Broadform)
  • [11] Trifloxystrobin + [3] Triadimefon (Armada 50WDG)
  • [M03] Mancozeb
  • [12] Fludioxonil (Medallion WDG)
  • [3] Tebuconazole (Torque)BW

DISCLAIMER: The label is the law, always refer to it for allowable host crops, use-restrictions, application rates, reapplication intervals, re-entry intervals (REI), and mix compatibility information. Production and pesticide information on this site are for private/commercial pesticide applicators and landscape professionals only, and are NOT for home gardener use. Provided materials represent examples and do not cover all possible control scenarios. Trade-names listed do not imply endorsement and are used as examples only. Please contact your local agent or chemical sales representative for more information or to discuss additional pest management options.

Resources 

Background on the pathogen: 

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
April 21, 2022

Scouting for Broad Mites in the Greenhouse

Broad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) are an extremely small species of mites that affect many ornamental crops. At this point in the season they may be active in the greenhouse and should be included in all greenhouse IPM scouting programs. Broad mites are only 0.2 mm long, which is about half the size of a two-spotted spider mite. This makes them nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye during regular routine scouting and challenging to locate, even with the use of a hand lens. They have a translucent yellow-green appearance and a short but rapid life cycle ranging from 5 to 13 days.

Broad mites under microscope  Broad mites under microscope Broad mites under microscope

Broad mites feed on new growth and emit saliva that is toxic to the plants. This results in leaf curl, stunting, and deformity that may be mistaken for herbicide damage, physiological disorders, or a fungal pathogen. Broad mites tend to favor New Guinea impatiens, Sunpatiens, and dahlia in the greenhouse this time of year, though they may also cause damage to gerbera, ivy, lantana, standard impatiens, snapdragon, verbena, begonia, and zinnia. They can spread via plant-to-plant contact and may even hitchhike on whiteflies or aphids to reach a new destination.

Broad mite damage on Sunpatiens

Broad mite damage on Sunpatiens. Notice the stunted growth and leaf curling. Photo: W. Errickson

Control can be achieved using miticides that are labeled specifically for broad mites, as some materials that are effective against two-spotted spider mites and spruce spider mites may not work as well on broad mites. Effective materials include Akari, Avid, Dormant Oil, Judo, Magus, Pylon, SanMite, Sirocco, Summer Oil, and Triact. Always follow the instructions on the label and take note of any sensitivities for use on specific plant species. Rotating chemical classes is also very important when treating broad mites because their rapid life cycle has the potential to lead to the development of resistance in a short period of time. Biological controls involving the release of predatory mites that feed on broad mites have also demonstrated success. Predatory mite species that are effective against broad mites include Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus cucumeris, and N. californicus. Broad mites can be effectively managed in the greenhouse if they are detected early and correctly identified as part of a regular IPM program.

Additional Resources

Broad Mites Fact Sheet, University of Tennessee

https://go.rutgers.edu/zg9kdzod

Broad Mites in Ornamental Crops, Michigan State University

https://go.rutgers.edu/56gic7up

Broad mites infesting plantsDealing with Broad Mite, Greenhouse Product News

https://go.rutgers.edu/6doflkwc

Broad Mite is Becoming an Increasing Problem, Greenhouse Management

https://go.rutgers.edu/1pftyvss

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf Tagged With: , , , , ,
February 18, 2022

Increasing temperatures = scout for insects pests! 2022 Nursery and Conifer Pest Scouting Guides HERE

With the increases in daily temperature averages expected over the next week for the southern and central areas of NJ, pest scouting should commence on commercially important ornamental crops and landscapes. Typically, in our region, growing degree-days (GDD50) are counted beginning March 1st (known as a biofix date), however this year by March first we may see degree-day accumulation approaching 20+. Therefor scouting efforts should be commenced, especially in conifers. 

We have compiled the GDD resources into one single document – please download and print multiple copies of this for yourself and employees in efforts to best scout for these insect pests. These guides do not dictate when to spray, rather they inform scouting ranges for insect pests, vulnerable life-stages, and overlapping timeframes for multiple troublesome pests.

Download here:

Nursery and Landscape Pest Scouting Guide 2022 PDF (note this contains conifer pests as well)

Conifer Pest Scouting Guide 2022 PDF

Refer to this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-days” for additional information 

We will be making regular announcements throughout the season, however we wanted you to have this beta-version of the compiled growing-degree day information. This will be updated and modified throughout the season – PLEASE let me know what difference you are seeing in the field so we can continue to make this resource better for all of us.   

Contact: twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu (or call the Cumberland County Extension Office – 856-451-2800)

Growing degree-days as of writing this (using USPEST.org weather station codes):

  • Southern (NJ50): 13
  • Central (NJ10): 13
  • Northeastern (Greater NYC Metro area (D6302) and Northwestern (NJ59): 0

Crop type

Common Name

Scientific Name

GDD Min (50F)

GDD Max (95F)

Reference

Developmental / Target Stage
Conifer
Conifer rust mites
Eriophyidae
7
22
4
Overwintering eggs hatch
Pomes, Stone fruit
European red mite
Panonychus ulmi
7
58
2
1st adults active
Conifer
White pine weevil
Pissodes strobi
7
58
RU
Overwintering adults become active / prevent egg laying
Deciduous
Oystershell scale
Lepidosaphes ulmi
7
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Deciduous, Yew
Cottony camellia / taxus scale
Pulvinaria floccifera
7
91
5
Spring control of overwintering stage
Many
Southern red mite
Oligonychus ilicis
7
91
5
Overwintering eggs hatch
Conifer
Taxus mealybug
Dysmicoccus wistariae
7
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Oaks
Kermes oak scales
Kermes spp.
7
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Elongate hemlock scale
Fiorinia externa
7
120
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Many
Aphids
Aphidoidea
7
120
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Spruce spider mite
Oligonychus ununguis
7
121
RU
Overwintering eggs hatch
Oaks
Golden oak scale
Asterolecanium variolosum
7
121
5
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Pales weevil
Hylobius pales
7
121
RU
Overwintering adults become active / prevent egg laying
Magnoliaceae
Tuliptree scale
Toumeyella liriodendri
12
121
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Rhododendron, Azalea
Azalea lacebug
Stephanitis pyrioides
18
372
RU
Spring control of overwintering stage
White and Scotch Pine
White pine aphid
Cinara strobi
22
91
RU
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Pine bark adelgid
Pineus strobi
22
58
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Magnoliaceae
Magnolia scale
Neolecanium cornuparvum
22
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Spruce bud scale
Physokermes piceae
22
120
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Juniper scale
Carulaspis juniperi
22
148
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,