Understanding Protectant Fungicides (FRAC groups M01 – M12) in 2024

Protectant (contact) fungicides, such as the inorganics (copper, FRAC group M01) and sulfur (FRAC code M02); the dithiocarbamates (mancozeb, M03), phthalimides (Captan, M04), and chloronitriles (chlorothalonil, M05) are fungicides which have a low chance for fungicide resistance to develop. Protectant fungicides typically offer broad spectrum control for many different pathogens.

Why wouldn’t fungi develop resistance to protectant fungicides? Protectant fungicides are used all the time, often in a weekly manner throughout much of the growing season.

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Immediate Potential for Boxwood Blight Throughout NJ THIS WEEK

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 4/10/2024
Region Location CODE 10-Apr 11-Apr 12-Apr 13-Apr 14-Apr 15-Apr
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Very Low  Minor Risk  High Risk Very Low  Very Low  Very Low 
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 Low  Low   High Risk Very Low  Very Low  Very Low 
Northern High Point NJ59 Very Low   High Risk  VERY High Risk Very Low  Very Low  Very Low 
W TH F S Sun M
 Please check YOUR LOCAL risk (click here)

There is a potential for boxwood blight infections this Thursday and Friday  throughout ALL of NJ. Incoming rains, coupled with consistent temperatures may initiate boxwood blight infections this week.

  • It is time to begin protective fungicide applications in boxwoods throughout the state if you have not already done so.

  • 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. 

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High Potential for Boxwood Blight in Southern NJ – beginning Tuesday (4/2)

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 3/31/2024
Region Location CODE 31-Mar 1-Apr 2-Apr 3-Apr 4-Apr 5-Apr
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Low Low Minor Risk Minor Risk Very Low  Very Low 
Southern Bridgeton D4116 Low Low Minor Risk High Risk Very Low  Very Low 
Southern Millville Airport KMIV Low Low Minor Risk High Risk Very Low  Very Low 
Southern Greenwich NJ05 Low Low Minor Risk High Risk Very Low  Very Low 
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 Very Low  Very Low  Low  Low  Low  Low 
Northern High Point NJ59 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Very Low 
Su M Tu W Th F
 Please check YOUR LOCAL risk (click here)

There is a potential for boxwood blight infections this TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY  throughout much of  SOUTHERN NJ – especially Bridgeton/Upper Deerfield areas. Incoming rains, coupled with consistent temperatures may initiate boxwood blight infections this week.

The rain SHOULD temporarily subside Monday EVENING – with enough time to get a spray on commercial nursery crops. 

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

  • 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. 

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Nursery Pest and Disease Update 6/15/2023

In this edition:

  • Insects:
    • MORE Scale crawlers emerging
    • Borers
    • Beetles
  • Diseases:
    • Oomycete root diseases (Phytophthora, Pythium, Phytopythium)
    • Leaf spots / foliage diseases
    • Boxwood Blight – reminder
    • Virus observations
  • Nutrient Management 
    • Managing Soluble Salts by monitoring EC
    • Plant Tissue analysis
  • Plant Spotlight:
    • American Holly (Ilex opaca)
  • Cumberland Nursery / NJNLA – Twilight: tonight (6/15) for NURSERYMEN ONLY (contact twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu or 856-451-2800 Ext. 1. for details)

Please click “read more” below to get updates on pests, diseases, and other important resources for the week of 6/15/2023.

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Conifer Pest and Disease Update 5/15/2023

In this edition:

  • Insects – Pest Scouting with growing degree-days (250-600 GDD50)
    • Scales
    • Mites
  • Diseases
    • Needle casts (Rhabdocline and Swiss needlecasts – Douglas fir, & Rhizosphaera – spruces)
    • Phytophthora
  • Soil fertility – resources

Please click “read more” below to get updates on pests, diseases, and other important resources for the week of 5/15/2023.

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Nursery Pest and Disease Update 5/15/2023

In this edition:

  • Insects:
    • Scale crawler emergence
    • Borer insects
    • Upcoming problem pests / Redheaded flea beetle / SLF / Pest Scouting Guides
  • Diseases:
    • Leaf spot / foliage disease management
    • Fire blight on Rosaceous hosts
    • Canker fungi
    • Boxwood blight
    • Oomycete root diseases (Phytophthora, Pythium, Phytopythium)
  • Plant Spotlight:
    • NJ native azalea species

Please click “read more” below to get updates on pests, diseases, and other important resources for the week of 5/15/2023.

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