Sweet Corn

There has been little change in European corn borer (ECB) catches over the past week.  We would have expected some increase throughout the state, but prolonged wet weather has likely slowed their activity.  The highest catches remain in southern Hunterdon County (see map at left), although there have been low, but steady catches elsewhere, including northern Cumberland and central Morris counties.  Feeding continues to  be very limited, but should increase with drier conditions later this week.  Check 5 plants each in 10 random locations for a 50 plant sample.  Look  for “shot-hole” injury (see photo at right), and  consider treating when the number of infested plants in a 50 plant sample exceeds 12%.  [Read more…]

Sweet Corn

Warmer weather has resulted in the first consistent European corn borer (ECB) catches.  The highest catches have occurred in southern Hunterdon County (see map at left), although there have been low, but steady catches elsewhere, including northern Cumberland and central Morris counties.  As yet, feeding has been very limited, with only single-digit infestation rates on whorl corn found in Mercer County.  With continued moderate temperatures, expect feeding in whorl stage corn to increase significantly over the next week.  Check 5 plants each in 10 random locations for a 50 plant sample.  Look  for “shot-hole” injury (see photo at right), and  consider treating when the number of infested plants in a 50 plant sample exceeds 12%.

The highest nightly ECB catches for the previous week are as follows:

A few corn earworm (CEW) continue to appear in blacklights throughout the state. These individuals indicate that there was limited overwintering of this pest in NJ, but are of little concern in the absence of silking sweet corn.

Cole Crops

IPM personnel continue to observe infestations of crucifer flea beetle.  These beetles can build to high populations quickly, especially where wild mustard and related cruciferous weeds are common.  Extreme feeding on small transplants can cause irreversible damage if not controlled promptly. [Read more…]

Sweet Corn

The arrival of warmer temperatures should improve corn growth considerably.  This same weather could bring on the first consistent European corn borer (ECB) catches, although this has not yet happened.  No ECB were captured in blacklight traps this week.  As the population develops, look for maps to be published in the weekly IPM Update.  There were several corn earworm (CEW) captured in blacklights located in New Egypt, Folsom and Woodstown this past week, however these individuals are of little concern in the absence of silking sweet corn.

Cole Crops

IPM personnel continue to observe infestations of crucifer flea beetle.  These beetles can build to high populations quickly, especially where wild mustard and related cruciferous weeds are common.  Extreme feeding on small transplants can cause irreversible damage if not controlled promptly. [Read more…]

Sweet Corn

Cold temperatures are slowing corn growth considerably.  The same weather is also delaying the onset of pests like the European corn borer (ECB).  No ECB were captured in blacklight traps this week.  As the population develops, look for maps to be published in the weekly IPM Update.

Cole Crops

Although cold weather and heavy rains have suppressed them, IPM personnel continue to observe infestations of crucifer flea beetle.  These beetles can build to high populations quickly, especially where wild mustard and related cruciferous weeds are common.  Extreme feeding on small transplants can cause irreversible damage if not controlled promptly. [Read more…]