Fruit Edition - Rutgers Plant and Pest Advisory

Call Before You Dig

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:08:46 GMT

“Call Before you Dig” is the slogan used remind people to find underground utilities before doing any digging or excavation. Striking an underground utility line during routine farm projects—like installing fence posts, deep ripping, or laying drainage tile—can lead to dangerous injuries, costly repairs, and severe service outages. It is important for farmers, ranchers and others to call 811 or before any excavation to remain safe and to comply with the law.

In New Jersey, please review the following process to ensure a safe excavation/digging experience.

New Jersey Law requires anyone digging to call at least three full business days (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to beginning work. This is for everyone and includes property and homeowners’ contractors.

Contact New Jersey One Call at 811 or 800-272-1000 any time, day or night. Also see the website for New Jersey One Call for more information.

Key Safe Digging Tips:

• WAIT for the site to be marked with paint, flags or stakes. See the color chart and labels below for what each utility company uses for markings.
• RESPECT THE MARKS
• DIG WITH CARE by hand digging within two feet on either side of any marked areas.

Stop and Report Immediately: If equipment strikes a line—even if there is no visible damage—stop work and contact the utility company and emergency services right away.

Cyclospora Video

Wes Kline — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:41:49 +0000

Annalisa Hultberg from the University of Minnesota Extension has produced a short (under 10 minutes) informational video to provide updates on the outbreaks and recalls associated with the Cyclospora parasite. Many fruit and vegetable farmers may be getting questions from their customers about their produce and its safety. If you want to learn more about this foodborne parasite and how to talk with your customers, there are videos available on YouTube at the addresses below.

English: z.umn.edu/CyclosporaVideo_English

Hmong: z.umn.edu/CyclosporaVideo_Hmong

Spanish: z.umn.edu/CyclosporaVideo_Spanish

Fruit IPM Report 8/25/2026

Janine Spies — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:53:58 +0000

As we approach the end of August, harvest of blueberries and peaches are ending while apple and grape harvest is beginning across the state. Temperatures for the month, particularly in the last week have been mild with high relative humidity. Heavy periods of rainfall were seen late last week with some areas recording more than 2 inches. Below are recent observations and considerations for pest management in fruit crops statewide.

Apples

Salem County Agronomy Twilight Meeting 2 – This Coming Monday!

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:54:04 GMT

Please join us Monday, August 31, 2026, from 6:00–8:30 p.m. at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Salem County in Woodstown for an evening of timely field crop production updates.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension – Salem County
51 Cheney Road, Woodstown, NJ

Program begins at 6:00 p.m.; please arrive early.

Schedule & Topics

6:00 p.m. – Welcome & Introduction – Salvatore Mangiafico and Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

6:15 p.m. – Sulfur in Coastal Soils – Jarrod Miller, University of Delaware

6:45 p.m. – Sweet Corn Pest Management Updates: Scouting, IPM Strategies, and Responsible Pesticide Use – Amanda Quadrel, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

7:15 p.m. – Assessment of Agricultural Crop Damage by Black Bear in New Jersey – Salvatore Mangiafico, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

7:45 p.m. – Corn Lodging Insights and Agronomic Research Updates – Ramandeep Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

8:15 p.m. – Wrap-Up, Evaluations, and Pesticide Credit Submissions

Pesticide Recertification Credits (Credits are pending NJDEP approval)

Credits have been applied for: CORE (1), 1A (2), PP2 (2), and Category 10 (1)

Registration

Phone: 856-769-0090
Email: e_dehart@salemcountynj.gov

Please save the date and join us for an evening of practical information and discussion relevant to New Jersey field crop production.

We look forward to seeing you August 31!

Soybeans at Full Pod (R4) Growth Stage: What Farmers Need to Know Now to Protect Yield Potential

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:21:35 GMT

With the New Jersey soybeans reaching the R4 (full pod) growth stage, the crop is entering a crucial period for yield development. The plants shown below are at around R4 growth stage. For farmers in Southern New Jersey, this is a crucial time to scout fields closely and minimize stresses that can affect pod and seed development.

(Photo Credit: Ramandeep Kumar Sharma; Aug 24 2026)

How to identify R4 stage in soybeans?

Soybean is reached at the R4 (full pod) growth stage when a plant has a pod at least 3/4 of a inch long at one of the four uppermost nodes on the main stem, with a fully developed leaf at that node. To determine whether the crop has reached R5 (beginning seed), open a pod at one of these upper nodes. R5 begins when the seed inside the pod is at least 1/8 inch long.

Why R4 is so important for soybeans?

R4 marks the starting of one of the most critical periods for soybean yield determination. At R4 stage, pod growth is fast, and seed development is starting. From R4 through early seed filling, stresses such as moisture/nutrient deficiency, disease, insect injury, and excessive defoliation can reduce yield by increasing the abortion of flowers, pods, and developing seeds. The crop has some ability to compensate later through seed growth, but that compensation is limited.

What should soybean farmers do now?

Monitor soil moisture: Adequate moisture is particularly important from R4 through early seed development. This deserves close attention in Southern New Jersey’s sandy and coarse-textured soils, which can dry rapidly during hot, dry periods. Where irrigation is available, monitor soil and crop conditions and irrigate when needed.
Keep scouting for insects and diseases: Continue checking the canopy for defoliation, pod-feeding insects, and disease symptoms. Make pesticide decisions based on scouting, pest or disease pressure, crop stage, economic considerations where applicable, and the current product label but not simply because the crop has reached R4.
Check for nutrient stress: Continue watching for nutrient deficiency, especially in fields with low soil fertility or a history of nutrient loss. Rutgers recommends that soybean fertility management be based on recent soil tests and realistic yield goals. Rutgers also identifies potassium and sulfur as important considerations in New Jersey soybean production and notes that nutrient stress can occur in Southern New Jersey soils because of nutrient leaching.
Don’t stop scouting weeds: A closed soybean canopy suppresses many weeds, but late-season escapes can still produce seed and interfere with harvest. Any herbicide application must follow the current product label, including crops, weed, timing, rate, and preharvest restrictions.

Summary

R4 is not the time to stop scouting, it is the time to pay closer attention. Protecting adequate soil moisture, healthy foliage, developing pods, and seed formation during R4–R6 can help protect soybean yield potential. On checking pods, if a seed (at least 1/8 inch long) is found inside a pod at one of the upper four nodes, it means the plant has reached R5 (beginning seed).

References

Sharma, R. K., & Heckman, J. 2026. Nutrient and Management Tips for New Jersey Soybean Production. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Plant & Pest Advisory, June 26, 2026.
Heckman, J. R. 2009. Soil Fertility Recommendations for Soybean. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet E323.
Bravo, M. 2021. Soybean insect vectored, internal stem, root disease monitoring now through pod fill. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Plant & Pest Advisory, July 9, 2021.
Bravo, M. 2021. Field crop progress mid-July, Salem County. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Plant & Pest Advisory, July 17, 2021.

Voles Damage in Orchards: Identification and Control Measures

Hemant Gohil — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:50:18 +0000

There have been growing concerns about vole damage in apple and peach orchards in southern New Jersey. Vole populations are often cyclic and can reach high populations every 2-4 years. This, combined with poor weed control in orchards, can lead to disastrous effects on trees. Past winter saw many days of snowpack, which is beneficial for voles in many ways. It provides a safe, insulated space for nesting and easy access to the base of fruit trees, without being preyed upon and causing substantial damage to large acres in a short time.

Figure 2. Peach tree root feeding is likely by the pine voles (Photo; H. Gohil).

Figure. 1. Vole damage is seen as gnaw marks and girdling at the base of peach tree (Photo; H. Gohil).

Identification and Habitat: Meadow voles and pine voles are two common vole species. Pine voles have small eyes and small, almost inconspicuous ears, while meadow voles have larger eyes and ears. Meadow voles primarily feed in open vegetation, while pine voles prefer underground burrow systems just below the ground surface. Vole diets include many primary food sources in addition to tree bark. However, they can attack fruit trees during the fall and winter months when other food sources are scarce.

Damage: Direct visible signs of Meadow vole damage are often clearly visible at the ground surface in the form of girdling and or gnawing (Figure 1) at the base of the trunk. Pine vole girdles large roots and eats small roots (Figure 2). Pine vole damage is difficult to notice until the tree growth begins to decline, by which time it is difficult to save the tree. Most pine vole damage will appear as root damage and crown girdling just below

the ground surface. However, when feeding occurs under a deep snow cover, damage can appear at the ground surface.

Secondary symptoms: Vole damage may already be extensive by the time unhealthy, declining trees are observed. Above-ground signs resemble those of water and nutrient stress, including yellowish leaves, premature leaf drop, and branch dieback (Figure 3). Observations of extensive gummosis and tunneling by insect borers in the tree trunk or branches indicate weakened trees that may have sustained vole damage. Secondary infections from Phytophthora and Cytospora canker are more likely to occur in damaged or wounded areas (Figure 4). Drought, winter injury, and extreme fluctuations in early-spring temperatures are compounding factors contributing to tree decline in the orchard.

Fig. 4 Gummosis from the trunk indicative of potential secondary infection and environmental stress (Photo; H. Gohil).

Figure 3. Above- ground symptoms of vole damage. (Photo; H. Gohil)

Figure 5. Presence of holes near the tree indicates vole tunnels and vole damage at the base of the tree (Photo; H. Gohil).

Vole Monitoring: If you notice holes, dime-sized or larger, under the tree, they could be signs of a vole tunnel and likely vole damage (Figure 5). Dig the soil around the trunk and look for gnaw marks or girdling. Meadow voles create an extensive network of surface runways in the grass, about 1.5 inches wide, often visible after close mowing. Bits of leaves and vole droppings in pathways are the surest signs of meadow vole presence. Runways are often spread out through the cover crop in orchard aisles and, under poor weed control, cross back and forth to the tree row. Since pine vole burrows and runways are just underground, there is a “soft” feel of the soil underfoot, which is one indication of pine vole presence. A simple monitoring method is a two-step process. First, place a grid of ‘shelters’ in the orchard. These can be pieces of roofing shingles, heavy tar paper or roof matting, or scraps of wood. After leaving them for 3-5 days so the voles can find them, place apple chunks or slices beneath each shelter. Return in 24 hours and assess which pieces have been chewed. This will give you a rough idea of where controls need to be focused.

Vole Management:

Non-Toxicant: Regularly mowing ground cover to 3 to 5 inches is a recommended practice for an integrated vole damage management program. It not only limits the availability of food for voles’ survival but also exposes them to predators. Maintaining a vegetation-free zone below the trees discourages voles from living near the trunk, where they can cause significant damage. This is the MOST IMPORTANT aspect of routine vole prevention. Sanitizing the orchard floor by removing leaves and pruned twigs, which attract the voles, is also helpful.

The addition of a 12-inch-diameter, 3-4-inch-deep gravel layer around the trunk will also help. Gravel collapses in on a vole runway, helping prevent voles from accessing the trunk and crown of the tree.

Fig. 6. Bait Station for voles in the orchard

Cylinder-shaped wire guards made from 1/4-inch hardware cloth mesh placed around the tree trunks can protect young trees. However, make sure to bury the hardware cloth at least 6 inches below the surface to control both meadow and pine voles. This exclusion method may not be very practical or cost-effective in large orchards.

Toxicants: Sometimes, to control large-scale vole populations, chemical methods are the only practical option available. When vole populations get too high, toxicants within and near the herbicide strip in the tree rows are the most effective means of controlling them. There are 2 types of toxicants available: 1) zinc phosphide, which is a fast-acting stomach poison, and 2) chlorophacinone and diphacinone, which are slow-acting anticoagulants. Zinc phosphide is extremely toxic. These materials are sold under a number of brand names including for Zinc Phosphide: Prozap Zinc Phosphide Pellets, Prozap Zinc Phosphide Oat Bait, Bonide Orchard Mouse Bait, and Zinc Phosphide Rodent Bait AG. Anticoagulants include Ramik Oats, Ramik Brown, and Rozol Vole Bait. Make sure you have the necessary pesticide applicator license to handle these chemicals.

The reliance on one product over another is discouraged, since voles will get accustomed to grain baits with anticoagulants or become bait-shy of anticoagulants in general. Bait is most effective when placed in simple bait stations, such as under roofing shingles, boards, or scrap plate steel, or in PVC pipe bait stations (Fig. 6). Hand placement in areas of high vole activity, or depositing bait with a trail maker, is also effective. Broadcast placement of toxicants is discouraged, since it is inefficient and can put wildlife at risk. Bait stations can reduce the chances of bait getting into contact with unintended animals or humans. Bait stations are easy to make using 2- to 3-inch PVC pipes in an ‘L’ or ‘T’ shape, with the horizontal pipe providing an opening for voles to enter and the vertical pipe containing the toxicant. Fumigants are usually not effective because shallow depth of vole burrow systems allow fumigants to escape.

Sources:

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/files/vole_control_in_apple_orchards.pdf.

http://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/commercial-tree-fruit-production/wildlife-damage-control/voles.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/publications/93pubs/93-42.pdf.

http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G9445

Farmer Health and Wellness Services Available for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Atlantic Counties

Kate Brown — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:07:43 +0000

Could your farm or a local agricultural event benefit from free health and wellness services? The Pinelands Alliance, in partnership with NOFA-NJ and Virtua Health, was awarded a SARE grant entitled “Mobilizing for Farmer Wellness” which aims to bring health screenings and education to farmers and farmworkers in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Atlantic Counties.

The following health and wellness services could be provided at individual farms or at community events. If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact Annie Preston from the Pinelands Alliance at annie@pinelandsalliance.org or 301-675-0729.

Virtua Health Services (need 30 to 60 days advance notice)

Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store and Mobile Farmers Market – accepts SNAP, sometimes can be a free produce giveaway
Mobile Pediatric Screening Units: Screenings for children 6 and under: vision, hearing, dental, developmental; School and sports physicals for birth -12th grade; Flu vaccinations for all ages, including adults; Blood lead level screening for children under 6 and pregnant or lactating people
Women’s Cancer Screening for insured and uninsured patients – need a minimum of 15 people to pre-register
Cancer education
Stop the Bleed First Aid and Tourniquet Trainings (class for up to 24 people at a time)
Dietitians and nutrition educators
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1c screenings (A1c needs temperature-controlled environment).
Health Education and Stress First Aid
Speakers representing a variety of medical specialties (subject to availability)

Cherry Hill Free Clinic (need 2 weeks advance notice)

Men’s Cancer Screenings
Hepatology
Diabetes care
Vaccines (Gardasil, pneumovax, Shingrix).
20 medical specialties (subject to availability)
Patients can use their Uber business account to book rides to the clinic, lab, and imaging appointments
Remote patient monitoring including at-home glucometer kits, BP cuffs, and blood glucose implants. Good for up to 2 weeks before changed out.
Vaccines (Gardasil, pneumovax, Shingrix).
They can bring a Doctor/nurse practitioner who can write a prescription for meds on site.

Fruit IPM Report August 17, 2026

Janine Spies — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:38:23 +0000

Apples

Pesticide Recertification Credits Approved for: Agri-Technology, Nursery, Agronomy, Fruit and Vegetable Research Twilight Meeting at RAREC: Wednesday August 26, 2026

Ramandeep Kumar Sharma — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:39:32 +0000

NJDEP pesticide recertification credits approved for this meeting are: CORE (1), PP2 (4), 1A (4), and Category 10 (4).

Agri-Technology, Nursery, Agronomy, Fruit and Vegetable Research Twilight Meeting at RAREC

Wednesday August 26^th, 2026 (4 pm until dark)

Location: Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC), 121 Northville Road, Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302

Hosted by: Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, Patrick McMullen, and Andy Wyenandt

Questions? Contact: Andy Wyenandt (wyenandt@njaes.rutgers.edu)

This year’s twilight meeting at RAREC will showcase advances in crop production, integrated pest management, soil fertility, weed management, and innovative agricultural technologies for growers and stakeholders across the state.

Dan Ward, Director, RAREC. Welcome to RAREC
Wesley Kline, Cumberland County Agricultural Agent
- ‘Impact of Cyclospora on fruit and vegetable production’ CORE: 30 minutes
Tim Waller, Cumberland County RCE Nursery Agent.
- ‘Useful Nursery and Ornamental Crops and Considerations’
Raul Cabrera, Extension Specialist in Nursery Production and Management.
- ‘Recent developments on substrates (for container-grown crops)’
Dan Ward, Director, RAREC; Rutgers Agrivoltiacs Program.
- ‘Update on the agrivoltaics research program at Rutgers’
Ann Nielsen, Extension Specialist in Entomology
- Emma Waltman, PhD candidate, ‘Land-use around farms impacts stink bug biological control’
- Amanda Furuya, Post-Doctoral Associate, ‘Tackling Spotted Lanternfly in South Jersey Vineyards’
- Octavio Menocal Sandoval, Post-Doctoral Associate, ‘Updating Monitoring and Management for Codling Moth in Apple’
Thierry Besancon, Extension Weed Specialist for Specialty Crops.
- ‘Update on new technologies for weed management in vegetable crops’
Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, Salem County Agricultural Agent.
- ‘Optimizing Nitrogen Rate and Application Timing for Corn Yield and Quality’
- ‘Evaluation of Sulfur Fertilizer Sources and Application Rates for Optimizing Soybean Growth and Yield in Southern New Jersey’
Maria Cramer, Senior Program Coordinator, Vegetable IPM,
- ‘Thrips management in tomatoes’
Patrick McMullen, Atlantic County Agricultural Agent.
- ‘Wilts of cucurbits: Identification and management’
Andy Wyenandt, Extension Specialist in Vegetable Pathology.
- ‘Updates on vegetable disease control’

NJDEP pesticide recertification credits approved: CORE (1), PP2 (4), 1A (4), and Category 10 (4).

Pre-Harvest Drop Control and Harvest Management for Apples

Megan Muehlbauer — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:59:08 +0000

For growers interested in using products to control pre-harvest drop, particularly on Early/Mid-Season apple varieties, now is the time to consider applying them. This is a valuable consideration particularly this year for retaining high value varieties such as early season Honeycrisp.

As apples mature they produce the hormone ethylene. Ethylene induces stem loosening which results in pre-harvest drop of apples. Luckily there are several tools that when applied at optimal times can aid in the management of pre-harvest drop of apples.

*Prior to the application of any product though, remember to read and follow the product label, because the label is the law.

Plant Growth Regulator Options for Apple Harvest Management:

Active Ingredient: AVG (aminoethoxyvinylglycine)

ReTain

This product slows starch disappearance, fruit softening, stem loosening and red color development.

Benefits include:

Expansion of the harvest window by minimizing pre-harvest drop and retaining fruit firmness.

Enhancement of fruit size since fruit are given more time to hang onto the tree.

Color enhancement due to exposure to improved weather for fruit coloring (warm sunny days and cool nights).

Application Timing: For maximum efficacy ReTain must be applied 4 weeks prior to harvest.

Single Pick Varieties

For single pick early season varieties, establish the ‘usual’ harvest time for the variety, and if the season is running early adjust the date earlier (accordingly). Once an accurate estimated harvest date is established count back four weeks. This timepoint plus 7 days is the spray window for ReTain for that variety.

Calculate the spray timing for later season, single pick varieties in a similar way. However, later varieties generally do not need harvest date adjustment due to seasonal variation in the same way early season varieties do.

Multiple Pick Varieties i.e. Gala and Honeycrisp

Spray timing for these varieties is 7 to 14 days prior to harvest/first pick. Note that ReTain will not affect the first harvest/pick but will provide stop drop control for later season picks.

Variety Response to ReTain and Rate:

*When applying ReTain be sure to include 100% Organosilicate surfactant @ 12 ounces/100 gallons.

*Ensure there will be 6 hours of drying time after the application.

Active Ingredient: 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene)

Harvista

Much like ReTain this product slows starch disappearance, fruit softening, red color development and pre-harvest drop.

Application Timing: It should be applied within 3 days prior to harvest, much closer to the time of harvest than a ReTain application. This product is a bit more complicated to use in that it must be applied via a proprietary in-line injector system.

Active Ingredient: NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid)

NAA (Multiple Formulations)

This product provides what is considered a rescue treatment for control of fruit drop.

Application Timing: Optimum timing of spray is a couple days prior to harvest, when the first fruit begins to drop.

One application of 10 ppm NAA will provide 7-10 days of drop control.

A two-part spray of 10 ppm, one a couple days prior to harvest and a second 5 days later will provide 10-14 days of drop control.

Keep in mind it takes ~2-3 days for the sprays to take effect.

*Apply with a nonionic or organosilicate surfactant.

*Spray when the temperatures are in the mid 70’s. If the temperature is too hot, fruit ripening can be accelerated.

Table 1. A quick comparison of compounds registered as stop drops.

Parameter	ReTain	Fruitone, PoMaxa, or Refine	Harvista
Active Ingredient	AVG	NAA	1-MCP
What Is Blocked	Ethylene production	Stem loosening	Ethylene action
Drop Delay (Approximate)	10–14 days	5–7 days	10–14 days
Fruit Ripening	Slowed	Advanced	Slowed
Fruit Color	Delayed	No effect	Somewhat delayed
Fruit Softening	Delayed	No change or advanced	Delayed
Applied (Relative to Drop)	2-4 weeks before	Just prior to	Just prior to
Rescue Option?	No	Yes	Yes
Days to Take Effect	>7	~2	~2
Split Sprays Helpful	Yes	Yes	Not applicable
REI	12 hours	48 hours	4 hours
PHI	7 days	2 days	3 days

Cited from 2024-2025 Penn State Tree Fruit Production Guide page 79.

For additional details on utilizing plant growth regulators for harvest management read:

2025/2026 New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide Chapter 10. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=e002

Apple PGRs – Prevention of Preharvest Drop in Apple Orchards – Production and Harvesting – Fruit – Forage and Food Crops (psu.edu)

Blueberry Webinar Series September 2026 – Registration is Open!

Janine Spies — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:04:02 +0000

Registration is open for a 4-part live virtual webinar series for commercial blueberry producers co-organized by Rutgers University and Penn State University. Scan the QR-code on the attached flyer or follow the link to register: https://extension.psu.edu/commercial-blueberry-update

When: Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2026
(11:00 AM-12:30 PM ET)

Registration deadline: September 7, 2026

Registration fee: $20

NJ recertification credits are available:

Certification Area 1A (Agricultural Plant): 2 units
Certification Area 10 (Demonstration and Research): 2 units
Private Applicator Category (PP2): 2 units

Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar.

Farming Twilight Meeting

Claudia Gil Arroyo — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:48:20 +0000

October 22, 2026
6:00PM – 8:30 PM

Location:
1076 Seahorse Winery
Seashore Road
Cape May NJ 08204

Program

6:00 PM – Registration / Light Refreshments

6:15 PM – Welcome – Claudia Gil Arroyo, County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of
Cape May County; Rutgers NJAES

6:20 PM – James Shope, PhD., Assistant Extension Specialist in Climate Services
Department of Environmental Sciences, SEBS, New Brunswick; Rutgers NJAES

6:50 PM – Joseph Heckman, PhD., Extension Specialist – Soil Fertility, Department of Plant Biology, SEBS, New Brunswick; Rutgers NJAES

7:20 PM – David Hlubik, Burlington County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of
Burlington County; Rutgers NJAES

7:50 PM – Patrick McMullen, County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Atlantic
County; Commercial Vegetable Production; Rutgers NJAES

Light refreshments will be served.

The following pesticide recertification credits will be awarded:

Please RSVP by October 20, 2025:
Jocelyn Shillingford 609-465-5115 ext. 3607 or capemayag@njaes.rutgers.edu

Research Twilight Meeting for Vegetable Growers – RSVP by August 10

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:30:55 GMT

Join us for a Research Twilight Meeting at the picturesque Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm on Wednesday, August 12, 2026! Attendees will gain practical information on management of corn earworm and cucurbit downy mildew paired with timely reminders on resistance management. We will tour the research plots and share updates on the current research activities underway, including new technology (drones, biodegradable mulch, autonomous robots) and updates on the IR-4 and tomato breeding programs. See the full agenda below.

Pesticide recertification credits have been approved for CORE (1), PP2 (3), 1A (3), and 10 (3).

The meeting will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Arrive on time for a light dinner thanks to sponsorship from the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey. Please note the address of the farm is 140 Locust Grove Rd, Pittstown, NJ 08867.

We request that you RSVP by August 10 so we may plan for the meal and the number of wagons needed. To RSVP, please complete this form or contact Ashley Higgins at higgins@somersetcountynj.gov or 908-526-6293.

5:00 PM – Sign-In at Main Building, Load Wagon, Welcome Remarks

5:15 PM – Insecticide Resistance: Recognition and Management (30 min)

Grayson Tung, Senior Coordinator, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), Rutgers University

5:45 PM – Corn Earworm Management: Bt Corn Variety Trial & Alternative Insecticides (30 min)

David Hlubik, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County
Amanda Quadrel, Senior IPM Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

6:15 PM – Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Evaluation in Tomato (15 min)

David Hlubik, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County

6:30 PM – Drone-Seeded Cover Crops into a Standing Pumpkin Crop (15 min)

Kate Brown, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County
Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County

6:45 PM – Cucurbit Downy Mildew: Monitoring and Management (30 min)

Amanda Quadrel, Senior IPM Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Andy Wyenandt, Extension Specialist in Vegetable Pathology, Rutgers NJAES
Stephen Komar, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County
Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County

7:15 PM – Updates from the Scarlet Sunrise Tomato Breeding Program (15 min)

Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County

7:30 PM – Organic, Interrow Weed Management in Bell Pepper: An Economic Comparison (15 min)

Kate Brown, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County
Meredith Melendez, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County
Sophie Lee, Extension Specialist in Farm Viability, Rutgers NJAES
Thierry Besanҫon, Extension Specialist in Weed Science for Specialty Crops, Rutgers NJAES

7:45 PM – Overview of the IR-4 Project and On-Site Trials (15 min)

Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County
Jennifer Fisher, Field Research Director, IR-4 Project, Rutgers University

8:00 PM – Return to Main Building, Sign Out, and Depart

Fruit IPM Report August 5, 2026

Janine Spies — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:44:10 +0000

It has been a wet start to the month, with parts of New Jersey receiving more than 4 inches of rainfall on Monday alone. On average, 4 inches of rainfall is typical for the whole month of August. With wet and hot conditions this week, the potential for disease pressure will be high and will be a driver in maintaining fungicide coverage in orchards as we approach harvest. Even in orchards without fruit, a minimal fungicide program is recommended to reduce inoculum for the next season.

Apples

Introduction to GAP Audit Prep – Online Training

Meredith Melendez — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:34 +0000

GAPs for fruit and vegetable producers: GAP audit prep and food safety plan writing workshop
Presented by educators from University of Minnesota, Colorado State University, Kansas State University, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. August 19th 9:30 – 2:30.

Using good food safety practices on your farm can reduce risks of foodborne illness, improve product quality and open new markets. Join national experts and experienced farmers for a deep dive into on-farm food safety practices you can use right now to reduce risks related to your fresh produce. The day will include practical guidance, tips and science-based best practices to ensure your produce is safe, fresh and wholesome. Register online. (registration form will indicate CST zone)

The course consists of two parts:

The morning is the educational training on GAPs concepts on the farm
The afternoon is preparing for and passing a GAP audit for your farm.

You can opt to attend just the morning, just the afternoon, or both sessions.

All attendees of the morning session will receive a certificate of attendance.

Morning: 9:30 – 1:30 EST: GAPs for fruit and vegetable farms

-Deep dive into best practices for the production and postharvest handling of fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce potential for contamination with foodborne pathogens

-Topics will include compost/manure use, water testing, safely washing vegetables, sanitizer use and guidelines, packing area designs and ideas, coolers, managing wildlife and pets, low-cost handwashing stands, employee training and more

-Time for questions and discussion about using the practices on your farm

Afternoon: 2:00 – 4:30 EST – Prepare for a GAP audit and write a food safety plan

-Do you want to prepare for and pass a GAP audit to sell your fresh produce to a buyer who requires it?

-The session will help cover the GAP audit process and your food safety plan so that you can pass an audit if needed.

-A farmer and educator from K-State will share what he has learned from years of passing GAP audits on his farm (costs, who to contact, what to expect), how to create a farm map, records, and reviewing the core aspects of a food safety plan. You will have all the information you need to prepare the needed documents for a GAPs audit.

-Note that the workshop will focus on the GAP/GHP audit, and will also provide information on the Harmonized GAP and the Harmonized GAP Plus+ audit.

Choose either the morning session only, afternoon session only, or the full day training (both are included for the $20 course fee). All participants of the morning session will receive a certificate of attendance.

Save the Date for Salem County Agronomy Twilight Meeting-2

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 19:04:49 GMT

Salem County Agronomy Twilight Meeting- 2

Monday, August 31, 2026

6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

51 Cheney Rd, Woodstown, NJ

(program starts at 6 pm; please arrive earlier)

Please Save the Date!

To register

856-769-0090

e_dehart@salemcountynj.gov

Schedule & Topics to be Covered

6:00 pm Welcome & Introduction

– Salvatore Mangiafico and Ramandeep Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Salem County)

6:15 pm Planting Timing and Nutrient Availability in Corn and Soybean Systems

– Jarrod Miller, University of Delaware

6:45 pm Sweet Corn Pest Management Updates: Scouting, IPM Strategies, and Responsible Pesticide Use

– Amanda Quadrel, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

7:15 pm Assessment of Agricultural Crop Damage by Black Bear in New Jersey

– Salvatore Mangiafico, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Salem County)

7:45 pm Corn Lodging Insights and Agronomic Research Updates

– Ramandeep Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Salem County)

8:15 pm Wrap-Up, Evaluations, & Pesticide Credit Submissions

– Salvatore Mangiafico and Ramandeep Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Salem County)

Pesticide Recertification Credits Applied for:

CORE (1), 1A (2), PP2 (2), and 10 (1). Credits are pending NJDEP approval.

Agri-Technology, Nursery, Agronomy, Fruit and Vegetable Research Twilight Meeting at RAREC: Wednesday August 26, 2026

Ramandeep Kumar Sharma — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:00:46 +0000

Agri-Technology, Nursery, Agronomy, Fruit and Vegetable Research Twilight Meeting at RAREC

Wednesday August 26^th, 2026 (4 pm until dark)

Location: Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC), 121 Northville Road, Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302

Hosted by: Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, Patrick McMullen, and Andy Wyenandt

Questions? Contact: Andy Wyenandt (wyenandt@njaes.rutgers.edu)

Dan Ward, Director, RAREC. Welcome to RAREC
Wesley Kline, Cumberland County Agricultural Agent
- ‘Impact of Cyclospora on fruit and vegetable production’ CORE: 30 minutes
Tim Waller, Cumberland County RCE Nursery Agent.
- ‘Useful Nursery and Ornamental Crops and Considerations’
Raul Cabrera, Extension Specialist in Nursery Production and Management.
- ‘Recent developments on substrates (for container-grown crops)’
Dan Ward, Director, RAREC; Rutgers Agrivoltiacs Program.
- ‘Update on the agrivoltaics research program at Rutgers’
Ann Nielsen, Extension Specialist in Entomology
- Emma Waltman, PhD candidate, ‘Land-use around farms impacts stink bug biological control’
- Amanda Furuya, Post-Doctoral Associate, ‘Tackling Spotted Lanternfly in South Jersey Vineyards’
- Octavio Menocal Sandoval, Post-Doctoral Associate, ‘Updating Monitoring and Management for Codling Moth in Apple’
Thierry Besancon, Extension Weed Specialist for Specialty Crops.
- ‘Update on new technologies for weed management in vegetable crops’
Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, Salem County Agricultural Agent.
- ‘Optimizing Nitrogen Rate and Application Timing for Corn Yield and Quality’
- ‘Evaluation of Sulfur Fertilizer Sources and Application Rates for Optimizing Soybean Growth and Yield in Southern New Jersey’
Maria Cramer, Senior Program Coordinator, Vegetable IPM,
- ‘Thrips management in tomatoes’
Patrick McMullen, Atlantic County Agricultural Agent.
- ‘Wilts of cucurbits: Identification and management’
Andy Wyenandt, Extension Specialist in Vegetable Pathology.
- ‘Updates on vegetable disease control’

NJDEP pesticide recertification credits are pending approval. Expected credits include CORE (1), PP2 (4), 1A (4), 3A (2), and Category 10 (3).

Salem County Agronomy Twilight Meeting 2 (Save-the-Date Flyer)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:14:57 GMT

Salem County Agronomy Twilight Meeting 2

Monday, August 31, 2026

6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

51 Cheney Rd, Woodstown, NJ

(program starts at 6 pm; please arrive earlier)

Please Save the Date!

To register

856-769-0090

e_dehart@salemcountynj.gov

Join us for an evening program focused on topics relevant to field crop production, including:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Updates
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs for Crop Production
Assessment of Agricultural Crop Damage by Black Bear in New Jersey
Corn Lodging Management and Agronomy Research Updates
Additional field crop production topics

Speakers and detailed agenda will be announced soon.

Pesticide Recertification Credits will be offered.

Credit details (category type and how many) will be announced soon (upon NJDEP approval).

Fruit IPM Report July 29, 2026

Janine Spies — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:16:05 +0000

Apples

Research Twilight Meeting for Vegetable Growers – Credits Assigned

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:29:19 GMT

Pesticide recertification credits have been approved for CORE (1), PP2 (3), 1A (3), and 10 (3).

5:00 PM – Sign-In at Main Building, Load Wagon, Welcome Remarks

5:15 PM – Insecticide Resistance: Recognition and Management (30 min)

Grayson Tung, Senior Coordinator, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), Rutgers University

5:45 PM – Corn Earworm Management: Bt Corn Variety Trial & Alternative Insecticides (30 min)

David Hlubik, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County
Amanda Quadrel, Senior IPM Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

6:15 PM – Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Evaluation in Tomato (15 min)

David Hlubik, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County

6:30 PM – Drone-Seeded Cover Crops into a Standing Pumpkin Crop (15 min)

Kate Brown, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County
Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County

6:45 PM – Cucurbit Downy Mildew: Monitoring and Management (30 min)

Amanda Quadrel, Senior IPM Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Andy Wyenandt, Extension Specialist in Vegetable Pathology, Rutgers NJAES
Stephen Komar, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County
Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County

7:15 PM – Updates from the Scarlet Sunrise Tomato Breeding Program (15 min)

Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County

7:30 PM – Organic, Interrow Weed Management in Bell Pepper: An Economic Comparison (15 min)

Kate Brown, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County
Meredith Melendez, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County
Sophie Lee, Extension Specialist in Farm Viability, Rutgers NJAES
Thierry Besanҫon, Extension Specialist in Weed Science for Specialty Crops, Rutgers NJAES

7:45 PM – Overview of the IR-4 Project and On-Site Trials (15 min)

Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County
Jennifer Fisher, Field Research Director, IR-4 Project, Rutgers University

8:00 PM – Return to Main Building, Sign Out, and Depart

Fruit IPM Report July 21, 2026

Janine Spies — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 03:03:45 +0000

Apples

August Twilight Meeting for Vegetable Growers

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:07:38 GMT

Join us for a Research Twilight Meeting at the picturesque Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm on Wednesday, August 12, 2026!

Attendees will gain practical information on management of corn earworm and cucurbit downy mildew paired with timely reminders on resistance management. We will tour the research plots and share updates on the current research activities underway, including new technology (drones, biodegradable mulch, autonomous robots) and updates on the IR-4 and tomato breeding programs. Pesticide recertification credits have been requested for CORE, PP2, 1A, and 10. See the full agenda below.

5:00 PM – Sign-In at Main Building, Load Wagon, Welcome Remarks

5:15 PM – Insecticide Resistance: Recognition and Management (30 min)

Grayson Tung, Senior Coordinator, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), Rutgers University

5:45 PM – Corn Earworm Management: Bt Corn Variety Trial & Alternative Insecticides (30 min)

David Hlubik, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County
Amanda Quadrel, Senior IPM Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

6:15 PM – Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Evaluation in Tomato (15 min)

David Hlubik, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County

6:30 PM – Drone-Seeded Cover Crops into a Standing Pumpkin Crop (15 min)

Kate Brown, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County
Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County

6:45 PM – Cucurbit Downy Mildew: Monitoring and Management (30 min)

Amanda Quadrel, Senior IPM Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Andy Wyenandt, Extension Specialist in Vegetable Pathology, Rutgers NJAES
Stephen Komar, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County
Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County

7:15 PM – Updates from the Scarlet Sunrise Tomato Breeding Program (15 min)

Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County

7:30 PM – Organic, Interrow Weed Management in Bell Pepper: An Economic Comparison (15 min)

Kate Brown, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County
Meredith Melendez, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County
Sophie Lee, Extension Specialist in Farm Viability, Rutgers NJAES
Thierry Besanҫon, Extension Specialist in Weed Science for Specialty Crops, Rutgers NJAES

7:45 PM – Overview of the IR-4 Project and On-Site Trials (15 min)

Peter Nitzsche, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County
Jennifer Fisher, Field Research Director, IR-4 Project, Rutgers University

8:00 PM – Return to Main Building, Sign Out, and Depart

Letter from New Jersey Department of Agriculture concerning cyclospora

Wes Kline — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:04:35 +0000

There have been several reports concerning Cyclospora in the news lately and the NJDA and Rutgers Cooperative Extension wanted to update growers as to the status in New Jersey. Below is a statement from NJDA.

Dear New Jersey Residents and Consumers,

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture wants to emphasize that no produce coming from New Jersey farms has been linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak. To date, no New Jersey-grown produce has been identified as a source of cyclosporiasis cases. National and New Jersey health officials and experts are continuing to investigate the outbreak and monitor any cases.

Our Jersey Fresh farmers meet the high-quality standards imposed not only by their own compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) but also with the quality-grading standards of the Jersey Fresh program.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture will continue keeping the public informed about any produce categories grown in New Jersey that have been identified by health experts as being a risk.

To help protect against cyclosporiasis and other foodborne illnesses, NJDOH and NJDA recommend:

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing fresh fruits and vegetables.
Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water, even if you plan to peel them.
Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing or eating.
Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.

Edward D. Wengryn

New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture