Landscape, Ornamentals, Nursery, & Turf Edition - Rutgers Plant and Pest Advisory

Call Before You Dig

Michelle Infante-Casella — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:08:46 +0000

“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

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:41:49 GMT

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

Box tree moth Quarantine Expanded; Now includes Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May Counties

Tim Waller — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:47:53 +0000

UPDATE: Emergency BTM Compliance Agreement Meeting with NJDA

– Seabrook Firehouse, 3PM – Monday 31st

(Free – just show up if within a quarantined county)

90 Foster Road, Bridgeton (Upper Deerfield Township), NJ 08302

This PPA post has no legal bearing.

This is a long but extremely important post about the expansion of the Box Tree Moth (BTM) Quarantine into the major boxwood production counties of New Jersey. This impacts everyone in NJ – Please read this message.

What is box tree moth:

Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is an invasive insect pest native to East Asia, as its larvae are voracious feeders that can completely defoliate and kill Boxwood (Buxus species) plants. The aggressive, destructive nature of the Box Tree Moth’s caterpillar life stage makes it essential to quickly take action as soon as damage is detected as defoliation can occur within 10 days. The risk of human movement of infested nursery stock, plant material, and debris will rapidly expand the pest’s range. The nursery and landscape industries that rely on Boxwood plants generate more than $9.8 million in economic activity annually within New Jersey and an estimated $140 million annually throughout the United States, according to data provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) National Agricultural Statistics Service. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (“Department”) has determined the Box Tree Moth to be an injurious insect that is dangerous and destructive to the horticultural and agricultural industries, residential landscapes, and heritage plantings of Boxwood plants throughout the State.

On June 10, 2026, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDAAPHIS) confirmed that Box Tree Moth was detected on residential plantings in Middle Township, Cape May County, New Jersey, and this was the first confirmed detection of this pest in New Jersey.

On August 21, 2026, the Department and USDA staff further detected Box Tree Moth on residential plantings in Commercial Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey; and the detection of Box Tree Moth in Cumberland County also threatens the nearby area of Atlantic County. USDA-APHIS has previously detected Box Tree Moth in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan, and every one of these states established intrastate quarantines that restrict the movement of host plants, plant parts, and any articles capable of harboring life stages of the Box Tree Moth.

All life stages of box tree moth are active in southern NJ as of today, 8/27/2026.

What is happening: Expansion of quarantine into Cumberland and Atlantic Counties

Important information from: Box Tree Moth Quarantine Order for Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties New Jersey State Board of Agriculture, Approved by State Board of Agriculture on August 26, 2026 – PLEASE READ THE DOCUMENT – This is a ‘Stop Shipment’ level event in those counties.

“C. Quarantine area

By order of the State Board of Agriculture pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:1-21.5 and N.J.S.A. 4:7, in order to control the spread of Box Tree Moth the following Counties are hereby quarantined:
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Atlantic County
This Order shall not be construed to limit the Department’s authority to quarantine additional counties, as necessary, consistent with its existing statutory authorities.”

“II. THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following requirements and restrictions concerning the movement of Boxwood plants, debris, and other regulated articles shall take effect:

Restrictions on movement of plant material; Disposal

No business may move any regulated articles listed in this Order outside the quarantine area designated in this Order without a signed Compliance Agreement and certification issued by the Department.
A private individual or non-business entity seeking to move any regulated articles listed in this Order outside the quarantine area designated in this Order (Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic Counties) must first receive prior written authorization from the Department.
Infested or dead Regulated articles must be disposed of within the designated quarantined area (Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic Counties). This requirement is applicable to all businesses, including those with a signed Compliance Agreement and certification.

Regulated articles

Regulated articles are as follows:
Boxwood plants (Buxus species).
Boxwood plant debris or dead boxwood plant material;
The Box Tree Moths at any life stage; and d. Any means of conveyance for the Boxwood plant including, but not limited to: soil, pots, containers, and truck beds, or when it is determined by the Department that the regulated article presents a risk of spreading Box Tree Moth.”

“F. Mandatory Compliance Agreement for businesses; certification

No regulated articles may be moved out of the designated quarantine area of Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties, unless in compliance with the requirements set forth in this section.
Businesses moving regulated articles out of the quarantine area are required to sign a Compliance Agreement and receive a certification issued by the Department prior to moving the regulated articles.
The technical requirements, specifications, and standards for compliance with this Order are set forth in the Compliance Agreement labeled “BTM Compliance Agreement” at https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/BoxtreeMoth.shtml (www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/pdf/2026_BTM%20NJ%20Comp%20Agmt.pdf)
This includes technical requirements for the proper use of traps, pre-inspections of plant materials, employee training requirements, recordkeeping requirements, and the proper use of insecticides.
The “Pest Management Plan“” required by the Compliance Agreement shall be considered satisfied by the execution of the compliance agreement itself.
The “Certification” referenced in the Compliance Agreement is a general-use certificate authorizing a business to move Boxwood plants and other regulated articles out of the quarantine area in compliance with these rules. The Department does not require individual certificates for individual movements of regulated articles by businesses.”

If you operate in Cumberland, Cape May, & Atlantic Counties:

Read and understand:
- Box Tree Moth (BTM) Compliance Agreement for BTM Regulated Nurseries & Nursery Stock Plant Dealers [NJ]
  - Understand each section of the Compliance Agreement as this is the only path forward to resume shipping from quarantined counties.
- Box Tree Moth Quarantine Order for Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties New Jersey State Board of Agriculture, Approved by State Board of Agriculture on August 26, 2026
  - Understand that this applies to ANYONE transporting any part of a boxwood from the quarantined counties. Understand disposal, this pest has caused severe landscape damage already in southern NJ.
Visit the NJ Department of Agriculture Box Tree Moth (BTM) webpage
Start the process of obtaining the mandatory traps, pheromone lures, and pesticide strips.
1. From Compliance Agreement –
3. Below is from the NJDA BTM website (linked above)
  1. Alpha Scents, Inc:
    - BTM Lure: https://alphascents.com/products/box-tree-moth-lure
    - Uni-trap (green): https://alphascents.com/collections/traps-1/products/uni-trap-green
  2. Evergreen Growers Supply
    - BTM Lure: https://www.evergreengrowers.com/box-tree-moth-lure.html
    - Uni-trap (green): https://www.evergreengrowers.com/green-uni-trap.html
  3. ChemTica
    - Uni-Trap (green) https://www.chemtica.com/site/?p=3700
  4. Great Lakes IPM
  5. Trece
    - has lures and may have green bucket traps: https://www.trece.com/products/insect-traps-lures/
Note: If you have already been utilizing the monitoring traps – please contact your local nursery inspector to expedite the Compliance Agreement process and ability to resume shipping.
Seek Compliance Agreement training:
1. Contact your local NJDA Nursery inspector to establish training appointments.
2. Attend the Rutgers/NJDA/NJNLA BTM Training session on Sept. 17th – see details below. This is open to operators both within and outside of the quarantined counties and will count as the mandatory first step in Compliance Agreement training, regardless of your counties quarantine status.
Understand the mandatory pesticides as described in the Compliance Agreement – See Appendix 1. Insecticides for BTM control

Steps to take if you see this pest:

Report BTM observations
- New Jersey Department of Agriculture – Box Tree Moth (BTM) website (click here)
- Direct link to NJDA – BTM Reporting Tool (click here)
THEN Eradication:
- Treat infested plants with Compliance Agreement cited materials (within Compliance Agreement – Appendix 1). Follow all label requirements, especially REIs. The label is the law.
- Only after treatment efficacy has been confirmed and REI completed can you consider moving to the next step.
(If applicable) Removal:
- Once REI is complete, and the pesticide treatments are lethal to BTM, remove infested boxwoods. Boxwoods should be double bagged and taken to an in-county municipal dump.

Please educate yourself about this pest – Resources

If you see any significant amount of caterpillars in a boxwood plant it is EXTREMELY likely to be Box Tree Moth (BTM)

Video: Click here for- “Demystifying Box Tree Moth” – HRI
Factsheet: Box Tree Moth: Fact Sheet, Management & Visual Guide
OSU Guide: What to look for with Box Tree (Boxwood) Moth
USDA-APHIS Box Tree Moth : APHIS BTM Landing page

Box Tree Moth (BTM) Compliance Agreement Training + Rutgers RAREC Nursery Twilight 9/17/2026

Nursery & Ornamentals Twilight Meeting

Collaboratively held by RCE, NJNLA, & NJDA

Location: Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC)

121 Northville Rd., Bridgeton, NJ 08302-5919

3:00PM to 4:00PM:

Meeting: Box Tree Moth Compliance Agreement Training – Collaboratively held by RCE, NJNLA, and NJDA.

Please join if you grow, manage, or transport boxwoods. This official NJDA training satisfies the first mandatory requirement to be in compliance if the quarantine expands.

Anticipated credits: 2-PP2, 2-3A, 2-9, Certificate of Completion

_______________________________

4:00PM to 7:30PM:

Meeting: Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) – Nursery & Ornamentals Twilight

Collaboratively held by RCE & NJNLA

4:00 pm – Arrival / Networking / Vendors / Look at plots

4:30 pm – Dinner (BBQ Boyz) / Networking / Vendors

5:30 pm – Presentation (1hr): (Outside) Ornamental IPM Implementation (Waller & Errickson)

6:30 pm – Presentation (1hr): (Inside) CORE SAFETY UPDATES (Presenter TBD)

7:30PM – Adjourn and signing for credits

Anticipated credits: 2-PP2, 2-CORE, 2-3A, 2-2, 2-1A, 2-10

Registration is required – Click here to register (select Guest if not a NJNLA member) (link fixed*)

Credits Approved! Landscape IPM Walk at the David C. Shaw Arboretum in Holmdel Park

William Errickson — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:47:49 +0000

September 3rd, 2026 – 9:00am to 11:30am

Location: 44 Longstreet Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733

NJ Pesticide License Recertification Credits

3A: 5
8C: 5
10: 5
PP2: 5

Steve Rettke: IPM Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Bill Errickson, PhD: Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

Tim Waller, PhD: Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cumberland County

This program will provide hands-on experience in IPM best management practices. Participants will tour the ornamental plants of the David C. Shaw Arboretum at Holmdel Park and learn about scouting, monitoring, timing, insect and disease ID for common issues in our area. Safe application of pesticides with a focus on reduced risk materials will also be covered for each pest. The Shaw Arboretum contains specimens of many of the common plant species that green industry professionals work with in the field, making it an ideal environment to learn about proper best management practices for common problems that they may encounter in their operations.

This program is geared towards commercial nursery growers and landscapers.

Space is limited.

Pre-registration is required: $25 (cash, check, or purchase order)

Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

732-431-7260

Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

Hosted by the Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth and Cumberland County

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.

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.

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).

Landscape IPM Walk at the David C. Shaw Arboretum in Holmdel Park

William Errickson — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:42:39 +0000

September 3rd, 2026 – 9:00am to 11:30am

Location: 44 Longstreet Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733

NJ Pesticide License Recertification Credits

3A: TBD
8C: TBD
10: TBD
PP2: TBD

Steve Rettke: IPM Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Bill Errickson, PhD: Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

This program is geared towards commercial nursery growers and landscapers.

Space is limited.

Pre-registration is required: $25 (cash, check, or purchase order)

Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

732-431-7260

Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

Hosted by the Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth and Cumberland County

Blueberry Webinar Series September 2026 – Registration is Open!

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:04:02 GMT

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

Pesticide Credits Assigned- Specialty Crop Twilight Meeting August 20

David Hlubik — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:26:25 +0000

Pesticide credits have been assigned for this event:

CORE (1), PP2 (1), 1A (1), 10 (1)

Join us at the Rutgers Specialty Crop Research and Extension Station on Thursday August 20, 2026 for a Specialty Crop Twilight Meeting. The event will run from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and will be held at 283 Route 539, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514.

This event will be a great opportunity for growers to see a demonstration of eight biodegradable plastic mulches and various ornamental nursery crops in a field setting. The full agenda is below.

This event is free, but pre-registration is required:

Please RSVP by August 13th to reserve your spot:

Contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

at 732-431-7260 or Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

5:30 PM – Sign-In, Light Dinner Served

5:55 PM – Welcome Remarks

6:00 PM – Pesticide Safety: Reading the Label and Selecting the Proper Product

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

6:30 PM – Biodegradable Plastic Mulch for Tomato Production (Field Tour)

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

7:00 PM – Blight Resistant Boxwoods and Alternative Shrubs (Field Tour)

William Errickson, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

Special thanks to the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey for sponsoring dinner!

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).

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

Rutgers Ornamental IPM Webinar Featuring Guest Speaker Joe Boggs

William Errickson — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:09:25 +0000

Join us for the next session of the 2026 Rutgers Ornamental IPM Webinar Series

Tuesday, July 28th 12pm to 1pm.

The Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program hosts free live webinars on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from April through September.

The next session will feature Live IPM Updates for Green Industry Professionals and a presentation by Joe Boggs, Assistant Professor at Ohio State University Extension, on Taking Pictures for Insect Identification. https://bygl.osu.edu/node/51

All webinars are recorded and the slideshows can be downloaded for reference.

Here is the link for the recording of our last session on 7/14/26 featuring Live Pest Updates and a presentation by Paul Kurtz from NJDA speaking on Oak Diseases https://rutgers.zoom.us/rec/share/g7qt5jzed2o-vMK7YBT80vNTrlBStZ5XBFRce0GHEKyFIcvivtVDTNcKE1Diw0A-.IDvT98ltArj5T72O

Passcode: bq4UzSs#

The printable slides can be accessed here: https://go.rutgers.edu/furqrefl

Or by scanning this QR code:

Visit the Rutgers Nursery IPM Website to sign up for this free program if you are not already enrolled: https://sites.rutgers.edu/nursery-ipm/

Please keep sending us your insect/disease photos and communicating what you are seeing in the field. We appreciate it and it helps everyone out!

Specialty Crop Twilight Meeting August 20

David Hlubik — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:03:31 +0000

This event will be a great opportunity for growers to see a demonstration of eight biodegradable plastic mulches and various ornamental nursery crops in a field setting. The full agenda is below.

This event is free, but pre-registration is required:

Please RSVP by August 13^th to reserve your spot:

Contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

at 732-431-7260 or Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

Pesticide recertification credits have been requested and will be assigned soon.

5:30 PM – Sign-In, Light Dinner Served

5:55 PM – Welcome Remarks

6:00 PM – Pesticide Safety: Reading the Label and Selecting the Proper Product

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

6:30 PM – Biodegradable Plastic Mulch for Tomato Production (Field Tour)

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

7:00 PM – Blight Resistant Boxwoods and Alternative Shrubs (Field Tour)

William Errickson, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

Special thanks to the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey for sponsoring dinner!

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

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:04:35 GMT

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

Fillable Forms Now Requested by NJDEP Pesticide Control for Worker Protection Standards Training

Michelle Infante-Casella — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:59:46 +0000

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Pesticide Control Program is asking farmers to now use the fillable rosters for the required Worker Protection Standards training for both the “Handler” and “Worker” categories. Please see the correspondence from NJDEP PCP at the end of this article. The Handler rosters are the only rosters required to be sent to DEP after training workers as pesticide handlers. The Worker rosters are to be kept on file on the farm. Handler rosters must be sent to NJDEP within 30 days of training.

Fillable Handler Form https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/pesticides/bpc/wps/handler.pdf

Fillable Worker Form https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/pesticides/bpc/wps/worker.pdf

To contact NJDEP Pesticide Control Program, their address, phone and email are below:

Address: NJDEP Pesticide Control Program, 401 East State Street, Mail Code 401-04A, P.O. Box 420
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420

Phone: 609-984-6568

Email: wpspesticides@dep.nj.gov

Email correspondence received from NJDEP PCP on July 8, 2026:

Dear Growers,

To help us accurately review and process your handler training records, we ask that you please use the fillable Handler Training forms when documenting employee training.

Using the fillable forms ensures that employee names and other information are clear and legible when submitted. Handwritten forms can sometimes be difficult to read, which may delay the review process or require us to request additional information.

Please also note that fillable Worker Roster forms are available. Both the Handler Training forms and Worker Roster forms can be found on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Bureau of Pesticide Control website at https://dep.nj.gov/pesticides/compliance-enforcement/worker-protection/#agricultural-worker-protection-standard-guide.

Although the forms are fillable, handlers and workers must still sign the forms after completing the training.

We appreciate your cooperation in using these fillable forms for all future submissions. If you have any questions or need assistance accessing the forms, please let us know.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

NJDEP Bureau of Pesticide Control

Corn Lodging Reported Following Extreme Heat and Storm Events in Southern New Jersey

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:42:18 GMT

Reports of corn lodging have been coming from multiple locations across southern New Jersey (NJ) since last Sunday (July 5, 2026). We had a period of extreme heat across much of central and southern NJ from July 2 to 4, witnessing daytime temperatures reached 95 to 100°F and heat index values ranged between 105 and 115°F. Right after that, we had weekend thunderstorms that caused locally heavy rainfall and strong winds, resulting in saturated soil and decreased root grip/anchorage in corn fields. The rapid transition from extended heat-induced stress to wet soil conditions and strong winds led to conditions conducive for root lodging, particularly in early planted (rapidly growing) corn with compromised root systems.

Figure 1: Severe lodging observed in taller, early planted corn following strong winds and heavy rainfall. Taller plants are more prone to wind-related lodging due to larger canopy size and increased leverage on the root system. (Photo Credit: Andrew Wyenandt, 2026)

Figure 2: Less severe lodging observed in a comparatively shorter corn field after the same storm event. Decreased plant height and canopy development likely contributed to higher resistance to wind-induced root lodging. ((Photo Credit: Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, 2026)

Assessing the Type of Lodging

Farmers are advised to wait for three to seven days (or until the field conditions allow) after the lodging event to check their fields to determine the type and extent of injury. Two types of wind injury are commonly seen in corn:

Root lodging: Plants get displaced from the vertical, but the stalk remains intact. Roots are partially displaced/lifted while staying attached to the ground. Generally, these plants recover naturally by bending upward over the following several days through normal gravitropic (against the direction of gravity) growth.
Green or Stalk Snap (breaking of stalk): Stalks are broken from below or near the ear. In this case, affected plants cannot recover so they directly contribute to the yield loss, which is generally in proportion to the percentage of broken plants.

Management Recommendations

There is no direct management practice that can reinstate corn to its pre-lodged position. Instead, management is mainly focused on minimizing additional stress, allowing the crop time to recover, and evaluating potential impacts on yield.

Farmers are advised to allow time (three to seven days) for recovery before making final evaluations on root-lodged corn fields. Corn expresses negative gravitropism, by which the plants that have their root systems still intact, will naturally stand back upright, often developing the characteristic “gooseneck” appearance.
It is not suggested to manually straighten lodged plants. Attempting to unbend or stand plants upright can damage root systems and increase plant stress, often causing more injury than benefit.
It is advised to delay non-essential field traffic/operations until soil is sufficiently dry to reduce additional root injury, soil compaction, and mechanical damage to lodged plants. Bringing equipment in lodged corn fields causes more yield loss than the lodging itself.
Farmers are encouraged to continue scouting their fields for foliar diseases and stalk rots. Lodged plants usually stay wetter for long durations, providing conditions conducive for diseases such as gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, and tar spot (where present). Plants injured by wind are more prone to stalk rots later in the season. Routine disease scouting should continue. Fungicide applications should not be justified by lodging alone. However, fungicide decisions should be guided by i) what the growth stage of crops is, ii) how much the disease pressure is, iii) how vulnerable the hybrid is, iv) what the weather conditions are, and v) what is the expected yield goal.
Farmers are advised to evaluate the potential for nitrogen loss. For example, if heavy rainfall resulted in prolonged soil saturation, the likelihood of nitrogen loss should be assessed taking denitrification or leaching into account, which is very notable on southern NJ’s coarse-textured or poorly drained soils. Supplemental nitrogen should only be applied if field conditions, crop growth stage, and expected yield response justify additional applications.
Fields should be reassessed after one week. Fields that stay severely lodged even after five to seven days may have suffered more substantial root injury and should be monitored closely throughout the rest of the growing season.
It is advised to keep monitoring the stalk quality to help prioritize harvest (if and where needed). Wind-damaged fields should be scouted later in the season for stalk deterioration and increased lodging potential. Fields with decline in stalk quality should be prioritized for harvest to minimize additional yield losses.
Affected farmers are advised to document and report affected acreage and estimated losses to their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. Accurate reporting will be helpful in documenting the extent of damage and in supporting the evaluation of potential disaster assistance (if applicable).
In case of suspected significant damage and if insured, it is suggested to make timely communication with the crop insurance provider (if warranted) and to follow policy requirements before making management decisions that could affect claim evaluation.

References

GovOneStop. (2026, July 2). New Jersey severe extreme heat warning effective 07/02/2026. https://govonestop.com/nws/new-jersey-severe-extreme-heat-warning-effective-07022026-0051-0

Merchantville. (2026). Dangerous heat through Saturday. Merchantville News. https://www.merchantville.com/index.php/news/local/new-jersey/10067-dangerous-heat-through-saturday

Quinn, D. (2024, July 11). “Flattened” or “Root Lodged” corn caused by heavy rain and wind – Now what? Purdue Extension Pest&Crop Newsletter, 2024(16). Purdue University. https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/newsletters/pestandcrop/article/flattened-or-root-lodged-corn-caused-by-heavy-rain-and-wind-now-what/

University of Kentucky, Department of Plant Pathology. (n.d.). Wind damage/lodging. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. https://veggiescout.mgcafe.uky.edu/wind-damagelodging

Dangerous Heat: Actions to Stay Safe

Kate Brown — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:40:59 +0000

Dangerous heat will impact NJ and the region this week, with maximum air temperatures Wednesday to Saturday forecasted to reach the mid-90s to 105 degrees. The heat index, which factors in relative humidity, is expected to soar as high as 110 degrees. As a result, an Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for the majority of NJ (Wednesday to Saturday) with an Extreme Heat Watch being issued for the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland (Thursday to Saturday).

Precautions must be taken to prevent heat-related illnesses among the agricultural workforce:

Adjust work schedules and discontinue outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day.
1. You can utilize the OSHA/NIOSH Heat Safety Tool (phone app) for site-specific heat indices to aid planning.
2. Remember: heat index is measured in the shade and does not factor in the effect of work in direct sunlight.
Reduce workload intensity by increasing the number of workers per task, rotating jobs, and increasing the frequency of breaks.
Train everyone on the farm to recognize and respond to signs of heat-related illness in themselves and others.
1. Reinforce training with signage such as this informative ‘Prevent Heat Illness at Work’ poster from OSHA which is available in English, as well as Spanish.
Keep hydrated! Cool water should always be available to everyone. Drink water constantly including before, during, and after work and encourage others to do the same. Sports drinks are generally not necessary when you drink ample water and eat regular meals.
Select light-colored, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Your clothing must allow for rapid evaporation of sweat – the body’s mechanism for cooling.

Take extreme caution over the next several days to safeguard yourself and others from heat-related illnesses. For more resources on preventing heat-related illness among the agricultural workforce, visit our Heat Stress and Agriculture website.

Nutrient and Management Tips for New Jersey Soybean Production

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:03:14 GMT

In New Jersey, soybeans generally do well in terms of productivity, but final yield largely depends on early-season soil conditions, balanced plant nutrition, and timely field management, particularly in sandy soil areas of the Coastal Plain and Southern part of New Jersey.

Importance of early-season establishment

The final yield potential (to be achieved later in the season) of soybean largely depends on how the crop established early in the season. If there is a poor emergence or is nutrient deficiency in early growth stages, it can decrease the final number of pods per acre and slow down the canopy growth. So, primary areas of focus during the early season are:

To ensure uniformity in planting depth and better seed-to-soil contact for better emergence/stand count.
To avoid planting into cold/wet soil to save emerging seeds from cold injury.
To ensure strong nodulation for better rhizobium activity.

Nutrients Management Considerations

Soybeans, being a leguminous crop, don’t need nitrogen (for the most part as they can fix most of their nitrogen needs by themselves), but they need other nutrients:

Phosphorus for early root development (to absorb water/nutrients and to anchor the plant in the soil) and nodulation. Very high (more than optimum) levels of phosphorus were seen in many New Jersey soils so, no phosphorus fertilizer is recommended for such soils. However, for the soils showing high/optimum phosphorus levels, it is still suggested to apply phosphorus at least in amount equivalent to that is removed by the soybean crop (40 lbs. P₂O₅/acre for a 40 Bu/acre of grain yield).
Potassium for water regulation and pod fill (determinant of final yield). To the soils showing potassium in high levels, it is still needed to apply 55 lbs. of K₂O/acre for a 40 Bu/acre of grain yield, to account for the potassium removed by the soybean crop. For soils showing below optimum potassium levels, the rate of potassium is recommended to be higher than the 55 lbs. of K₂O/acre, depending on what the yield goal is. For a yield goal of 40 Bu/acre, if potassium levels are below optimum, potassium recommendations are to apply between 70-170 lb. K₂O/acre depending on the potassium levels (180-0 lbs. K/acre) shown in soil test (Mehlich-3). Also, it is important to mention the fields with soybean planted as a double crop, where potassium removal from the preceding small grain crop should be accounted for in fertilization planning by adjusting the soil test potassium results to avoid early season potassium deficiency. For example, a 45 Bu/acre soybean crop removes roughly 100–114 lb. K/acre (120–137 lb. K₂O/acre) from soil when potassium removed by the preceding small grain crop and its straw is also included with the potassium removed by soybean grain.
Sulfur has been increasingly becoming critical for last two decades, especially in highly leached, low organic matter, and sandy soils because of the decrease in natural sulfur deposits in soil owing to the stricter environmental regulations after the enactment of clean air act of 1990. Sulfur recommendations for soybeans are 20-40 lbs./acre (if broadcasted) or 20-30 lbs./acre (banded).
Manganese is the micronutrient that is seen deficient in most of the South Jersey’s coarse textured soils. The deficiency is visible in the form of green veins with yellowness appearing between the veins. For soils having the history of Manganese deficiency, recommendations are 15 lbs./acre (broadcast) or 5 lbs./acre (banded) of Manganese, if applied by soil. If a foliar application, recommendations are to apply three times (1^st application as soon as the symptoms appear, 2^nd application on later vegetative stage, and 3^rd at early pod stage) with each application of 0.5-2.0 lbs./acre.
Maintaining pH between 6.2 and 6.8 is generally good for all nutrient’s availability. However, if pH is outside this range, the nutrients that are present in the soil still become unavailable to the soybean plant.

In many New Jersey soybean fields, mild potassium and sulfur deficiencies are more prevalent compared to visible nitrogen deficiency.

Management specific to the Southern New Jersey Soils

Southern New Jersey’s sandy soils lose nutrients rapidly due to high leaching, lose moisture faster during reproductive stages, and encounter nutrient stress even when soil test results say, “adequate level”. Therefore, split or targeted nutrient management and regular soil testing are very helpful.

In-season crop management

At R1 (flowering stage) to R3 (early pod set stage), it is suggested 1) to be watchful for yellowing on leaves or uneven canopy development, 2) to keep checking if nodulation working effectively (red/pink nodules signify better nitrogen fixation), and 3) to ensure no hidden potassium or sulfur deficiency, especially when high rainfall occurs (high leaching rate).

Takeaways (Summary)

Improved soybean yields in New Jersey are tied to 1) good early season establishment, 2) balanced nutrition of phosphorus, potassium (especially in double-crop soybean), sulfur, and manganese, 3) prudent monitoring of nutrient losses in sandy soils, and 4) timely field scouting during flowering and pod set. Taken together, productivity of New Jersey soybeans relies less on high inputs, but more on early-season balance (nutrition) and timely monitoring.

References

Huddell, A. M., Thapa, R., Marcillo, G. S., Abendroth, L. J., Ackroyd, V. J., Armstrong, S. D., & Mirsky, S. B. (2024). US cereal rye winter cover crop growth database. Scientific data, 11(1), 200.
New Jersey Soybean Board. (n.d.). NJ Production Guide. https://njsoybean.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/50737-8-New-Jersey-Tech-Transfer-Guide_LR6.pdf
Rutgers Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Soil fertility recommendations for soybean (FS102). Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
Heckman, J. R. (1992). Successful double cropping requires adequate soil fertility. The Soil Profile, 2(2). Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Sharma, R. K., Cox, M. S., Oglesby, C., & Dhillon, J. S. (2024). Revisiting the role of sulfur in crop production: A narrative review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 15, 101013.

Landscape IPM Walk at Deep Cut Gardens

William Errickson — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:15:41 +0000

June 30, 2026 – 9:00am to 11:00am

Location: Deep Cut Gardens, 152 Red Hill Rd., Middletown Township, NJ 07748

NJ Pesticide License Recertification Credits

3A: 4
8C: 4
10: 4
PP2: 4

This program will provide hands-on experience in IPM best management practices. Participants will tour the ornamental plants of Deep Cut Gardens and learn about scouting, monitoring, timing, insect and disease ID for common issues in our area. Safe application of pesticides with a focus on reduced risk materials will also be covered for each pest. Deep Cut Gardens contains specimens of many of the common plant species that green industry professionals work with in the field, making it an ideal environment to learn about proper best management practices for common problems that they may encounter in their operations. Boxwoods, roses, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous annual and perennial species will be covered. Landscape IPM Walk at Deep Cut Gardens Flyer

This program is geared towards commercial nursery growers and landscapers and will be led by:

Steve Rettke: IPM Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Bill Errickson, PhD: Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

Space is limited.

Pre-registration is required: $25 (cash, check, or purchase order)

Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

732-431-7260

Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

Hosted by the Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth and Cumberland County

Fertigation: Improving Nitrogen Management In New Jersey Vegetable Crops

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:25:08 GMT

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for vegetable production, but it can also be one of the easiest to lose (by leaching), especially on New Jersey’s sandy Coastal Plain soils. Heavy rainfall or excessive irrigation can move nitrogen below the crop root zone before plants have a chance to use it.

One way growers can improve nitrogen-use efficiency is through fertigation. Fertigation is the application of fertilizer through an irrigation system. In many New Jersey vegetable crops, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelons, and sweet corn, drip irrigation systems can be used to deliver small amounts of nitrogen throughout the season rather than applying all of it at planting.

Applying nitrogen in smaller, timely doses helps match crop demand and can reduce the risk of nutrient losses. Fertigation also gives growers more flexibility to adjust nitrogen programs based on crop growth and weather conditions. For example, following periods of heavy rainfall, growers can evaluate fields and make adjustments if additional nitrogen is needed.

Like any management practice, successful fertigation depends on proper irrigation scheduling. Applying too much water can still move nutrients below the root zone. However, when irrigation and fertilizer applications are properly managed, fertigation can be an effective tool to improve nitrogen efficiency, support crop productivity, and reduce nutrient losses.

When does fertigation make sense?

Fields equipped with drip irrigation systems.
High-value vegetable crops with season-long nutrient demand.
Sandy soils with greater leaching potential.
Situations where growers want flexibility to adjust nitrogen applications during the growing season

Common New Jersey crops where fertigation may be beneficial

Tomato, pepper, cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon, muskmelon, and sweet corn production systems that utilize irrigation.

Some common things to know when fertigating

Use only fully soluble fertilizers that can move easily through the irrigation system.
Base fertilizer selections on soil test results. Fields with high phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels may only require supplemental nitrogen during the season.
Common fertigation materials include soluble NPK fertilizers, calcium nitrate, and potassium nitrate.
Ensure fertilizer injectors are properly calibrated and matched to the flow rate of the irrigation system for uniform nutrient distribution.
Start irrigation first and allow the system to reach normal operating pressure before injecting fertilizer.
After fertigating, continue irrigating briefly to flush fertilizer from the drip lines.
Avoid over-irrigation, as excess water can move nutrients below the root zone and reduce fertilizer-use efficiency.
Regularly inspect drip lines, filters, and injectors to ensure the system is operating properly.
Calculate fertigation rates based on the actively cropped area rather than the entire field acreage.

References

Ernst, T., McWhirt, A., Zimmerman, T., Henderson, E., Duncan, M., and Lay-Walters, A. Basics of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation for Specialty Crops (FSA6160). University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
Johnson, G. 2010. Fertigating Drip Irrigated Vegetables. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Weekly Crop Update.
Kelley, L. 2026. Nitrogen Prices Spawn Interest in Fertigation. Michigan State University Extension.

NJ Freeze Disaster Designation and Emergency Loan Info (NJ Freeze Disaster Declaration Approved)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:22:28 GMT

The requested disaster declaration regarding Freeze from April 19, 2026, through April 22, 2026, has been approved by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins on June 8th, 2026. All 21 counties in New Jersey, seventeen (17) primary and four (4) contiguous, are covered by this designation.

A Secretarial Disaster Designation makes farm operators in primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for FSA emergency loans and disaster set aside, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in all counties have until February 8, 2027, to apply for emergency loan assistance. The Emergency Loan Fact Sheet provides further information on how producers may apply for this assistance with local FSA Offices.

Box Tree Moth CONFIRMED in Cape May, NJ

Tim Waller — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:41:02 +0000

Cape May County NJ, with inset of Rio Grande (township)

Box tree moth (BTM) has been confirmed in Cape May County, NJ.

An official NJDA press-release expected within days – this PPA post has no legal bearing.

What is happening:
Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) has been reported and Federally confirmed in the area of Rio Grande, Cape May County.
USDA and NJDA have established a monitoring zone surrounding the infestation.
A quarantine will be established for all of Cape May County, NJ.
The quarantine will apply to ANYONE moving boxwoods out of Cape May County
NJDA has an official reporting tool and website for BTM
If you see this pest 1) Report it, 2) Eradicate it, 3) remove it (if applicable) following guidelines

Please click the read more tab below for important information

Who this impacts:

ANYONE moving plants out of Cape May County, NJ will need to follow soon-to-be-released verbiage set forth by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture based on the Compliance Agreement for Production Nurseries in BTM Regulated Nurseries (click here) [PLEASE READ & UNDERSTAND THIS]
The Compliance Agreement will specifically impact production nurseries, plant sale businesses, and landscape professionals moving plants out of the quarantine zone.

Steps to take if you see this pest:

Report BTM observations
- New Jersey Department of Agriculture – Box Tree Moth (BTM) website (click here)
- Direct link to NJDA – BTM Reporting Tool (click here)
THEN Eradication:
- Treat infested plants with Compliance Agreement cited materials (within Compliance Agreement – Appendix 1). Follow all label requirements, especially REIs. The label is the law.
- Only after treatment efficacy has been confirmed and REI completed can you consider moving to the next step.
(If applicable) Removal:
- Once REI is complete, and the pesticide treatments are lethal to BTM, remove infested boxwoods. Boxwoods should be double bagged and taken to an in-county municipal dump.

Adapted from – Compliance Agreement – Appendix 1 – Pesticide List

Active	IRAC
Bifenthrin	[3]
Lambda cyhalothrin	[3]
Permethrin	[3]
Chlorantraniliprole	[28]
Cyantraniliprole	[28]

Please educate yourself about this pest – Resources

If you see any significant amount of caterpillars in a boxwood plant it is EXTREMELY likely to be Box Tree Moth (BTM)

Video: Click here for- “Demystifying Box Tree Moth” – HRI
Factsheet: Box Tree Moth: Fact Sheet, Management & Visual Guide
OSU Guide: What to look for with Box Tree (Boxwood) Moth
USDA-APHIS Box Tree Moth : APHIS BTM Landing page
[Draft] Compliance agreement: National Plant Board – Box Tree Moth

Left: BTM Damage. Center: BTM Caterpillars. Right: Adult BTM moths.

Stay informed

Sign up for the 2026 – Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program – click here to sign up
Program is free, but registration is required – 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 (for commercial nursery/greenhouse and Christmas tree farms)
- Access to live bi-weekly webinars (Zoom)
- (Next session – TUESDAY 6/23 @ 12PM)
- Every Second and Fourth, Tuesday, April through September
Visit the Rutgers Ornamental IPM Website Rutgers Ornamental IPM Website (click here) for updated webinar videos.