Tree Fruit Edition - Rutgers Plant and Pest Advisory

Fruit IPM Report for Week of 5/25/2026

Janine Spies — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:59:48 +0000

Following a rainy and cool Memorial Day weekend, temperatures remained mild in the 60s and 70s for the remainder of the week. Temperatures gradually increased to the lower 80s by the weekend.

We are seeing fruitlets beginning to drop, and additional drops are still expected throughout this month. Growers are encouraged to continue evaluating blocks carefully before making management decisions throughout the season.

Despite reduced crop potential, continued monitoring and management remain important, particularly in blocks with surviving fruit or where maintaining tree health and supporting return bloom for the 2027 season are priorities. See the recent post from Rutgers Extension Specialists and Cooperative Extension on Managing orchards with through a season with limited yields.

Apples

Farm Visitors Are Back: Are you required to let the public bring their animals onto your retail farm?

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:44:16 GMT

A spring reminder of what you can and cant do regarding the public wanting to bring animals to your direct market and/or agritourism farm:

An increasing number of customers are bringing animals with them when they visit farm markets, pick your own farms, or agritainment activities. Animals can pose a food safety risk to produce, introduce disease to farm animals, frighten or upset farm animals. Outside animals can also pose a risk to employees and other market customers and farm visitors. Farmers need to consider these occurrences when keeping in compliance with regulations and buyer requirements specific to food safety and biosecurity to protect their farm animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) governs what you are legally allowed to do in regards to customers with service animals visiting your market or on your farm. This fact sheet will cover the specifics of the ADA, animals that are not protected by the ADA regulations, and how to reduce potential risk on your farm from outside animals. States often have regulations that go beyond the federal ADA regulation, information represented in this fact sheet is specific to New Jersey. If you farm in another state please consult the state by state guide linked at the end of this article.

What do the ADA regulations cover?
While many types of animals can provide comfort and emotional support to their owners, only service animals are protected by the ADA, specifically Title II and III. The ADA regulations define “service animal” as dogs, and less commonly miniature ponies, that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities such as guiding a blind person, alerting people who are deaf, assisting a person in a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or other duties. The work or task that a service animal has been trained to perform must be directly related to the persons disability. Some of these disabilities are obvious, others are not.

What questions can you legally ask?
When it is not obvious to you that an animal is a service animal you may ask just two questions to determine if the animal is a service animal.
1) Is the service animal required because of a disability?
2) What work or task has the service animal been trained to perform?
The service animal must have been trained to perform a specific task or work for a person with a disability in order to qualify for protection under the ADA regulations. Note that service animals do not always wear vests or harnesses, and there is no paperwork or ID Card carried by anyone with a service animal.

What questions are you legally prevented from asking?
1) You may not ask about the persons disability.
2) You may not ask for proof of the persons disability.
3) You may not ask for documentation or proof that the service animal is trained.
4) You may not ask for an animal health certificate.

What should you do once you are satisfied the animal is a service animal?
1) Inform the handler which areas of the farm are open to the service animal and handler.
2) Inform the handler where the handwashing areas are located, and that they should wash their hands before handling and consuming produce.
3) Inform the handler of the proper area for the service animal to relieve themselves.
4) Inform the handler of where plastic bags and trash cans are available to them to dispose of fecal material.
5) Inform the handler of any farm policies specific to service animals.

Are comfort or emotional support animals protected by regulations?
Neither comfort nor emotional support animals are covered by the ADA regulations. Without the ADA regulatory protection these animals can be refused entry to your farm without fear of legal ramifications based on risk to your crops, your animals, farm employees or other farm customers.

What risks do outside animals pose for farm livestock and other farm animals?
When outside animals are present on your farm there are diseases that can be spread to and by your farm animals and livestock. Zoonotic diseases are diseases spread between humans and animals and include E. coli O157:H7, salmonella, and others. The most common way for these diseases to spread is through direct contact, indirect contact, vectors, and contaminated food. It has been estimated that six out of ten known infectious diseases impacting humans are spread also by animals. For more information on zoonotic disease risks and preventive controls visit the CDC Zoonotic Diseases webpage.

Can you deny entry to animals on the farm?
In general the ADA regulations state that service animals may be present where the public is normally permitted. You may restrict service animals from specific areas such as produce handling areas used for washing, packing, and storage (risk of food contamination), or livestock areas (natural predator/prey relationships that can upset farm animals or potentially be a source of disease transmission).

What is appropriate behavior for a service animal and their handler?
Service animals should always be under the control of their handler. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. Service animals have been trained on how to perform a service to their handler and should be focused on that task.

Can you ask someone with a service animal to leave the farm?
If the service animal is behaving in a way that indicates they are not under the control of their handler, or if the handler is unable to control the animal, you may ask them to leave. Examples of this type of behavior would be: consumption of produce, urination, marking, or defecation in the production areas, excessive barking, or aggressive behavior.

Can service animals go into you-pick areas?
You should consider your production practices and the risk involved with having an animal in your fields when determining what parts of the farm service animals can access . Crops grown in close proximity to the ground are inherently higher risk crops for contamination when compared to crops growing farther from the ground. Crops typically consumed raw are also higher risk, and in many pick-your-own settings the customers are eating produce in the fields as they pick. Contact with animals can increase the risk of contamination of that produce. Handwashing stations should be provided to give the customers an opportunity to clean their hands after touching the service animal.

Can service animals go into farm stores?
Service animals may be given access to store areas that are generally open to the public. Service animals would be prohibited from food processing areas, such as a store kitchen, due to contamination risk.

What should you provide to help reduce risk when service animals are on the farm?
While the presence of service animals on your farm is likely to be a rare event, you should be prepared by having a designated area for service animals to relieve themselves, complete with pick-up bags and a trash can to dispose of fecal material. Handwashing facilities should be available for the handler.

What if I let my customers bring animals onto my farm, without restrictions?
Should you allow animals other than service animals onto your farm be prepared to deal with customers with animals frequently. At minimum you should consider the following:
• Where will these animals urinate and defecate?
• What supplies will you provide to allow proper clean-up of defecation? (i.e. plastic bags and a trash can)
• Who will be trained to properly monitor this area to ensure that it does not become a contamination risk or an eyesore for your farm?
• Where will the customer handwashing station be so that their hands can be washed after handling their animal and after managing a defecation event?
• What signage will you need to instruct customers on your expectation for animal behavior and handling at the farm?
• How will you handle a situation when the animal and/or the handler is behaving inappropriately?

What are the steps to enforce your policies when someone wants to bring an animal on the farm?
Your own policies regarding service animals on your farm will dictate the conversation you have with a member of the public who wishes to bring an animal onto your property. Below are two examples of a farm policy:

Animals other than service animals will be asked to leave the farm.
If the disability is not known or obvious the handler will be asked the following questions to confirm the animal is a service animal:
- “Is the animal a service animal required for a disability?”
- “What task has the service animal been trained to do?”
If the animal is confirmed as a service animal, you will be informed of the following:
- Areas that are open to the handler and service animal
- Location of hand-washing areas
- Areas that the service animal can eliminate waste
- Policies at the farm specific to service animals
If the animal is not a service animal, you will be asked to remove the animal from the property.
If you refuse to leave the property, the police may be called.

Allowing Any Outside Animal onto the Farm Property by Customers

Animals are permitted on the farm property without restriction.
Customers are made aware of the farm policies regarding outside animals on the farm by prominent signage at:
- The farm entrance
- The designated animal relief area/s at the farm.
Signage will inform the customer the following:
- Areas that are open to the animal
- Location of hand-washing areas
- Situations that would warrant when it is appropriate to wash their hands
- Area/s that the service animal can eliminate waste
- Instructions for what the customer should do if their animal accidentally relieves themselves in inappropriate areas
Animal behavior that is considered unacceptable in the farm environment
- Consumption of produce
- Urination, marking, or defecation in areas outside of the designated relief area
- Excessive barking
- Aggressive behaviors towards other customers, employees, or farm animals
Customers who are not handling their animals in accordance with the farm policies may be asked to leave.

What do you need to do to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act/Produce Safety Rule or a buyer required third party audit?
Produce safety inspectors and auditors will focus on the potential risk of contamination with animals on your farm. You can expect questioning to focus on the production areas where the animals are permitted access, the areas that the animals are allowed to relieve themselves, how those areas are maintained, availability of handwashing facilities for the handler, and relevance and prominence of appropriate signage for the handler. Signage should indicate your expectations for the animal handler, locations of areas to support proper handwashing and trash disposal, and appropriate areas for the animal to urinate and defecate.

Where can I learn more about the ADA regulations on service animals?
ADA 2010 Revised Requirements – Service Animals https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html
State Specific Regulatory Table https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-assistance-animal-laws

Rutgers Cooperative Extension would like to thank The Seeing Eye, Inc., the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture, New Jersey Farm Bureau and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture for their assistance in developing this fact sheet.
Originally posted on the PPA 05/03/19

Late-Planted Corn in Southern New Jersey: What to Expect and How to Manage in 2026

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:52:11 GMT

USDA reports indicate that 93% of the U.S. corn crop was planted by May 31, 2026, slightly ahead of the five-year average, with strong emergence (76%) and 67% of the crop rated good to excellent. However, national progress does not always reflect local conditions. In southern New Jersey (NJ), cooler soil temperatures and variable field conditions pushed some planting into late May and early June. Understanding how these later planting dates influence corn growth and management is critical for optimizing yield potential this season.

Key Takeaways for Growers

Yield potential declines with delayed planting after mid-May: Corn planted in early June typically experiences a 5 to 15% yield reduction compared to mid-May planting in the Mid-Atlantic, depending on hybrid maturity and late-season weather.
Shorter vegetative period means fewer kernels per ear: Later planting compresses vegetative growth, often reducing leaf area development, kernel rows and kernel number per ear. This is the primary driver of yield loss, not necessarily kernel weight.
Higher risk of heat stress during pollination: June-planted corn is more likely to tassel and silk during peak July heat, increasing risk of poor pollination and kernel abortion.
Grain fill may extend into cooler fall conditions: Later planting can push grain fill into September–October, increasing risk of slower dry-down, higher grain moisture at harvest, and potential early frost damage (in extreme cases).

Nutrient and Soil Considerations

Nitrogen (N) management becomes more critical as rapid early growth in warmer soils can increase N demand. So, consider split N applications or sidedress timing carefully (V5–V7 window still key).
Sulfur (S) deficiency risk may increase as warmer, wetter early-season conditions can enhance S leaching in sandy NJ soils. Visual symptoms may appear earlier in late-planted corn due to rapid growth.
Potassium (K) uptake timing is compressed as K uptake peaks around V6–VT. So, ensure adequate soil K, especially in coastal plain sandy soils.

Management Adjustments for Late-Planted Corn

Consider slightly shorter maturity hybrids if planting delayed beyond mid-June. However, for early June planting, most full-season hybrids are still acceptable.
Increase scouting frequency as faster growth means shorter windows to correct deficiencies. Pay attention to N deficiency (lower leaves yellowing) and S deficiency (upper leaves yellowing).
Weed control timing is tighter as corn canopy closes faster making narrower herbicide application window.
Monitor soil moisture closely as late-planted corn often has higher evapotranspiration demand during peak summer.

Summary

Corn planted in early June may face moderate yield risk, but not a major loss under good conditions.
The 2026 season will largely depend on weather during pollination (July) and timely nutrient management, especially N and S.
With proper in-season management and favorable weather, much of the yield potential can still be preserved.

References

Squire, M. 2026. USDA Releases First 2026 Corn Condition Ratings. Successful Farming, June 2, 2026.
Crop Progress (June 2026) 19 USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service (chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://esmis.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/release-files/795928/prog2226.pdf)

Fruit IPM Report for Week of 5/18/2026

Janine Spies — Wed, 27 May 2026 17:21:23 +0000

Temperatures early in the week were hot, with highs in the low to mid 90s °F, before cooling later in the week and into the weekend, when temperatures hung in the mid to upper 50s °F. Cooler temperatures over the weekend were accompanied by approximately 1-2 inches of rain.

At this stage, surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify, although some additional drop is still expected in the next month. Growers are encouraged to continue evaluating blocks carefully before making management decisions throughout the season.

Apples

Networks to Reduce Risk: Field trip to Montclair Community Farms and Program Wrap up

Mon, 25 May 2026 04:00:06 GMT

Join us on Saturday, June 13, 2026, for the final event of the Networks to Reduce Risk: Building Viable NJ Farms program! We’re celebrating with a special field trip to Montclair Community Farms from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This fun wrap‑up event offers a great chance to explore urban agriculture, learn about sustainability and community food systems, and connect with fellow participants. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, and it’s the perfect opportunity to take photos and close out the program together. Registration is just $5—save your spot today! You can register at: https://go.rutgers.edu/lxjqrrv7

Grower Survey: Interest in Ginger and Turmeric Production in New Jersey?

Tue, 19 May 2026 12:15:18 GMT

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is seeking input from New Jersey growers regarding their interest in producing ginger and turmeric as specialty crops in the state. Information collected through this survey will help identify current production practices, perceived challenges, and research and Extension needs associated with ginger and turmeric production in the region.

Survey responses will also contribute to the development of a multi-state Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) preproposal led by University of Georgia, with Rutgers contributing to the weed management component of the project. The goal of this effort is to better understand grower needs and support future research and Extension programming focused on sustainable production practices for these emerging specialty crops.

The survey is brief and should take only a few minutes to complete.

Access the survey here:
Ginger and Turmeric Grower Interest Survey

We encourage participation from growers currently producing ginger or turmeric, as well as those interested in potentially incorporating these crops into their farming operation.

Thank you for your participation and support

Fruit IPM Report for Week of 5/11/2026

Janine Spies — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:59:36 +0000

Apples

Protecting your crops from heat stress

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:43:23 GMT

Spring in NJ this year has certainly been a whirlwind of conditions. While a few short weeks ago many were battling freezing temperatures, we now face extreme heat. Heat damage typically occurs when temperatures are sustained above 86℉ for long periods. With temperatures in the upper 90s and potentially exceeding 100℉ in some locations this week, you should take extra measures to protect your crops from heat damage. Newly planted transplants and young seedlings with shallow roots are particularly sensitive to extreme heat.

Symptoms of heat stress and heat damage including wilting, cupping of leaves, scorching on leaves and stems, and leaf drop.

Heat damage on romaine lettuce. Photo: RF Smith and MD Cahn, U of CA

Increasing irrigation is the best mitigation for most systems. Evaporative cooling allows plants to release heat in the form of water vapor through open pores or stomata on their leaves. When plants are low on water, they will close their stomata to retain turgidity, which in turn prevents evaporative cooling. To compensate for this, increase irrigation to prevent desiccation.

Planting on black plastic mulch should be avoided in the summer, as it will cause overheating. White plastic or metalized mulches are effective alternatives to control weeds, increase soil water retention, and reduce soil temperature. If black mulch is used, a foliar application of kaolin clay can be used as a reflective layer. Work conducted by R.J.G. Taveras at Virginia Tech found that applying 20-40 lb/A of Kaolin clay could maintain soil temperatures 10℉ cooler than black plastic alone.

Shade cloth can be placed over stakes or hoops to reduce soil and air temperature. Work by Dr. Emmalea Ernest at the University of DE found 30% shade cloth optimized benefits of cooling without reducing sunlight too drastically for the majority of vegetable crops.

Finally, avoid fertilizing or applying pesticides when temperatures are consistently above 86℉ to prevent burning the crop. Consult the product’s label for more specific guidance.

Contact your County Agent with concerns or questions. Stay cool!

April 2026 Frost Damage in Fruit Crops Survey

Hemant Gohil — Sun, 17 May 2026 23:25:49 +0000

We invite you to participate in a brief survey to better understand how April frost events have affected crop production, economic impact, and how growers are managing this risk. The information collected will help us assess the overall severity of the frost and compile broad, aggregated data to effectively communicate its impact to legislative offices and Farm Service Agency, and others. Your input will help also inform research and Extension programs to support fruit growers in New Jersey better.

Please note that your responses are strictly confidential and will only be reported in aggregate. You should be 18 years or older and involved in fruit production to respond to this survey. Approximate time – 10-12 min.

Ready to start? Please click the link below:

https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6zliIMszIABIRjU

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Seowoo Sophie Lee (seowoo.lee@rutgers.edu) or Hemant Gohil gohil@njaes.rutgers.edu

Thank you for your valuable time.

Sincerely,

This document was approved by the Rutgers University Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects on May 13, 2026.

NJDA Survey for 250+ Year Old NJ Farms

Nick Polanin — Fri, 15 May 2026 18:28:08 +0000

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture needs your help! The Department is gathering information on New Jersey farms that are 250 years old or older, as USDA and NASDA are recognizing farms marking 250+ years as part of the national Freedom250 celebration.

If your farm or a farm you know qualifies, please complete NJDA’s short form by clicking here — the submission deadline is this coming Monday, 5/18.

Fruit IPM Report 5/11/2026

Janine Spies — Tue, 12 May 2026 04:08:11 +0000

Apples

Networks to Reduce Risk: Field trip to Montclair Community Farms and Program Wrap up

Mon, 11 May 2026 04:00:18 GMT

Managing Orchards Through a Season With Limited Yields

Kaitlin Quinn — Fri, 08 May 2026 22:29:37 +0000

The recent freeze event April 20-21, 2026, has had wide ranging impacts on fruit crops statewide, including but not limited to peaches, nectarines, cherries, apples, pears, and plums. Across the state, significant injury to blossoms and young fruit has been confirmed, with many orchards reporting substantial crop loss. The extent of damage remains highly variable by location, elevation, crop, cultivar, and ultimately phenological stage at the time of the freeze, with the most severe injury observed in low-lying areas and orchard blocks that were at full bloom or petal fall.

Despite the reduced crop potential, continued pest monitoring and management remain important, particularly in blocks producing some fruit. Even where no fruit will be harvested, we need to adjust our approach to insect and disease management with a focus on maintaining healthy orchards for the next crop. Promoting tree health, maintaining low pest and disease inoculum, and supporting return bloom for the next season should be priorities for the remainder of this season.

Orchard Tree Care

Managing Crop Load in Apples

If fruitlets are expanding, there is a good chance they will set fruit.

Assessing internal browning of fruitlets shortly after a frost typically results in over estimation of damage; more time will be needed to determine both cropload and whether thinners will be warranted.

If you saw damage to the fruitlets but they are holding on and growing you will likely have misshapen fruit.

The most precise way to measure crop load THIS YEAR is to measure fruitlet diameter and input that data into the Cornell growth model (Malusim app).

The website can be found here: https://malusim.org and instructions on using Malusim can be found here: Clements-Malusim-app

The best way to assess how many fruits you will have per tree is by using the fruit growth rate model (measuring diameters twice over a 5-day period).

You should wait until fruits are 7mm before making the first measurement and then make a second measurement 5 days later and the model will predict what percentage of fruitlets are growing.

When you make the first measurement, tag 15 spurs on each of 5 trees for a total of 75 spurs.

When you enter the data in the Malusism app enter numbers for 5 fruits per spur even if the spur only has 1 or 2 fruits.  For the missing fruits enter a value of 0.1.

The result after the second measurement will be a % fruit set.  To estimate how many actual fruits will be on the tree you need to do whole tree counts of flower clusters on 5 trees.

If most of the spur flowers are killed and not growing, the bloom on one-year-wood should be preserved.  This is accomplished by waiting to apply thinners until the king fruit of those clusters is at least 12mm.  (By that time the fruits on spurs will be rather large, 16mm).  When the king fruits on the clusters from one-year-wood are 12mm, they are set well and will not thin off easily, but the lateral fruitlets on those clusters can still be thinned off.

If by the time fruits are 16mm on spurs and 12mm on lateral bloom you determine that thinning is needed, you should thin according to the carbohydrate balance at that point in time.  Damaged fruits set with Promalin can be just as hard to thin off as undamaged fruits in a normal year. However, it is likely you will apply a reduced dose to make sure you do not overthin and then finish the thinning job with hand thinning in June and early July.

There may be many fruits that have frost ring or russet or are misshapen.  These do not thin off easily. They can only be removed by hand thinning.

Another Plant and Pest Advisory post with more in depth thinning and return bloom spray recommendations will be coming in the next few weeks so keep an eye out!

Managing Foliar Growth in Trees with Little to no Crop Load

If your crop was significantly damaged do not apply anymore nitrogen to your orchard this year.

In a normal year a portion of the nitrogen fertilizer is applied for fruit trees pre-bloom and a second portion applied post-bloom or after the level of fruit set is known

The 2026 season is not a typical year. With fruit set in some orchards ranging from a normal load or towards a near total fruit loss due to frost damage, growers should reassess on a case-by-case basis to apply the normal amount or a reduced amount of recommended nitrogen fertilizer.

For orchards where some nitrogen fertilizer was already applied pre-bloom and where there has been a total crop fruit loss due to frost, no further nitrogen fertilizer is recommended for the 2026 growing season.

For orchards with good fruit set, apply nitrogen fertilizer as one would in a normal growing season.

Perform leaf tissue analysis in July to assess nutrient levels (specifically nitrogen status), though do not apply anymore until 2027.

The information provided by the analysis will be useful for guiding nutrient applications in the 2027 fruit growing season.

There is likely to be significant shoot vigor this growing season if there is little to no crop load.

In apples, Kudos/Apogee (Prohexadione-calcium) can be applied to suppress excessive shoot growth. Beginning at 1-3 inches of growth apply 8 oz/100 gal once a week for three consecutive weeks. This can also help manage insects like aphids that feed on succulent new growth and diseases like the shoot blight phase of fire blight.

In peaches, consider summer pruning this year to help maintain tree shape and prevent excessive growth.

Orchard Disease Management

As development continues into petal fall and early fruit set, this remains a critical period for disease management, particularly for diseases like fire blight, bacterial spot, scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust.

Diseases that negatively impact and damage fruit, including rusty spot, brown rot, white rot, sooty blotch and flyspeck should not be a priority this season. However, diseases that can cause severe defoliation still need to be managed effectively. Orchards with low to no crop can use conservative spray programs with focus on using broad spectrum fungicides.

For fire blight, infection can still occur through blossoms even if they are freeze damaged.
- Keep an eye on disease prediction models and apply antibiotics prior to infection periods when bloom is present
- Actigard and Apogee/Kudos can be included for additional defense against shoot blight, especially in young blocks
For bacterial spot, maintain coverage with low levels of copper to reduce inoculum building up on leaves and reduce the risk for infections for the following season.
- Avoid combining copper with captan especially if it has been overcast for several days.
- Refer to this guide published by Dr. Norm Lalancette for copper applications in early covers.
Apple scab infections can persist on leaves in the orchards even without fruit, so it could be a good opportunity to knock down inoculum
- To manage apple scab continue applications of Manzate at 6 lb/A or Microthiol Disperss at 10 lb/A prior to predicted infection periods to lower inoculum for the next season
- If both powdery mildew and cedar apple rust are a concern, Manzate at 3 lb/A should be tank mixed with Microthiol Disperss at 10 lb/A. Manzate is effective on apple scab and cedar apple rust but not powdery mildew. Microthiol Disperss is effective on apple scab and powdery mildew but not cedar apple rust.
Peach scab should not be a concern unless there is a history of high disease pressure – lesions can form on this year’s fruiting shoots which will provide a source of inoculum next season. In this situation management is necessary, and Captan should be applied before a heavy rainfall event at 2.5 lb/A.
- Management of fungal diseases is still needed to prevent a buildup of rot and leaf pathogens for next season.
Pear Scab and Fabraea Leaf Spot should be managed through applications of Manzate or Ziram through may and early summer to prevent defoliation and inoculum build up. Severe infections can weaken trees and impact return bloom.
Marssonina Blotch, Glomerella Leaf Spot, and Frogeye Leaf Spot should be managed as these diseases will cause defoliation and provide a source of inoculum for black rot and bitter rot next season. Maintain coverage of Captan, Manzate, or Ziram prior to rain events through the growing season according to the cover spray rule of applications every 2” of rain or 14 days, whichever comes first.
Cedar apple rust and powdery mildew should be managed in orchards with a history of disease as severe infestations can cause stunted growth and stress.
- For cedar apple rust, continue applying Manzate at 6 lb/A until the end of May
- If conditions are optimal for cedar apple rust and powdery mildew, apply Manzate at 3 lb/A and Microthiol Disperss at 10 lb/A through July
- The pathogen causing powdery mildew of apple also causes rusty spot on peaches so it is especially important to control this disease to keep inoculum levels down for next year if apples are grown next to peaches

Orchard Insect Management

Any fruit remaining on trees will attract insects which will cause damage and continue to maintain populations in the orchards.

Due to the reduced crop load, there may be more insects competing for individual fruit to complete their lifecycle so there may be more damage on a fruit by fruit basis

If you are planning to retain a crop, you must continue to intensively manage insect pests as you would in a normal season

In the event you choose not to harvest fruit this season, there are several insects that will only be targeting the developing fruit and therefore do not need to be managed including plum curculio, tarnished plant bug, brown marmorated stinkbug, native stink bugs, tufted apple bud moth, oblique banded leafroller, and thrips.

Aphids, leafhoppers, and mites can feed extensively on foliage and terminals, causing leaf curling and stunting. This can impact next year’s fruit that will be set in this season. Without fruit, the trees may tolerate a higher threshold of these pests, but they should still be managed.
- Beneficial insects may help reduce populations of these pests this season, making insecticides targeting them unnecessary.
Pear Psylla can feed extensively on foliage and terminals causing defoliation. In heavy infestations this pest can cause stunting of the tree referred to as “psylla shock” which can reduce next season’s fruit set.
- Intensive management should be continued in orchards with a history of this pest.
Scale insects are generally controlled with a dormant oil or delayed dormant application; however, in severe infestations you can monitor using double-sided sticky tape on trunks and apply Esteem or Centaur at the crawler stage.
- Beneficial insects including lady beetles and parasitoid wasps may control pest populations better in reduced spray programs.
Oriental fruit moth larvae do not require fruit to cause damage and should be managed in orchards without a crop. The first- and second-generation moths will lay their eggs in terminals and as the larvae develop, they will cause noticeable “flagging” damage. This “flagging” damage can be particularly detrimental in young orchards.
- This pest can be managed via mating disruption or well-timed insecticides for the first and second generations to knock populations down particularly in young blocks if there are high trap counts. If you have a history of high OFM pressure, mating disruption may be a more cost-effective option at ~$100/A versus a rotational insecticide program for the first- and second-generation degree day timings averaging ~$150-$200/A. If your orchard typically has low OFM pressure and you have not applied your mating disruption dispensers, it may be more cost effective to save your mating disruption in the freezer for next year and monitor populations. If your populations become higher than normal, one well timed insecticide application to target this pest can range from ~$8-$50/A.
- Refer to this Plant & Pest Advisory post from Dr. Anne Nielsen on targeted pest management considerations for OFM and other key pests.
Codling moth require fruit to complete their lifecycle so it is possible that a season without fruit may be detrimental to their populations. However, this pest may be able to find fruit in the surrounding woodlot and then move back into the orchard the following season.
- It will be important to monitor this pest via pheromone traps and apply a well-timed insecticide if populations are getting higher than usual.
- If you have had trouble with this pest in the past, it may be a good year to reduce populations via mating disruption.
Borers such as dogwood borer (DWB), lesser peach tree borer (LPTB), greater peach tree borer (GPTB), and ambrosia beetle are indirect pests of tree fruit and will attack the tree regardless of the fruit load.
- Continue monitoring with pheromone traps to determine if populations are present and time applications around peak flight activity.
- Mating disruption is an effective strategy for managing DWB, LPTB, and GPTB.
- Trunk sprays can be applied at well-timed intervals throughout the year.

Orchard Weed Management During a Low Crop Year

Low crop production years in tree fruit present a different set of weed management priorities compared to typical seasons. While reduced yield may lessen immediate concerns about weed–crop competition, these seasons offer an important opportunity to reset weed pressure and improve long-term orchard floor management.

Shift in Management Objectives

In a low crop year, the focus should shift from protecting current yield to reducing weed populations and preventing future infestations. With fewer fruit sinks, trees often allocate more resources to vegetative growth, which can influence both competitive dynamics with weeds and crop sensitivity to herbicide injury. This is also an ideal time to scout and map weed populations across the orchard, documenting dominant species and problem areas. These records directly inform preemergence (PRE) herbicide selection and placement in the following season.

Strengthening Residual Programs

PRE herbicides should play a central role in weed management during low production years. Maintaining a clean herbicide strip beneath the tree canopy throughout the season helps reduce weed seed production, limits early-season competition, and improves control consistency going into the following year. Where appropriate, consider using full labeled rates and tank mixtures of PRE herbicides with different sites of action to extend residual activity and manage resistance. Always read and follow the full label before use.

Postemergence Applications and Crop Safety

Timely postemergence (POST) applications remain important to prevent escapes and seed production, even in low crop years. Registered POST options include glyphosate and glufosinate for directed applications, and clethodim for grass control. However, caution is warranted:

Trees may exhibit altered physiological responses due to reduced crop load

Stone fruits (peach, sweet cherry, tart cherry) are generally more sensitive to herbicide contact and root uptake of certain residuals than pome fruits (apple, pear)

Young plantings and thin-barked trees are at greater risk of injury from bark contact

Directed or shielded applications are strongly recommended to minimize contact with trunks, scaffold branches, and foliage

Resistance Management

Herbicide-resistant weed populations are an increasing concern in Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern orchards. Glyphosate- and paraquat-resistant horseweed (Erigeron canadensis) is well-documented in the region, and common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) has shown reduced sensitivity to certain herbicide classes. To reduce selection pressure, rotate herbicide sites of action across seasons, not only within a single season, and avoid exclusive reliance on any single POST chemistry for escapes and patch control.

Opportunities for Targeting Perennial Weeds

Perennial species should be prioritized during low crop years. With reduced concern about fruit loss, growers can target optimal application timing for systemic postemergence herbicides when weeds are actively growing and most susceptible. Key perennial species of concern in NJ and NY orchards include:

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)

Sequential applications or integration with mechanical tactics may be necessary to effectively reduce belowground reserves. Note that many of these species may require multi-year management programs and, in some cases, mechanical removal prior to herbicide application.

Managing Tree Vigor

Reduced crop load commonly results in increased vegetative growth. A clean orchard floor combined with reduced weed competition can further enhance vigor, which is not always desirable. Excessive shoot growth can complicate canopy management and increase disease pressure. Growers should monitor nitrogen inputs carefully, adjust irrigation to avoid overstimulating growth, and manage watersprouts and excessive shoot development through summer pruning as needed. Competitive cover crops in the alleyway can serve a dual role: suppressing weeds while moderating overall tree vigor through resource competition.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Applicators should be familiar with required buffer zones and consult the NJDEP Pesticide Control Program as well as Registrant database for current restrictions and state-specific requirements. Herbicide applications should always be timed to avoid bloom periods when pollinators are active in the orchard.

Looking Ahead

Effective weed management during a low crop year can significantly improve conditions for the following season. Reducing the weed seedbank, targeting difficult perennial species, and scouting to map problem areas positions growers to enter the next production cycle with lower pressure and potentially reduced input needs.

Bottom line: Low production years should be viewed as an opportunity—not a setback—for improving weed management. Strategic use of residual herbicides, targeted control of perennial species, integration of alternative tactics, and thorough scouting can provide lasting benefits for orchard productivity and long-term sustainability.

Always read and follow pesticide label directions. The label is the law. Herbicide registrations are subject to change; verify current registration status in New Jersey and New York before use.

Laser Weeder Demonstration in Vegetable Field Trials at RAREC

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:43:28 GMT

Wednesday, May 13th at 10 am

Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC)

121 Northville Rd, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Come see vegetable field trials evaluating the LaserWeeder G2 by Carbon Robotics.

Laser weeding and laser crop thinning will be demonstrated in spinach, kale, and cilantro

Come see this new weed control technology in action!

More information is available on the attached flyer May 13 Laser Weeder Field Day

Please dress for field conditions.

Fruit IPM Updates Week of 4/27/2026

Katrina DeWitt — Mon, 04 May 2026 14:57:26 +0000

Tree Fruit Phenology Update

Tree fruit development across New Jersey continued to progress over the past week, and the impacts of the recent freeze event are now becoming more clearly defined. Across much of the state, significant injury to blossoms and young fruit has been confirmed, with many orchards reporting substantial crop loss. The extent of damage remains highly variable by location, elevation, variety, and phenological stage at the time of the freeze, with the most severe injury observed in low-lying areas and blocks that were at full bloom or petal fall.

At this stage, surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify, although some additional drop is still expected over the coming week. Growers are encouraged to continue evaluating blocks carefully before making final management decisions, as crop potential may continue to change.

In apples, early varieties such as ‘Pink Lady’ sustained significant injury in many locations. However, some later-developing blooms appear to have escaped the freeze, and limited fruit set is being observed from these later flowers. While this provides some promise in select blocks, overall yield potential remains extremely low across most orchards. Variability remains high even within individual blocks.

In pears, most varieties across the state were at or just past bloom during the freeze, and widespread crop loss has now been confirmed. In many orchards, little to no viable fruit remains, though isolated pockets of surviving fruit may still be present depending on site conditions.

Peach and nectarine varieties in southern counties, which were at petal fall to early shuck split during the freeze, experienced extensive crop loss in many orchards. In northern counties, where bloom was still ongoing at the time of the freeze, damage remains variable but is often substantial in more exposed locations.

Apples

Networks to Reduce Risk: Field trip to Montclair Community Farms and Program Wrap up

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:13:14 GMT

South Jersey Wine Grape Twilight

Hemant Gohil — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

When:     May 20 (Wed) 5:00 PM
Where:    Saddlehill Winery and Vineyards: 1407 White Horse Rd, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043
Credits:  CORE; PP2; 1A; 10
5:00 pm Welcome and Updates
        Bill Green, Owner, Saddlehill Winery
        Hemant Gohil, Gloucester County Extension Agent, Rutgers NJAES
        Drone in Vineyard Applications – Demonstration
        What Should You Know to Legally Fly Drones in Agricultural Applications?
        Nathan Graham, UAV/Drone Specialist, Hoober Inc., PA.
        Field Observations from the Wine Grape IPM Pilot Program
        Janine Spies, Statewide Fruit IPM Program Leader, Rutgers NJAES.
        Insect Pest Management in the Vineyard
        Anne Nielsen, Extension Specialist in Fruit Entomology, Rutgers NJAES.
        Timing, Chemistry, Coverage: The Formula for Effective Disease Control
        Nancy Sharma, Extension Specialist, Fruit Pathology, Rutgers NJAES.
        Weed Management Updates for Vineyard
        Thierry Besancon, Extension Specialist, Weed Science, Rutgers NJAES.
        Pesticide recertification credits and adjourn.

Light fare will be provided. 
If you plan to attend, please email Joan Medany at jmedany@co.gloucester.nj.us or call 856-224-8030. 
For additional assistance, please contact Hemant Gohil at 856-224-8029 before the meeting.

Fruit IPM Updates Week of 4/20/2026

Katrina DeWitt — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:43:37 +0000

Tree Fruit Phenology Update

Tree fruit development across New Jersey progressed rapidly over the past week under continued warm conditions; however, a significant freeze event has resulted in widespread injury to blossoms and young fruit across much of the state. Reports from across the state indicate substantial losses in many orchards, particularly in low-lying areas and blocks that were at full bloom or petal fall during the freeze. The extent of damage varies by location, variety, and orchard conditions; growers are encouraged to assess injury at the block level before making management decisions.

In apples, early varieties such as ‘Pink Lady’ were at full bloom during the freeze event across the state and are likely to have sustained significant injury. Later varieties and northern regions may have experienced variable damage depending on bloom stage and site conditions. Surviving fruitlets, if present, will become more apparent over the coming week.

In pears, most varieties across the state were at or just past bloom during the freeze, and significant crop loss is being reported. More advanced Asian pears may have experienced higher levels of injury.

Peach and nectarine varieties in southern counties were largely at petal fall to early shuck split during the freeze, and many orchards are reporting severe crop loss. In northern counties, where bloom was still ongoing, damage levels appear variable but may still be substantial in exposed sites.

Despite crop loss, continued monitoring for pests and diseases remains important, particularly in blocks with surviving fruit or where tree health and next season’s production are priorities.

Management Considerations After Freeze

Assess damage before making inputs.
Wait several days for symptoms to fully develop before making thinning, fertilization, or pest management decisions. Cut buds/fruitlets to check for browning of the ovary to determine viability.
Thinning programs may not be needed.
In blocks with significant crop loss, chemical thinning applications should be reduced or avoided. Where crops remain, adjust rates conservatively based on observed fruit set.
Maintain disease management programs.
Even in blocks with reduced crop, fungicide coverage should be maintained (e.g., apple scab, brown rot) to protect foliage and overall tree health. This is critical for supporting return bloom next season.
Fire blight risk remains important.
Damaged blossoms can still serve as infection sites. Continue to monitor models (e.g., NEWA) and apply bactericides where risk is high and viable bloom remains.
Insect management should be adjusted, not eliminated.
Continue monitoring key pests (e.g., Oriental fruit moth, codling moth, plum curculio). In blocks with little to no crop, insecticide programs may be reduced, but trunk and foliar pests that impact tree health should still be managed.
Focus on tree health and next year’s crop. Where crop loss is severe, prioritize maintaining healthy foliage through proper nutrition and disease control to support bud development for the 2027 season.

Apples

Ag Drone Webinar, Tuesday, April 28th 7:00PM

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:56:01 GMT

Using Drones in Agriculture
Webinar
Date: April 28, 2026
Time: 7:00-8:30 PM

This program will highlight research projects, and real-world uses of drones in agricultural operations and will foster discussion and networking for anyone interested in using drones in their agricultural operation.

7:00 PM Drone Technology: A Tool for Crop Production and Management
– Stephen Komar, ANR Agent /Rutgers SARE Coordinator
7:25 PM Getting Started with Drones: Regulatory Compliance and Other Practical Considerations
– Adam Kyle, Warren Co. Com. College, Teaching Administrator, Precision Agriculture
7:50 PM Trusting the Data: Ground Truthing for Monitoring with Drones
– Michelle Infante-Casella, ANR Agent/Rutgers SARE Coordinator
8:15 PM Questions

TO JOIN THE WEBINAR PLEASE USE THE LINK OR QR CODE

https://go.rutgers.edu/agdrones

Fruit IPM Updates Week of 4/13/2026

Katrina DeWitt — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:38:20 +0000

Tree Fruit Phenology Update

Tree fruit development resumed rapidly across New Jersey this past week following earlier frost events, with warm temperatures accelerating phenology. While some frost damage may be present in advanced blocks—particularly in southern counties—overall development is progressing quickly and bloom is widespread. A freeze event is expected overnight Monday 4/20 into Tuesday, and temperatures will gradually moderate through the remainder of the week.

In apples, early varieties such as ‘Pink Lady’ are now at full bloom in southern counties, with most other varieties progressing through pink to early bloom across central and northern regions. Bloom is becoming more widespread statewide.

In pears, most varieties are beginning petal fall in southern counties. Asian pears remain slightly more advanced.

Peach and nectarine varieties are close to 100% petal fall in southern counties, with early varieties beginning shuck split. In northern counties, most varieties are at bloom, with some earlier varieties reaching petal fall.

Apples

SALEM COUNTY AGRONOMY TWILIGHT MEETING-1 (May 1, 2026)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:41:17 GMT

SALEM COUNTY AGRONOMY TWILIGHT MEETING-1

Date & Time: May 1, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
(Program starts at 5:00 PM; please arrive a few minutes early)

Location: Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office, 51 Cheney Rd., Woodstown, NJ 08098

Registration:
Call: 856-769-0090
Email: molly.english@salemcountynj.gov

Credits Approved:

CORE: Basic Safety and Handling: 02
1A: Agricultural Plant: 02
10: Demonstration & Research: 02
PP2: Private Applicator: 02

Topics & Speakers:

The 3R’s of Pesticide Use: Resistance, Rotation, and Regulation
Speaker: Janine Spies, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
The Endangered Species Act Changes to Pesticide Labels
Speaker: William J. Bamka, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Nitrogen from Air to Soil using Sunlight
Speaker: Joseph R. Heckman, Rutgers University
Agronomist’s Field Guide to Drought Resilience
Speaker: Ramandeep Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Imbibitional Chilling Injury Risk in Corn

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:27:31 GMT

Corn planting is underway across New Jersey (NJ), and early-season weather will strongly influence stand establishment. After a sharp temperature drop from unusually warm conditions earlier in April, the state is now experiencing a highly variable spring pattern with alternating cool and brief warm periods, followed by a gradual shift toward more stable spring conditions into early May. Across NJ, conditions also vary by region, with South Jersey generally experiencing warmer daytime temperatures but still prone to colder nighttime lows in inland areas, Central NJ showing moderate conditions with typical spring day–night temperature swings, and Northwest NJ (Highlands) remaining cooler overall with slower spring warming and delayed soil temperature recovery.

Why This Matters Now

As planting continues across the region, the current cool and fluctuating conditions increase the risk of imbibitional chilling injury. This risk is greatest where soils are saturated, poorly drained, or high in residue, as these conditions slow soil warming and prolong seed exposure to cold water during early imbibition. Imbibitional chilling injury occurs when corn seed absorbs cold water (generally in soils <50°F) during the first 24–48 hours after planting, leading to membrane damage, poor germination, uneven emergence, abnormal seedlings.

Weather Outlook and Implications (All temperature ranges discussed below are based on Weather25.com long-range forecast data for NJ)

April 20–22: Cold stress dominates early establishment window. Imbibitional Injury Risk Index: 9–10/10 (Very High Risk). Across much of NJ, conditions are predicted to remain cool with highs ~50–55°F inland (slightly warmer near coast) and lows ~30–40°F inland (mid-30s to low 40s near coast). Soil temperatures are predicted to remain low and slow to recover due to repeated cold nights following planting. This is the highest-risk period for imbibitional chilling injury, particularly in freshly planted corn where rapid water uptake occurs under cold conditions.

April 23–28: A brief warming event is predicted on April 23 (near upper 60s°F highs in southern/central NJ) followed by cooler and variable conditions through April 28 (upper 40s to upper 50s°F nights and mid-50s to low 60s°F highs). This pattern creates thermal instability in the seed zone, which is especially problematic because seeds may begin imbibition during warm periods, followed by cooling that slows metabolic recovery, resulting in uneven emergence and stand variability

April 29–May 4: Transition to more stable spring conditions. Imbibitional Injury Risk Index: 1–3/10 (Low Risk). Temperatures are predicted to become more seasonally stable across NJ with highs (upper 50s to low/mid-60s°F early, increasing toward upper 60s°F by early May), lows (upper 40s to low 50s°F). Soil temperatures begin accumulating heat more consistently, improving germination rate, emergence uniformity, and early vegetative growth stability. Risk of new imbibitional injury becomes minimal, although earlier planted fields may still show residual stand variability from early cold stress.

Management Guidance

Avoid planting ahead of cold rain events or extended cool periods, especially when soil temperatures are below ~50°F
Prioritize well-drained fields with lower residue for early planting
Use hybrids with strong seedling vigor and cold tolerance in early planting windows
Seed treatments may help reduce disease pressure but do not prevent imbibitional chilling injury
Evaluate stands after full emergence before making replant decisions

Take-Home Message

With planting underway, NJ is experiencing a critical early-season transition from cool, high-risk conditions to more stable spring temperatures. The period from April 20–22 poses the greatest risk for imbibitional chilling injury, while conditions gradually improve after April 23 and become largely favorable by late April into early May. Careful timing of planting relative to soil temperature and rainfall events will be key to achieving uniform stand establishment.

NJ DEP issues Controlled Open Burn Permit from April 18, through Wednesday April 22.

Hemant Gohil — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:27:01 +0000

(TRENTON) – With the state expected to experience cooler spring temperatures, the Department of Environmental Protection has agreed with NJDA Secretary Ed Wengryn’s request to allow farmers to do controlled open burning or use specialized torches known as smudge pots to protect flowering crops from damage beginning Saturday, April 18, through Wednesday, April 22. Temperatures are expected to drop to the 30s or below this week with varying winds through portions of the state. These expected temperatures follow warm temperatures in recent days. Damage from freezing weather now can significantly reduce yields of certain fruits and vegetables that are in the flowering stage.

The DEP and the Department of Agriculture are allowing these steps to protect farmers’ livelihoods and ensure that consumers can enjoy an ample supply of Jersey produce later this year. The DEP intends to exercise its authority and discretion under the Air Pollution Control Code, N.J.A.C. 7:27, et seq., and other applicable authorities to permit the following procedure for open burning or the use of smudge pots to assist farmers in protecting their crops in low temperatures. Farmers who believe they will need to conduct open burns and/or use smudge pots must provide notice to the DEP’s 24-hour Communications Center at 1-877- WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337). Notification to DEP does not require implementing either technique, but it ensures proper procedures are followed should they become necessary. If a farmer does not call DEP in advance but uses either technique, the farmer must notify DEP by 9 a.m. the following day. The farmer will be asked which technique was used. Farmers must record the incident number provided to them by the Communications Center. The following information is to be provided:

Name of the individual making the decision to conduct the open burning/use of smudge pots and name of the farm.

Actual street address of the farm on which either technique will be used (no P.O. Boxes).
Telephone number of a contact at the farm.
Predicted temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) at the agricultural operation when the technique will be used.
Wind speed anticipated when the technique will be used.
Predicted hours of open burning and/or use of smudge pots.
Materials expected to be burned.
At the time of the initial call to the Communications Center, farmers will be given an email address and incident number.

Within two days, they must submit to DEP via this email address the following information:

The DEP Communications Center incident number.
Ambient temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) at the time the technique was used.
Actual wind speed at the orchard at the time the technique was used.
A statement verifying that all restrictions in the open burning or use of smudge pots were followed.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Forest Fire Service caution all farmers and agriculture businesses with respect to the use of open burning in high wind velocity conditions. Please take note that farmers are encouraged to utilize smudge pots for warming as necessary during higher wind conditions. Use of open burning when wind velocity is greater than 5 mph is strictly prohibited, may contribute to wildfire risk, and can carry significant penalties.
Smudge pots must be fueled only with either kerosene or No. 2 fuel oil.

Open burning can consist only of either the following materials: clean and untreated scrap lumber, felled trees, clippings pruned from trees and shrubs, hedgerows, or firewood. Absolutely no refuse, trade waste, tires or garbage of any type may be added to the authorized open burning material.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Forest Fire Service caution all farmers and agriculture businesses with respect to the use of open burning in high wind velocity conditions. Please take note that farmers are encouraged to utilize smudge pots for warming as necessary during higher wind conditions. Use of open burning when wind velocity is greater than 5 mph is strictly prohibited, may contribute to wildfire risk, and can carry significant penalties.

###

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), established in 1916, serves New Jersey’s agricultural community and residents through a wide range of programs across its divisions that ensure the preservation and continuation of the state’s agricultural landscape. NJDA works to ensure the safety and quality of New Jersey’s food supply, protect animal and plant health, and promote the overall long‑term viability of agriculture. The Department also connects consumers with New Jersey’s farmers and locally grown products while supporting the state’s diverse agricultural industry through initiatives of the Jersey Fresh program.

For more information about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NJDeptofAgriculture and www.facebook.com/JerseyFreshOfficial; on Instagram @njdeptofagriculture; on X/Twitter @NJDA and @JerseyFreshNJDA; and on LinkedIn at New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

Farm Safety Needs Assessment Closing May 1

Kate Brown — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:02 +0000

The Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Working Group is conducting a survey to evaluate the priority needs of New Jersey farmers for training and resource development related to safety and health. As a New Jersey farmer, you are invited to complete this survey by Friday, May 1, 2026. Click here to access the survey and learn more.

Participation in this research study is voluntary. If you choose to participate by completing the survey, you will be asked to respond to questions about priority hazards for educational outreach as well as personal preparedness for emergencies, motivations and barriers for improvement, and interest in specific trainings and services. The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and no information that can identify you will appear in any professional presentation or publication. Responses are anonymous.

April 28th Evening Webinar: Using Drones in Agriculture

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:22:22 GMT

Using Drones in Agriculture
Free Webinar
Date: April 28, 2026
Time: 7:00-8:30 PM

A 3-year USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Grant was awarded to a team of Agricultural Agents at Rutgers to study the use of drones in agriculture. Please join this team on Tuesday, April 28th at 7:00PM to learn about their work and the use of drones for agriculture. This program will highlight research projects, and real-world uses of drones in agricultural operations and will foster discussion and networking for anyone interested in using drones in their agricultural operation.

7:00 PM Drone Technology: A Tool for Crop Production and Management – Stephen Komar, ANR Agent /Rutgers SARE Coordinator
7:25 PM Getting Started with Drones: Regulatory Compliance and Other Practical Considerations – Adam Kyle, Warren Co. Com. College, Teaching Administrator, Precision Agriculture
7:50 PM Trusting the Data: Ground Truthing for Monitoring with Drones – Michelle Infante-Casella, ANR Agent/Rutgers SARE Co-Coordinator
8:15 PM Questions

To Join, please click the Zoom link below.
https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/95326725115?pwd=6JefhuSGbbBqjWdmDbKLXZ7exEr3la.1

This event is sponsored by a grant awarded by the USDA, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

For questions contact Stephen Komar, Agricultural Agent and NJ SARE Coordinator via email at komar@njaes.rutgers.edu

Fire blight infection predicted week of April 13

Janine Spies — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:21:34 +0000

NEWA is predicting a high risk for fire blight infection this week as a result of favorable conditions for apple orchards in bloom. Favorable conditions include 1) a certain number of heat units accumulated during bloom for a threshold level of inoculum to be reached; 2) a wetting event to wash the bacteria into infection sites; and 3) the average temperature is above 60°F. If at least two conditions are met during bloom, then the risk for infection is ‘High’ and antibiotics should be applied. A wetting event is not necessary to elevate the risk. Additionally, forecasted wetting events should be carefully considered and a bactericide applied just before or after a rain event.

When using the fire blight model on NEWA, it is important to enter your own “First Blossom Open Date” for your orchard as this can drastically change predictions. You can also enter your orchard’s history with fireblight in the first drop down menu. Lastly, you can enter the date you last applied an antibiotic this season and the model will reset to provide the most accurate predictions. When using the model, it is important to look at the column farthest to the right in the chart titled “Infection Potential EIP Value” since this is the most accurate prediction for our region. Any time the model shows an orange (High) or red (Extreme) output and the value for that date is above 100, an antibiotic application is warranted.

To manage fire blight in both apples and pears, consider using Kasumin at bloom. Kasumin is an antibiotic like Streptomycin and Oxytetratracycline. It contains Kasugamycin which is a different chemistry. Kasumin is only labeled for bloom and petal fall applications while strep and oxytet are labeled for post bloom use (note that Fireline 45 only allows for 1 postbloom application on apple). Using 3 different chemistries in rotation allows for resistance management while extending the protection into the post bloom period when late blossoms typically appear which ever material you use, the addition of Actigard or other plant defense elicitors may improve control. Applications of Apogee or Kudos during bloom can work to prevent shoot blight after petal fall. The use of Actigard and Apogee are especially recommended in new plantings where instances of shoot blight can kill young trees. For further recommendations on these products, Michigan State University published a guide including information on application timing and product rates.

Additionally, for peaches at petal fall, copper formulations should be used to suppress bacterial spot. Generally we recommend starting at 0.5 oz of metallic copper and gradually lowering the rate as the season progresses. The rate applied will depend on the formulation. Dr. Norm Lalancette published a chart listing common copper formulations and rates for peach and nectarine applications. Avoid combining copper with captan especially if it has been overcast for several days. Also avoid acidic spray solutions when applying copper. Dr. Lalancette has published a handy guide for copper applications in early covers. Antibiotics such as Mycoshield or Fireline may also be used and may offer slightly more residual activity during long wetting periods.

Fruit IPM Updates Week of 4/06/2026

Kaitlin Quinn — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:20:28 +0000

Tree Fruit Phenology Update

While tree fruit phenology seemed to advance rapidly late last month into early April across New Jersey, temperatures dropped below freezing overnight early in the week, slowing development and prompting frost warnings, negatively impacting advanced crops and cultivars in bloom. Warmer temperatures are forecast for the weekend and into next week, resuming and accelerating rapid development. It is also important to note that NJ remains under a NJ Department of Environmental Protection Drought Warning, and the entire state is currently in a moderate drought or abnormal dryness according to the US Drought Monitor.

In apples, most varieties have reached pink bud across the state, with early varieties such as Pink Lady now entering bloom in southern counties. In pears, most varieties are at bloom statewide, with Asian pears remaining slightly more advanced. Peach and nectarine varieties have reached full bloom in southern counties and pink in most northern counties, with some early varieties in southern counties beginning to enter petal fall.

Apples