Vegetable Crops Edition - Rutgers Plant and Pest Advisory

Northeast SARE to Host Farmer Grant Q&A Sessions in November

Michelle Infante-Casella — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 19:04:43 +0000

Question and Answer Sessions for the Farmer Grant program are taking place on Tuesdays at Noon throughout the month of November. Register once to attend any of the sessions.

Northeast SARE Farmer Grants provide the resources farmers need to explore new concepts agriculture conducted through experiments, surveys, prototypes, on-farm demonstrations or other research and education techniques. Projects address issues that affect farming with long-term practical impacts in mind.

Farmer Grants are designed to be a strong starting point for farmers interested in pursuing grant funding for projects. Before starting their proposals, potential candidates identify a Technical Advisor who can provide non-farming expertise in areas such as research design, troubleshooting, and promotion. The Technical Advisor acts as a go-to support person throughout the grant project, making it easier on first time grantees and forging new relationships in agricultural communities across the Northeast.

Approximately $1M has been allocated to fund projects for this grant cycle. Awards of up to $50,000 are available, depending on the complexity of a project. Proposals are due no later than 4:00 p.m. ET on December 8, 2026.

To sign up for the Q&A Sessions go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6Vi5Lt9SScO7U7duEpYulQ#/registration

NJDEP Compliance Advisory Alert #2026-08

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:22:03 GMT

NJDEP: Issued on 10/28/2026, this advisory impacts individuals or businesses who are holding or seeking to obtain the following pesticide licenses: commercial applicator business, commercial applicator, commercial operator, dealer business, dealer, and private applicator. NJDEP’s Bureau of Pesticide Control is undergoing issues related to invoicing, license printing, and status updates due to issues with outdated […]

NJDEP Bureau of Pesticide Control – Compliance Advisories related to licensing and product registration

Tim Waller — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:34:03 +0000

If you have a NJDEP pesticide license, please review this information.

The NJDEP Bureau of Pesticide Control have issued two Compliance Advisories this week

Compliance Advisory DEP 2026-08 – click here (related to pesticide licensing)

Compliance Advisory DEP 2026-09 – click here (related to pesticide product registration)

Below is from NJDEP Bureau of Pesticide Control – Compliance Advisory 2026-08 (related to pesticide licensing)

PESTICIDE LICENSING PESTICIDE APPLICATOR SYSTEM (PAS)

WHO IS AFFECTED BY THIS ADVISORY?

Individuals and/or businesses that hold, or are seeking to obtain, any of the following pesticide licenses: Commercial Applicator Business, Commercial Applicator, Commercial Operator, Dealer Business, Dealer, and Private Applicator.

WHY IS THE DEPARTMENT ISSUING THIS ADVISORY?

The Department’s Bureau of Pesticide Control (BPC) is currently experiencing issues with invoicing, payments, license printing and status updates due to significant functionality issues with outdated platforms.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT DOING?

The BPC is allowing pesticide licenses set to expire on October 31, 2026 to remain valid until full functionality to our system is restored and renewals can be processed. However, the deadline for recertification credits will not be extended beyond October 31, 2026. Licensees must have obtained the requisite recertification credits on or before October 31, 2026. Additionally, because the BPC cannot print new licenses, individuals eligible for initial licensing must wait until full functionality is restored and license applications can be fully processed.

Once full functionality to our system is restored, the Department will send an email blast notifying all licensees and the current “System Notice” message currently posted on the BPC website will be updated.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Current licensees may continue to conduct their business as usual under their current license. Current and prospective licensees may monitor the BPC websites provided below for updated information on system functionality. Finally, licensees can monitor their email for the above referenced email blast which will relay when BPC licensing functionality is restored.

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS?

For licensing questions, please contact:

NJDEP Bureau of Pesticide Control pcp@dep.nj.gov

(609) 984-6568

https://dep.nj.gov/pesticides/

WHERE CAN I UPDATE MY CONTACT INFORMATION OR PROVIDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS?

The following website provides forms for updating Commercial Applicator Business, Commercial Applicator, Commercial Operator, Dealer Business, Dealer, and Private Applicator licenses.
If you have not previously provided an email address, please complete the correct form using the link listed below.
https://dep.nj.gov/pesticides/licensing-registration-and-permitting/pesticide-licensing-forms/

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

The following websites can be accessed for additional information.
For further information regarding the Compliance Advisories and posting locations: https://dep.nj.gov/enforcement/advisories/ https://dep.nj.gov/pesticides/advisories/
For further information regarding BPC Licensing & Registration: https://dep.nj.gov/pesticides/licensing-registration-and-permitting/
Once full functionality is reinstated, licensing payment can be made here: https://dep.nj.gov/pesticides/licensing-registration-and-permitting/annual-license-payments/

Grant Opportunity for Beginning Farmers to Adopt Conservation Practices

Kate Brown — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:51:04 +0000

The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) is accepting applications for the Next Generation Farmer Fund through December 1, 2026!

Beginning farmers or ranchers under the age of 40 (as of December 31, 2027) are eligible to receive $10k-$50k to support implementation of new conservation practices during the 2027 growing season. These practices must be new on the land where the project will take place and improve soil health, water management, energy use, and biodiversity. Practices that fall within those categories include:

Cover cropping
Rotational grazing
Nutrient management plans
Renewable energy infrastructure
High tunnels
Pollinator plantings
And more!

To learn more about grant eligibility requirements, the application process and timeline, and other details, consider signing up for an informational webinar hosted by NYFC on November 5^th at 7pm ET. You can also reach out to nextgenfarmerfund@youngfarmers.org with questions.

Registration Deadline, October 30th – Remote Course – Drone Pilot Training for Farmers on November 6 & 13, 2027

Michelle Infante-Casella — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:40:59 +0000

This comprehensive online hybrid training prepares farmers and agricultural producers to obtain their FAA Drone Part 107 certification exam, which is required for all commercial drone operations. Featuring the same rigorous test preparation content as the in-person sessions, this online format allows you to complete coursework remotely while mastering the fundamentals of small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) used in modern agriculture.

What’s Included & What You Need

Online Learning Platform & Live Sessions: Students will be provided with official credentials to access an online learning management system, along with Zoom meeting links for two live online class sessions (November 6 & 13).
Textbook Requirement: Students are required to purchase their own textbook separately via Amazon (approximately ~$30; link provided upon registration).
Curriculum Topics Covered:
- Introduction to aviation & regulations
- Airspace classification & sectional charts
- Aircraft maintenance, inspections, and performance
- Accident reporting, emergency procedures, and weather effects
- Air operations and scheduling for your test

Registration & Pricing

Registration Fee: $150 per person registration (Note: Payment can be made with credit card via link to “Clover Account” with WCCC Phillipsburg Education Center) (payment link to be provided, payment made to WCCC after registering).
Class Materials: You are encouraged to purchase a hardcopy textbook that provides a code for unlimited practice tests ~$30. Link to be provided upon final registration for purchase via Amazon.
Online Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/9VXvvWC7aN

Questions & Inquiries: Please contact Stephen Komar at 973-948-3040 x3 or email komar@njaes.rutgers.edu with any questions.

Farm Credit East to Offer Business Skills Training in Bridgeton and Virtually

Michelle Infante-Casella — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:03:05 +0000

Farm Credit East is a helpful partner to farmers in our region for many reasons. FCE offers training opportunities along with financial services. Starting soon, FCE is offering their GenerationNext program. This program may be beneficial to the future of your farm and can help train leadership to take care of the business-end of farming. Take some time to look over what is being offered.

GenerationNext is a dynamic workshop series designed for the next generation of ag managers and owners. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role or looking to strengthen your business acumen, this program offers the tools and insights you need to succeed.

Program Highlights:

Format: Choose between virtual (7 sessions) or in-person (3 sessions) options
Topics: Leadership, HR, financial analysis, marketing, risk management, and estate planning
Cost: $199/person (discounted from $1900 through our Young, Beginning, Small & Veteran program)

In-person classes are 3 sessions from 9:30-3:30

Auburn ME Office: Nov 19, Dec 10, Jan 14
Bridgeton NJ Office: Nov 20, Dec 4, Dec 18
Batavia NY Office: Dec 3, Jan 14, Feb 3
Cortland NY Office: Dec 2, Jan 13, Feb 2
Potsdam NY Office: Dec 1, Jan 12, Jan 26
White River Junction VT Office: Nov 18, Dec 9, Jan 13

Online class is 7 weekly sessions from 2-4pm

Online: Jan 21, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25, Mar 4

For more information and to Register: Visit FarmCreditEast.com/GenerationNext
Register at least 2 weeks before your session begins.

For questions or to discuss which format is best for you, please reach out to Chris Laughton for more information. We look forward to helping you grow your farm business!

Equipment Day Event 11-14-26

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:18:12 GMT

The RU Ready to Farm Program will be hosting ‘Equipment Day’ on 11-14-26. The event is geared towards new and beginning farmers and will focus on small to medium farm equipment and will feature several Rutgers programs that provide services to new farmers. The event is free, but registration is required, see link and schedule below.

Feel free to contact Linnea Eberly (lce28@njaes.rutgers.edu) or Trevor Styles (tds88@njaes.rutgers.edu) with any questions about the event.

Location: Hlubik Farms, 92 Chesterfield-Georgetown Rd, Chesterfield, New Jersey 08515
9:45 am – 10:00 am Registration
10:00 am – 10:05 am Welcome, David Hlubik, Burlington County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
10:05 am – 11:00 am Small Equipment, Trevor Styles, Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. BCS Machine and Implements, Tillmor, Small Seeders.
11:00 am – 11:15 am Pesticide Safety, Grayson Tung, Senior Coordinator, Pesticide Safety Education Program.
11:15 am – 11:25 am Soil Testing Lab, Stephanie Murphy, Rutgers Soil Testing Lab.
11:25 am – 11:35 am Plant Diagnostic Lab, Sabrina Tirpak, Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab.
11:35 am – 11:45 am On-Farm Food Safety, Meredith Melendez, Mercer County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
11:45 am – 11:55 am Integrated Pest Management, Maria Cramer, Senior Program Coordinator, Vegetable IPM. Overview of Fruit and Vegetable IPM programs and services provided.
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch, Networking with Fellow Growers, Extension Personnel, and Ag Service Providers.
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Optional Orchard Tour, David Hlubik, Burlington County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm Medium Scale Vegetable Production Equipment, David Hlubik, Burlington County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Small Tractor, Transplanter, Plastic Mulch Layer, Safety.
1:45 pm – 2:00 pm Sourcing Used Equipment, Bill Hlubik, Retired, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
2:00 pm End/Networking.
This event is free, but pre-registration is required:
Please RSVP by November 6th to reserve your spot: https://go.rutgers.edu/6iqwqax4

Vegetable IPM Update 10/09/2026

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 01:20:23 GMT

Greetings from the Veg IPM team! This will be our last regular post for the 2026 season. If an urgent pest issue arises, we will send out a specific P&PA post.

Sweet Corn

With the cooler night time temperatures, we are starting to see CEW numbers decline throughout NJ. Refer to the map below to see this week’s CEW pressure throughout the state. With max temperatures under 80 degrees, most locations will no longer need to shorten the spray interval by a day. Remember, rotation is important for avoiding resistance, so rotate between the four IRAC groups registered in silking sweet corn: 1 (carbamates), 3 (pyrethroids), 5 (spinosyns), and 28 (diamides). Corn earworm is at least partly resistant to several pyrethroids, so a spray program should not rely solely on pyrethroids, although they are useful in tank-mixes or as pre-mixed products, such as Besiege or Elevest (Group 28 + Group 3). For detailed information about resistance and potential spray programs, the University of Delaware has an excellent resource on corn earworm management.

Spray intervals based on nightly pheromone moth captures for the southern part of New Jersey. Note that not all locations in the IPM program are currently trapping. This map is based on the following thresholds: 0 moths = 6-7 day schedule, 1 moth = 5 day spray schedule, 2-20 moths = 4 day spray schedule, 20+ moths = 3 day spray schedule.

Tomatoes and Peppers

Thrips and TSWV. Thrips have slowed down with lower temperatures and general declines in tomato plant health due to stress and diseases as the season has progressed. We are still seeing some spread of tomato spotted wilt virus, but it has slowed compared to earlier in the season. If management of thrips no longer makes sense economically, we encourage destroying older plantings to try to reduce populations of thrips and the reservoir of the virus on farms. See our previous article for detailed information on managing thrips and TSWV in tomatoes.

Beet armyworm. We track beet armyworm with pheromone traps deployed in south Jersey. Beet armyworm is an occasional pest of peppers, swiss chard, and beets and can cause serious damage and crop loss if outbreaks occur unexpectedly. Our traps in Salem county indicate that BAW moths are still flying, though at lower numbers with the cooler weather. We suggest scouting susceptible crops for caterpillars and damage.

Other caterpillar pests. Caterpillars in tomatoes have been slowing down, but we continue to see some pressure in tomatoes from yellow striped armyworm, tomato fruit worm (AKA corn earworm), and cabbage and soybean loopers. We suggest scouting tomatoes for worm damage and the presence of caterpillars. Giving the plant a good shake or using a beat tray can help detect the presence of caterpillars. If dealing with loopers, effective materials include Avaunt (IRAC 22, 3-day PHI) and Proclaim (IRAC 6, but note the 7-day PHI).

Caterpillar pests in tomato. Top: Corn earworms come in a number of colors, including this pinkish-red. Note the many bumps and hairs which are distinctive on CEW. Bottom: Soybean looper. Note that rear-end is larger than front of the caterpillar and the distinctive looping behavior. Soybean and cabbage looper look very similar, but cabbage loopers rarely feed on the fruit. Photos by Maria Cramer.

Cucurbits

Pumpkin harvests are in progress, and we’ve seen relatively few issues that need management at this point in the season.

Melon aphids infesting a pumpkin leaf. Photo by Amanda Quadrel.

Melon aphids. In most plantings, aphid populations have been relatively low. While aphids do not cause direct damage to the crops, the honeydew they secrete can lead to unsightly sooty mold growth on fruits. Honeydew can also attract yellow jackets, which can be hazardous to crews and U-pickers. Scout for aphids and consider treating for them if you find aphid clusters in more than one site (out of a ten site sample).

Cole Crops

Caterpillar pests of cole crops. A) Diamondback moth — smooth and tapered at each end. B) Imported cabbageworm — fuzzy and not tapered. C) Cabbage looper — characteristic looping behavior. D) Cross-striped cabbage worm — distinctive stripes, usually occurs in groups. Photos A-C by Maria Cramer, photo D from iNaturalist COO.

Caterpillar pests. Scouted cole crops continue to have varying levels of caterpillar activity. Diamondback populations continue to be low at the locations we scout, with imported cabbageworm and armyworms being the primary species being found. The caterpillar threshold is 10% infestation for seedlings and 20% infestation for crops in the leafy/early cupping stage. Once heads begin to form, the threshold drops to 5%. For young caterpillars (especially imported cabbage worm), Bt products such as Dipel or Xentari are IPM friendly options. Diamondback moth has resistance to many insecticide groups, and pyrethroids (IRAC 3A) and Bt products (IRAC 11A) are not effective for their management. Besides Bt, materials approved for caterpillar control include Entrust/Radiant (IRAC 5), Proclaim (IRAC 6), Torac (IRAC 21A), Exirel (IRAC 28), and Incipio (IRAC 30). For Bt products and contact insecticides, coverage on the undersides the leaves is essential.

Diseases

Alternaria on broccoli. Photo by Amanda Quadrel.

In some locations, we’ve seen some low incidence of diseases such as Alternaria, black rot, and downy mildew. Alternaria appears on cole crops as circular brown lesions that contain concentric circles within them, giving them a target-like appearance (refer to image on the left). If left unmanaged, the disease can progress to heads, resulting in crown rots. For more information on how to manage Alternaria in brassicas, refer to this recent post by Dr. Patrick McMullen.

Downy mildew on a collard leaf. Photo by Renee Carter.

Downy mildew has been seen less frequently. Note that downy mildew in brassicas is not the same species that affects cucurbits. Brassica downy mildew is a disease that develops best around 50-59º. Downy mildew may appears as light-colored lesions on the top of the leaves and as masses of white spores on the lower surface. Scout at least 25 plants per field (5 plants in 5 locations), checking the undersides for spores. If you have downy mildew, rotate or tank-mix chlorothalonil 6F (FRAC M05) with another product listed in the Mid-Atlantic Veg Guide for downy mildew in cole crops, rotating MOAs. Use overhead irrigation at times of the day when leaves can dry quickly to slow disease progression.

Allium leaf miner alert. Allium leaf miner was found in Southern Pennsylvania in late September, indicating that a fall flight has begun. While not yet spotted by our program in NJ, it’s time to be on the lookout for ALM.

Allium Leafminer (Phytomyza gymnostoma) is a small grey-bodied fly with a yellow head (A). In warm, still weather, you may see adult flies settling on foliage. The females lay eggs in neat rows, leaving behind a line of white dots on the leaves (B). As the larvae hatch and begin to feed, they will tunnel downwards, causing damage to leaves and bulbs. ALM have two generations per year; the first in early spring, and the second occurring in the fall. Crops such as chives, scallions, garlic, onions and leeks are attacked by ALM, but leeks and scallions seem to be the most affected.

An Allium leafminer adult (A) (picture by Maria Cramer) and the characteristic oviposition scars left behind after females lay eggs (B).

If you are concerned about crop injury due to ALM, floating row covers, kept on until the adult flight ends (around the first hard frost) can restrict ALM’s access to vulnerable plants. Make sure ALM are not already infesting plants prior to placing the cover. Reflective mulches may also provide some additional crop protection. Adults and larvae can be targeted through well-timed insecticide sprays. Materials labeled for ALM control include spinosyns (IRAC 5- Radiant or Entrust (OMRI approved)), pyrethroids (IRAC 3A- Mustang Maxx, Proaxis, and Warrior II), neonicotinoids (IRAC 4A- Scorpion, Venom), the insect growth regulator Trigard (IRAC 17), and diamide products (IRAC 28- Exirel, Minecto Pro). The newly registered product Vertento (IRAC 30) may also be used for ALM control. The first spray application of a material should be completed 2- 3 weeks after initial detection of ALM (either oviposition scars or the fly itself). Subsequent sprays should be completed in 1–2-week intervals. Two or three sprays should provide adequate control. As always, be sure to follow label rates and application instructions for any pesticide that you plan to use.

As a reminder, the new 2026/2027 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Guide is now available for free online (click here) or as spiral-bound hard copies that can be purchased at your local county extension office. Consult this guide for a more comprehensive list of materials that are labeled for specific crops and pests.

We want to give a huge thanks to our scouting team for keeping an eye on things for us throughout the season!

North NJ: James Johnson and Cassandra Dougherty

South NJ: Renee Carter, Mar Sherman, and Kris Szymanski

Authors: Amanda Quadrel (Northern NJ Veg IPM coordinator) and Maria Cramer (Southern NJ Veg IPM coordinator)

Questions or comments? Contact us below:

[contact-form]

Agricultural Drone Training Opportunity for New Jersey Commercial Farmers

Michelle Infante-Casella — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:31:41 +0000

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is offering a valuable training opportunity for New Jersey commercial farmers on Friday, November 6, and Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Rutgers Snyder Research Farm, 140 Locust Grove Road, Pittstown, NJ.

Through a USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Grant, the Rutgers Agricultural Drone Team, led by Agricultural Agent Stephen Komar, is offering a two-day agricultural drone training at no cost to participating farmers. Grant funding for this course is specifically intended to provide drone training to commercial farmers in New Jersey.

The course will prepare participants to learn how to obtain their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107), which is required to operate drones for commercial agricultural purposes. Training will include information and resources to help participants prepare for the Part 107 certification examination. On the second day, participants will also receive hands-on instruction and have the opportunity to fly drones at the Rutgers Snyder Research Farm.

Limited Enrollment — Please Commit to Both Days

Enrollment is limited to 10 participants. Those pre-registered prior to the class being filled, will receive access to training materials for studying and practice tests to help prepare for the Part 107 certification exam.

Because space and training materials are limited, please register only if you are able to attend both November 6 and November 13. If you register and do not attend, you may prevent another New Jersey farmer from participating in this training opportunity.

To ensure that the training is available to as many farms as possible, registration is limited to one person per farm. Participants must also be 18 years of age or older.

Please see the bulletin below for additional information.

Registration:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EU6CBcmpBG

Questions Contact:
Stephen Komar, Agricultural Agent
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County
Email: komar@njaes.rutgers.edu
Phone: 973-948-3040, ext. 3

Vegetable IPM Update 10/02/26

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:59:08 GMT

Greetings from the Veg IPM team!

Sweet Corn

Tomatoes and Peppers

Other caterpillar pests. We continue to see some pressure in tomatoes from yellow striped armyworm, tomato fruit worm (AKA corn earworm), and cabbage and soybean loopers. We suggest scouting tomatoes for worm damage and the presence of caterpillars. Giving the plant a good shake or using a beat tray can help detect the presence of caterpillars. If dealing with loopers, effective materials include Avaunt (IRAC 22, 3-day PHI) and Proclaim (IRAC 6, but note the 7-day PHI)

Caterpillar pests in tomato. Top: Corn earworms come in a number of colors, including this pinkish-red. Note the many hairs which are distinctive on CEW. Bottom: Soybean looper. Note that rear-end is larger than front of the caterpillar and the distinctive looping behavior. Soybean and cabbage looper look very similar, but cabbage loopers rarely feed on the fruit. Photos by Maria Cramer.

Cucurbits

Melon aphids infesting a pumpkin leaf. Photo by Amanda Quadrel.

Pumpkin harvests are in progress, and we’ve seen relatively few issues that need management at this point in the season.

Cole Crops

Diseases

Alternaria on broccoli. Photo by Amanda Quadrel.

In some locations, we’ve also seen some low incidence of diseases such as alternaria, black rot, and downy mildew. Note that downy mildew in brassicas is not the same species that affects cucurbits. Brassica downy mildew is a disease that develops best around 50-59ºF so we will likely

Downy mildew on a collard leaf. Photo by Renee Carter.

see more progress with the disease temperatures cool down. Downy mildew may appears as light-colored lesions on the top of the leaves and as masses of white spores on the lower surface. Scout at least 25 plants per field (5 plants in 5 locations), checking the undersides

for spores. If you have downy mildew, rotate or tank-mix chlorothalonil 6F (FRAC M05) with another product listed in the Mid-Atlantic Veg Guide for downy mildew in cole crops, rotating MOAs. Use overhead irrigation at times of the day when leaves can dry quickly to slow disease progression.

Allium leaf miner alert. Allium leaf miner was found in Southern Pennsylvania last week, indicating that a fall flight has begun. While not yet spotted by our program in NJ, it’s time to be on the lookout for ALM.

An Allium leafminer adult (A) (picture by Maria Cramer) and the characteristic oviposition scars left behind after females lay eggs (B).

We want to give a huge thanks to our scouting team for keeping an eye on things for us throughout the season!

North NJ: James Johnson and Cassandra Dougherty

South NJ: Renee Carter, Mar Sherman, and Kris Szymanski

Authors: Amanda Quadrel (Northern NJ Veg IPM coordinator) and Maria Cramer (Southern NJ Veg IPM coordinator)

Questions or comments? Contact us below:

[contact-form]

Sustainable Agriculture Seminar Series

Patrick McMullen — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:25:19 +0000

Are you interested in improving the sustainability of your farm while also increasing your farm’s productivity and success? Join us to explore topics in sustainable agriculture through this virtual seminar series! This initial offering of four sessions will be held on Zoom from 12-1 pm ET on the below dates and cover an introduction to sustainable agriculture and soil health management.

This series is intended for any farmers looking to enhance their production systems by adopting new sustainable practices. Additional information can be found on the attached flyer. Seminars will be recorded and shared afterwards for those unable to attend live.

Please register at this link to receive the Zoom link for the seminar: Sustainable Agriculture Seminar Series Registration

Sustainable Ag Seminar Series Flyer 2026 (2)

What is sustainable agriculture, and how can it help my farm?
- Tuesday, October 6th 12 – 1 p.m.
Starting from the ground up: physical properties of soil health
- Tuesday, October 20th 12 – 1 p.m.
Cover crops to improve soil health and farm profitability
- Thursday, November 5th 12 – 1 p.m.
Soil as an ecosystem: microbial soil biology and crop health
- Tuesday, November 17th 12 – 1 p.m.

2027 Rutgers Educational Sessions at NE Agricultural Expo in Atlantic City

Michelle Infante-Casella — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:20:03 +0000

Everyone should be very excited for this event in 2027. The NE Agriculture Expo and Rutgers Educational Sessions will begin on Tuesday, January 19, 2027 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, 777 Harrahs Boulevard. The final day of educational sessions and trade show ends on Thursday, January 21, 2027. The trade show already has an abundance of vendors signed up for booths in 2027.

The planning committee for the expo is looking forward to providing many new opportunities, and Rutgers has confirmed many new speakers to offer excellent information, covering various topics from the 2026 growing season and research results to help farmers improve their practices. The Harrah’s conference center offers the best layout in Atlantic City for this convention. Come for the opportunity to network with others in the industry, to learn from over 72 presenters on a diversity of topics, and to gain pesticide recertification credits to keep your applicator’s license current. To register and for more information from the organizing association, go to the Vegetable Growers Association of NJ’s website at https://vganj.com.

Please see the DRAFT Rutgers Educational Program below. Pesticide credits have been applied for with NJ DEP. When the credits are assigned this program will be republished and promoted with credits.

Vegetable IPM Update 9/25/26

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 03:01:44 GMT

Greetings from the Veg IPM team!

Sweet Corn

With the cooler night time temperatures, we are starting to see CEW numbers decline in many New Jersey locations this week. Refer to the map below to see this week’s CEW pressure throughout the state. With temperatures continuing to fall, most locations will no longer need to shorten the spray interval by a day. Remember, rotation is important for avoiding resistance, so rotate between the four IRAC groups registered in silking sweet corn: 1 (carbamates), 3 (pyrethroids), 5 (spinosyns), and 28 (diamides). Corn earworm is at least partly resistant to several pyrethroids, so a spray program should not rely solely on pyrethroids, although they are useful in tank-mixes or as pre-mixed products, such as Besiege or Elevest (Group 28 + Group 3). For detailed information about resistance and potential spray programs, the University of Delaware has an excellent resource on corn earworm management.

Caterpillar pests in the whorl and tassel stage. Fall armyworm (FAW) has dropped off significantly this week. Still, if you have whorl-stage corn it is a good idea to scout for it. We use a treatment threshold of 12% fresh feeding damage in pre-tassel corn. Below this level, treatments for FAW are unlikely to pay off. For treatment, we recommend using products other than diamides (IRAC Group 28), as diamides are important to save for silk protection. Effective products include Lannate (Group 1A), Radiant (Group 5), Intrepid (Group 18), Intrepid Edge (5+18), and Avaunt (Group 22). Note that Avaunt can only be used through tassel push.

Aphids. Aphids have also dropped off significantly in the past weeks. If you’re seeing a lot of aphids on corn tassels, you can start your CEW spray rotation with Lannate (group 1A), which has some efficacy for aphids. Come back a week later and check ear tips for aphid populations. If they are still above your tolerance use a product more targeted for aphids, such as Assail 30SG or 30 SC (group 4A), Transform WG (group 4C), or Sivanto Prime (group 4D). Keep in mind that Transform WG and Sivanto Prime have 7 day PHIs.

Tomatoes and Peppers

Spider mites. Be on the look out for spider mites, but populations have been lower than last season at this time. Whether or not it makes sense to treat depends on the stage of the crop. We do not recommend treating tomato fields that are approaching the end of picking.

Beet armyworm. We track beet armyworm with pheromone traps deployed in south Jersey. Beet armyworm is an occasional pest of peppers, swiss chard, and beets and can cause serious damage and crop loss if outbreaks occur unexpectedly. Our traps in Salem county continue to find high moth counts (30+ moths per night), so we suggest scouting susceptible crops for caterpillars and damage. Traps in Cumberland county continue to have low captures (<5 moths per night).

Caterpillar pests in tomato. Top: Corn earworms come in a number of colors, including this pinkish-red. Note the hairs which are distinctive on CEW. Bottom: Soybean looper. Note that rear-end is larger than front of the caterpillar. Previously identified as a cabbage looper, but has distinctive dark spots and markings characteristic of soybean looper. Photos by Maria Cramer.

Other caterpillar pests.

We continue to see pressure in tomatoes from yellow striped armyworm, tomato fruit worm (AKA corn earworm), and soybean looper. Note: we previously identified a picture of a soybean looper as a cabbage looper. The two caterpillars look very similar, but identification is important as soybean loopers have pyrethroid resistance. Soybean looper has been especially prevalent in tomato plantings over the past few weeks. While soybean looper feeds primarily on foliage, it may also directly damage fruits (see image below). We suggest scouting tomatoes for worm damage and the presence of caterpillars. Giving the plant a good shake or using a beat tray can help detect the presence of caterpillars. Most products listed in the 2026/2027 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Guide for caterpillar pests will be effective, but keep in mind that many species have pyrethroid resistance, so group 3 insecticides should not be used.

Cucurbits

Melon aphids infesting a pumpkin leaf. Photo by Amanda Quadrel.

Pumpkin harvests are in progress, and we’ve seen relatively few issues that need management at this point in the season.

Cole Crops

Caterpillar pests. Scouted cole crops continue to have varying levels of caterpillar activity. Diamondback populations seem to be fairly low, with imported cabbageworm and armyworms being the primary species being found. The caterpillar threshold is 20% infestation for crops still in the leafy/early cupping stage. Once heads begin to form, the threshold drops to 5%. For young caterpillars (especially imported cabbage worm), Bt products such as Dipel or Xentari are IPM friendly options. Diamondback moth has resistance to many insecticide groups, and pyrethroids (IRAC 3A) and Bt products (IRAC 11A) are not effective for their management. Besides Bt, materials approved for caterpillar control include Entrust/Radiant (IRAC 5), Proclaim (IRAC 6), Torac (IRAC 21A), Exirel (IRAC 28), and Incipio (IRAC 30). For Bt products and contact insecticides, coverage on the undersides the leaves is essential.

Diseases

Alternaria on broccoli. Photo by Amanda Quadrel.

Downy mildew on a collard leaf. Photo by Renee Carter.

Lettuce — Corn Earworm alert! We have been finding corn earworm in some of the head lettuce that we scout in south Jersey. When corn earworm pressure is high, as it continues to be, we recommend treating lettuce on a regular interval (e.g. every 5-10 days). The Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Guide lists many products that are labeled for CEW in lettuce. Keep in mind that as with CEW in other crops, pyrethroids are not effective.

Additionally, we are seeing some aphids in lettuce as well. The threshold for aphids in lettuce is one per seedling, or 4 per plant beyond the seedling stage. Typically, at the head stage, no aphids are tolerated, but this depends on market.

We want to give a huge thanks to our scouting team for keeping an eye on things for us throughout the season!

North NJ: James Johnson and Cassandra Dougherty

South NJ: Renee Carter, Peter Combs, Mar Sherman, and Kris Szymanski

Authors: Amanda Quadrel (Northern NJ Veg IPM coordinator) and Maria Cramer (Southern NJ Veg IPM coordinator)

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