Tuesday, April 28

10.00am – 1.00pm

Register at: https://go.rutgers.edu/ncudh8xr 

      

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.  

      

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

      

Stay informed:

• Sign up for the 2026 – Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program – click here to sign up
• Program is free, but registration is required – Registration includes:
  • Site visit to your ornamental nursery/farm from Rutgers agents
  • Delivered printed IPM resources (Guides, factsheets, bulletins)
  • Free pheromone & sticky trap kit + guidance on setup/monitoring (for commercial nursery/greenhouse and Christmas tree farms)
  • Access to live bi-weekly webinars (Zoom)
  • (First session TUESDAY 4/14 @ 12PM)
  • Every Second and Fourth, Tuesday, April through September

Boxwood Blight: high potential for new /spreading infections this week in Southern NJ

[pictorial tri-fold] Common Boxwood Pests and Diseases (click-here). This includes Box Tree Moth images. Print the PDF out double-sided, then fold.

If you suspect Boxwood Blight and would like to have this verified – please contact the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (click here) for sample submission instructions

• It is time to begin protective fungicide applications in boxwoods throughout the state if you have not already done so. 

• If BWB is important to your business – Use the USPEST – PUSH Alerts – (click here) – to setup weekly email alerts.
• Please visit the USPEST.ORG Boxwood Blight Risk Model – CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL PREDICTIONS)

Fungicides; 

1. You very well may have these materials already applied as ‘cover-sprays’ – But – be mindful that protectant fungicides loose efficacy the more rain (or overhead irrigation) they are subjected to, and reapplication may be warranted.
2. ROTATE between Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC codes) to avoid this pathogen becoming resistant to specific chemicals

Format: [FRAC code]: Chemical name (Trade names * no endorsement implied, other options exist)  

• [M05]: Chlorothalonil (Daconil WS)
• [M05 + 1] Chlorothalonil + Thiophanate methyl (Spectro 90WDG)
• [11] Trifloxystrobin + [7] Fluopyram  (Broadform)
• [11] Trifloxystrobin + [3] Triadimefon (Armada 50WDG)
• [M03] Mancozeb
• [12] Fludioxonil (Medallion WDG)
• [3] Tebuconazole (Torque)BW

Approaching boxwood blight season – 2026 (threat this week in Central and Southern NJ)

Ambrosia beetle adult flight will VERY LIKELY occur this week throughout most of NJ. 

The last few seasons we have seen an upswing in ambrosia beetle activity in nursery production, principally in field grown nursery stock of thin barked trees (commonly – dogwood, honey locust, magnolia, maple, redbud, zelkova, styrax, Prunus spp.). Based on evidence from multiple lines of trap collection data throughout the United States, adult female flights appear to be correlated to consecutive days (2-3) of 70F temperatures (highs) with daily average air temps around 65F (max+min/2), i.e. THIS WEEK IN NJ.

Consider using pyrethroids in your production areas if this pest has been a regular problem OR there are water stressed (typically flooded / slow draining) plants.

Contact insecticides: 

• Pyrethroids [3A]: –thrins (bifenthrin, permethrin, etc.) – Pyrethroids longer lasting residual activity is why these materials are so effective against ambrosia beetles. 
• Systemic insecticides DO NOT WORK

Ambrosia Beetle Borers of Nursery Plants

White Pine Weevil (WPW) may have already emerged during the last heat wave, but if not, it will very likely occur this week throughout NJ.

Factors leading to this post include increased air temperatures and climbing growing degree-days (WPW adult movement and egg laying is around 7-58 growing degree-days (GDD50)), and most importantly rising soil temperatures as this pest typically begins movement with soils hovering around 50F. All of these factors lead to WPW movement this week and growers may wish to utilize a preventative, long lasting residual spray (pyrethroids) to target adults before they begin egg laying in the upper canopy.

So we have: 

• Within the GDD window for adult movement and egg laying (~58 GDD50)
• Soil temperatures in NJ are at or above 50F.
• Increased air temperatures and insect mobility

Chemical Controls for WPW at this stage of the season:

Chemical insecticides against white pine weevils during the spring period are only effective when adults are feeding & before females lay eggs. Arial sprays only need to be applied to cover the terminal leaders at the tops of trees. Pyrethroids sprayed on the bark can have an effective residual of up to 3-weeks. Included within this group of insecticides include bifenthrin (e.g., Onyx), permethrin (e.g., Astro) & cyfluthrin (e.g., Tempo). Since an extended egg-laying duration occurs with this pest, a second application may be recommended.

White Pine Weevil: Overwintering Adults Become Active in March & April

Clearwing borers: Be prepared to manage these pests in the coming weeks.

If you are a commercial grower signed up for the 2026 Rutgers Ornamental IPM program (click here to register), please contact twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu for clearwing pheromone trap kits.

• CLICK HERE – Please visit the Rutgers Ornamental IPM program website for more information on this group of pests

Identifying Clearwing Moth Borers in Pheromone Traps

Early season management of Phytophthora, Pythium, Phytopythium should be initiated throughout NJ in sensitive plant species, areas with known histories of disease, and in Christmas tree plantations.  

PESTICIDE USE DISCLAIMER. THE LABEL IS THE LAW . The Rutgers Plant and Pest Advisory is not intended for homeowners. Recommendations and considerations given herein are designed to be specific to the state of New Jersey, even though it may be broadly applicable across multiple geographic areas. A pesticide applicator is legally bound by the labeling found on and with the pesticide container in their possession. Before using a pesticide, check and always follow the labeling distributed with the product at the point of sale for legally enforceable rates and restrictions. New Jersey notes. 1. Private and commercial applicators must be certified AND possess a valid applicator license to make applications or supervise the use of ANY* EPA-registered pesticide (*as required NJAC 7:30; limited exemptions exist). 2. Only certified applicators possessing a valid New Jersey applicator license may purchase restricted use pesticides (RUPs). 3. Pursuant to NJ S1016, neonicotinoids can only be applied in agricultural settings. Commercial applications in outdoor, non-agricultural settings (i.e. landscapes) is prohibited, with no pest-specific exceptions, as of the printing of this document. In addition to the pesticide chemistries and Mode of Action (MoA) listed in this document, others may be commercially available. It is understood that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Rutgers Cooperative Extension is implied. THE LABEL IS THE LAW. Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Boards of County Commissioners, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.

      

Saturday, April 11, 10am

Register at: https://go.rutgers.edu/stf3j6x6

      

Saturday, April 11, 10am

Register at: https://go.rutgers.edu/stf3j6x6

      

So we have: 

• NJ will be within the GDD window for adult movement and approaching egg laying (7-58 GDD50)
• Soil temperatures in some areas may be close to 50F.
• Increased air temperatures and insect mobility

In the state of NJ, the control window against feeding white pine weevil adults *typically* occurs in March & April. Adults over-winter in the duff beneath trees. The  adults will often crawl or sometimes fly to the top terminal leaders of pine, spruce, or Douglas-fir trees. Eastern white pine & Norway spruce species are the most severely attacked & the death of the terminal leaders of these trees will often occur.

Treatment timing is critical with this pest and controlling the adult female before egg laying is necessary. Apply preventative sprays (e.g., pyrethroids) only to the terminal leaders during this time. Before mating & egg laying, adults will feed by chewing holes within the central leader & cause a characteristic pitch flow that becomes white in color when dry. Then females will lay eggs in new cut-out holes within the top 12 inches of the leader just below the terminal bud.

Chemical Controls:

Chemical insecticides against white pine weevils during the spring period are only effective when adults are feeding & before females lay eggs. Arial sprays only need to be applied to cover the terminal leaders at the tops of trees. Pyrethroids sprayed on the bark can have an effective residual of up to 3-weeks. Included within this group of insecticides include bifenthrin (e.g., Onyx), permethrin (e.g., Astro) & cyfluthrin (e.g., Tempo). Since an extended egg-laying duration occurs with this pest, a second application may be recommended.

When given enough time, a preventative systemic such as imidacloprid (e.g., Merit) can be applied as a soil injection or drench during the previous fall season (October or November) to control the early spring feeding period of adults. It can also be effective against the early instar larvae. This approach may only be economically viable when a few select trees can be targeted having a history of this pest.

Overall, the best integrated controls are achieved with a combination of well timed insecticide treatments against spring feeding adults & the mechanical removal of infested terminal leaders before summer adult emergence occurs.

^Adapted from this excellent resource written by Steve Rettke: click here – “White Pine Weevil: Overwintering Adults Become Active in March & April”

Stay informed – ORNAMENTAL IPM PROGRAM

• Sign up for the 2026 – Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program – click here to sign up
• First webinar 4/14/26
• Program is free, but registration is required – Registration includes:
  • Site visit to your ornamental nursery/farm from Rutgers agents
  • Delivered printed IPM resources (Guides, factsheets, bulletins)
  • Free pheromone & sticky trap kit + guidance on setup/monitoring (for commercial nursery/greenhouse and Christmas tree farms)
  • Access to live bi-weekly webinars (Zoom)
  • (First session TUESDAY 4/14 @ 12PM)
  • Every Second and Fourth, Tuesday, April through September

      

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.  

      

The weather may be cold, but no rain or no snow in the forecast, and warm times inside the conference center to network with others in the industry.  An afternoon Hospitality Room will be available 12-5pm on Wednesday and Thursday to relax and unwind in the trade show area. Come for the social aspects, education and gain pesticide recertification credits. Check out the Rutgers Educational Program to see what topics you would like to learn about. go.rutgers.edu/2026rutgerseduprog

What’s Happening

January 20 (Tuesday)

• Pre–trade show workshops and sessions

January 21 (Wednesday)

• Full day of educational sessions for all commodity groups • Year of the Women Farmer Luncheon
• Packed trade show with vendor booths sold out
• Live charity auction with FREE food

January 22 (Thursday)

• More sessions
• Another day packed trade show with vendor booths sold out
• Special appearance by Temple Grandin book signing /meet and greet, then her special session (additional cost)

Registration Options On-Site at the Regitration Counter (hallway of conference center) or On-line https://vganj.com/convention-tickets“>https://vganj.com/convention-tickets

VGANJ Membership – $100

Includes 2 Expo passes

Additional passes just $25 each

One-Day Pass – $60

Access to sessions + trade show

Register On-Line to

• Save time at registration
• Walk in, grab your badge
• Enjoy FREE breakfast (8am-10am Wednesday and Thursday in Trade Show)
• Head straight to learning, growing, and catching up with friends

This event under one roof, packed with education and energy, and celebrating New Jersey agriculture at its best.

Plus, buy your tee shirt or hoodie at the registration desk to “Support New Jersey Farmers” and tout “No Farmers No Food” – new this year.

      

A Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Workshop for Pesticide Applicators to gain CORE Credits towards their license will be held at the NE Agriculture Expo at Harrah’s in Atlantic City to start of this year’s event. This workshop will take place from 10:00AM to 12:00PM. Licensed applicators must accumulate 8 CORE Credits over a 5-year period to maintain their NJDEP Pesticide Applicators License. This workshop will offer 4 CORE Credits. Pre-registration is requested and can be found on the VGANJ website at https://vganj.com“>https://vganj.com. Registration cost is $25 per person and non-refundable. Registration for this workshop is separate from the convention registration and attendees must also register for the expo at https://vganj.com/convention-tickets. The topics include: Pesticide Safety – Personal Protection Equipment for the Pesticide Applicator; Update on US EPA Worker Protection Standards; Storage, Tank Mixing, Tank Cleaning, and Disposal; Pesticide Record Keeping and Notification. For more information contact Bill Bamka (bamka@njaes.rutgers.edu) or Michelle Infante-Casella (minfante@njaes.rutgers.edu).

For the full program (January 20-22nd) of Rutgers Educational Workshops and Sessions that offer more credits and diverse topics, see https://go.rutgers.edu/2026rutgerseduprog

      

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10TH IN SUSSEX COUNTY STARTING AT 10:00AM

& 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY  STARTING AT 9:00AM

FOR SUSSEX COUNTY ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 10TH AT 10:00AM – CALL TO REGISTER: 973-948-3040

LOCATION: RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF SUSSEX COUNTY, 130 MORRIS TNPK, NEWTON, NJ

-OR-

FOR GLOUCESTER COUNTY ON FEBRUARY 2ND AT 9:00AM – REGISTER USING THIS LINK OR QR CODE:
https://go.rutgers.edu/stopthebleed

LOCATION: GLOUCESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES
1200 N. DELSEA DR., CLAYTON, NJ

Rutgers Cooperative Extension’ Farm Health and Safety Team has 2 scheduled events for  “Stop the Bleed” training for the farming community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the life-saving skills of pressure application, wound packing, and use of tourniquets. The first 25 registrants at each location, will also receive a complementary bleeding control kit.

Space is limited, register today.

If you have questions contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County (973-948-3040) or Gloucester County (856-224-8040 ext. 1)

Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Team:
Agricultural Agents: Kate Brown, Michelle Infante-Casella, William Bamka, and Stephen Komar

     

The purpose of the New Jersey Agritourism Grant Program is to provide funding to support New Jersey agritourism businesses in their efforts to attract, entertain, and educate visitors.

Eligible Applicants:

Agricultural entities operating in the State of New Jersey are eligible to apply for grant funding. Eligible entities include:

• Farms
• Ranches
• On-Farm Wineries
• On-Farm Breweries
• On-Farm Distilleries
• Non-Farm Brewery/Distillery/Wineries
• Other Agricultural Businesses that pursue funding to support eligible activities.

Funding Available:

A total of $5 million dollars ($5,000,000) available for funding through the NJATP. Applicants may request up to $100,000 in grant funding and must submit documentation to substantiate all proposed grant expenses.

How to Apply:

All interested parties should submit completed NJATP applications, and all supplemental application materials to NJATP@ag.nj.gov or before January 30th, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. Applications received after this deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability, which will be determined following the conclusion of the initial application period.

Program Webpage:  New Jersey Agritourism Grant Program (NJATP)

Contact: 

William Conners, Grants Coordinator

609-913-6620

william.conners@ag.nj.gov.

     

Monday, November 17, 2025 (Mercer County)

• D&R Greenway Land Trust, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
• 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 (Salem County)

• Salem County Ag Building, 51 Cheney Road, Woodstown, NJ 08098
• 6:30 to 8:00 pm

If you have questions or need additional information, you can contact Stephanie Kreiser (stephanie.kreiser@ag.nj.gov) and Cindy Roberts (cindy.roberts@ag.nj.gov) or call 609-984-2504.