Beet armyworm increase in pheromone trap

We have seen a sharp, 8-fold increase in the number of beet armyworm moths (Spodoptera exigua) caught in the Hammonton area in the past couple of days.  Moth counts in other areas remain low, but this demonstrates how patchy insect populations may be and this patchiness is probably enhanced by the storm cells moving across the state.  Beet armyworm is a migratory pest and is brought in on weather fronts, especially from those coming in from the south and west.

Beet armyworm is a general plant feeder but seems to prefer solanaceous crops, especially peppers.  With a past history of insecticide resistance/tolerance, farmers must be vigilant not to let the populations build up in the field.







Joe Ingerson-Mahar

GAPs Online Produce Safety Course

Wes Kline and I serve on the National Good Ag Practices program headquartered at Cornell University. The program has been offering regular GAPs Online Produce Safety Courses for quite awhile now. The next session will begin August 15, 2012 and end September 4, 2012. More information regarding the course follows. To register for the course, visit www.ecornell.com/gaps.

A minimum of 10 people must be registered for us to offer the course and class size is limited to 25 people. The course price is now $190. If you have any questions after reviewing the registration information, please contact:

Elizabeth 'Betsy' Bihn, Ph.D. 

630 W. North Street 

NYSAES - Hedrick Hall

Geneva, NY 14456 

Ph: 315.787.2625 

Fax: 315.787.2216 

Email: eab38@cornell.edu

-- Rick VanVranken

Applying Hardwood Chips to Cropland

The June 30 Derecho windstorm downed thousands of trees in South Jersey. Our area received a federal disaster declaration and crews are clearing trees and chipping.

Jersey's Outer Coastal Plain soils can benefit from hardwood chip application. However, understanding the best methods for soil quality improvement while avoiding crop nutrient deficiencies is important when utilizing hardwood chips. Find out how.
Farm Calls: Growers Ask for Recommendations on Applying Hardwood Chips to Cropland
-Rick VanVranken & Jack Rabin

Hail Storm Crosses Warren, Sussex, Morris Counties

We had a localized hail storm this afternoon at 3 pm that dropped 1.5 inches of rain and shredded tender foliage. The hail was observed in Northern Warren County but the storm crossed Sussex and Morris and headed into central jersey as well.  Not sure how widespread the damage is at this point but thought attached photos of hail and damaged summer squash foliage would be of interest.
-Bruce Barbour,
Warren Co Ag Agent