Friday, May 16, 2014

IPM Notes from May 8th, 2014

We looked for the flags left last week in the fields identifying where the buckwheat seeds were dug in.

The seeds are germinating, we found a few grubs and one centipede.

Most grubs were found in the demo plots fairly close to the surface and approximately 5 grubs per square foot. 

We studied the wheat field for signs of disease. The wet cold weather could bring on disease such as Powdery mildew and Septoria.

Bill explained the differences between technical damage due to weed spraying and damage done by disease. 

Disease: the center of the area will be darker perimeter yellow. Following the leaves you can see the progress of the disease. Eventually spreading to the rest of the leaf. Technical damage due to spraying: Damage is restricted to one area.

In the community gardens, the weeds are taking over. The soil is still too wet for planting in most areas.

Weeds seen: Pennsylvania smartweed, henbit, purple deadnettle, chickweed, Canada thistle, and many more. Annual bluegrass is already yellowing.

Demo plots: 

Strawberries doing well, hops have been trained, the blueberries are blooming. More sulfur has been applied to the blueberries.

Next week we will  set up the various insect traps.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

IPM Notes from May 1, 2014

After the long cold winter, will there be many insects this year? With the cold and snow cover, grubs tend to go deeper in the soil. The presence of leafhoppers will be determined from the weather down South, since leafhoppers are brought northward by the various air currents. The cereal leaf beetle will not be seen as often.

A brief discussion was held regarding GMO’s with regard to an upcoming GMO conference. Something genetically modified has a gene inserted into the plant. Is that harmful?

Various government agencies (EPA, FDA, USDA) have certain responsibilities regarding GMO’s and their impacts on the environment, food safety and agriculture. If a GMO created a possible allergen or toxin in food, this area would be the responsibility of the FDA.

On the field tour, the soil temperature was taken in the cornfield and found to be 54 – 55 degrees. Soil temperature in the hops plot was 55 – 58 degrees. Several insect traps were dug into the soil at various places and buckwheat was planted. The traps will be checked < next week to see what type and how many insects ( i.e. grubs) are in the soil.

For winter rye, the flag leaf near the top of the plant is the most important leaf because it is needed for photosynthesis. This will eventually produce the rye. In New Jersey, rye (long straw) is important for the breeding and bedding of horses.

Observing the wheat field, many white butterflies (cabbage loppers) were flying about, and will eventually lay their eggs (larvae) there. In time, this will generate worm damage. Kenny also fertilized the wheat field, having a darker green color compared to the light green tire tracks.

The strawberry plot looks good. June bearing and ever-bearing plants were planted. The base of each of the blueberry plants needs the mulch taken away. The hops plants will need to be tied-up in the near future. The county also recently completed a new irrigation system in the demonstration plots.