The cornfield for the most part looks good. There is however a growing number of small weeds, namely crabgrass, that will need to be sprayed or turned under. Other weeds present included lambs quarter, curly doc, jimson weed and velvet leaf. There were a number of black swallowtail larvae feasting on what appeared to be several sweet potato plants that were grown in the area last year. The corn is in the 5th or 6th leaf stage, so the growing point is just above ground. Because of this, the corn plant is now susceptible to any type of damage from weather, insects and disease.
The rye field has been cut and harvested. Soybeans have now been seeded over the rye (double cropping). Due to the dry weather and rye residue remaining in the field, the soybean seeds were not planted too deeply. There is concern that in time the soybean field growth will look spotty because some of the shallow seeding will not take hold and therefore not germinate.
A square plastic device was randomly used several times in the alfalfa field to measure the percentage of alfalfa and orchard grass within the square. The idea is to see if the alfalfa field is generating enough growth (over 25%) for harvesting. Random estimates taken today were around 50% alfalfa and orchard grass within the square. The alfalfa plant is also susceptible to crown rot and the alfalfa weevil. In addition, netting was used to randomly sweep the alfalfa field for various insects. Leafhoppers, aphids and alfalfa weevils were found in the sweep.
The oat crop is suffering from severe cereal leaf beetle damage. Numerous cereal leaf beetles were also seen on the oats. The oats will soon be harvested and bailed and used for feed for the sheep.
The soybean crop is in the first trifoliate stage, and because of deer damage and dry weather the field looks spotty. Ideally there should be about 150,000 soybean plants per acre.
In the demonstration plots the tomato plants were infested with the Colorado potato beetle and its eggs. This may be a very bad year for this beetle. Four pumpkin plants were planted yesterday, along with four pumpkin seeds. The pumpkin plot is new this year. The strawberries are beginning to be harvested. Among the June bearing berries, the Chandler cultivar is producing more berries with better taste than the All-Star cultivar. The everbearing strawberry – Tribute, has produced a good harvest as well so far. The strawberry plants look good. The blueberry plants look good, but one or two need some pruning of old wood.
Finally, noticed in the field today and also gathered within the insect traps were a large number of Colorado potato beetles, black cut worm and fall armyworm. The county help-line was also alerted regarding the presence of these three pests.
Compiled by John Siemanowski
Friday, May 29, 2015
Friday, May 15, 2015
IPM Notes from May 14, 2015
This morning master gardeners were made aware of a new pest, the spotted lantern fly. Native to Southeast Asia, it is currently present in Berks county, PA. Local officials there are trying to quarantine the pest. It is yellow and red with black spots, and attacks the phloem of the plant. It has already infected apples, grapes, pine trees and ornamentals.
Regarding corn, a comment was made that currently in the United States the same amount of corn produced today from 84 million acres equals the 1930 corn production from 490 million acres. As we walked in the field corn, various small annual weeds were beginning to emerge. These included marestail, yellow sedge, velvetleaf, crabgrass, and wild garlic. Weeds can be a future problem if the corn is not tall enough to crowd them out. One sample showed 6 weeds within a square foot. If need be a possible herbicide would be used if the weeds get out of control.
The cornfield showed very little damage from cutworm (no cut plants), grubs (no stunting of growth), and slugs (no leaf decay). The cornfield still has good moisture, despite little recent rain. As the corn plant grows and draws more moisture from the ground, additional water (rain) will be needed. The seeds were planted about 2 weeks ago, and are currently in the 2nd collar leaf stage. Currently, the growing point is below ground. At the 4th or 5th leaf stage the growing point is exposed above ground.
Random population counts were performed today in the cornfield. This was done by measuring 17 ½ feet and then counting the number of plants within that space, and then multiplying by 1,000 to estimate the corn production per acre. The random three counts taken were 26, 27 and 27. When multiplied by 1,000 provided 3 estimates of 26,000, 27,000 and 27,000 plants per acre, assuming 30-inch spaces between the rows. One can say that perhaps 30,000 seeds were planted per acre with a germination rate of 90 percent.
The rye field was cut this morning. Later, the rye will be turned over (called tedding) to dry better. Unlike some other grain crops, having a small rainfall on the cut rye will cause the rye color to bleach out to a golden yellow color. This rye, also called long straw, will be used for bedding for the animals. It is not used for feed. Wheat is commonly used for feed.
The soybean seed is a pink seed. This is a treated seed that acts like a fungicide in the early growth stages of the plant. Soybeans were recently planted. Sweet corn and peppers will also be planted.
The oat crop is beginning to wilt. With little recent rain, as the plant is growing, it is pulling more moisture form the soil. Cereal leaf beetle damage can be seen, as well as the beetle itself.
The strawberry plot shows some downy mildew and will need to be monitored. Half of the strawberry plot is slightly taller since it was not cut back in the spring. The hops plot is showing some insect damage of tiny holes in the leaves. The pests were not found.
There few insects found in the insect traps. Only in trap #1 (black cut worm) was there one black cut worm.
Regarding corn, a comment was made that currently in the United States the same amount of corn produced today from 84 million acres equals the 1930 corn production from 490 million acres. As we walked in the field corn, various small annual weeds were beginning to emerge. These included marestail, yellow sedge, velvetleaf, crabgrass, and wild garlic. Weeds can be a future problem if the corn is not tall enough to crowd them out. One sample showed 6 weeds within a square foot. If need be a possible herbicide would be used if the weeds get out of control.
The cornfield showed very little damage from cutworm (no cut plants), grubs (no stunting of growth), and slugs (no leaf decay). The cornfield still has good moisture, despite little recent rain. As the corn plant grows and draws more moisture from the ground, additional water (rain) will be needed. The seeds were planted about 2 weeks ago, and are currently in the 2nd collar leaf stage. Currently, the growing point is below ground. At the 4th or 5th leaf stage the growing point is exposed above ground.
Random population counts were performed today in the cornfield. This was done by measuring 17 ½ feet and then counting the number of plants within that space, and then multiplying by 1,000 to estimate the corn production per acre. The random three counts taken were 26, 27 and 27. When multiplied by 1,000 provided 3 estimates of 26,000, 27,000 and 27,000 plants per acre, assuming 30-inch spaces between the rows. One can say that perhaps 30,000 seeds were planted per acre with a germination rate of 90 percent.
The rye field was cut this morning. Later, the rye will be turned over (called tedding) to dry better. Unlike some other grain crops, having a small rainfall on the cut rye will cause the rye color to bleach out to a golden yellow color. This rye, also called long straw, will be used for bedding for the animals. It is not used for feed. Wheat is commonly used for feed.
The soybean seed is a pink seed. This is a treated seed that acts like a fungicide in the early growth stages of the plant. Soybeans were recently planted. Sweet corn and peppers will also be planted.
The oat crop is beginning to wilt. With little recent rain, as the plant is growing, it is pulling more moisture form the soil. Cereal leaf beetle damage can be seen, as well as the beetle itself.
The strawberry plot shows some downy mildew and will need to be monitored. Half of the strawberry plot is slightly taller since it was not cut back in the spring. The hops plot is showing some insect damage of tiny holes in the leaves. The pests were not found.
There few insects found in the insect traps. Only in trap #1 (black cut worm) was there one black cut worm.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
IPM Notes from May 7, 2015
At the beginning of the walk today, information sheets were passed out regarding field corn. Burlington county ranks 4th in New Jersey for grain corn production. Among the various fun facts listed was that there is an estimated 4,200 different uses for corn products. Some products you may not have known that contain corn are toothpaste, shampoo, diapers, envelope adhesives, perfume and aspirin. There was also a comparison between sweet corn and field corn.
Also listed on the information sheets were factors to consider when setting the seeding rate. Some of the things to consider were soil and climate, fertility, planting date and timeliness, genetic variability of the crop, size, vigor and mortality of the seed. After the crop has emerged, the stand density needs to be determined by multiplying plant counts by 1,000 to estimate the population in plants per acre. By making these random counts in five-acre sections at the seedling stage, early-to mid-summer stage, and again in the fall before harvest, a farmer should have a better idea of problem areas and an estimated count of future harvested crop.
Today, some of the field corn seedlings were just emerging. A couple seedlings were dug up looking for possible underground pests – grubs, slugs, and cutworm. Weed seedlings are also emerging. If they continue to grow a herbicide may need to be used in the future.
In the pollinator patch next to the field corn, a brief discussion was held on the various plants growing there. A couple characteristics that may be found on clover are the watermark and its hairs. Orchard grass is more clumping, while Kentucky Blue grass is more spreading. Cabbage loopers were also flying around the pollinator plot, where they lay their larvae.
Behind the field corn is the winter rye field. It may take another 3 to 4 weeks to turn to seed. The flag leaf, right below the grain, is important for the survival of the grain. The next leaf down is also important to the next grain above it. These two leaves should be monitored for possible disease or insect damage. Harvesting the rye takes extra potassium from the soil, which should eventually be replaced.
In front of the rye field was a small segment of plowed ground called the "Plow Layer". This is human made but a very common layer. Often denoted Ap – for "plowed" subset of "A" horizon. Basically homogeneous layer about 6-8 inches deep, formed when land was plowed. This layer long outlives agriculture use of the land. For example, many New England forests exhibit a clear plow layer today from plowing that took place over 100 years ago.
Left of the rye field, oats are beginning to grow. Beyond the oat field lies the alfalfa field. The alfalfa won't be cut until another 10 to 14 days. Usually there is 10% flowering on the plant before it is harvested. Some insect damage and diseases to look for would be damage by the alfalfa weevil (damage on tips), spittle bug, black spot disease. Also look for plant yellowing, or a silver color
Walking across the field today, four insect traps were set in place at different field locations. The Black Cutworm trap was set in front of the pollinator patch. The European Corn Borer trap was set behind the pollinator patch. The Fall Armyworm trap was set a good distance behind the master gardener plots. The Corn Earworm trap was set right behind the master gardener plots.
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski.
Also listed on the information sheets were factors to consider when setting the seeding rate. Some of the things to consider were soil and climate, fertility, planting date and timeliness, genetic variability of the crop, size, vigor and mortality of the seed. After the crop has emerged, the stand density needs to be determined by multiplying plant counts by 1,000 to estimate the population in plants per acre. By making these random counts in five-acre sections at the seedling stage, early-to mid-summer stage, and again in the fall before harvest, a farmer should have a better idea of problem areas and an estimated count of future harvested crop.
Today, some of the field corn seedlings were just emerging. A couple seedlings were dug up looking for possible underground pests – grubs, slugs, and cutworm. Weed seedlings are also emerging. If they continue to grow a herbicide may need to be used in the future.
In the pollinator patch next to the field corn, a brief discussion was held on the various plants growing there. A couple characteristics that may be found on clover are the watermark and its hairs. Orchard grass is more clumping, while Kentucky Blue grass is more spreading. Cabbage loopers were also flying around the pollinator plot, where they lay their larvae.
Behind the field corn is the winter rye field. It may take another 3 to 4 weeks to turn to seed. The flag leaf, right below the grain, is important for the survival of the grain. The next leaf down is also important to the next grain above it. These two leaves should be monitored for possible disease or insect damage. Harvesting the rye takes extra potassium from the soil, which should eventually be replaced.
In front of the rye field was a small segment of plowed ground called the "Plow Layer". This is human made but a very common layer. Often denoted Ap – for "plowed" subset of "A" horizon. Basically homogeneous layer about 6-8 inches deep, formed when land was plowed. This layer long outlives agriculture use of the land. For example, many New England forests exhibit a clear plow layer today from plowing that took place over 100 years ago.
Left of the rye field, oats are beginning to grow. Beyond the oat field lies the alfalfa field. The alfalfa won't be cut until another 10 to 14 days. Usually there is 10% flowering on the plant before it is harvested. Some insect damage and diseases to look for would be damage by the alfalfa weevil (damage on tips), spittle bug, black spot disease. Also look for plant yellowing, or a silver color
Walking across the field today, four insect traps were set in place at different field locations. The Black Cutworm trap was set in front of the pollinator patch. The European Corn Borer trap was set behind the pollinator patch. The Fall Armyworm trap was set a good distance behind the master gardener plots. The Corn Earworm trap was set right behind the master gardener plots.
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski.
Weed of the Week - Wild Violets
Wild violets (Viola papilionacea) are a persistent, perennial and difficult to control broadleaf plant. For some gardeners the plant is desirable for others the plant is a weed. Plants are spread by rhizomes and seeds.
Some of the keys to identifying wild violets are:
Controls
Violets are one of the toughest lawn weeds to control. They spread aggressively by thick, fleshy underground stems (rhizomes) that provide a large reserve of nutrients. This ability to store nutrients allows them to reappear after you attempt to kill them. Violets can be controlled, but you have to go after them aggressively and it is a process, not a one-shot treatment
For small areas hand pulling or weeding is laborious, but it’s the best way to control violets. When pulling be sure that you get the whole root, which includes the seed-bearing capsules near the soil's surface. In lawns, use a sharp knife to sever roots before pulling up the plants
Fall is the one of best times of year to control the wild violets. Use a broadleaf killer that contains 2,4-D or Dicamba, and it will selectively kill the violets without damaging certain types of grass.
Always, read the label before applying herbicides, it’s the law. Make sure the weed you are targeting for control is really causing a problem. Choose the right herbicide and always follow label directions when applying herbicides. The label lists the areas or locations where you can legally apply the herbicide, what protective clothing must be worn, how to mix the herbicide and other important information. Wear the protective clothing the label requires to minimize exposure during mixing, application and clean up.
Additional Information
May's Weed of the Month Wild Violets - Purdue University Extension
Wild Violet - University of Maryland Extension
Wild Violet Control - University of Nebraska
 |
| Wild violets |
- A clumping growth habit
- Heart shape leaves that cup toward the petiole
- Dense fibrous root system
- Prefers shaded site with moist fertile soil
 |
| Wild violet rhizome on soil surface |
 | ||
| Violet rhizome after washing off soil |
Violets are one of the toughest lawn weeds to control. They spread aggressively by thick, fleshy underground stems (rhizomes) that provide a large reserve of nutrients. This ability to store nutrients allows them to reappear after you attempt to kill them. Violets can be controlled, but you have to go after them aggressively and it is a process, not a one-shot treatment
For small areas hand pulling or weeding is laborious, but it’s the best way to control violets. When pulling be sure that you get the whole root, which includes the seed-bearing capsules near the soil's surface. In lawns, use a sharp knife to sever roots before pulling up the plants
Fall is the one of best times of year to control the wild violets. Use a broadleaf killer that contains 2,4-D or Dicamba, and it will selectively kill the violets without damaging certain types of grass.
Always, read the label before applying herbicides, it’s the law. Make sure the weed you are targeting for control is really causing a problem. Choose the right herbicide and always follow label directions when applying herbicides. The label lists the areas or locations where you can legally apply the herbicide, what protective clothing must be worn, how to mix the herbicide and other important information. Wear the protective clothing the label requires to minimize exposure during mixing, application and clean up.
Additional Information
May's Weed of the Month Wild Violets - Purdue University Extension
Wild Violet - University of Maryland Extension
Wild Violet Control - University of Nebraska
Friday, May 1, 2015
IPM Notes from April 30, 2015
After another cold winter will there be many insects this year? The previous cold winter had more snow than this past year, thereby providing a blanket covering for the insects. This past winter had less snow, but bitter cold. Time will tell how much of an insect issue there will be this year. Stay tuned. Insect traps for black cutworm, European corn borer and fall armyworm will probably be in place by next week.
On the field tour the soil temperature for covered soil and uncovered soil was 52 and 53 degrees respectively. Normally the soil temperature should be around 58 to 60 degrees for planting. Warmer weather coming this week will raise the soil temperature. Having the proper temperature, warmth and water is needed for germination. The longer the seed stays in the ground without germinating, the greater the chance there will be insect damage. If the seeds don't come up in due time, it becomes a question of economics, does the field need to be re-seeded? In the case of field corn it would be about 30,000 seeds per acre.
Next to the field corn is a grassy, weedy strip of land for pollinating plants like clover. Unfortunately this grassy, weedy area also attracts moths and their larvae. Supposedly the corn yields increase with the pollinator plants.
Beyond the cornfield, a small grain crop is growing in a no-tilled field where last year's field corn was growing. So one type of grass is growing above another, which can be more susceptible to disease and insect damage, like the cereal leaf beetle.
Various winter annual weeds were identified like henbit, purple dead nettle, bluegrass and shepherd's purse.
The strawberry plot looks very good. June bearing and ever-bearing plants were planted. . The hop plants will need to be tied-up in the near future. The hop poles and wires have been straightened and tightened. The blueberry plants have been pruned and look fairly well. The other plots are currently being worked for planting in the near future. Three of those plots were tilled a second time today.
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski
On the field tour the soil temperature for covered soil and uncovered soil was 52 and 53 degrees respectively. Normally the soil temperature should be around 58 to 60 degrees for planting. Warmer weather coming this week will raise the soil temperature. Having the proper temperature, warmth and water is needed for germination. The longer the seed stays in the ground without germinating, the greater the chance there will be insect damage. If the seeds don't come up in due time, it becomes a question of economics, does the field need to be re-seeded? In the case of field corn it would be about 30,000 seeds per acre.
Next to the field corn is a grassy, weedy strip of land for pollinating plants like clover. Unfortunately this grassy, weedy area also attracts moths and their larvae. Supposedly the corn yields increase with the pollinator plants.
Beyond the cornfield, a small grain crop is growing in a no-tilled field where last year's field corn was growing. So one type of grass is growing above another, which can be more susceptible to disease and insect damage, like the cereal leaf beetle.
Various winter annual weeds were identified like henbit, purple dead nettle, bluegrass and shepherd's purse.
The strawberry plot looks very good. June bearing and ever-bearing plants were planted. . The hop plants will need to be tied-up in the near future. The hop poles and wires have been straightened and tightened. The blueberry plants have been pruned and look fairly well. The other plots are currently being worked for planting in the near future. Three of those plots were tilled a second time today.
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski
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