Sorghum is growing in one of the five raised beds maintained by the master gardeners. Half of the raised bed was amended last fall with sheep manure and two types of compost. The other half was unamended. The amended half is a darker green with a more complete head. The unamended half is light green with an incomplete head. However, all the sorghum plants are shorter and showing some signs of powdery mildew. This time of year the sorghum should be about four feet tall with a fuller head. It’s important to know your soil and possibly have the soil tested for the pH level. Also, using the right plant in the right place is important. The plants currently are in a slightly shaded enclosed area. Sorghum prefers full sun and good air circulation.
The various soybean fields have different varieties. It’s important to plant different varieties to lessen the risk of loss from disease and insects. One variety is more pointed at the tip, while another is more rounded. The pointed variety is showing signs of drought stress as the leaves are pointing upward. These are more susceptible to spider mites, aphids and green clover worms. Still, the plants do not show that much leaf damage from insects.
The field corn is showing damage from the corn borer. One strip-down stalk showed severe corn borer damage inside the corn plant. Unfortunately all the field corn is non-BT corn, and it remains to be seen how successful this field corn harvest will be in October.
The sweet corn field was mowed down last week. Much of the sweet corn had been damaged by birds. Advantages of leaving the corn plant on the ground would be to provide a blanket for the soil (preventing erosion) and nutrients for the soil. Disadvantages would be that it attracts disease and wildlife. It can also serve as an inoculum for disease the following season.
In the demonstration plots the giant pumpkins need almost daily monitoring. New buds and flowers are cut off, providing more energy to the established pumpkins. Keeping the plants free from insect damage is a never-ending chore. Several pumpkins look to be more than 20 inches. However, the pumpkin vines are starting to wilt and shrivel from disease. The millet has recently been fertilized and are just beginning to pollinate. The seeds should soon begin to develop. The broom corn needs to be fertilized and the plants should have been thinned-out. Not doing this, the broom corn will not have a strong healthy head as it could have. The Bell peppers and hot peppers have bacterial leaf spot from all the rainfall. They are still producing some good size fruit, but also are suffering from leaf drop. The everbearing strawberries were clipped back from their runners and are producing one pint of berries per week. They probably will shut down with this recent heat wave. The pollinator plot has made a nice comeback this year and is attractive heading to the high point of summer.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 3 each chafer beetle and click beetle, 1 each June bug and black cut worm.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 4 click beetles, 2 each stink bug and lightening bug, 1 each Fall armyworm and European corn borer.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 3 each true armyworm and click beetle, 2 each bumble bee and chafer beetle, 1 wasp.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 24 noctuids, 3 chafer beetle, 2 leperadoptera ssp., 1 click beetle
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski
Friday, July 31, 2015
Friday, July 17, 2015
IPM News and Related Stories
Cranberry Toad Bug: Life Cycle & Management
Recently the cranberry toad bug, Phylloscelis atra (Figure 1), has become a problematic pest of cranberries in New Jersey. ((Read more)
MSU scientists study tie between insecticides, bee health
“Just mentioning bees and pesticides in the same sentence is sure to get a buzz,” said Angus Catchot, an entomologist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. (Read more)
Introduction to Organic Vegetable Production - Plant Disease Scouting, ID and Management
What is that disease on my crop? Join us for a hands on scouting and identification exercise on Thursday, August 6 at Good Work Farm. Penn State Extension specialists will help you identify problems and effective organic disease management tools. Models for the Future farmers Anton and Lisa, from Good Work Farm, will also share their disease management techniques. (Read more)
Perennial Plant Conference
Friday, October 16, 2015 Lang Performing Arts Center, Swarthmore College
(Read more)
Pest of the Week - Artillery Fungus
Have you ever noticed tiny black spots on the siding of your house or on your car? The spots may be caused by artillery fungus Sphaerobolus spp. The fungus produces very small fruiting structures that contain a small dark bodied spore. Pressure within the fruiting structure caused by the accumulation of nutrients and water "shoots" the spore toward any light source.
A lot wood mulches are suitable for the growth of Artillery fungi. This decay organism propagate itself by shooting spore bodies a long distance when the fruiting structure of the fungus ruptures. When using wood mulch be sure to use only a think layer of mulch near homes, decks, and parking areas to avoid damage from the spore bodies, which are very difficult to remove.
Additional Information
Artillery Fungus Fact Sheet - Cornell University
Fact Sheet 5103 - Artillery Fungus - University of Maine
Artillery Fungus - FAQ - Dr. Donald D. Davis, Penn State -Penn State University
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| Closeup of the artillery fungus peridiole on automobile paint Joey Williamson, HGIC, Clemson Extension |
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| Magnolia foliage covered with artillery fungus peridioles Holly Thornton, Univ. of Georgia, Extension Plant Pathology |
A lot wood mulches are suitable for the growth of Artillery fungi. This decay organism propagate itself by shooting spore bodies a long distance when the fruiting structure of the fungus ruptures. When using wood mulch be sure to use only a think layer of mulch near homes, decks, and parking areas to avoid damage from the spore bodies, which are very difficult to remove.
Additional Information
Artillery Fungus Fact Sheet - Cornell University
Fact Sheet 5103 - Artillery Fungus - University of Maine
Artillery Fungus - FAQ - Dr. Donald D. Davis, Penn State -Penn State University
IPM Notes from July 16, 2015
Several spots in the taller soybean field have noticeably circular areas of small growth. After examining the areas several explanations were given. Perhaps there was too much nitrogen in one area as the plants seemed to lodge against one another. When straighten up the plants were the same height as the nearby standing plants. In other circular low areas the plants seemed stunted. Perhaps this was a low spot in the field that held water. Could the plowed headlane be a contributing factor? Was wildlife using these spots to bed down at night?
Random sweeps of the taller soybean field using nets resulted in Japanese beetles, green clover worms and soybean aphids. There was some slight leaf puckering on the perimeter due to thrips. The Jimson weed sprayed two weeks ago is dying off.
The shorter soybean field was sprayed last Monday with Roundup. The young soybean leaves are showing possible potassium deficiency, or this could be from the Roundup spray. We'll review again in another week.
The field corn is looking okay with all the recent rainfall. It currently is in the milk to blister stage. The non-BT corn still has a way to go before October harvest.
In the demonstration plots the giant pumpkins need almost daily monitoring. New buds and flowers are cut off, providing more energy to the established pumpkins. Keeping the plants free from insect damage is a never-ending chore. Several pumpkins look to be about 20 inches. The millet and broomcorn need to be fertilized. The Bell peppers and hot peppers have bacterial leaf spot from all the rainfall. They are still producing some good size fruit. The everbearing strawberries were clipped back from their runners. The pollinator plot has made a nice comeback this year and is attractive heading to the high point of summer.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps. Many beetles were caught this week.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 5 Chafer beetles, 4 click beetles, 1 each katydid, black cut worm, coleoptera ssp.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 1 each stink bug, click beetle, fly.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 4 chafer beetles, 3 true armyworms, 1 each click beetle, lightening bug.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 5 noctuids, 2 chafer beetle, 1 each June bug and corn ear worm.
Compiled by John Siemanowski
Random sweeps of the taller soybean field using nets resulted in Japanese beetles, green clover worms and soybean aphids. There was some slight leaf puckering on the perimeter due to thrips. The Jimson weed sprayed two weeks ago is dying off.
The shorter soybean field was sprayed last Monday with Roundup. The young soybean leaves are showing possible potassium deficiency, or this could be from the Roundup spray. We'll review again in another week.
The field corn is looking okay with all the recent rainfall. It currently is in the milk to blister stage. The non-BT corn still has a way to go before October harvest.
In the demonstration plots the giant pumpkins need almost daily monitoring. New buds and flowers are cut off, providing more energy to the established pumpkins. Keeping the plants free from insect damage is a never-ending chore. Several pumpkins look to be about 20 inches. The millet and broomcorn need to be fertilized. The Bell peppers and hot peppers have bacterial leaf spot from all the rainfall. They are still producing some good size fruit. The everbearing strawberries were clipped back from their runners. The pollinator plot has made a nice comeback this year and is attractive heading to the high point of summer.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps. Many beetles were caught this week.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 5 Chafer beetles, 4 click beetles, 1 each katydid, black cut worm, coleoptera ssp.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 1 each stink bug, click beetle, fly.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 4 chafer beetles, 3 true armyworms, 1 each click beetle, lightening bug.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 5 noctuids, 2 chafer beetle, 1 each June bug and corn ear worm.
Compiled by John Siemanowski
Friday, July 10, 2015
IPM Notes from July 9, 2015
Using the soybean field as an example, the question was asked how one would randomly check the field for insects and insect damage. Three methods were discussed. One was the zigzag method where one would walk the field in a "M", "W" or "Z" pattern. Another method was the perimeter or square method, where one would walk examining the edge of the field. A third method would be to scout a specific area, like a low area, for nematodes or black cut worm. This specific soybean field is in the reproductive stage setting pods. If the temperature is in the 90 to 95 degree range the top soybean flowers can abort, reducing the harvest. The beans are usually three in a pod, but on occasion can have four or so called "4 podders".
With the plentiful rainfall the field corn has grown and currently is looking well. Since this is not BT corn the corn borer damage mentioned in the last few weeks may become a problem as the season progresses. The corn ear was removed from one husk today and the milk line from full pollination was displayed. The corn plant will shut down with temperatures in the high 80's.
The various soybean fields are showing insect damage from grasshoppers and beetles. Some of the Jimson weed noted last week has been sprayed, and is dying. Other Jimson plants in the field have not been sprayed.
In the demonstration plots the giant pumpkin plants are growing by leaps and bounds. A wood pallet was placed under one pumpkin yesterday, keeping it away from soil borne diseases. It's a challenge keeping the pumpkins from insect damage and disease. The broomcorn is growing tightly together and is showing a little nitrogen deficiency. The millet looks good. The bell peppers and hot peppers are showing bacterial leaf spot.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps. Many beetles were caught this week.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 9 – Japanese Beetle, 1 each June bug, chafer beetle, ground beetle, lady bug, beetle specie.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 9 – click beetle, 1 each earwig, katydid, chafer beetle, hymenoptera.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 5- lightening bug, 3- lady bug, 2 each click beetle, chafer beetle, 1 each true army worm, fall army worm, bumble bee, beetle specie, coleoptera ssp.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 4 - oriental beetle, 2 - click beetle, 1 - chafer beetle.
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski
With the plentiful rainfall the field corn has grown and currently is looking well. Since this is not BT corn the corn borer damage mentioned in the last few weeks may become a problem as the season progresses. The corn ear was removed from one husk today and the milk line from full pollination was displayed. The corn plant will shut down with temperatures in the high 80's.
The various soybean fields are showing insect damage from grasshoppers and beetles. Some of the Jimson weed noted last week has been sprayed, and is dying. Other Jimson plants in the field have not been sprayed.
In the demonstration plots the giant pumpkin plants are growing by leaps and bounds. A wood pallet was placed under one pumpkin yesterday, keeping it away from soil borne diseases. It's a challenge keeping the pumpkins from insect damage and disease. The broomcorn is growing tightly together and is showing a little nitrogen deficiency. The millet looks good. The bell peppers and hot peppers are showing bacterial leaf spot.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps. Many beetles were caught this week.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 9 – Japanese Beetle, 1 each June bug, chafer beetle, ground beetle, lady bug, beetle specie.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 9 – click beetle, 1 each earwig, katydid, chafer beetle, hymenoptera.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 5- lightening bug, 3- lady bug, 2 each click beetle, chafer beetle, 1 each true army worm, fall army worm, bumble bee, beetle specie, coleoptera ssp.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 4 - oriental beetle, 2 - click beetle, 1 - chafer beetle.
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski
Saturday, July 4, 2015
IPM Notes from July 2, 2015
Another abbreviated IPM session was held today, due to the rain.
In the fieldcorn the tassels (male flower) and silks (female flower) are appearing. Some tassels are already shredding and will pollinate the silks below. Early corn ears are developing, and when one was opened the individual silks could be seen attached to the individual kernels. So the pollination / fertilization process from tassel to silk to kernel could be seen. The ear leaf closest to the corn ear is important because it protects the ear, similar to the flag leaf being important to rye. Some of the corn plants are showing 3 ears, which is not only unusual, but will add extra weight on the plant as the season progress. If corn borer damage is significant as mentioned in prior weeks, the corn plant may be more susceptible to falling over with added weight and wind.
The various soybean fields are showing insect damage from grasshoppers and beetles. In the tallest soybean field, which is in the reproductive stage, Jimson weed of significant height is a problem. This can be toxic if harvested with the soybeans. The soybeans can be of the white or purple flower variety. These were purple.
The sweet corn is in the tassel and silk stage and will be harvested in a few weeks.
The alfalfa field was swept for insects and aphids, leafhoppers and green clover worms were among those found.
In the demonstration plots the broomcorn is showing a little nitrogen deficiency. Some of the bell peppers are showing bacterial leaf spot. The pollinator garden shows examples of various pollinator plants used in a pollinator garden, as opposed to showing just several groups of three or four. The pumpkin plants are growing very fast as they are constantly being monitored for insect damage.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – No insects.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 3 – Click Beetle, 1 Earwig and various clover mites.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 1- Fall Armyworm.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 9 Noctuids, 1 Chafer Beetle.
Compiled by John Siemanonski
In the fieldcorn the tassels (male flower) and silks (female flower) are appearing. Some tassels are already shredding and will pollinate the silks below. Early corn ears are developing, and when one was opened the individual silks could be seen attached to the individual kernels. So the pollination / fertilization process from tassel to silk to kernel could be seen. The ear leaf closest to the corn ear is important because it protects the ear, similar to the flag leaf being important to rye. Some of the corn plants are showing 3 ears, which is not only unusual, but will add extra weight on the plant as the season progress. If corn borer damage is significant as mentioned in prior weeks, the corn plant may be more susceptible to falling over with added weight and wind.
The various soybean fields are showing insect damage from grasshoppers and beetles. In the tallest soybean field, which is in the reproductive stage, Jimson weed of significant height is a problem. This can be toxic if harvested with the soybeans. The soybeans can be of the white or purple flower variety. These were purple.
The sweet corn is in the tassel and silk stage and will be harvested in a few weeks.
The alfalfa field was swept for insects and aphids, leafhoppers and green clover worms were among those found.
In the demonstration plots the broomcorn is showing a little nitrogen deficiency. Some of the bell peppers are showing bacterial leaf spot. The pollinator garden shows examples of various pollinator plants used in a pollinator garden, as opposed to showing just several groups of three or four. The pumpkin plants are growing very fast as they are constantly being monitored for insect damage.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – No insects.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 3 – Click Beetle, 1 Earwig and various clover mites.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 1- Fall Armyworm.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 9 Noctuids, 1 Chafer Beetle.
Compiled by John Siemanonski
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