Organic
The number of organic farmers in NYS continues to rise, driven in part by the increasing demand from consumers for produce that is free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture program has been working with organic farmers to determine their needs and offer alternatives to conventional production methods.
Hot Water Seed Treatment Using a Sous Vide Device
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

Learn to use a sous vide device to heat treat seeds as a simple, economical way to control diseases.
Recording of Fitting Cover Crops in Vegetable Systems Webinar Nov 8, 2018
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

This is a recording of an hour long webinar held by Amy Ivy and Chuck Bornt of the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program and Mike Davis of the Cornell University Willsboro Research Farm on Nov 8, 2018.
A copy of the PowerPoint is included in the 'read details' section below. With funding from the Northern NY Agricultural Development Program.
Supplemental Heat for Winter Greens Production: What's the Cost?
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Winter high tunnel production has increased significantly in the region. However, there is serious disagreement among growers about the potential value and true costs of supplemental heating through the winter. A NE SARE Partnership Grant supported work to research the impact of forced air heating at 33 degrees and 40 degrees on nitrogen uptake, yield, and propane use over the winter: here are some initial results.
Zonix Biofungicide Label
Organic Production Guides
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

Organic Production Guides for fruits, vegetables and dairy are available through the NYS Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. They outline general practices for growing vegetable and fruit crops using organic integrated pest management techniques.
2016 Conventional Potato Variety Trial Results
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

View this slideshow for user friendly data and photos from the conventional potato variety trial held in Schoharie County, NY.
2016 Carrot Variety Trial
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

What makes a great carrot? The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Programs carrot variety trial will help you find out! Check out this slideshow to learn about the carrot varieties we grew and see which ones would make the cut to grow on your farm.
2016 Beet Variety Trial
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

What makes a great beet? The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Programs beet variety trial will help you find out! Check out this slideshow to learn about the beet varieties we grew and see which ones would make the cut to grow on your farm.
NOFA Garlic Presentation
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

Presentation providing an overview to garlic production by Ed Fraser of Fraser's Garlic and Crystal Stewart.
2015 Beet Variety Trial Photo Slideshow!
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

Garlic Bloat Nematode Fact Sheet and Sample Submission Form
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

An updated sample submission form and fact sheet about Garlic Bloat Nematode.
How Copper Sprays Work and Avoiding Phytotoxicity

Copper has been widely used in both conventional and organic production for some time. Copper was one of the first elements used as a plant fungicide (the other was Sulfur). Its discovery can be traced back to the famous origin of Bordeaux mixture, containing a mixture of copper sulfate (CuSO4) and slaked lime, and used for downy mildew control in French vineyards.
Garlic Weed Control
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

View the following document for the latest information for weed control in garlic, in both organic and conventional practices.
Leek Moth Control and Information
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

Leek Moth was detected in four home gardens in Plattsburg, NY in 2009. It was first detected in Ontario, Canada in 1997 where it has become problematic especially to small-scale, organic growers in eastern Ontario and to commercial producers in western Quebec, who have limited insecticides available to them.
Leek Moth continues its spread to more farms and gardens across the U.S., a new comprehensive website is available to aid in the identification and management of this pest. This Cornell website features maps of the distribution of leek moth, protocols on insect monitoring and identification, best management practices for farms and home gardens, a photo gallery of damage symptoms and a comprehensive resource section.
Visit the Leek Moth website.
Spring Garlic Recommendations
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

Garlic fertility and weed control recommendations for March through May.
Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

Organic farmers rely primarily on preventive, cultural and integrated methods of pest and disease management. However, there are a number of materials available for use that can complement and support organic management. This guide was developed to provide a useful and scientifically accurate reference for organic farmers and agricultural professionals searching for information on best practices, available materials and perhaps most importantly, the efficacy of materials that are permitted for use in organic systems.


Upcoming Events
Cleaning & Sanitizing on Produce Farms
March 11, 2021
The Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University, UVM Extension Ag Engineering, and CCE Orange County, CCE Dutchess County, and CCE ENYCHP are hosting a workshop on Cleaning and Sanitizing on Produce Farms and in Packing Facilities. This remote 3.5 hour webinar will provide:
- A brief review of microbial risks in produce farms and packing facilities
- Conducting a Sanitation Operational Assessment
- Presentations focused on the: o Basics of wet and dry cleaning and sanitizing o Value and importance of sanitation SOPs
- A hands-on exercise writing a sanitation SOP
Modern Stone Fruit Training Systems Webinar
March 16, 2021
While yields of stone fruits planted to traditional orchard systems have been lagging behind our modern apple plantings in the northeast, research is actively being conducted to utilize improved rootstocks and modern, narrow training systems to increase productivity and reduce labor costs in peach and cherry systems.
In this webinar, we will be joined by Dr. Jim Schupp, Dr. Greg Lang, and Dr. Terence Robinson, as they discuss improved strategies for growing peaches and cherries in the northeast.
How to Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License - March 23
March 23, 2021
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York? This online program will cover the basics of who needs a pesticide license, license types, examination procedures, and important information to know for the test. We will incorporate interactive practice questions and activities within the program to test participant knowledge in preparation for the exam.