Pests
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program Specialists conduct research and educational programs on many important insects, diseases and weeds in New York. While not an exhaustive list, current information on many important vegetable pests can be found below. The most recent pest content is listed below but you can find more pests under the pest categories of Diseases, Insects, and Weeds.
What's Wrong with My Crop?
A diagnosis and educational service
available only to our enrollees.
Tar Spot in Sweet Corn: Be Alert!!
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
There is a new disease on the block for sweet corn in New York! Tar spot is a fungal disease found first in Indiana and northern Illinois field corn in 2015. It has since spread throughout the Midwest. The disease was found in western NY corn fields every year for the past 3 years, and in central NY last year. Tar spot has potential to severely reduce yields of susceptible corn varieties, so we are closely monitoring disease spread and impact.
Biopesticides in Tomatoes
Teresa Rusinek, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Managing Tomato Bacterial Diseases? Biopesticides Could Help.
Amara Dunn, NYS Integrated Pest Management Program
Chris Smart, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University
Are you using copper to protect your tomatoes from bacterial diseases? Research from Cornell suggests that you could replace some of those copper applications with a biopesticide.
2024 Pea Herbicide Chart
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
A chart is presented that lists the herbicides labelled for use on succulent peas in New York for the year 2024. The relative effectiveness of each herbicide on different weed species is highlighted.
Labeled Insecticides for Control of Spotted Wing Drosophila in NY Berry Crops
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Labeled Insecticides for Control of Spotted Wing Drosophila in New York Berry Crops - Quick Guide
Updated May 2024
Spotted Lanternfly Survey and Workshop Recording
Jeremy Schuster, Viticulture Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Have you seen Spotted Lanternfly? Please fill out the Spotted Lanternfly Tracking Survey
Click below to access the workshop recording and slides from the September 7th workshop at the Hudson Valley Lab about Spotted Lanternfly
2023 Labeled Insecticides for Control of Spotted Wing Drosophila in NY Berries
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
May 2023 - Labeled Insecticides for Control of Spotted Wing Drosophila in New York Berry Crops - Quick Guide
Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management, Second Edition
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.
DEC Announces Actions to Protect New York's Pollinators
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced actions to limit the unrestricted use of pesticides that can harm bee and other pollinator populations. DEC is reclassifying certain products containing the neonicotinoid (neonic) insecticides imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and acetamiprid as "restricted use" to ensure applications are limited to trained pesticide applicators in specific situations. Restricting the use of these pesticides enables DEC to collect new data to determine where, when, and how they are used, as well as their potential impacts.
Testing the Feasibility of Using Red Sticky Card Traps to Monitor Spotted-Wing D
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Spotted-wing drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii) continues to drive berry and cherry growers' spray schedules. Monitoring helps to determine when populations begin to build up, and therefore can help save growers spray applications in a late infestation year. This year we successfully tested red sticky card traps, baited with SWD lures, to detect first arrival of SWD in berry plantings and cherry orchards. The baited, red sticky traps provided good results for the SWD monitoring network. We found that the red sticky traps have potential for use by growers and consultants to monitor SWD pressure in at-risk fruit plantings. Grant funding was obtained, PI Laura McDermott, ENYCHP, to further test the red sticky traps and to educate growers and consultants on their use.
Weed Management Tips in Preparation of 2022 Herbicide Shortages
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Many growers in the US have been focused on predicted herbicide shortages in the upcoming field season. While the primary concerns have surrounded glyphosate and glufosinate, there is increasing apprehension that active ingredients of importance to vegetable growers may also be affected. Although the supply change is dynamic, chemical stocks may become, and remain, tight at the local or regional level as growers try to fill gaps in their toolboxes.
Cold Temperature and Herbicide Storage
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Cold temperatures can affect herbicide performance; applications of postemergence products under cool conditions may result in delays in symptom development and some treatments may fail altogether. Cold temperatures are also a concern for stored herbicides, particularly liquid products. Freezing (which may occur at temperatures below 32 F for some formulated products) can result in the active ingredient settling out of solution. Some, but not all, labels will provide advice regarding resuspension. If in doubt, call your pesticide dealer or the product manufacturer to determine if the herbicide contents can be re-dissolved and used, safely and effectively.
Are Persistent Biocontrol Nematodes a fit for your organic farm?
Teresa Rusinek, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Organic growers looking for a way to reduce damage to crops from soil-based insects may want to consider entomopathogenic nematodes. Strains of biocontrol nematodes adapted to NY growing conditions with their persistent genes intact to persist across growing seasons (and winter) are available in NY and can be utilized as an integrated tool, along with good cultural practices to suppress the soil insect populations below economic levels throughout the growing season.
Foliar Diseases in Winter Greens
Elisabeth Hodgdon, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Several diseases affecting leaves of winter greens have been occurring in the Northeast. Recently, symptoms were seen of powdery mildew on lettuce (Salanova), Cladosporium leaf spot on spinach, and downy mildew on spinach. Other diseases are powdery mildew of brassicas, downy mildew of lettuce, and downy mildew of brassicas.
Got Beetles?
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Anyone that takes care of a pool knows that inthe last couple of weeks you've probably been fishing out a bunch of brown or brownish silver "bugs". These "bugs" aremostly Orientalbeetles, June Bugs and Asiatic garden beetles. These beetles, along with Japanese Beetles are the adults of the "whitegrub" complex that affects many lawns, but can also affect many different vegetable and small fruit crops. Theadults can feed on leaves of plants such as sunflowers, basil, raspberries, carrots,beets and a 100 other different plants. Japanese beetles can also be found in the silks of sweet corn whenpopulations are high. Although that canbe a problem, the majority of the damage in vegetables comes from the larvae or "white grub" stage feeding on the roots of several different root crops such as sweet potato, carrots and even Irish potatoes. Their long narrow tunnels can cause many roots to be unmarketable. I dusted off an old article written by former Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Specialist Amy Ivy on how to identify the different beetles and grubs that might be lurking in your fields, lawn and pool!
2021 Beet Herbicide Chart
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
This chart, created with information from the late Dr. Robin Bellinder, Weed Scientist at Cornell, lists the herbicides that are labeled for beets and which weed species are controlled. While the chart is a handy reference, it is critical to read the product labels thoroughly.
Herbicide Lookup by Active Ingredient
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Controlling Fruit Rots and Other Summer Diseases
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
This is a presentation by Dr. Srdjan Acimovic of the Hudson Valley Research Lab. In this webinar, Dr. Acimovic discusses the biology and management of summer diseases of apples. Topics covered include bitter rot, Marssonina blotch, sooty blotch/flyspeck, and more.
2020 ENY Fire Blight Sampling Form
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Spring Spinach Pests
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Strategies for Dealing with Pesky Perennial Weeds
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Perennial weeds can be particularly difficult to manage in the apple orchard. These plants are defined as being able to live for more than two years, which is due to their abilities to produce large root systems or other underground storage structures, such as bulbs, tubers, and rhizomes. These structures facilitate the spread of perennials in orchards, although many species also produce seed that support dispersal.
Stone Fruit IPM Webinar
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Prepping Your Air Blast Sprayer for Spring
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Sprayers must be regularly checked over to ensure that proper maintenance has been carried out and that no outstanding repairs need to be done. Faulty sprayers contribute to increased drift levels and waste money through inefficiency and overuse of chemicals.
Presentations and Resources from 2019 Garlic School in Batavia
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Check out the presentations and resources from the Cornell Vegetable Program's 2019 Garlic School that was held March 20th, 2019 in Batavia, NY.
2019 Eastern New York Fruit & Vegetable Conference Tree Fruit Presentations
Presentations from the 2019 ENYCHP Eastern New York Fruit & Vegetable Conference held February 19-21 for the tree fruit sections.
Understanding Strawberry Root Problems That Impact Berry Farm Profitability
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Weed pressure, root disease, plant parasitic nematodes and soil insects have all been identified by strawberry industry groups as barriers to success with strawberry production in the northeast United States. Research into best management practices has revealed that cover cropping and proper crop rotation will significantly reduce the impact of disease on strawberry production, these recommendations however, are not being used on all farms.
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.
What do biofungicides add to vegetable disease management? Part 1 - Introducing
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
During the summer of 2018 Amara Dunn, the NYS IPM biological pest management specialist, worked with colleagues (Elizabeth Buck, Dr. Julie Kikkert, Dr. Margaret McGrath, Jud Reid, and Crystal Stewart) on a project funded by the New York Farm Viability Institute looking at the use of biofungicides (Remember what biofungicides are?) in vegetable disease management. Dr. Darcy Telenko (formerly of the Cornell Vegetable Program) helped plan the project before starting her new position at Purdue University, and Dr. Sarah Pethybridge provided valuable advice based on her extensive work with white mold (including control with biofungicides). BASF, Bayer, BioWorks, Certis, Dow, and Marrone BioInnovations provided product for the field trials.
2018 Northern NY Trap Data and Pest Exclusion with Hail Netting
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
During the 2018 growing season, we maintained an IPM trapping network in Northern New York, ranging from Chazy in Northern Clinton County to Rexford in Southern Saratoga County. From May through mid-September, we sent weekly e-alerts of our trap counts for oriental fruit moth, codling moth, obliquebanded leafroller, and apple maggot. Now that harvest is winding down, I would like to review this season's pest trends, and discuss what we observed from our hail netting trials in the Champlain Valley.
Marssonina Leaf Blotch of Apple - A Growing Problem in South-Eastern New York
Dan Donahue, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Excessive rain in New York and the rest of the Eastern US experienced in the second half of both the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons favored the development of Marssonina Leaf Blotch (MLB), a disease caused by Marssonina coronaria (sexual stage Diplocarpon mali). In early September 2017, in the lower-Hudson Valley and south NY we found MLB late in the summer in more than several apple orchards on Mutsu, Honeycrisp, NY-1 (SnapDragon), NY-2 (RubyFrost), Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Pristine, Grimes Golden, Northern Spy, Stayman Winesap, Tompkins King, and others. The alarming outcome was defoliation of lower part of the tree crowns, especially where moisture due to heavy dew or sprinkler irrigation was present up until midday.
Cucurbit Downy Mildew Update
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The wet weather coming up from the south is likely to be bringing Cucurbit Downy Mildew Spores with it. Read about control strategies in the full article, including revised recommended sprays.
Insecticides Labeled for Colorado Potato Beetle
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Labeled Insecticides for Control of Spotted Wing Drosophila
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
June 2018 - Labeled Insecticides for Control of Spotted Wing Drosophila in New York Berry Crops - Quick Guide
The CCE Apple Decline Survey Has Been Extended Through the Summer of 2018
Dan Donahue, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Cornell Extension Specialists are being asked with increasing frequency to investigate both chronic decline and rapid collapse of apple trees in young, high-density plantings in all regions of New York State. Symptoms of chronic decline can include poor growth, off color foliage, and a generally unthrifty appearance that worsens over several years. The death of an (apparently) previously healthy tree over the course of just a few weeks has been termed Rapid Apple Decline (RAD). While the symptoms of chronic decline are subtler in some cases, RAD is eye-catching. Afflicted trees appear to "burn up" mid-summer after having set and sized a normal crop load. RAD may be a subset of the chronic decline condition or a completely different problem; causation is unknown at this time.
Copper Sprays: How they work and avoiding plant injury
Teresa Rusinek, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
There are various formulations of copper on the market. Each has specific label instructions for usage to help you maximize crop protection and avoid phytotoxicity.
Onion Thrips Management Recommendations for 2018
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Onion thrips populations have exceeded action thresholds in a few hot spots in Orange County. Review Dr. Brian Nault's insecticide recommendations for onion thrips management that incorporate newly registered products in New York State.
True Armyworms Invading Sweet Corn!
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
For the last couple of years, we have seen True Armyworms showing up in late May early June and causing some significant damage in sweet corn and other crops. In the last two weeks we have caught low levels of adult True Armyworm moths in our sweet corn worm traps and are now starting to see the damage in sweet corn.
Allium Leafminer Spring Flight Update
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The spring flight of the new invasive insect pest, the allium leafminer, is coming to an end. However, the larval stage of the pest will remain active for a couple of more weeks and can cause significant damage to garlic, scallions, onions, and chives. Read more about how to continue to protect your spring allium crops and how to prepare for the fall flight.
Cranberry Fruitworms - a significant pest in blueberries.
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Fruitworms overwinter as larvae and pupate in the spring, emerging as adult moths after the start of bloom and usually before early fruit set. Moths move into blueberry plantings when fruit is small and lay eggs directly on the fruit. The larvae hatch and tunnel into the fruit and begin feeding. Find out how to control these pests here!
OMRI and Conventional Options for Flea Beetle Suppression
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Crucifer flea beetles have been feasting on brassica crops for a couple of weeks already. If your management strategy isn't working to limit damage, check out what other options are available to you.
Be on the Lookout for Cucumber Beetles!
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Thrips damage to High Tunnel Cucumbers
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Thrips populations can explode, especially under the protective conditions in a high tunnel. Bio-controls can only help at the early stages, but there are a couple of other options for organic and conventional growers to try to bring this pest under control.
A Spring Tale of Springtails
Teresa Rusinek, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The springtail is a flea beetle lookalike that typically feeds on decaying plant material, but under certain conditions may attack crops such as cucurbits. These tiny insects have been seen in several locations this past week feeding on cucumbers and garlic.
Lookout for Leek Moth
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Leek moth adults emerge in mid April to mate and lay eggs. This year the first moths were caught in Essex on April 21. The larvae will hatch in a couple of weeks and can do considerable damage to garlic scapes so this is a good first place to look when scouting.
Be cautious when buying and selling onion transplants between growers in the infested areas. We have seen leek moth appear in new locations when infested plants were brought in from farms to the north.
Common Asparagus Beetle Management During Harvest Season
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Asparagus beetle populations can build up quickly over the course of a couple of seasons. Fields with heavy infestations may require the use of an insecticide during harvest season to knock down the adult population. See what your labeled options are in New York and know that later season applications to target second and/or third beetle populations may also be necessary.
Start managing for bacterial diseases in field tomatoes at transplanting
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
If you have struggled with bacterial diseases in the past few years, start managing for success now! Growers are better able to control bacterial diseases with a combination of sanitation, environmental management, and regular sprays that starts now and continues through harvest. Read on to learn about alternative sprays to copper, and how to eliminate disease lingering in your stakes from last year.
Weed Control and Plastic Mulches
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
As the weather warms up and plastic mulches are being laid, the next question is, what to do about weed control in the beds and between the beds?
Allium Leafminer Spring Flight Has Begun
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The new invasive insect pest, the allium leafminer, has begun its spring flight. Adults are expected to be active for about four weeks; see what management options are available to reduce damage to your allium crops.
Weed Management in Newly Planted Orchards
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Early weed control is a critical component of establishing a new planting. Newly planted fruit trees compete poorly against fast growing weeds for water and nutrients. This competition can severely limit a new block's growth, which can ultimately reduce potential yields in the third year by 50 percent. Weeds also harbor insects and diseases, provide habitat for rodents, and can serve as hosts for viruses, further complicating effective orchard management.
Managing Basil Downy Mildew
Teresa Rusinek, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Basil is susceptible to downy mildew from emergence. Plant breeders at Rutgers have been working on developing new resistant varieties; here are some notes on those new varieties and other cultural practices to reduce the risk of loss from basil downy mildew.
Mix and Match: Compatibility of Biocontrol with other Pest Management Strategies
When using any kind of bio-controls you need to know whether they are compatible with each other and any other pest management products you plan to use. A biocontrol fungus might be killed if you tank mix it with a chemical fungicide. Insecticides (whether or not they are biological) could be harmful to natural enemy insects and mites. Even some beneficial insects are not compatible with each other because they may eat each other instead of (or in addition to) the pest. By Amara Dunn, Biocontrol Specialist, NYS Integrated Pest Management Program
Be on the Lookout for Southern Blight
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Southern Blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) was found on golden storage beets this winter in Dutchess County. The fungal pathogen is fairly new to New York and poses a threat to a wide range of vegetable crops. Early detection and proper diagnosis are key to managing this disease.
Chlorothalonil / Bravo Shortage
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The commonly used fungicide chlorothalonil or better known to many of you as Bravo, will be in short supply this year due to manufacturing issues. This broad spectrum protectant will be highly sought out this spring but you can learn about some alternatives.
Allium Leafminer Active in Southern Pennsylvania
Teresa Rusinek, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
A new invasive insect pest in the Northeast known as the Allium leafminer (ALM), Phytomyza gymnostoma, damages crops in the Allium genus (e.g., onion, garlic, leek, scallions, shallots, and chives) and is considered a major economic threat to Allium growers. Originally from Europe, ALM was first detected in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in December of 2015 and in New Jersey and New York in 2016. As of fall 2017, ALM activity has been confirmed throughout eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, southeastern New York as well as Thompkins and Suffolk counties.
Moldy Sunflower Shoots
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
A few of our growers have struggled in late winter with gray mold growing over their flats of sunflower shoots. The mold is botrytis, growing on the outside of the hulls, and it can really ruin a flat of shoots.
Onion and Seed Corn Maggot Concerns in a Cold, Wet Spring
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Last year we saw a lot of problems with root feeding damage from maggots early in the season, which has growers on edge about pest pressure this year. Seed corn maggots can damage a variety of crops, and in previous years have been observed on everything from sunflower shoots in the greenhouse to pea seedlings and onion transplants in the field. Onion maggots are more particular, and will only feed on allium hosts.
Early Season Weed Control in Berry Crops
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
First Flight: Considerations for Early "Worm" Management to NY Apple
The early worm' complex found in commercial apple during the pre-bloom period begins with the emergence of the speckled green fruit worm (SGFW).
NEWA Workshop Program Key Takeaways
ENYCHP hosted a NEWA training workshop in Voorheesville in April 2018. Here are some of the main takeaways from the training.
Growing Alliums for Storage & Long Term Sales Resource Guide
Zonix Biofungicide Label
Labeled Insecticides for Control of Spotted Wing Drosophila in New York Berries
A Quick Guide to Labeled Insecticides for Control of Spotted Wing Drosophila in New York Berry Crops
Compiled by Greg Loeb, Laura McDermott, Peter Jentsch, Tess Grasswitz, & Juliet Carroll, Cornell University. Updated regularly.
2017 Grape Disease Control
Anna Wallis, Tree Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Wayne Wilcox has updated his annual Grape Disease Control manifesto. The document is available here.
Pink Root on Your Onion Transplants: To Plant or Not to Plant?
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Word on the Black Dirt in Orange County is that many growers are receiving Arizona-grown onion plants that are heavily infected with pink root.
Pesticide Applicator License Pre-Exam Training Slides
Anna Wallis, Tree Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Slides from the Pesticide Applicator License Pre-Exam Training, held March 2017 in Plattsburgh.
Bird Damage in Tree Fruits
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Frugivorous birds impose significant costs on tree fruit growers through direct consumption of fruit and
grower efforts to manage birds.We documented factors that influenced tree fruit bird damage from 2012
through 2014 with a coordinated field study in Michigan, New York, and Washington. For sweet cherries,
percent bird damage was higher in 2012 compared to 2013 and 2014, in Michigan and New York
compared toWashington, and in blocks with more edges adjacent to non-sweet cherry land-cover types.
These patterns appeared to be associated with fruit abundance patterns; 2012 was a particularly lowyield
year for tree fruits in Michigan and New York and percent bird damage was high. In addition,
percent bird damage to sweet and tart cherries in Michigan was higher in landscapes with low to
moderate forest cover compared to higher forest cover landscapes. 'Honeycrisp' apple blocks under
utility wires were marginally more likely to have greater bird damage compared to blocks without wires.
We recommend growers prepare bird management plans that consider the spatial distribution of fruit
and non-fruit areas of the farm. Growers should generally expect to invest more in bird management in
low-yield years, in blocks isolated from other blocks of the same crop, and in blocks where trees can
provide entry to the crop for frugivorous birds.
Bird Damage Q&A
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Is it OK to deploy kestrel nesting boxes in areas where there are red tail hawks?
Yes, we deploy boxes where there are red-tailed hawks. RTHAs are essentially everywhere so we can't avoid areas where they live.
Can a person raise and distribute American kestrels?
There are likely all types of regulations about this type of thing, if it's even possible, given that kestrels are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Installing and Monitoring American Kestrel Nest Boxes in Orchards
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Installing and Monitoring American Kestrel
Nest Boxes in Orchards by Megan Shave, Michigan State University
2016 ENY Sweet Corn Trap Summary Presentation
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
This presentation shows a summary of 2016 peak flight times for common sweet corn pests that we monitor in eastern New York. Knowing when insects might be a peak flight is crucial to effective scouting and pesticide applications. For more pest monitoring information, please enroll in our program and be sure to read the weekly newsletters sent out during the field season.
White Rot Fact Sheet
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
White rot is a worldwide problem in allium production, and has resurfaced in the New York garlic industry after a long period of eradication. Positive samples were collected in 2016 from the Hudson Valley, Central and Western New York, indicating that the disease is widespread. As with other soilborne diseases, white rot can be persistent and devastating. However, careful management can reduce inoculum, and because the disease is spread by seed and soil, it is also possible to prevent its spread into uninfested fields.
Learn more in this White Rot Fact Sheet!
2016 Spider Mites and Dry Hot Weather
Anna Wallis, Tree Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Given the hot, dry conditions this season and that vines are showing drought stress, it is extra important to be scouting for spider mites right now. Here is a brief note from Greg Loeb, Cornell Entomology, summarizing the issues and providing recommendations.
2016 Fire Blight Management Workshop
Anna Wallis, Tree Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
This is the powerpoint presentation from the August 2nd Fire Blight Workshop in Peru.
In light of the high fire blight incidence this season, Srdjan Acimovic, pathologist at the Hudson Valley Research Lab, and Dave Rosenberger, retired pathologist Hudson Valley Research Lab, offered a workshop on fire blight management. They presented information on fire blight management, conditions that led to this season's situation, and how to predict fire blight infections in the future.
Insecticides to Control Spotted Wing Drosophila
Current 2016 SWD Insecticides and Rates
White Rot Update
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
White Rot, Sclerotinia cepivorum, decimated the onion industry in New York in the 1930's before being eradicated through careful management. More recently, in 2003, it infected 10,000 acres of garlic in California, leading to the abandonment of some garlic fields and adoption of strict containment rules. White rot has been confirmed in Northeastern states over the last decade as well, with New York being one of the last to discover the disease. It is now confirmed in the ENYCHP region. Learn more here.
Fire Blight Sampling
Look here to find instructions, contacts, and paperwork for submitting Fire Blight samples.
2016 Grape Disease Control
Anna Wallis, Tree Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Wayne Wilcox has updated his Grape Disease Control guidelines for the 2016 season. You can access the document here!
2016 SWD Exclusion Study- SARE Project Report
Abigail Henderson, Senior Administrative Assistant
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The use of insect netting on existing bird netting support systems to exclude spotted-wing Drosophila from a mature small-scale commercial highbush blueberry planting
2015 Herbicides for Weed Control in Snap and Dry Beans
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Have you had problem weeds slipping through your snap or dry bean weed control program? Have lambsquarters, ragweed, hairy or Eastern black nightshade, nutsedge, etc, been. escaping? Have you tried any of the newer materials or expanded application timings to try to improve your results? The 2015 update to the Herbicide for Snap and Dry Bean Weed Control chart will help you choose the best herbicide programs for your fields.
2016 Berry School - Disease Diagnosis Talk
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
2016 Berry School - Disease Management Talk
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Fruit School 2016 - Grapevine Leaf roller & Grape Mealy bugs
Jim O'Connell, Small Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Fruit School 2016 -GRAPE BERRY MOTH PRESENTATION
Jim O'Connell, Small Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Leaf Mold in High Tunnel Tomatoes 2015
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Leaf mold is a fungus disease of tomatoes that has been increasing across New York State in recent years. It is favored by high humidity and is therefore seen in greenhouse and high tunnel production but rarely in field production.
Vineyard Pest Management - Webinar Recording 5/13/15
Anna Wallis, Tree Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Navigating the NYS DEC: How to Get Your Certified Pesticide Applicator License
Jim O'Connell, Small Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
As a grape grower in the Northeast, one of your biggest challenges is combating the insects, diseases, and other pests invading your vineyard. Although you do not need a license to purchase or use some pesticides, obtaining your certified pesticide applicator license will give you access to more materials that you can add to your pest combatting-arsenal.
2015 Grape Disease Control
Anna Wallis, Tree Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Wayne Wilcox has updated his Grape Disease Control guidelines for 2015.
Apple IPM
Anna Wallis, Tree Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
How can you use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) to control pests in your orchard? These presentations provide a broad overview of IPM Theory, orchard insect and disease pests, and resources available to guide your decision making, such as the NEWA weather system.
2015 Lima Bean Herbicide Chart
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Baby lima beans for processing are a new crop in New York. As growers prepare to plant, they must understand the differences in herbicides for this crop compared to snap beans and dry beans. Lima beans react to some herbicides differently because they are the species Phaseolus lunatus as compared to common beans which are P. vulgaris.
Spotted Wing Drosophila Found
Jim O'Connell, Small Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Pruning Tomatoes
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Pruning off the lower leaves of tomatoes will increase air circulation and discourage foliar diseases. Note the arrows in the photo to see which leaves and suckers to remove.
Control of Colorado Potato Beetle & Insecticide Resistance Management
Carol MacNeil, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
The CPB is known for its ability to quickly develop resistance to insecticides. There are alternatives to insecticides for managing CPB, but for growers with large fields and a limited ability to rotate fields, insecticides remain key.
New fungicides labeled for use in tree fruit - all Special Local Needs Labels
Deborah Breth, Integrated Pest Management
Lake Ontario Fruit Program
The new class of fungicides, SDHI's, are now registered for use in tree fruit. Fontelis was registered last season, and Luna Tranquility and Merivon were registered this spring. They are all registered in NY as "Restricted Use" fungicides. Due to the special restrictions for use in NY, they also are Special Local Need registrations. In order to apply these materials you must have a copy of the label and the SLN label in your possession. You can access these SLN and label to study or print at these links.
Feasibility of Reducing Slug Damage in Cabbage
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Slugs are an increasing threat to cabbage production: The board of the New York Cabbage Research and Development Program made slug control one of their highest research priorities for the first time in 2009. Slugs are considered a sporadic pest in cabbage and are favored by cool and moist conditions, especially where crop residues are left on the soil surface. In conventional production of cabbage, slugs tend to be a problem later in the growing season along tree lines and hedgerows and in weedy patches within the field. Slugs leave large holes in the leaves with the veins intact, and can be a contaminant in the heads when they squeeze between the leaves. During the cool wet growing season of 2009, slug contaminants were the cause of several rejected loads of cabbage in New York. It is predicted that the frequency of slug problems in cabbage will increase, because more cabbage is being grown in rotation following field corn. The newer varieties of field corn are Bt-tolerant and have tougher stalks that take longer to break down, thus, these fields have more crop residue and are more favorable for slugs. It is worthwhile to investigate whether there are cost effective means for growers to manage sporadic infestations of slugs in cabbage.
View the exciting results from our 2010 trial in the final report that follows.
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.
Identifying Ground Beetles
It's an easy error to make. You notice some plants being chewed. You look around for clues and spot a good sized hole in the soil nearby. If you poke around in the soil you may unearth a surprisingly large, aggressive-looking beetle and it's easy to conclude that you've found your culprit. But you would be wrong.
Spinich Leafminer- Identification and Management
The spinach leafminer (Pegomya hyoscyami) is a common pest that causes unsightly leaf blisters and necrosis of spinach, beets, chards and host weeds like lambsquaters, nightshade, chickweed and plantain. Marketability of the leaf crops is significantly impacted. This is the case for beet greens and bunched beets.
Blueberry Specific Insecticides for SWD
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Bramble Specific Insecticides for SWD
Strawberry Specific Insecticides for SWD
Zero Disease Tolerance in High Tunnels
Printed in American Vegetable Grower, October 5, 2012:
Keeping crops free of disease is the goal of all growers, including those producing in high tunnels. Download the PDF file to learn about 20 practices that will reduce the chances of pathogens taking over when growing under cover.
Exploring the Relationship Between Nitrogen, Plant Spacing and Bacterial Disease
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
It is important to emphasize that "exploring" is in the present tense. In New York, we are just beginning to delve into the fascinating relationship between nitrogen, plant spacing and bacterial diseases of onions. Our preliminary results suggest that reduced soil nitrogen and tighter plant spacing results in less bacterial decay. In this article, we report preliminary findings from exploratory studies and the observations that lead to these trials. We stress that we are not making recommendations at this time. However, we are hopeful that further studies will lead to specific recommendations.
Webinar: How do I know if I have P-Cap in my Fields?
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The first in a 3-part series, this pre-recorded webinaris presented by Dr. Chris Smart, Cornell University.
Flooding in 2011 spread Phytophthora capsici into fields with no history of the disease. Growers who have not managed P. capsici previously could inadvertently and permanently spread the disease to additional fields and could experience high rates of crop loss due to improper management of the disease. Understanding of P. cap will reduce the probability of these negative outcomes on eastern NY farms.
Webinar: How do I know if I have P-Cap in my Fields?
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The first in a 3-part series, this pre-recorded webinaris presented by Dr. Chris Smart, Cornell University.ÃÂ
Flooding in 2011 spread Phytophthora capsici into fields with no history of the disease. Growers who have not managed P. capsici previously could inadvertently and permanently spread the disease to additional fields and could experience high rates of crop loss due to improper management of the disease.ÃÂ Understanding of P. cap will reduce the probability of these negative outcomes on eastern NY farms.
Spotted Wing Drosophila in Tomatoes
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Although this new pest in gaining attention from berry growers, it is also a threat to tomatoes. Spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) lays eggs in ripe or maturing fruit with a rear-end that favors a miniature hack-saw. The eggs, which have creepy breathing tubes, hatch out into nasty worms that feed inside the fruit creating a liquefied mass. Reports on tomatoes mention organic, heirloom and high tunnel crops. A common theme to these observations is that insecticides are generally absent. SWD has been reported in 2012 throughout the state, so far in traps and fruit plantings (see map courtesy of Hudson Valley Fruit Program). Likely there are unreported cases of infested tomatoes.
Cranberry and Cherry Fruit Worm
A number of growers have been calling with a question about blueberry clusters strung together with webbing or frass or both. Most people cannot find a larvae (although they are there!), but are alarmed with picker complaints. The pest in question is fruit worm either cranberry or cherry. Both insects have very similar life cycles and the damage is similar, but the chemical control materials differ slightly, so it will be important to be able to differentiate.
The adult moths lay their eggs in late May and early June at the base of the newly set fruit. Larvae of both
species attack green fruit. There are sex pheromones available for both pests and monitoring should begin in late April to optimize spray timing. Usually two sprays are necessary the first at petal fall and the second 10 days later. Organically approved materials include Entrust and Dipel DF. Other materials include Azasol, or Molt-X, Sevin, Malathion, Imidan, Esteem and Delegate, among others.
Check the Guidelines for more control information and visit this site for fact sheets about fruitworms: http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/berry/ipm/ipmpdfs/bbfruitworm.pdf
Effects of Fruit Cooling on Spotted Wing Drosophila
O-zone Injury on Vegetables
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Hot, humid weather with stagnant air masses may lead to ozone damage on crops. Ozone warnings were recently issued for much of New York. These warnings are intended for people with respiratory problems and let them know they should limit their outdoor activity and try to stay as much as possible in air-conditioned locations. These warning are also a good indicator that ozone damage may occur in plants.
Spotted Winged Drosophila found locally and throughout New York and New England
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
In light of these findings, blueberry, summer and fall raspberry and day-neutral strawberry growers are urged to be vigilant about this pest.
Managing Weeds in Carrot Fields
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
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.
2011 Pumpkin Herbicide Trial
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The Capital District Vegetable & Small Fruit Program evaluated current herbicides and one un-labeled herbicide for pumpkins. Weed control ratings and the cost associated with each prodcut can be found in the the full pdf.
Designing a Better Sprayer for Pesticide Application in Strawberries
Laura McDermott, Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Strawberry growers using conventional boom sprayers find it difficult to obtain good disease and insect control due to poor pesticide coverage on the undersides of leaves, on the lower leaves, and on the fruit when the strawberry plant is in full canopy. Inadequate crop protectant coverage results in higher levels of disease and insect activity translating to consumer rejection of poor quality fruit and lower overall profitability of the planting.
This project allowed an opportunity to work with strawberries: a high value crop with a low, 3-dimensional canopy. Strawberry diseases are a big concern for growers, so adequate spray coverage is important; better coverage would allow growers to make fewer applications of fungicides during the growing season.
Greenhouse Cucumber Variety Trial (2011)
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
The unheated greenhouse, or high tunnel, offers a vertical production environment suitable for crops such as indeterminate tomatoes and cucumbers. As it is a soil based system however, and passively heated, greenhouse cucumbers must be transplanted later in the spring than tomatoes, due to their intolerance for low root zone temperatures. However, cucumbers can provide good returns when grown in a high tunnel, given consistent pest control and matching variety performance with market demand. A variety trial of four greenhouse cucumbers was established in a cooperating high tunnel in the spring of 2011.
High Tunnel Tomato Trial 2011 (determinate varieties)
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
High tunnel tomatoes continue to grow in popularity with New York vegetable growers for disease control, earliness and fruit quality. Variety selection is one of the most important management decisions for tunnels. The decision between determinate and indeterminate varieties depends on grower preference and market demand. Total yield must be balanced with fruit quality and disease resistance
Stop the Rot! - Using Cultural Practices to Manage Bacterial Diseases of Onion
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Narrow plant spacing reduced bacterial bulb decay by 53 to 64%
Do you know how easy this is? A simple modification to adjust your planting configuration is all it would take to drastically reduce losses from bacterial bulb decay. Our studies showed that when plant spacing was reduced from 6 or 8 inches to 4 inches with 3 or 4 rows per 3-foot plastic mulch bed (row spacing: 4 rows = 6 inch; 3 rows = 8 inch), this provided 53 to 64% control of bacterial bulb decay at harvest (Table 1). Marketable yield also increased by 1.4 to 2.4 times, representing an increased net economic return of $43 to $258 per 100 feet of bed, due to increased weight of marketable jumbo-sized bulbs (Table 1). We learned that wide plant spacing produces big bushy plants with more leaves, thicker necks, delayed maturity and bigger bulbs. Unfortunately, it was these bigger bulbs that rotted! By narrowing plant spacing, we got fewer colossal-sized bulbs, which we more than made up for by having significantly more healthy jumbo-sized bulbs to market (Table 1).
Alternatives to black plastic reduced bacterial bulb decay by 59 to 75%
This is also a very simple and easy modification for small-scale growers producing onions on plastic mulch to make to their cultural practices that could go a very long way towards reducing bacterial bulb decay. Our studies showed that reflective silver mulch, biodegradable black plastic and bare ground had significantly 1.8 to 2.8 times higher marketable yield than black plastic (Table 2). Reflective silver and biodegradable black plastics had significantly 3.7 and 3.6 times, respectively, higher jumbo weight than black plastic, which resulted in an increased net return of $96 to $215 per 100 feet of bed compared to black plastic (Table 2). All of the alternatives to black plastic had significantly lower soil temperatures compared to the black plastic; we suspect that the higher temperatures of the black plastic are more favorable for development of bacterial diseases.
Nightshade Management Reduces Crop Loss
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Depending on the crop, nightshade can reduce crop yields, harbor diseases, and cause crops to be rejected by processors. Learn about the species of nightshades in NY, physiological differences between them, emergence and growth information, and control strategies.
Wild Proso Millet
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Wild proso millet is present in NY and can be a problem weed in sweet corn and other vegetable crops. Learn how to identify this weed on your farm.
Buckwheat Strips to Attract Beneficial Insects in Potato Production
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Download a report of field plot strategies for using buckwheat strips to attract beneficial insects for the control of Colorado potato beetle in potato production (2009/2010). This project was funded by the Organic Farming Research Federation.
Fall Application of Dual Magnum for Yellow Nutsedge Control in Muck Onions
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) pressure is very high in certain muck areas where onions are grown. It appears to have become more of a problem in recent years. Onion growers and chemical company representatives believe that applying Dual Magnum, active ingredient metalochlor, in the fall can significantly reduce nutsedge pressure the following spring. However, weed scientists across the country do not believe that fall applications of metalochlor would have any effect on nutsedge populations the following spring, because the dissipation of metolachlor, is relatively rapid, 4-7 weeks in the northern United States. Dual Magnum is labeled as a fall application in field corn and soybeans only in Iowa, Minnesota, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. For this use, there are restrictions on the label that state the date after which Dual Magnum may be applied, that soil temperature in the top 4 inches must consistently be 55ðF and lower, and that tillage following incorporation must not exceed the 2-3 inch depth of incorporation.
Upcoming Events
Agritourism Webinar Series
October 8, 2024 : Creating Value-Added Items/Experiences
Creating Value-Added Items/Experiences
November 12, 2024 : Implementing Outdoor Recreation on the Farm
Implementing Outdoor Recreation on the Farm
December 10, 2024 : Agritourism Accessibility
Agritourism Accessibility
New York Labor Roadshow VIII - Save the Date
December 11, 2024
December 13, 2024
December 17 - December 18, 2024 : Labor Roadshow VIII
Save the dates for the Labor Roadshow VIII. In person sessions on Dec 11 and Dec 13 and online sessions on Dec 17 and Dec 18