Nightshade Management Reduces Crop Loss
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

For processing pea growers, nightshades can turn to nightmares as many fields with bountiful pea crops can be rejected by processors at harvest time because nightshade berries have similar size and shape as peas. Similar crop loss can occur in beans where nightshade berries stain and cause soil to stick to pods. Nightshades should be managed in other crops as well because they reduce crop yields, and harbor diseases of Solanaceous crops such as early blight and late blight of potatoes and tomatoes. Nightshades may become more of a problem in NY if early, warm spring weather becomes a more frequent pattern.
Download a complete report on the species of nightshades in NY, physiological difference between them, emergence and growth data, and control strategies.
See nightshade complete report (pdf; 871KB)

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How to Diversify or Scale Up with Confidence for Profitability - Inspired by Annie's Project
February 4, 2026
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Do you have an idea for a new enterprise to add value to your farm? Maybe you're considering scaling up for a potential market opportunity but just aren't sure if it's a good fit for your business. Join Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Allegany County, Broome County, Madison County, Onondaga County, Niagara County, Tioga County, the Niagara Small Business Development Center, and the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Team for a hybrid series on Wednesdays in February, starting on February 4th that will answer these questions and more. Annie's Project seeks to empower farm women through education, networks and resources. We welcome, and encourage, learning and sharing amongst farm women as we help you grow as decision-makers and leaders on your farm.
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Session 1: Management of Up and Coming Strawberry Diseases in the Northeastern United States
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March 4, 2026 : USEPA Endangered Species Act Strategies and Pesticide Use
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March 11, 2026 : Practical Drought Management for Fruit Growers
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2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Series
January 22, 2026 : Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield
Week 1: Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield
January 29, 2026 : Cost of Production for Fruit Crops
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February 12, 2026 : Fire Blight Management Updates
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February 19, 2026 : Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides- Can We Strike the Right Balance?
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March 12, 2026 : Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi
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March 19, 2026 : St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast
Week 6: St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast
