Joseph Ingerson-Mahar, Vegetable IPM Coordinator
Kristian Holmstrom, Vegetable IPM Program Associate
Sally Walker, Vegetable IPM Program Associate
George Hamilton, IPM Coordinator
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
MAJOR PESTS
| Insects | Diseases | Weeds |
|---|---|---|
| diamondback moth | Alternarialeaf spot | broadleaves |
| imported cabbageworm | black rot | annual grasses |
| cabbage looper | clubroot | perennial weeds |
| cabbage maggot | downy mildew | galinsoga |
| cabbage aphids | ||
| flea beetles | ||
| beet armyworm | ||
| thrips |
The following practices are general guidelines that many, if not, most farmers in New Jersey already practice. It is felt that all farmers should be able to adopt these guidelines on 100% of their acreage within a 3-year period. It is recognized that adoption of specific practices may not always be possible depending upon the unique circumstances of the individual farmer. However, farmers should strive to adopt the highly recommended practices in order to be considered an IPM farmer.
| A. SITE PREPARATION AND SELECTION |
Priority H = high M = medium L = low |
|---|---|
| Avoid planting into fields with a history ofFusariumyellows or widespread clubroot | H |
| To manage clubroot adjust pH to between 7.0 and 7.2. | H |
| Review weed maps of fields to choose appropriate weed control strategies | H |
| Choose well drained sites and/or plant on raised beds, particularly if clubroot present in the soil. | H |
| Soil sample at least once every 3 years. Fertilize and lime according to recommendations. Assay a portion of soil sample for plant parasitic nematodes. | H |
| Take soil sample from field to determine soil texture by mechanical analysis for each soil type within the field. This needs to be done only once for each field to help determine herbicide rates. | H |
| Take soil sample from field to determine percent organic matter to help adjust herbicide rates. This needs to be done whenever cropping practices change. That is, going from fallow to crops, from perennial crops to annual crops. | H |
| Do not apply animal manure after planting. Make sure all preplant applications of manure are properly incorporated into the soil before planting. | M |
| Use the following rotation guidelines for reducing potential disease problems for fields that have recently been used for growing crucifers. If the previous planting of crucifers was infected with Alternaria, rotate out of cauliflower 1 year, 2 years for black rot, 3 years for Sclerotinia, 4 years for black leg, 7 years for clubroot. | H |
| B. PLANTING (Seed, Seedlings and Transplants) | |
| Use certified, hot water treated seed to reduce black rot, OR have seed tested to determine if seed is infested. | H |
| Use insecticide application for cabbage maggot control on transplants | H |
| Out-of-state transplants are required to be inspected by state-of-origin and brought into New Jersey only if they are certified free of insect and disease pests. | H |
| C. PEST MONITORING AND FORECASTING | |
| Scout weekly for insects and diseases:For cabbage looper, diamondback moth, imported cabbageworm, cabbage aphids, black rot, downy mildew,Alternarialeaf spot, Fusarium yellows, andSclerotiniawhite mold use recommended scouting techniques. Scout 1 to 3 times per week for flea beetles when plants are in seedling stage. For cabbage maggot, clubroot and root rot. | H |
| Make a weed map to evaluate effectiveness of weed control strategies | H |
| D. PEST MANAGEMENT | |
| Follow applicable thresholds for pests as available. | H |
| Use recommended, labeled pesticides for pest control, or appropriate alternative control options. | H |
| Keep records of pest densities, biological control techniques used, cultural procedures, and pesticide applications. Keep records of pest populations for each field for review in future years. Keep records of natural enemy populations, if possible. | H |
| Subscribe to the Plant and Pest Advisory Newsletter – vegetable edition, or access via internet, or fax info-line and follow current, seasonal recommendations provided there. | H |
| Follow Rutgers Commercial Vegetable recommendations for pests that do not have thresholds | H |
| Calibrate sprayer annually. | H |
| E. POST HARVEST | |
| After completion of early and midseason fields, disk/plow cauliflower residues to promote breakdown of tissues infected with black rot,Alternarialeaf spot, blackleg, clubroot, downy mildew, root rot, andSclerotiniawhite mold. | H |
| Make a weed map of the field for use in planning for next year. | H |
| Treat perennial weeds with nonselective translocated herbicides. | H |
| Establish cover crop for weed control, nitrogen retention, and reducing soil erosion for early and mid season fields. | H |
| For late season plantings interseed a cover crop at last cultivation. | H |