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 |
|---|---|---|
| aphids | Phytophora blight | broadleaves |
| European corn borer | Bacterial spot | annual grasses |
| Beet armyworm | Plant parasitic nematodes | perennial weeds |
| Flea beetles | Root rots | |
| Thrips | Tomato spotted wilt virus | |
| Corn earworm | Anthracnose | |
| Fall armyworm | ||
| Spider mite | ||
| Pepper maggot | ||
| Leafminer |
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 |
|---|---|
| Sample soil for soil nutrient levels and assay a portion for plant parasitic nematodes. | H |
| Plant on raised, dome-shaped beds in well-drained soil. Prepare site to prevent areas of standing water. Fill in depressions around transplants with soil. | H |
| Review weed maps of fields to choose appropriate weed control strategies | H |
| Practice 3 year rotation away from solanaceous crops. | H |
| Soil test at least once every 3 years. Maintain records. Fertilize and lime according to test results. | H |
| B. PLANTING (Seed, Seedlings, and Transplants) | |
| Chlorine treat seed to prevent bacterial leaf spot infections, OR, use chlorine-treated seed. | H |
| Use disease-resistant varieties where possible. | H |
| Do not produce transplants in the greenhouse with ornamental bedding plants, particularly Impatiens, to avoid tomato spotted wilt virus. | 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: aphids, thrips, mites, beet armyworm on foliage of plants; European corn borers and thrips on fruit; foliar and stem diseases on all stages of plant development. | H |
| Make a weed map to evaluate effectiveness of weed control strategies | H |
| Pheromone trapping for European corn borer E and Z strains and yellow sticky traps for pepper maggot. | M |
| D. PEST MANAGEMENT | |
| Follow applicable thresholds for pests as available. | H |
| Use recommended, labeled pesticides, or appropriate alternative options for pest control. | 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 |
| Calibrate sprayer annually | H |
| Avoid discarding herbaceous ornamental plant material near pepper fields to prevent cyclamen mite infestations in peppers. | H |
| Follow Rutgers Commercial Vegetable recommendations for pests that do not have thresholds | H |
| Subscribe to or access Plant and Pest Advisory Newsletter – Vegetable
Edition via Fax-info line or internet and follow current, seasonal recommendations provided there. |
H |
| E. POST HARVEST | |
| After completion of harvest, disk/plow residues to promote breakdown of tissues infected with disease | H |
| Make a weed map of the field for use in planning for next year. | H |
| Establish cover crop for weed control, nitrogen retention, and reducing soil erosion for early and mid season fields. | H |
| If reusing stakes, clorox treat or fumigate stakes for prevention of bacterial infections. | H |