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 |
| European corn borer | common rust | broadleaves |
| corn earworm | smut | annual grasses |
| fall armyworm | Stewart’s wilt | perennials |
| corn flea beetle | seed rots | |
| corn leaf aphid | plant parasitic nematodes | |
| sap beetles |
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 |
Priority H = high M = medium L = low |
| Ø Review weed maps of fields to choose appropriate weed control strategies |
H |
| Ø Any Crop Rotation. |
L |
| Ø Soil test at least every three years; fertilize according to recommendation. Assay a portion of soil sample for plant parasitic nematodes. |
H |
| Ø 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 |
| Ø 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 |
| B. PLANTING | |
| Ø Use tolerant or resistant varieties whenever possible for controlling common rust, smut, and Stewart’s wilt, NCLB, maize dwarf mosaic |
M |
| Ø Seed treatment. Use fungicide treated seed for control of root and seed rots. |
H |
| Ø After May 15, avoid use of granular, in-furrow insecticides in fields not at risk for seed corn maggot (risk factors include early plantings in cold soil and recently incorporated cover crops or other decomposing organic matter). |
L |
| Ø Use of banded herbicide applications and cultivation to reduce herbicide use. |
H |
| C. POST-EMERGENT NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT | |
| Ø Especially if you are using manure or plowing down a cover crop, Use PSNT to decide if additional sidedress N is needed, when manure is used. |
L |
| D. PEST MONITORING AND FORECASTING | |
| Ø Monitor flights of E and Z race ECB, CEW, and FAW on your farm using recommended pheromone traps and lures or blacklight traps. |
H |
| Ø Scout as recommended for European corn borer, fall armyworm, flea beetles, and common rust. |
H |
| Ø Make a written weed map of the field to use for evaluating the pre-emergent herbicide program and making postemergent treatment decision. |
H |
| E. PEST MANAGEMENT | |
| Ø Calibrate sprayer(s) annually or more frequently as needed. |
H |
| Ø Use recommended action thresholds for making decisions about applying pesticides for insects and diseases of importance. |
H |
| Ø Rotate pesticide classes to prevent resistance. |
L |
| Ø Keep records of pest densities, pesticide applications, cultural pest management practices, and biological control techniques used. |
H |
| Ø Cultivate for weed control and resistance management |
M |
| Ø Subscribe to Plant and Pest Advisory Newsletter – vegetable edition, or access via internet or by fax info-line and follow current, seasonal recommendations provided there. |
H |
| Ø Follow Rutgers Commercial Vegetable recommendations for pests that do not have thresholds |
H |
| F. POST HARVEST | |
| Ø Update weed maps to use when planning for next year. |
H |
| Ø Treat perennial weeds with nonselective translocated herbicides |
H |
| Ø Establish cover crops for weed control, to scavenge leachable nitrates, and to reduce soil erosion. |
H |
| Ø Mow or disk fields after harvest to reduce pest populations |