Local Governments • U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Volume 10 Issue 6 September 19, 2019

How to Build a Spray Program for Pumpkins

By Kate Everts Vegetable Pathologist

University of Delaware and University of Maryland keverts@umd.edu

A frequent question that I get from growers is “What is the best spray program for my pumpkin crop?” It is a challenging question to answer, in part because each field/farm may have different disease pressure, and Ag Chem suppliers may only stock some fungicides. With that in mind, I have come up with the following step-by-step procedure to use as a guide in designing an individualized pumpkin program. The numbers in parenthesis following a fungicide are the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) code for the product. Except for chlorothalonil, mancozeb and copper, always alternate fungicides with different FRAC codes.

Step 1: Use all available cultural practices to reduce disease pressure, including planting host resistant cultivars when possible, good rotations, disease free seed, etc. If possible modify your spray equipment to get excellent fungicide coverage on both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves.

Step 2: Learn to identify key diseases (powdery mildew, downy mildew, Plectosporium blight, and bacterial leaf spot).

Step 3: Begin a basic preventative spray program with a chlorothalonil or mancozeb product. Spray every 7 to 14 days, beginning when vines run. Organic alternative: copper

Step 4: Scout for disease presence and if the following diseases occur, use the following guidelines:

Bacterial leaf spot – Add a copper product to the basic preventative program, applied every 7 to 10 days.

Powdery mildew – Add powdery mildew specific products to basic preventative program. Alternate FRAC codes. Select one of these: Torino (U6), Vivando (U8), Luna Experience (3+7), or Quintec (13); and alternate with one of the following: Rally (3), tebuconazole (3), Procure (3), Proline (3), Inspire Super (3+9), Aprovia Top (3+11), TopGuard (3+11), or Pristine (7+11). Organic alternative: Micronized Wettable Sulfur

Downy Mildew – Add downy mildew specific product to the basic preventative program. Select two downy mildew products with different FRAC codes and alternate them. Downy mildew products to select from: Orondis Ultra (U15+40), Orondis Opti (M5+U15), Ranman (21), Previcur Flex (28), Presidio (43), Elumin (22), Zing! ((M5+22), Ariston (M5+27), Tanos (11+27), Curzate (27), Forum (40), and Zampro (40+45).

Plectosporium blight - Chlorothalonil and mancozeb are good on Plectosporium blight. Cabrio can be added to the program to improve management.

Step 5: Special cases: Avoid planting pumpkins in a field with a history of Phytophthora fruit rot. To manage Phytophthora fruit rot, select two of the following Phytophthora products that are in different FRAC code groups and rotate them. Phytophthora fruit products to select from: Orondis Ultra (U15+40), Revus (40), Zampro (40+45), Presidio (43), Gavel (M3+22), Tanos (11+27), Ranman (21) and Forum (40).

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Maintain Pumpkin Foliage for as Long as You Can

By Jerry Brust Extension IPM Vegetable Specialist

University of Maryland jbrust@umd.edu

One of the main things a grower can do to ensure a good quality pumpkin is to be sure they maintain their fungicide applications for as long as they continue to harvest fruit. Maintaining good foliage cover for your pumpkins results in pumpkin handles that are dark green stout and firm (fig. 1).

Fig. 1 Harvested pumpkins with good handles.

If fungicides are cut too soon foliage can be lost to powdery or downy mildews or other foliar diseases and this defoliation can result in handles that are brown, withered and decayed (fig. 2).

Fig. 2 Harvested pumpkins with poor handles.

Another reason to keep your foliage in good shape is that pumpkins that are maturing and turning color need to be protected from the sun. With our hotter and usually sunnier Septembers pumpkin fruit can easily become sunburned or sunscalded. A spot on orange (or at times green) pumpkins that is facing the sun can result in reddish or white-bleached areas (fig. 3). These sunburn/sunscald areas on the fruit often become soft with rot setting in a few weeks later. Clear sunny days with highs in the mid to upper 80s F are perfect settings for sunburn/sunscald fruit especially if the fruit has been clipped and left in the field. I have seen several pumpkin fields (especially U-Pick ones) over the last 3-4 years that suffer significant losses to sunburn because of reduced leaf cover due to unchecked foliage diseases.

Fig. 3 Sunburn (red spot) and sunscald (white spot) on harvested pumpkins.

Yellowstriped Army Worms in Vegetable Fields

By Jerry Brust Extension IPM Vegetable Specialist

University of Maryland jbrust@umd.edu

Several reports and sightings of blister beetles Epicauta spp. and yellowstriped army worm Spodoptera ornithogalli feeding on various vegetable crops in our area. This is not too unusual as both of these pests tend to become more of a problem later on in the season, late summer early fall. Yellowstriped Army Worm larvae vary from dark grey to black with two conspicuous yellow stripes along each side of its body (fig. 1). Below this yellow stripe there often is one pink or orange stripe running along the length of the worm. There are two dark triangle-shaped marks on the top of the yellow stripe on each segment (fig. 1), although this is difficult to see in the dark form. There is a dark spot just behind the true legs. The female moth lays her eggs in clusters of 200 to 500 on the undersides of leaves. A single female may deposit more than 2000 eggs. Eggs hatch in 5 to 7 days and the larvae feed for about 3 weeks before moving to the soil to pupate. There are three to four generations during the year in the mid-Atlantic with the late-summer generation being the most common.

Fig. 1 Yellowstriped armyworm on tomato.

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Yellowstriped AW is a general feeder and will consume large quantities of foliage. It will feed on asparagus, bean, beet, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, lettuce, onion, pea, rhubarb, sweet potato, tomato, turnip, and watermelon and will also feed on blackberry, clover, grape, peach, raspberry, soybean, sweet clover and sunflower. It will also feed on several of our more common weed species such as: dock, horse nettle, jimsonweed, lambsquarters, morning glory and redroot pigweed. Most of its damage is caused by defoliation of a plant, but later in the season larvae often will feed on the outer surface of vegetables scarring them badly making them unmarketable (fig. 1).

It is easier to control small larvae vs large larvae as large larvae are more tolerant of several insecticides. Transplanted crops, young plants and fruit baring vegetables, especially tomatoes in high tunnels should be observed regularly for early detection of yellowstriped armyworm. In tomato small Yellowstriped AW larvae can be managed with several insecticides including Lannate, Pyrethroids, Radiant, Confirm, Avant, Coragen and Exirel. Larger larvae will be more difficult to control and often require the aforementioned pesticides be applied at high rates with high gallonages of spray material. For organic growers Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) works well for small larvae control while Spinosad tends to work better on larger larvae. In the field yellowstriped armyworms have natural enemies, which include parasitic wasps and Tachinid flies, although these natural enemies are less commonly found in high tunnels.

Blister Beetle Problems By Jerry Brust

Extension IPM Vegetable Specialist University of Maryland

jbrust@umd.edu Blister beetles have been reported feeding and defoliating swiss chard, eggplant and other vegetables. The presence of blister beetles now is not unusual as they are often found in large clusters in late summer-early fall. They can arrive in large groups, seemingly overnight and can do a great deal of damage in a short period of time.

Adults are large, oblong beetles with relatively large heads, long ‘necks’ and usually with some stripes (but not always) (fig. 1). Striped blister beetles are shades of gray or brown with yellow stripes running lengthwise on their wing covers (fig. 1). The ash-gray blister beetle is gray, the black blister is completely black, and the margined blister beetle is black with a grayish band around the edge of each wing cover (fig. 1). Blister beetle abdomens usually extend past their leathery wings. Striped blister beetles hide beneath plants during the hotter periods of the day, becoming active when temperatures are more suitable for them. If disturbed when on plants beetles will immediately fall to the ground and run.

Fig. 2 Margined blister beetles on left and striped blister beetles on right.

Adults begin laying eggs in late spring or early summer and continue through most of the season. A female can lay one to two hundred eggs just beneath the soil surface and eggs hatch within a couple of weeks.

If you look up blister beetles most of the literature deals with the beetles as a threat to horses and livestock. The beetles secrete and contain within them a blistering agent called cantharidin. Cantharidin is toxic if ingested and it persists in beetles long after they are dead. Humans who ingest the beetle can suffer severe damage to the urinary tract and gastrointestinal lining.

Blister beetles begin feeding on the edges of leaves eventually leaving only stems. They will feed on just about any leaf that grows in a vegetable field such as tomato and other solanaceous vegetables as well leafy greens, crucifers, spinach and others.

Pyrethroids can be used to control blister beetles on most vegetable crops. Pyrethroids will reduce the damage, but there is often a 7-day pre-harvest interval (phi) with some of the chemicals depending on what the crop is. So be sure to check the label to find the correct phi for the particular product you are using on the particular crop you are using it on.

It should be noted that once established, beetles are difficult to eliminate completely. Organic growers have an even more arduous task of managing them. Row covers will keep this pest as well as harlequin bugs off your plants. However, if row covers are not used then I often see diatomaceous earth (DE) recommended for beetle control. If it rains DE does not work very well and overall, I have not had much luck with it controlling the beetles. Spinosad alone or mixed with other products such as neem or kaolin clay have been found to reduce feeding damage in 24-48 hours.

On-Line at: Commercial vegetable Guide

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Domino Sugar Lime Byproduct Bulk Availability Program

The Baltimore Domino Sugar plant produces significant quantities of calcium carbonate mud byproduct at the Baltimore Refinery. This byproduct is registered as a MDA Liming Material, Domino Sugar Corporation Calcium Carbonate, Reg. No. 204520 and the most recent analytical results are below. The ASR Group Domino Sugar are actively looking for farmers who want to responsibly use our byproduct as a liming material.

Program Eligibility ASR Bulk Lime program criteria that need to be met for a farm to be authorized to receive the Domino calcium carbonate mud as a liming material: • Proximity to the facility (The ASR Group is generally

looking for farms located within 1-1.5 hours of our Baltimore Refinery);

• Truck Access (The ASR Group needs to ensure that the access road to where the lime dumped is in good condition and will not result in a tractor trailer becoming stuck);

• Stockpile location (where the lime is dumped cannot be adjacent to any waterways such as streams or ditches, along a property boundary, etc.);

• Storage time (The ASR Group wants the material used as quickly as possible; our internal limit is no longer than 1 year depending on how the material is stored); and,

• Quantity (The ASR Group is typically looking for farms that will take a 100 ton annual minimum).

Interested farmers may contact Gary Lasko directly (contact information below) for approval on our “Authorized Farms” list. Once on the list, the transporter will contact the farmer directly before making the first delivery. Other Important Program Details: A couple of other informational items related to the Calcium Carbonate Mud: • The Domino plant generates the mud 24-hours a day,

7-days a week when the plant is operating and typically removes a trailer-full once every 6-hours (roughly 60-80 tons per operating day). Accordingly, some of these loads are pulled at night and the ASR Group is also looking at farms at which they can deliver at night.

• The ASR Group typically gathers the farmers name, phone number, farm location, and tillable acreage as part of our “Authorized Farms” list. This allows them to tra ck the acreage this product is used on throughout Maryland.

• The participating farms are visited roughly once per year by the ASR Group to ensure that there are no significant issues with the storage.

• Finally, some loads will contain a poly sheet that was placed inside the dump trailer so that the loads easily dump. Most farmers have not complained about this.

Gary Lasako Environmental Manager American Sugar Refining, Inc. Office: +1 410-783-8687 Cell: 443-891-8915 Email: gary.lasako@asr-group.com

Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling for Fall Vegetables both Leafy and

Heading Crops By Gordon Johnson

Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist gcjohn@udel.edu

Fall vegetable harvest will begin soon. For best quality and longevity of leafy and heading crops in the fall, it is important to reduce respiration and water loss from crops immediately after harvest. Harvest is best done in the early morning when field heat is lowest. All of these crops are best stored at near freezing and high humidity.

Broccoli should be harvested when heads have reached maximum diameter and flower buds (beads) are still tight. Bunched broccoli heads are tied together in groups of 3-4 with a rubber band. Broccoli should be hydrocooled or packed in ice immediately after harvest and stored at 32°F (0°C) and relative humidity of 95-100% to maintain salable condition. Under these conditions broccoli should keep satisfactorily 10-14 days.

Cabbage is harvested when heads are tight and have reached the desired size for the variety and spacing. The head is harvested by bending it to one side and cutting the base with a knife. Harvesting knives should be sharpened frequently. The stalk should be cut flat and as close to the head as possible, yet long enough to retain 2-4 wrapper leaves. Extra leaves leaves should be removed. Heads with insect damage and other defects should be discarded. Room or forced air cool harvested cabbage and then store at 32°F (0°C) and a relative humidity of 98-100%. Barrel-type Chinese cabbage

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(Napa cabbage) is handled similarly but is more fragile and requires a large twist-tie to keep leaves tight.

Cauliflower is harvested while the heads are pure white and before the curds become loose. Most varieties are self-blanching. For those that are not, blanching is achieved by tying outer leaves over the heads when heads are 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Blanching takes about 1 week in hot weather and 2 weeks in cooler weather. The head is harvested by bending it to one side and cutting the base with a knife. Harvesting knives should be sharpened frequently. The stalk should be cut flat and as close to the head as possible with a minimum of wrapper leaves. Cauliflower may cut, wrapped, and packed in the field. Reduce temperatures using room cooling or forced air. Store harvested cauliflower at 32°F (0°C) and a relative humidity of at least 95%. Avoid bruising heads in harvest, handling and packing.

Brussels sprouts are the compact vegetative buds that develop along the stem of the Brussels sprouts plant. They should be harvested when the buds are firm, but not overmature which is indicated by splitting of the outer leaves. Harvest by snapping and trim with a sharp knife. Good quality Brussels sprouts should be bright green, without yellowing or discoloration, and have a firm texture. Brussels sprouts are moderately perishable and can be stored 3-5 weeks at temperatures near the optimum of 0°C (32°F) and 95% relative humidity. Brussels sprouts are often hydrocooled, but can be force air cooled as well.

Kale and Collards may be harvested by cutting off entire plants near ground level. Whole plants are then bunched. As an alternative, lower leaves may be stripped from plants and packed individually. Kale and collards may also be machine cut 4-6 inches from the ground when full tonnage has been achieved but before petioles have elongated. Multiple harvests are possible. Because of their perishability, kale and collards should be held as close to 32°F (0°C) as possible. At this temperature, they can be held for 10-14 days. Relative humidity of at least 95% is desirable to prevent wilting. Air circulation should be adequate to remove heat of respiration, but excessive air circulation will speed transpiration and wilting. Satisfactory precooling is accomplished by vacuum cooling or hydrocooling. These leafy greens are commonly shipped with package and top ice to maintain freshness. Kale packed in polyethylene lined crates and protected by crushed ice keeps in excellent condition for 3 weeks at 32°F (0°C).

Lettuce is extremely perishable and needs to be handled delicately and marketed rapidly. Head lettuce is harvested when the heads are of good size (about 2 lb) and solid. Head lettuce is hand cut and trimmed (leave 3 undamaged wrapper leaves on each head) and placed in containers in the field. It is then vacuum cooled or hydrocooled. Specialty leaf lettuces and other greens for bag mixes are harvested by hand or mechanically. Leaf, butterhead and cos/romaine types are cut and trimmed in the field. Lettuce should be precooled to 34°F (1°C)

by hydrocooling soon after harvest and stored at 32°F (0°C) and 98-100% relative humidity for retention of quality and shelf life. At 32°F, head lettuce can be held in good condition for 2-3 weeks. Leaf, cos/romaine, and butterhead lettuce have a shorter shelf life. Lettuce is easily damaged by freezing, so all parts of the storage room must be kept above the freezing point (31.7°F, -0.2°C).

Turnip and Mustard Greens for baby salad mixes are cut at ground level for a single harvest, or 1-2 inches from the ground for multiple cuts. Larger turnip, mustard, and Asian greens may be harvested by cutting off entire plants near ground level for a single harvest, or by cutting 2-6 inches above the ground to allow for regrowth. For processing, greens are machine cut 4-6 inches from the ground when full tonnage has been achieved but before petioles and midribs have become too large. Multiple harvests may be possible. Greens should be transported as quickly as possible to the packing area. Hydrocooling or vacuum cooling are recommended for pre-cooling. Greens should be held as close to 32°F as possible, because of their perishability. At this temperature, greens can be held 10-14 days. Relative humidity of at least 95% is desirable to prevent wilting. Air circulation should be adequate to remove heat of respiration, but not too rapid to speed transpiration and wilting. Greens are commonly shipped with plastic package and top ice. Greens packed in polyethylene-lined crates and protected by crushed ice keep in excellent condition if kept near 32°F but deteriorate rapidly at higher temperatures.

Fresh Market Spinach, Chard, and Beet Tops, plants should be dry prior to harvest to prevent petiole breakage. When harvesting by hand, cut leaves above the crown or soil line and bunch. Exclude yellow leaves and leaves that are dirty with soil. Bunched spinach, chard, and beet tops must be handled very carefully to avoid breakage of plants or bunches during bunching, washing and packaging. Spinach for bag mixes are usually hand harvested, but mechanical harvesters for this purpose are now available. Walk-behind harvesters are also available for smaller acreage growers. Spinach, chard, and beet tops are very perishable and can be stored for only 10-14 days. Crushed ice should be used for rapid cooling and for removing the heat of respiration. Top ice, hydro-cooling and vacuum cooling are other satisfactory cooling methods. Store spinach at 32°F (0°C) and 95-100% relative humidity. Most spinach for fresh market is prepackaged in perforated plastic bags to reduce moisture loss and physical injury. Controlled atmospheres with 10-40% carbon dioxide and 10% oxygen retard yellowing and extend shelf life.

Green Onions maturity is determined primarily by size which is largely determined by seeding density. Green or “bunching” onions are selected varieties of white onion (Allium cepa) planted at high density or from the non-bulbing onion group (Allium fistulosum) generally called Japanese-bunching. Harvest when the onions are at ¼ to ½ inch in diameter at the base plate of the immature

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bulb or shank. Quality green onions have a thin, white shank or neck at least 5 to 7.5 cm (2-3 inches) in length. Green onions are highly perishable and normally marketed over a short period. Lowering and removing the heat of respiration as well as preventing water loss is critical. Package-icing and perforated polyethylene film liners are used cool quickly and maintain quality. Green onions may also be hydrocooled. Green onions are best held at 32°F and 98% humidity. Under these conditions they will store for up to 4 weeks.

Sweet Potato Harvest,

Curing and Storage By Gordon Johnson

Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist gcjohn@udel.edu

Sweet potatoes for processing are being grown on Delmarva in larger acreages. These are dug using a modified potato digger, conveyed to trucks, and then are transported to the processing plant. In contrast, there are a considerable number of small acreage commercial growers of sweet potatoes on Delmarva because it is a profitable crop for fall sales, especially before the holidays. The following are some guidelines for harvesting, curing, and storage of sweet potatoes for local fresh markets:

Sweet potatoes may be dug any time they have developed market size. Normally, vines will have started to yellow at this time.

Caution must be taken when digging sweet potatoes. The sweet potato has a thin, delicate skin that is easily broken. Any cuts, bruises, or skin abrasions will reduce quality and storability significantly.

A common method for digging is using a one bottom plow or middlebuster to expose the row. Sweet potatoes are picked up by hand and then placed into baskets, slatted crates, or small bins, being careful not to cause cuts, abrasions, or bruises. Small acreage growers can also lift potatoes using a garden fork. Expect to miss about 20% of marketable roots with these methods.

Modified potato diggers can also be used for harvesting. The key with these mechanical diggers is to carry enough soil up the separation chain to limit root contact with the rods and to have a limited drop to the ground to reduce cuts and bruises. Vines normally are mowed before digging. Again, sweet

potatoes are picked up by hand into baskets or bins. Larger machines that convey the sweet potatoes to a grading line or bins are used on some farms in major sweet potato producing areas such as North Carolina.

Sweet potatoes are best dug while soil temperatures are relatively high and soil is on the dry side. Roots are injured below 55°F. If sweet potato vines are exposed to a light frost, usually no injury will occur if roots are dug quickly because soil temperatures have not dropped too low (it should still be around 60°F near most roots). Heavy frosts or freezes will drop soil temperatures below critical levels, causing significant losses.

Washed and graded sweet potatoes can be sold immediately without curing; however, for Thanksgiving and Christmas markets, curing will be necessary.

Bins or baskets containing harvested sweet potato roots should be taken to an area to cure. Do not wash before curing. In the curing process, cuts and abrasions are healed over, allowing for longer term storage. The ideal conditions for curing are a temperature of 85°F and 90% humidity for 5-7 days. This is an issue because most growers in Delaware do not have dedicated curing houses. As an alternative, place covered baskets or bins containing sweet potatoes in an empty greenhouse. Water the floor heavily or put pans of water out to keep the humidity up and turn the heat on so night temperatures do not drop below 70°F. Set fans for 85°F for the daytime. Using this method, curing will take 14 days usually.

Once cured, store as close to 60°F as possible, but no lower, in an area where you can maintain a high humidity. Most local commercially grown sweet potatoes are stored no longer than Christmas.

Before marketing, cured sweet potatoes should be washed and graded, allowed to dry, and then boxed.

CDMS

Pesticide Labels and MSDS On-Line at: http://www.cdms.net/

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Stay Food Safe this Harvest Season By Carol Dianne Allen

Extension Associate in Food Safety PSLA, University of Maryland

callen12@umd.edu

Whether you are considering GAP certification or are wondering how the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) under FSMA will affect your produce handling, you need to be taking a critical look at your harvesting and packing procedures.

1) Do you grow and harvest covered produce? Is the produce eaten fresh without a “kill-step”? Find FDA lists here: https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/sites/producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/files/shared/documents/FSMA-Regulatory-Table.pdf

2) Are you adequately cleaning and sanitizing all food contact surfaces?

3) Are you training your workers to follow PSR standards?

4) There are many levels of food safety compliance. Think in terms of workers, water, and wildlife. Where could potential bacterial contamination come from?

5) Have you had Produce Safety Alliance training? Class are scheduled (details TBA):

December 4th - Princess Anne County. January 16th - College Park (As part of the Future Harvest

CASA Conference) January 24th - Harford County February 6th - Montgomery County March 5th - Garrett County

The folks here at the Walsh lab can help with some on-location coaching and can help you write a food safety plan. Maryland Department of Agriculture has already started inspecting growing and packing facilities. The best way towards becoming compliant is to start with PSA training, write your food safety plan, then call MDA for an On Farm Readiness Review (OFRR). Following those steps will assure you of safe food handling and passing an inspection or audit. More questions? Contact Carol Allen at: callen12@umd.edu or 240-994-5043

UMD AGNR Momentum

Summer Edition

Click Here

Timely Viticulture is an electronic newsletter that is designed to give those in the grape industry a timely reminder of things they should be considering in the vineyard. Since we are all busy it is not meant to be an exhaustive list of things to consider or even a full discussion of the options. It is just meant to think about what is happening and what is coming up, with some comments.

Harvest (August-September) Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) - Part 1 (pdf) Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) - Part 2 (pdf) Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) - Part 3 (Fruit Damage and Juice/Wine Taint) (pdf) Red Leaves in the Vineyard—Diagnosis and Management (html) (pdf) Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) I - Background (html) (pdf) Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) II - Scouting and Management (html) (pdf)

SEPTEMBER 2019

Maryland Farmers Begin Planting Fall Cover Crops Across Maryland, farmers are beginning to plant fall cover crops on their fields to help protect the Bay from nutrient runoff and build organic matter in their soils. The earlier farmers get their cover crops planted, the greater the environmental and soil health benefits. Farmers who signed up for Maryland’s cover crop grant program can receive a $10 to $20 per acre planting bonus if they get their fields planted by October 1. The actual amount depends on the planting method used. For more information, farmers should visit the department’s website, contact their local soil conservation district, or call the department’s Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program at 410-841-5864.

Nutrient Management Plan Writing Workshops Offered September 26 and October 4 The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer two workshops on How to Write a Nutrient Management

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Plan. The first workshop will be held September 26, at the Montgomery Extension Office in Derwood with an optional plan-writing clinic on October 1. The second workshop will be held October 4, at the Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown with an optional plan-writing clinic on October 8. The workshops are for people who are new to the nutrient management plan-writing process. Continuing education credits will be awarded to consultants who have passed the nutrient management certification exam within the last year. The $20 registration fee covers materials and lunch. Visit the department’s website to download a registration form or call 410-841-5959.

Homeowners Should Follow Label Instructions When Applying Lawn Fertilizer The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds homeowners that it is important to read and follow all label instructions before applying fertilizer to lawns. Experts agree that fall is the best time to fertilize most lawns based on soil test results. Fertilizer should be applied based on the size of your yard and your lawn’s nutritional requirements. Too much fertilizer can weaken your lawn and harm the Chesapeake Bay. Do not apply fertilizer near streams and waterways if heavy rain is predicted. For more tips and information on soil testing and Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit the department’s website.

Spotted Lanternfly Treatments Begin in Cecil and Harford Counties

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to treat for spotted lanternfly at multiple sites in the upper northeast corner of Cecil County and along the northern border of Harford County. The Maryland Department of Agriculture found a small population of spotted lanternfly in these two areas while surveying for the invasive pest this spring and summer. “Even before the first spotted lanternfly was confirmed in Maryland last October, the department and our partners had been vigorously surveying and educating the public about this pest,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joseph Bartenfelder. “Due to its potentially devastating effects on the agriculture industry, treating for this invasive insect now is critical to controlling its spread in Maryland and protecting our state’s agricultural commodities.”

The USDA will work with a contractor to treat Ailanthus altissima, more commonly known as tree-of-heaven, in a quarter-mile radius of where the department found spotted lanternfly during surveying. Ailanthus altissima is the spotted lanternfly’s preferred tree to feed on and research has shown it is required for spotted lanternfly reproduction. “We’re working with Maryland Department of Agriculture to contain, control, and suppress the isolated spotted lanternfly infestations in Cecil and Harford Counties,” said USDA’s State Plant Health Director Matthew Travis. “Detecting the pest early, while the population is small, is critical to stopping its spread. That’s why we’re asking the public for help. If you see spotted lanternfly or find egg masses, call MDA or an Extension office.” Treatments are administered under USDA supervision. Depending on the size of the tree, there are two treatment types. Ailanthus altissima less than six inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) will receive herbicide treatments and Ailanthus altissima with a DBH greater than six inches will be treated with systemic insecticide. Both the herbicide and the insecticide have been found to have no or very minimal health effects on humans and pets. All property owners in the treatment area have been, or will be, directly notified prior to spraying. Treatments will be completed by the end of September and will resume in the spring. The spotted lanternfly poses a major threat to the region’s agricultural industries as it feeds on over 70 different types of plants and crops – including grapes, hops, apples, peaches, oak, pine, and many others. Originally from Asia, the spotted lanternfly is non-native to the U.S. and was first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania in the fall of 2014. As a known hitchhiker, the spotted lanternfly has spread to 14 counties within Pennsylvania and has confirmed populations in Delaware, Virginia, and New Jersey. The department’s Plant Protection and Weed Management Program continues to work with USDA, the University of Maryland Extension, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), and others to monitor the insect in Maryland. Our department has also launched outreach and education campaigns aimed at agricultural operations and the general public. There is no spotted lanternfly quarantine for businesses or homeowners in Maryland at this time. If you suspect you have found a spotted lanternfly, snap a picture of it, collect it, put it in a plastic bag, freeze it, and report it to the Maryland Department of Agriculture at DontBug.MD@maryland.gov. Dead samples from any life stage can be sent to the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection and Weed Management Program at 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. For more information about the spotted lanternfly, please visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website at: mda.maryland.gov/spottedlanternfly

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APHIS Provides an Update on Spotted Lanternfly Activities

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provides this update of spotted lanternfly ((Lycorma delicatula, SLF) locations in Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. This invasive pest feeds on more than 70 types of plants including crops such as grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, and other hardwood trees, and sucks sap from stems and leaves, causing damage to plants as they feed. APHIS and state cooperators continue to work together to assess the affected areas in the states, and to implement a cooperative response program that detects, contains, and suppresses SLF populations.

During 2018, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and APHIS confirmed a small SLF population in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. In addition to Dauphin County, SLF populations remain in all or portions of 13 other counties (Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and Schuylkill) in the State. APHIS and PDA continue to treat populations in support of the containment and suppression strategy for SLF.

Currently, Winchester City and Frederick County, Virginia remain the only known infested areas in Virginia. APHIS continues to work with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to treat the infested area in support of containing SLF. APHIS and VDASCS continue to perform intensive survey work throughout the State.

Since June 2018, APHIS and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) have confirmed populations of SLF in five counties (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, and Somerset), including previously reported counties of Warren, Mercer, and Hunterdon in the State. APHIS and NJDA continue to perform treatment and survey to contain and suppress SLF.

Since August 2018, APHIS and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) have confirmed populations of SLF in Northern New Castle County, Delaware. APHIS and DDA continue to treat the SLF population in portions of the County and perform survey work in the remaining portions of the State.

In October 2018, APHIS and the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) confirmed an adult SLF population in Cecil County, Maryland. PPQ and MDA continue to delimit this small infestation and establish treatments in support of the containment and suppression strategy.

In 2019, APHIS added emergency funding to support North Carolina’s survey for SLF. In addition, APHIS

continues to provide emergency funding to monitor, detect, and treat new outbreaks in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

A coordinated response effort between federal, state, industry, and the public is necessary to protect crops, forests, and residential landscapes from this invasive pest. APHIS continues to coordinate area-wide responses with the States’ Departments of Agriculture. The affected states are also in the process of deploying a pest management strategy that includes surveillance, treatment and control, and outreach activities to reduce the population and spread of SLF.

For additional information about the SLF program, you may contact National Policy Manager John Crowe at 301-851-2108 or John.F.Crowe@usda.gov.

EPA Takes Action to Provide Accurate Risk Information to

Consumers, Stop False Labeling on Products

EPA is issuing guidance to registrants of glyphosate to ensure clarity on labeling of the chemical on their products. EPA will no longer approve product labels claiming glyphosate is known to cause cancer – a false claim that does not meet the labeling requirements of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The State of California’s much criticized Proposition 65 has led to misleading labeling requirements for products, like glyphosate, because it misinforms the public about the risks they are facing. This action will ensure consumers have correct information, and is based on EPA’s comprehensive evaluation of glyphosate.

"It is irresponsible to require labels on products that are inaccurate when EPA knows the product does not pose a cancer risk. We will not allow California’s flawed program to dictate federal policy,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “It is critical that federal regulatory agencies like EPA relay to consumers accurate, scientific based information about risks that pesticides may pose to them. EPA’s notification to glyphosate registrants is an important step to ensuring the information shared with the public on a federal pesticide label is correct and not misleading.”

In April, EPA took the next step in the review process for glyphosate. EPA found – as it has before – that glyphosate is not a carcinogen, and there are no risks to public health when glyphosate is used in accordance

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with its current label. These scientific findings are consistent with the conclusions of science reviews by many other countries and other federal agencies.

On Feb. 26, 2018, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California issued a preliminary injunction stopping California from enforcing the state warning requirements involving glyphosate’s carcinogenicity, in part on the basis that the required warning statement is false or misleading. The preliminary injunction has not been appealed and remains in place.

California’s listing of glyphosate as a substance under Proposition 65 is based on the International Agency on the Research for Cancer (IARC) classifying it as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” EPA’s independent evaluation of available scientific data included a more extensive and relevant dataset than IARC considered during its evaluation of glyphosate, from which the agency concluded that glyphosate is “not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” EPA’s cancer classification is consistent with many other international expert panels and regulatory authorities.

Registrants with glyphosate products currently bearing Proposition 65 warning language should submit draft amended labeling that removes this language within 90 days of the date of the letter. For information about ongoing activities in the Office of Pesticide Programs, visit our homepage.

Interest in Urban Farming

By Maria Gumerov Extension Student Intern

Anne Arundel County Office Urban farming has the potential to advance sustainable living as well as strengthen local communities. That's why UME is interested in providing the most useful resources for current and aspiring urban farmers. But to supply the most helpful services, data is crucial. In July, we published a survey to assess interest in urban farming. We want to give a special thanks to those who have responded. Here are a few things that we've learned. Based on the responses, half of the respondents had prior experience with urban farming while the other half haven't, and most of the respondents would prefer to produce fruit and vegetables. When asked what the number one obstacle to urban farming was, answers

varied. Answers included site contamination, lack of business planning, government restrictions, and access to urban land as primary challenges. Preference for how to learn about urban farming techniques was also diverse. Answers included in-person winter class, summer workshops, online articles, and one-to-one consultations. All of the respondents had said that besides the support of UME, they needed community support to be successful. For the survey to be more effective, more responses are needed to assess the needs of the urban farming community better. If you're thinking about urban agriculture, please take this short, 5-minute survey: Click Here Survey created by Maria Gumerov--AGNR Student Intern at Anne Arundel County Extension Services, 97 Dairy Ln, Gambrills, MD 21054

AGNR Cornerstone Event: Ensure a Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay

This October 29, the College of AGNR will host its 2nd annual AGNR Cornerstone Event: Ensure a Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay. The event will feature experts on stormwater management, water use and reuse, our living natural resources and Chesapeake Bay aquatic life, water quality and safety, and much more. Join this full day of discussion and collaboration on how to tackle this pressing Maryland-centric challenge. As keynote speaker, the college is thrilled to welcome world-renowned expert in global water quality and infectious disease, Dr. Rita Colwell, distinguished University of Maryland professor and 11th director of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Colwell is one of the world’s foremost experts in vibrios, and a pioneer for women in science. Event Registration at: go.umd.edu/chesbay

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Fifth Annual Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference Register Today! Hosted by the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI), the Agriculture and Environmental Conference will bring agricultural, environmental, and legal professionals together to discuss timely and relevant legal issues that farmers face on a daily basis. Topics at the November 14 conference include: land use and liability for urban farmers; developing issues in agricultural and environmental law; diversifying uses on farms with conservation easements; local and state roles in siting approval of solar energy facilities; and maintaining neighbor relations when legal issues arise. Nutrient Management Continuing Learning Education Credits are available for those attending!

Instead of a keynote speaker, this year’s conference will feature a keynote panel on the emerging opportunities for farmers and aquaculture growers in ecosystem trading markets. The panel will feature experts in water, air, and soil quality trading systems to explain the current state of these opportunities and how producers can prepare themselves to participate, including: Pipa Elias, Director, North America Agriculture Program, The Nature Conservancy; Dr. Lisa Wainger, Research Professor, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Suzanne Dorsey, Assistant Secretary, Maryland Department of Environment’s Assistant Secretary, and Matthew Clagett, Assistant Attorney General, Maryland Department of Environment. This panel, like others at the conference, is an opportunity to spark conversations between different stakeholders about how best to protect agriculture and natural resources in Maryland.

The ALEI team has worked to ensure the conference evokes a lively discussion and advances the dialogue about the natural resource protection laws affecting Maryland’s farmers. The conference is geared toward members of the agriculture community, including farmers, agricultural and environmental attorneys, regulators, agriculture professionals, environmental associations, and elected officials. Students may attend for free if they bring a valid student identification card. The conference will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 8 am – 3 pm at the Crowne Plaza Annapolis, 173 Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401. Registration opens at 7:30 am. For more information or to register, please visit https://go.umd.edu/aleiconf2019registration

To register, go to FieldWatch.com

For more information about FieldWatch, read this helpful resource or call the department’s Pesticide Regulation Section at 410-841-5710.

See the Attachment!

1) Honey Bee Workshop Flier

Vegetable & Fruit News A timely publication for the commercial vegetable and fruit industry available electronically in 2019 from April through October on the following dates: April 25, May 24, June 13, July 18, August 15, September 19 and October 24 (Special Research & Meeting Edition).

Published by the University of Maryland Extension Focus Teams: 1) Agriculture and Food Systems; and 2) Environment and Natural Resources. Submit Articles to: Editor, R. David Myers, Extension Educator Agriculture and Natural Resources 97 Dairy Lane Gambrills, MD 21054 410 222-3906 myersrd@umd.edu Note: Registered Trade Mark® Products, Manufacturers, or Companies mentioned within this newsletter are not to be considered as sole endorsements. The information has been provided for educational purposes only. The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.

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