Crop Protection

Time to monitor black stem borer

The black stem borer (Xylosandrus germanus) is a small (2 millimeters) ambrosia beetle that becomes active in spring after one or two consecutive days of temperatures 68 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, often coinciding with forsythia... more »

Maryland enacts ban on neonicotinoids

Maryland lawmakers have approved legislation that will prohibit the retail sale and household use of neonicotinoid pesticides beginning in 2018. Commercial applications will still be permitted. Gov. Larry Hogan is now reviewing the legislation, which... more »

Report crop loss after cold weather

In light of the cold temperatures experienced recently, a call to your crop insurance agent may be in order. If you believe the recent low temperatures may have damaged your crop you have 72 hours... more »

Assessing fruit bud survival and crop potential

A series of advective freeze events have damaged fruit buds, and following an additional freeze this weekend, growers will want to assess crop potential. It can be discouraging to count the buds that didn't survive... more »

Pesticides under more scrutiny

When “Silent Spring” was published in 1962, it triggered “fundamental changes” in the way pests were managed, said Jerry Baron, executive director of the IR-4 Project. Rachel Carson’s book was critical of the way pesticides... more »

Compass Minerals launches Protassium+ Organic

Compass Minerals has announced the release of Protassium+ Organic, a potassium fertilizer. Protassium+ Organic is a dual-nutrient, concentrated sulfate of potash (SOP) offering high potassium (50 percent potassium) and plant-available sulfate sulfur, the company said.... more »

Do you need to worry about early spring freezes?

In early spring as fruit trees begin to grow, many people are worried that freezing temperatures will kill the buds of their fruit trees. These buds can handle very low temperatures in the winter. Just... more »

New berry crop miticides, insecticides introduced

Kathy Demchak, senior Extension associate at Penn State University, discusses changes with insecticides and miticides for us on berry crops in the last few years: A tarnished plant bug on a... more »