August 5, 2014

Vol. 5, No. 15 ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER Welcome to Alabama Cooperative Extension System

(ACES) where we are committed to providing you research-based

information. The main purpose of this newsletter is to provide read-

ers information about critical crop production and pest management

information for crops grown in Alabama. This newsletter promotes

sustainable agriculture, i.e., successful farming without depleting

natural resources so that future generations can have productive

land for food production. Currently, there are over 1,200 subscrib-

ers and many commercial websites that cross-post this newsletter

online resulting in a wider readership. Readers can also download or

view the newsletter at ACES Store ( www.aces.edu/

IPMCommunicator) Research and Extension personnel from all edu-

cational institution in Alabama can submit crop production and pro-

tection articles of high relevance for immediate release to the audi-

ence; authors should pay attention to the submission guidelines on

the last page of this newsletter. Readers outside Alabama should

check with their university Extension before using any recommenda-

tion.

For additional subscriptions, please visit www.aces.edu/

IPMCommunicator

Newsletter Coordinator/Copy Editor: Ann Chambliss, Outreach

Administrator

Editorial Board:

Chief Editor: Ayanava Majumdar “Dr. A” – Extension Entomologist

& State Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education Coordina-

tor, Auburn Univ.

Board members:

Henry Fadamiro – Associate Professor of Entomology & Plant Pa-

thology Department, State IPM Coordinator, Auburn Univ.

Rudy Pacumbaba—Ext. Specialist, Alabama A&M Univ.

Conrad Bonsi – Professor and Associate Dean, Tuskegee Univ.

NEWSLETTER WEBSITE: www.aces.edu/IPMCommunicator

For queries or to submit articles, please contact thame-

ae@auburn.edu. Find us on Facebook!

A Comprehensive Pest Management News-

letter for Farmers across Alabama!

IN THIS ISSUE…

University of Illinois Extension releases app for

sprayer-related calculations Importation of fresh citrus from China

Soybean rust in Escambia County

Target spot on soybeans

Sources of sustainable insect control products

USDA reimbursement for organic farmers

Checking for Fall Armyworms

New vegetable IPM publications

We own Alabama’s forests

2014 AFVGA conference presentations on sale

AG EVENTS Row Crop and Horticultural events are listed by date.

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ALABAMA PEANUT & VEGETABLE IPM PROGRAMS The Agronomy & Commercial Horticulture Extension Teams are constantly working to pro-

vide you updated information for profitable farming. Now you can get pest information

quickly and interact with the Extension Team using social media apps on your smartphone.

PROJECT WEBSITES

Peanut IPM: www.aces.edu/go/88

Vegetable IPM: www.aces.edu/go/87

FACEBOOK CHANNELS TO ‘LIKE’:

Peanut producers: ‘ALABAMA PEANUT IPM PROGRAM’

Vegetable producers & gardeners: ‘ALABAMA VEGETABLE IPM’

Make sure you sign-up for Extension IPM workshops and field days close to you for hands-

on crop production and pest management training. For more information, email bugdoc-

tor@auburn.edu.

ALABAMA MASTER GARDENER HELPLINE When you want to know how to get that colorful annual bed installed and growing, to

whom do you turn for advice? Are you at a loss for solutions to disease and insect prob-

lems? If you’ve got gardening questions, we’ve got answers! Call the Master Gardener

Helpline. Trained volunteers are ready, willing, and waiting to help!

There are 15 Helpline locations throughout the state of Alabama and calls are answered at

least one location year-round. In fact, as you read this, Master Gardeners are manning the

phone lines in the Southwest and North Central regions of the state. Give ‘em a call!

They’d love to help you with all your gardening needs.

Dial 1-877-252-GROW (4769) and select your location from the short menu to receive

the most accurate, local information. Below is a list of the menu options so you will be

prepared when you call. If you do not hear your location option in the menu, please select “3” and a Master Gardener will assist

you.

Option Location Included area

1 Southwest from the Gulf Coast to Grove Hill and Greenville

2 Central and East from Anniston to Phenix City; metro Montgomery

3 North Central/West from Clanton to Birmingham; Hamilton & Carrollton

4 Northwest from Decatur/Huntsville to the Shoals & Russellville

5 Northeast from Pell City & Gadsden to Cullman and Scottsboro

6 West area of Demopolis, Greensboro, Selma, & Lowndesboro

7 Southeast area of Andalusia, Dothan, Troy, & Eufaula

AFVGA WEBSITE & FACEBOOK PAGE REGISTRAION FOR THE 2014 ANNUAL CONFERENCE IS OPEN! PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE

FOR DETAILS.

The Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA, www.afvga.aces.edu) now has a dynamic

Facebook page! Please login to Facebook and then enter ‘Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Associa-

tion’ in the search tool. Once on the page, click on the LIKE button.

Some benefits of joining the AFVGA Facebook page include rapid access to potentially hundreds of crop

producers and gardeners across the state, updates regarding upcoming educational workshops with part-

nering institutions, and direct communication with AFVGA Board members. For more information about the AFVGA, sponsor-

ship of events and memberships, please contact Jackie Cooper, Exec. Sec., AFVGA. (jjcoop61@bellsouth.net).

ALABAMA SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE WEBSITE Organic producers and transitioning farmers can bookmark this website to stay informed of SARE pro-

grams, especially grants and special publications. You can also subscribe to the ALABAMA VEGETABLE

IPM channel on FACEBOOK.

Visit http://www.southernsare.org/SARE-in-Your-State/Alabama

EXTENSION PROJECT RESOURCES

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION RELEASES APP FOR MAKING SPRAYER-

RELATED CALCULATIONS University of Illinois Extension has released a new smartphone app for making sprayer-related calculations.

Pesticide Spray Calculator, or Spray Calc, is available for both Apple and Android smartphone platforms. It

contains multiple functions related to calibrating a sprayer.

Throughout the app, help menus are available to provide guidance as to the function of various app components,

as well as definitions for many of the variables listed. For most variables, touching the name of the variable

brings up a definition of what the variable is and how it is measured.

Selecting "Calibration" leads to a screen with four options: Aircraft, Ground Rig, Turf Boom, and Boomless.

Within each section, calibration scenarios can be saved for future reference and for values to be loaded into

some of the other functions available on the app. Each option

will be discussed separately.

Aircraft Calibration

The aircraft option has two different screens. The first screen

(figure 2) allows the user to enter their speed in miles per hour,

desired swath width in feet, the GPA (gallons per acre) of spray

to be applied, and the total number of nozzles on the boom. The

required flow rate for the boom is calculated, as well as the re-

quired flow rate for each individual nozzle. The user can save the

entered values with a name of their choice, and, if so desired,

slide to the second aircraft calibration screen for more calibration

options.

The second aircraft calibration screen (figure 3) allows the user to fine-tune number of nozzles, orifice size, and

operating pressure in order to achieve the required boom GPM flow rate. It also allows the user to use up to two

different orifice sizes on the boom in order to achieve the required boom GPM. The needed boom GPM from

the first screen is carried over from the first screen.

Users can the select how many different orifice sizes they want on the boom (one or two) and the operating

pressure (psi or pounds per square inch) they want to operate at. For each orifice size, they need to enter the

flow rate provided by that orifice size at 40 psi (example: a 4010 flat fan nozzle provides 1.0 GPM at 40 psi)

and the number of nozzles with that orifice size. The app will calculate the total GPM for all nozzles of that size,

as well as the total for the entire boom. If only one orifice size is used, the total for nozzles and boom total will

be the same. The user can change any of the variables until the boom total at the bottom matches the needed

boom GPM at the top.

Ground Rig Calibration

This function consists of a single screen and can be used to calibrate a ground rig sprayer. The user enters the

speed at which the application will be made in miles per hour, the nozzle spacing in inches, and the targeted

GPA. The app calculates the required nozzle flow rate in gallons per minute. Similar to the aerial function, each

application scenario can be saved with a user-determined name for future reference and use in other app func-

tions.

Continue reading on next page.

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION RELEASES APP FOR MAKING SPRAYER

-RELATED CALCULATIONS (CONTINUED) Turf Boom Calibration

The turf boom function is identical to the ground rig function except that the spray application rate is entered

as gallons of spray per 1,000 square feet instead of gallons per acre. This function can be used to calibrate

boom sprayers used to make broadcast applications to turf with products labeled using spray application rates

in gallons per 1,000 square feet. Each application scenario can be saved with a user-determined name for fu-

ture reference and use in other app functions.

Boomless Calibration

The boomless function is identical to the ground rig function except that swath width in feet is entered instead

of nozzle spacing in inches. This function can be used to calibrate sprayers set up with off-center type nozzles

that are typically used to make applications to rights-of-way areas and pastures. Each application scenario can

be saved with a user-determined name for future reference and use in other app functions.

PSI for GPM

This function allows the user to do one of two things. The first is to calculate the required pressure at which to

operate a nozzle in order to achieve a specific flow rate. This can occur when the required flow rate for an ap-

plication is not specifically listed in a nozzle manufacturer's flow rate table. To make this calculation, the user

needs to know a flow rate and associated psi. This is easily determined by the name of the nozzle. For exam-

ple, an XR11004 is an extended-range nozzle (XR) with a 110-degree spray angle. The last two digits provide

the flow rate for the nozzle at 40 psi by placing a decimal point between them: 0.4 GPM. So if you wanted to

use a XR11004 nozzle to provide a 0.36 GPM flow rate, you would need to operate it at 32.4 psi (figure 4).

Another way to use the PSI for GPM function would be if an applicator wanted to operate a nozzle at a specif-

ic pressure. This might occur in order to create a droplet spectrum required by a label. As with the previous

usage, users must enter a known flow rate and pressure for the nozzle. They then enter the psi at which they

wish to operate the nozzle and the app will calculate the GPM generated by the nozzle at that pressure.

Nozzle Speed

This function can be used to determine the maximum and minimum speeds at which a nozzle should be operat-

ed. It should be used when an applicator has a sprayer equipped with a flow control system. Flow control sys-

tems automatically maintain an applicator-selected spray application rate. They do so, however, by adjusting

pressure. As a sprayer is operated faster, nozzle flow rate must be increased in order to maintain the set GPA.

Unless the sprayer is outfitted with a pulse width modulation control system, the flow controller has to increase

pressure in order to increase flow rate. A similar thing happens when the sprayer slows down – pressure is re-

duced to reduce nozzle flow rate so that the GPA is maintained.

The factor limiting the speed range of the sprayer, therefore, is the operating pressure range for the nozzle. The

nozzle speed function is used to calculate the sprayer speeds that correspond with the upper and lower pressure

limits of the nozzle. The applicator enters the nozzle spacing and the targeted GPA (figure 5). Next, the appli-

cator refers to the flow rate table for the nozzle that will be used; GPM min operating pressure is the nozzle

flow rate in GPM when the nozzle is operated at its lowest pressure; GPM max operating pressure is the nozzle

flow rate in GPM when the nozzle is operated at its highest pressure.

Continue reading on next page.

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION RELEASES APP FOR MAKING SPRAYER

-RELATED CALCULATIONS For an XR110004, the minimum pressure is 15 PSI and the maximum pressure is 60 PSI (figure 6). At 15 PSI,

the flow rate is 0.24 GPM; at 60 PSI the flow is 0.49 GPM. When these values are entered into the nozzle speed

function, the app calculates the minimum operating speed as 7.13 MPH and the maximum operating speed is

14.55 MPH. Keeping the sprayer within this speed range will ensure the nozzle is operated within its pressure

operating range. It will not, however, prevent the droplet spectrum from changing. As can be noted in figure 6,

an XR110004 will produce a medium (M) droplet spectrum at 15 PSI, but it will change to a fine (F) droplet

spectrum at 60 PSI.

Convert Value

The convert value function allows the user to convert various values commonly associated with pesticide appli-

cations. The list of values that can be converted is by no means exhaustive and will likely be expanded as the

app is updated. The top section of the convert value screen allows the user to select the type of values to be con-

verted. These include flow rates, spray rates, rate conversions for volume per unit area, weight per unit area,

and weight per volume.

Once the user has selected the type of value they wish to convert, they select the unit they wish to convert from

and the unit the wish to convert to. For example, figure 7 shows the function being used to convert a gallons-

per-minute nozzle flow rate into a fluid-ounces-per-minute nozzle flow rate.

Conclusion

Spray Calc was created to assist applicators with many of the calculations used to calibrate and set up a sprayer.

In the future, functions to assist with tank mix calculations will be added along with other possible functions. If

you have any questions or suggestions about Spray Calc, please contact Scott Bretthauer at

sbrettha@illinois.edu.

Scott Bretthauer

University of Illinois

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APHIS PROPOSES TO ALLOW THE IMPORTATION OF FRESH CITRUS FROM

CHINA INTO THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES WASHINGTON, August 21, 2014—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspec-

tion Service (APHIS) is announcing a proposal to allow the importation of commercial consignments of five

species of citrus fruit from China into the continental United States—Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck cv.

Guanximiyou (pomelo); Citrus kinokuni Hort. ex Tanaka (mandarin orange); Citrus poonensis Hort. ex

Tanaka (ponkan); Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (sweet orange); and, Citrus unshiu Marcov. (Satsuma manda-

rin).

APHIS conducted a pest risk

assessment (PRA) in response to

the national plant protection or-

ganization (NPPO) of China re-

questing imports of fresh citrus

fruit into the continental United

States.

Based on the PRA, APHIS iden-

tified 22 quarantine pests. Among them were eight species of Bactrocera fruit flies that may enter the United

States through the importation of packed citrus fruit from China. As a condition of entry, the citrus fruit

would have to be produced using a systems approach that is based on the quarantine pests identified in the

PRA and the risk management document that provided the risk mitigation measures.

Under a systems approach, APHIS would require that the NPPO of China submit a work plan, approved by

the agency, detailing the activities that they will follow to meet the requirements defined in the systems ap-

proach. APHIS would also require places of production to treat fruit and trap for several species of Bactrocera

fruit flies. In addition, shipments would need to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the

NPPO of China that declares that the requirements of the proposed regulations have been met, and shipments

have been inspected and found free of quarantine pests.

This action is necessary as part of a mutual trade agreement with China, and will provide market access in the

United States for citrus fruits from China under conditions that will prevent the introduction of plant pests and

diseases.

APHIS engaged producers and industry partners throughout the development of this proposed rule, and have

considered their feedback for the development of the rule. APHIS will publish the proposed rule in the Feder-

al register, and solicit public comments for 60 days.

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SOYBEAN RUST DETECTED IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY Soybean rust (SBR) was detected in a soybean sentinel plot in Brewton in Escambia County on August 25th.

This is the second report of SBR on soybeans in the U.S. this season. The disease was observed at very low lev-

els at this site.

SBR was detected in a soybean sentinel plot in Prattville in Autauga County back on August 3rd; and was previ-

ously observed in Baldwin County on kudzu in March.

The extremely high temperatures in the past week and the drought-like conditions slowly increasing across the

state DO NOT favor rapid spread of the disease.

Frog eye leaf spot has been the most significant problems for growers in Alabama this year. Growers with Frog

eye susceptible to moderately tolerant varieties should strongly consider applying a tank mix fungicide combi-

nation at the R3 growth stage before the disease appears in the field. Applying a fungicide after frog eye is ob-

served in a field is not an effective method of controlling this disease.

Other diseases that have appeared in recent weeks include target spot, charcoal rot and soybean vein necrosis.

Symptoms of soybean rust on soybeans

Ed Sikora

Plant Pathologist, ACES

TARGET SPOT ON SOYBEANS Target spot has been observed in numerous commercial fields in recent weeks. The

disease has been an increasing problem on cotton in recent years.

On soybeans the fungal disease can affect leaves, stems, pods and seeds. Leaf lesions

are round and reddish-brown and vary in size from specks to large target-like circular

lesions. Severely affected leaves drop prematurely.

Ed Sikora

Plant Pathologist, ACES

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SOURCES OF SUSTAINABLE INSECT CONTROL PRODUCTS Vegetable gardening is a fun and greatly satisfying activity for many home owners across Alabama, but the

produce is always at risk of being destroyed by insect pests and diseases. This article will provide you some

insight about our research findings and provide some reliable sources of organic gardening products that we

have tried in the past two years. We are very thankful to our research funding agencies like USDA SARE Pro-

gram, Extension IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Coordination Funds, Wallace Center, and support from

the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network that

helps spread the knowledge to every corner of the state. At this point, let us remind you that insect control in

farms and gardens should use the three-tiered pest management system consisting of systems-based practices

like crop rotation, variety selection, etc. Sanitation is a big part of this step where producers/gardeners must

remove crop debris after harvest to reduce carry-over of insect pests (pest prevention is the goal). Always start

out right in order to reduce plant problems later!

The second step is to use physical barriers and mechanical removal of insect pests from crops. In recent years,

the Alabama vegetable IPM program has focused a lot on the use of Super-light Insect Barrier fabric and other

low-cost nets for gardeners and small producers. The purpose here again is pest prevention and reducing early

pest establishment. Super-light fabric is a polypropylene fabric that is extensively marketed by

GardensAlive.com – one of the websites for buying organic farming and gardening products. Visit http://

www.gardensalive.com/super-light-insect-barrier/p/82274/ for looking at the fabric. Although the website

states no heat buildup under the fabric, we have seen that a well-sealed raised bed covered with this fabric can

raise the temperature by 10 degrees resulting in good growth of early planted crops. The beauty of this light

fabric is that it will keep the grasshoppers, flea beetles and aphids away from tomato, egg plants and okra

transplants. We have seen over 50% reduction of pest pressure and vigorous plant growth early in the season

(Fig. 1). Armyworms and stink bugs can be deterred also for late season crops. Using such fabric in low-

tunnels or moderately high tunnels can be greatly beneficial to producers/gardeners planning to have a fall gar-

den with Cole crops and other such plants. There is a lot more to learn from these studies, so please make sure

you attend any of the Commercial Horticulture or Gardening workshops in your county!

When everything else fails, then we have insecticides and there is nothing wrong in using them as long as we

are careful. Read the insecticide label BEFORE using insecticides and strictly follow the recommendations.

Many of the commercial formulations will now have a bee advisory on the label (new EPA requirement). To-

day we have hundreds of conventional home garden insecticides to choose from but there are relatively few

organic or alternative insecticides in the market. Some of our favorite products are containing Bacillus thurin-

giensis (Bt), natural pyrethrin, spinosad, and neem (azadirachtin-based oil formulations). You will have to

make several (weekly) applications of these materials before pest outbreak occurs to be successful. The IPM

program now offers small producers and gardeners a handy IPM slide chart that you can carry to the store

when deciding what insecticide to buy. Popular on-line sources of insecticides are Arbico-Organics.com,

GardensAlive.com, and GrowOrganic.com. Arbico-Organics and GrowOrganic websites also market low-

cost reusable insect pest monitoring traps like http://www.groworganic.com/intercept-w-wing-trap.html

(purchase lures separately). Always consult a Regional Extension Agent for correct pest identification and

technical recommendations.

Continue reading on next page.

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SOURCES OF SUSTAINABLE INSECT CONTROL PRODUCTS (CONTINUED) The Alabama IPM Communicator – one of the best

sources for pest alerts in Alabama - will now be available

on a website and as a PDF. Bookmark the website

www.aces.edu/ipmcommunicator and add yourself or

friends to receive automatic pest alerts and updates. The

Alabama Vegetable IPM Program is also on Facebook for

sharing rapid pest alerts – LIKE us today without delay!

Website: www.aces.edu/counties/baldwin

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baldwin-

County-Alabama-Extension -Office/322367574484631

Email address: azm0024@auburn.edu

Phone: 334-844-7732 or 251-331-8416

Baldwin County Extension Programs are supported by

the Baldwin County Commission.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the

U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Ayanava Majumdar, Ext. Entomologist and SARE Program Coordinator

Mike McQueen, Regional Ext. Agent

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CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARMERS AND HANDLERS MAKE SURE YOU ARE GET-

TING REIMBURSED FOR YOUR CERTIFICATION COSTS After a break in funding in 2013, the National Organic Certification CostShare is back for ALL Certified Farm-

ers and Handlers in the ENTIRE United States. For the foreseeable future this program will be available for

certified entities EACH YEAR.

For more information: Contact your Certifier or your State Department of Agriculture. Procedures may differ

in each state.

Things you should know:

➢ All organic certified entities – farmers, handlers/processors – are eligible receive cost share reimbursement

of 75% of the actual cost paid to your certifier up to a maximum of $750 per certification category.

➢ To qualify, applicants must be certified organic by a USDA-accredited certifying agency.

➢ You are eligible to receive a payment for each category you are certified under. If you make one payment

for all, your state should simply divide the total payment and give you the total of 75% (up to $750) for

each. This may result in a reimbursement more than $750.

➢ There are 4 eligible categories: Crops, Livestock, Processing/Handling, and Wild Harvest.

➢ This reimbursement is annual, just like your certification payment. You must re-apply each year.

➢ Ask your certifier – they may apply for you – or they have the information on how you can apply. Most pro-

grams are run through your State Department of Agriculture, but some are administered through the certifier.

➢ Because the federal government runs on a fiscal year October 1 through September 30, and state deadlines

may vary, your deadlines may get confusing – Make sure you apply for each year you are certified (and have

paid), and this should get worked out at the state level.

➢ This is a partial reimbursement for money you have paid to comply with this federal program; it is not a sub-

sidy or a handout.

For more information and a full background see http://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/

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KEEP CHECKING THOSE FORAGES FOR FALL ARMY WORMS UNTIL THE

FIRST FROST At some point each year I give up keeping track of counties and declare a statewide fall

armyworm epidemic. Today is the day! Fall armyworms in pastures or hayfields

have now been reported in 49 counties, as of August 13, 2014: Autauga, Baldwin, Bar-

bour, Blount, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Cov-

ington, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dale, Dallas, Dekalb, Elmore, Etowah, Fayette, Geneva,

Greene, Hale, Henry, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Limestone,

Lowndes, Macon, Madison, Marengo, Marshall, Montgomery, Morgan, Pickens, Pike,

Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Wil-

cox, Winston, and Washington. The fall armyworm watch map has been updated.

If you find fall armyworms in other counties in Alabama I will be happy to update the

map. But the main thiing is to keep checking your grass forages for fall armyworn until

first frost. I expect more armyworm problems will be discovered next week, as another

generation matures. But already, we have a situation where the generations are over-

lapping. Now is the time to consider using insecticides with a longer residual to pro-

vide protection against larvae that hatch after the insecticide has been applied.

You can find the fall armyworm map in several ways:

There is a direct link to the page from thewww.alabamaforages.com homepage underneath the *NEW* section

You can find a link to the map, as well as helpful information related to Fall Armyworm underneath the “Fall

Armyworm” section of the Insect Pest Management Pagehttp://www.aces.edu/anr/forages/Management/

InsectPestManagement.php You can follow this direct linkhttp://www.aces.edu/anr/forages/Management/documents/

FallArmywormmap.php

Please let me know if you find them so we can keep updating the map. Thanks

to Jennifer Johnson for posting the map in places where we can find it.

You can also bookmark this link for resources on how to look for and control

Fall Armyworm in pastures and hayfields: http://bit.ly/18wvBPZ

Here are individual links to various fall armyworm resources:

The latest list of insecticides for fall armyworm can be found at:http://

www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/I/IPM-0028/IPM-0028.pdf

Information about fall armyworm biology is at: https://store.aces.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=13506

Instructions on how to use a sweep net to look for fall armyworm:

Insect sweep nets can be purchased at various farm and forestry supply stores.

As always, please let me know if you find fall armyworms in your Alabama forage grasses.

Kathy Flanders

Ext. Specialist, ACES

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NEW VEGETABLE IPM PUBLICATIONS FOR ORGANIC AND SMALL FARMS The Alabama Organic IPM Program is now three years old and it has provided consistent focus to the needs of

the small specialty crops producers. Here we introduce you to three new publications from ACES and Southern

SARE that can be useful for a wide range of producers. Sustainable agriculture practices are not limited to or-

ganic producers; the principles of ecological and economic sustainability can be applied to many other farming

situations. Click on the IMAGES below to get to the full articles online.

‘Understanding NOP Standards for Pest Management in Specialty Crops’ (ANR-2084) provides a brief over-

view of the National Organic Program Standards as it relates to pest management and summarizes the three ap-

proaches to IPM on small farms.

‘Proper Use of Approved Insecticides in Organic Farming Systems’ (ANR-2085) provides basic classification

of approved insecticides based on EPA rules and primary mode of action. This bulletin ends with some general

guiding recommendations on proper placement and timing of insecticides that can help maximize effectiveness

of products.

‘Trap Cropping in Vegetable Production’ is a SARE National Publication that not only highlights the trap crop

research done in Alabama for leaffooted bug management but also provides trap crop recommendations for

harlequin bugs, stink bugs, and cucumber beetles based on research in other states. Trap crops, if planned well,

can cause dramatic reduction in pest numbers when integrated with other control methods.

‘Alternative Vegetable IPM Recommendations’ (ANR-2190) is a unique slide chart that has illustrations and

control recommendations for 21 dreaded insect pests of vegetable crops. It is a handy tool for producers and

gardeners that is sturdy by design and can be carried around in the back-pocket or left in the farm truck for

quick retrieval. Please get your free copy by coming to a regional crop production meeting or contact your re-

gional Extension agent for more information.

Producers and gardeners are strongly encouraged to subscribe to this IPM newsletter for keeping up with re-

search-based farming information; simply visit www.aces.edu/go/87 and enter your email near the bottom of

the webpage. We also offer information delivery via social media like Facebook (Alabama Vegetable IPM) and

Twitter (AlabamaIPM). For questions about these publications, please call 251-331-8416 or email bugdoc-

tor@auburn.edu.

See publications on next page.

Ayanava Majumdar

Ext. Entomologist

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NEW VEGETABLE IPM PUBLICATIONS FOR ORGANIC AND SMALL FARMS

(CONTINUED)

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WE OWN ALABAMA’S FORESTS Did you know that we have the third most forested state in the contiguous 48 states? Nearly 23 million acres

are covered in forests. That is almost 70 percent of the entire state. How about that Alabama forests provide

more than 122,000 jobs? Or our water quality is closely tied to forests? Did you know that unlike other states,

Alabama forests are predominately owned by people like you and me? Small-scale family landowners own

more than 65 percent of timberlands.

Who do you think is responsible for caring for this valuable natural resource? In Alabama, it is not federal or

state governments, industrial and business concerns or environmental organizations that can bring about the

most change to forests, but the families who own this land. Private landowners must balance managing their

forests for economic goals while being good stewards of wildlife, water resources and various other environ-

mental benefits. Deer, turkey, songbirds, streams and creeks pass through our lands not recognizing bounda-

ries.

Forests provide a wide range of economic, recreational, and envi-

ronmental opportunities and benefits to Alabama citizens. We must

take the initiative and learn about our forests and how to care for

this incredibly diverse ecosystem. With this knowledge, we can

manage our forests for diverse goals ranging from recreation to tim-

ber production or some combination of these.

Don’t be afraid of timber harvests but rather learn to implement

successful and environmentally sensitive operations. Harvests are

tools that can be used to improve forest health and productivity and

also a means to capture a renewable resource we all use on a daily basis. Toilet paper anyone?

Also, don’t forget that most forestlands in Alabama have been harvested at least once and likely multiple

times. Your forest, as beautiful as it might be, is likely not virgin. Early settlers harvested most forests, and

later much of our land was in agriculture.

But forests are truly a renewable resource. Since forestland surveys were first taken in 1926, forest cover has

grown by more than half a million acres. Both hardwoods (oaks, sweet gum, yellow poplar etc…) and soft-

woods (pines) have had growth exceed harvests. While pines are pervasive, more than 50 percent of our for-

ests are hardwoods.

It is important to learn the differences between good and bad natural resource management. Know what trees

to grow, how to plant and care for them and which invasive trees to remove from your land. Know how to

harvest properly to ensure a renewable resource and not damage water quality. Know what invasive wildlife

poses a threat to forests and learn how to remove them. Know what management tools are available and how

to use them.

At the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, we are here to provide the knowledge and expertise to help.

We offer regular workshops and can be reached by phone for specific questions.

In our region, we will host two workshops in September: Trapping 101 - September 11 at the Five Rivers

Delta Center in Spanish Fort. This workshop will provide demonstrations on how and why to trap certain nui-

sance wildlife. Online registration is preferred: 9.11.14: http://www.aces.edu/go/464 or 9.18.14: http://

www.aces.edu/go/465

Continue reading on next page.

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WE OWN ALABAMA’S FORESTS (CONTINUED)

Forestry 101: Managing Timberlands – September 23 at the Five Rivers Delta Center in Spanish Fort.

This workshop will provide information on Alabama forests, pest and diseases, planting, managing and har-

vesting timber sustainably for a variety of management objectives. Reg-

ister online by September 19th at http://www.aces.edu/go/491.

Can’t make it to a workshop? Alabama Extension has experts in forest,

natural resource and wildlife areas to help you manage our Alabama

forests.

For more information, contact Beau Brodbeck at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System – Baldwin

County Office in Bay Minette by email (brodbam@auburn.edu) or by phone (251-937-7176).

4-H Chick Chain Show and Sale There will be a 4-H Chick Chain (Poultry) Show and Sale on Saturday, September 27 at 9:00 a.m. The show and sale

will be held in Jennings Park in Brewton. For more information, contact the Escambia County Extension Office at 251

-867-7760.

Website: www.aces.edu/counties/baldwin

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baldwin-County-Alabama-Extension -Office/322367574484631

Email address: brodbam@auburn.edu

Phone: 937-7176 or 943-5061, ext. 2222

Beau Brodbeck

Regional Extension Agent

Forestry, Wildlife & Natural Resources

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AFVGA 2014 CONFERENCE VIDEOS AND

PRESENTATIONS NOW ON SALE!

V OLU ME 1 1, ISSU E 1 Page 16

If you missed the 2014 conference or you want to see and hear the information from speakers, AFVGA is

offering videos from many keynote and educational sessions on a flash drive for your convenience. Below

is a list of available topics bundled as videos and presentations on each flash drive. Place your order for the

flash drive with the order form attached to this newsletter. Please fill it out and mail it along with your

check or money order. The flash drive is only $20.00 for members and $50.00 for non-members for all

these important and informative talks. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity! Order today and get a

AFVGA bumper sticker free of cost!

Topics on the flash drive:

Videos

No till vegetable production

Strawberry production and pest management

Weed control recommendations in vegetable

crop

Tomato production and pest management prac-

tices

Fruit crop pest management (peaches, blackber-

ries, etc.)

Kudzu bug identification and management

High tunnel crop production

Small farm equipment

Presentations

Weed control

Water management

Agritourism

No-till vegetables

Citrus production/propagation

Soil quality

High tunnel diseases and economics

Marketing produce

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ORDER FORM Please make checks payable to AFVGA, mailing address P.O. Box 2081 Auburn, AL 36831-2081

Your Name:______________________________________

Your E-mail:_________________________________ Phone:__________________________

Your Mailing Address:_____________________________________

__________________________________________________

Quantity:______ x $50.00 each = $_____________ (total non-members)

Quantity. ________x $20.00 each =$______________(total members) ARCHIVE

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EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Row Crops, Forage & Stored Grains (more at AlabamaCrops.com)

Specialty Crops (Fruits/Vegetables)

Year-round Webinar series: All Bugs Good and Bad (agenda included)

September 5-6, 2014: Sustainable Silvopasture systems for limited resource farmers field day and

training workshop (flyer included)

Other Events

September 13, 2014: AG discovery adventure, Shorter, AL (flyer included)

September 18, 2014: Life in the dirt workshop, Florence, AL (flyer included)

September 19, 2014: IPM vegetable troubleshooting workshop for small growers, Griffin, GA (flyer

included)

September 26, 2014: AU Landscape school, Auburn, AL (flyer included)

October 10, 2014: Fall gardening extravaganza, Alexander City, AL ( flyer included)

January 14-17, 2015: Southern SAWG Conference, Mobile, AL (flyer included)

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IPM Vegetable Troubleshooting Workshop

for Small Growers September 19, 2014

University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment St.,

Griffin, GA

8:00am: Registration and Coffee

8:30am: Welcome and Overview

8:35am: What Can Extension do for you? – Wade Hutcheson, Spalding County Extension Co-

ordinator

8:45am: Cultural Problems and Solutions for a Healthier Crop – Bob Westerfield, UGA Vege-

table Specialist

9:30am: Weed Control Options for the Small Market Grower – Wade Hutcheson

10:15am: Break

10:30am: Taking Care of the Good Guys: Beneficial Insects – Dr. Kris Braman, UGA Ento-

mologist and Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture

11:15am: General Insect Pest Identification and Control – Dr. Frank Hale, University of Ten-

nessee Entomologist

12:15pm: Lunch (provided)

12:45pm: IPM Organic Options for Insect Control – Dr. Ayanava Majumdar (Dr. A), Alabama

Extension Entomologist and State SARE Program Coordinator

1:45pm: Biological and Organic IPM for Vegetable Diseases - Dr. Elizabeth Little, UGA Plant

Pathology Extension Specialist

2:45pm: Resources for the Small Market Grower

3:00pm: Evaluation, Pesticide Credits and Adjourn ARCHIVE

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For more information please visit: www.website.com

ABOUT IPM COMMUNICATOR (contd. from page 1)

Archive: All editions of newsletter will be archived on ACES Publication, Alabama IPM Center, and many other public websites.

Please contact the article author/s for additional information. The Editorial Board does not assume responsibility for any technical arti-

cle or information published in this newsletter.

CALL FOR EXTENSION ARTICLES

Sections: IPM Communicator has many sections such as Entomology, IPM in Forestry, IPM for the Home & Garden, IPM in

Schools & Urban Areas, Plant Pathology, Weed Control, and News Around the State. All sections may not appear in each edition

if there were no submissions from authors. Additional sections may be created to accommodate critical news articles.

Author guidelines: The IPM COMMUNICATOR is emailed weekly every Friday to hundreds of subscribers. Articles must be received by Wednesday of

each week to allow compilation and release. Use the format of published articles in this newsletter to develop your article. Please

email finished articles to the Chief Editor in MICROSOFT WORD. Color pictures can be included in the article if it enhances the read-

ability; authors must provide pictures and send information about the image source/s. SEND PICTURES SEPARATELY ATTACHED

IN YOUR EMAIL. Email completed article to thameae@auburn.edu.

Articles should be written in easily understandable format; short articles will facilitate rapid reading by audience who typically scan

publications for information. Long technical articles will not be published in newsletter unless it is a key story. The editor reserves the

right to modify articles to fit newsletter format without affecting the technical details. Announcements for upcoming events is also

published in the newsletter.

Suggestions for improvement: Editorial board is always open to suggestions. Please email or call 251-331-8416 to provide your input

to the Editorial board.

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For past editions of this newsletter, visit the ACES Store https://store.aces.edu/ListItems.aspx?CategoryID=180.

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