July 2022 | Volume 13, Issue 4
Unusual Disease of Garlic Scapes Found in Maryland
By Jerry Brust, UME and Karen Rane, UMD Plant Diagnostic Lab
A grower noticed over the last few years lesions developing on their garlic scapes which then collapsed in the field. In previous years these collapsed scapes amounted to only a...Read more about Garlic Scapes
Blossom End Rot Common so Far this Season
By Jerry Brust, UME
This summer has been unusual as it has been about normal for temperatures if not a little cooler, but we have had greatly varying amounts of rainfall over the last...Read more about Blossom End Rot
Apple Grower Workshop!
Harvest and Postharvest Practice for Improving Apple Fruit Marketability: Fruit Quality and Safety
SAVE THE DATE!
Monday, November 7, 2022 | 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission $20 | Western Maryland Research and Education Center, Keedysville, MD.
For more information or accommodations contract Dr. Macarena Farcuh, mfarcuh@umd.edu
COVER CROP SIGN-UP IS NOW OPEN
Soil conservation districts are now accepting grant applications from farmers who want to plant cover crops this fall to protect local water quality and build their soil's health. Reimbursement rates range from $55/acre to $95/acre, depending on the selected planting method and incentive options. New this year, our Cover Crop Plus+ grants offer higher incentive payments for farmers who sign a 3-year cover crop commitment to improve soil health. The deadline to apply is July 18, 2022.
Call your local Soil conservation districts for more information.
Maximizing Apple and Peach Profits with Preventative Bruising Practices
By Morgan Jacobs, Candidate for B.S. in Physiology and Neurobiology, and Dr. Macarena Farcuh, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist University of Maryland, College Park
Although harvest is one of the most frantic times of the season, peak harvest time needs to be balanced with preventative practices to help ensure that the crop has...Read more about Apple and Peach Profits with Preventive Bruising Practices
By Alyssa Koehler, Extension Field Crops Pathologist
*Note this article was first published July 8 on the University of Delaware Weekly Crop Update.*
As corn is beginning to tassel, it is a good time to scout fields to decide if a fungicide will be applied. While you are out scouting, here...Read more about Corn Disease Identification
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus in Tomatoes
By Jerry Brust, UME
A few high tunnels and even a couple of tomato fields have been found with tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in Maryland. The high tunnel finds were not too surprising but the fields were, as...Read more about Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
Tomato Pith Necrosis in Maryland
By Jerry Brust, UME
In the last week a few tomato fields in Maryland were found with the same disease called tomato pith necrosis. Just about all the problem tomatoes were from...Read more Tomato Pith Necrosis
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FREE Produce Safety Rule Compliance Resources
The Maryland Food Safety Network wants to send you customized resources to help you implement the Produce Safety Rule on your farm. Please complete our Google form and let us know what you need to stay in compliance.
Questions? Contact Sarah Everhart at everhart@law.umaryland.edu or (410) 458-2475
Mowing: A Casually Thought of Integrated Weed Management Tool
By Dr. Cerruti R Hooks, Professor and Extension Specialist Entomology, and Dwayne Joseph, UME.
Mowing is a relatively inexpensive mechanical weed management option that imposes minimal disturbances to the soil. Several types of com-mercial mowers including rotary, flail, reciprocat-ing sicklebar and reel...Read more Mowing: A Casually Thought of Integrated Weed Management Tool
New Agriculture Agents Join UMD Extension Team
By Serena Newton
The Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Extension team would like to give a warm welcome to our two new Ag agents, Dwayne Joeseph (Kent County) and Mark Townsend (Frederick County).
Dr. Dwayne Joseph
Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Extension welcomes Dr. Dwayne Joseph to the team. He is the new Kent County Agent who will conduct applied research and educate the public about sustainable agricultural practices. Dwayne received his B.S. in Biology from Grambling State University and then his M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant and Environmental Science at Clemson University. While attending these institutions he earned several grants and scholarships. Dwayne has years of experience designing and conducting plant science experiments related to weed control and management. Currently, he is researching integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for Maryland with a focus on integrated weed management as a postdoctoral associate for the University of Maryland, College Park Department of Entomology. He has published in several scientific journals and also communicates his findings through oral presentations and other publications, making his work both applicable and accessible. Participation on review committees for the Department of Entomology and Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Re-search and Education (NESARE) graduate student grant program, and in scientific conferences such as Weed Science Society of America meetings, makes Dwayne stand out as an immensely active member of the agricultural research and outreach community.
The AgFS team looks forward to working with Dwayne as he applies his extensive research background and strong leadership and collaboration skills to improving agricultural practices in Kent County and across Maryland.
Mark Townsend
Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Extension welcomes Mark Townsend as the new Frederick County Agent Associate. He will work with the AgFS team to provide Maryland farmers with the training and resources necessary to run profitable and sustainable operations.
In the spring of 2020, Mark graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.S in Agriculture and Resource Economics with foci in agribusiness, as well as farm business management and entrepreneurship, and a minor in soil science. This fall he plans to complete a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of Maryland, College Park. As a student at the University of Maryland, he was very involved as a student worker for the college of Agriculture and Natural Resources and worked as a Laboratory Teaching Assistant for a Soil Chemistry class.
Mark gained experience overseeing livestock operations as an operations manager for Rocklands Livestock Company and as a farm manager for Clark's Elioak Farm. In these positions he had several responsibilities such as implementing grazing, stocking, and nutrient management plans, and he applied his knowledge from other accomplishments such as his MDE Erosion and Sediment Control Certification, National Beef Quality Assurance Cow/Calf Certification, and passing score on the Soil Science Society of America Fundamentals Exam. As a production intern for a Maryland agri-service business, he consulted with farmers making decisions about best management practices. He currently conveys information to central Maryland farmers at biweekly Westminster Grain Marketing Meetings.
Experience working in the field, the lab, the office, and the community makes Mark a valuable addition to the AgFS team.
Upcoming Educational Events
July 2022
- July 20 - Wednesday Water Webinar
Ground water and its Protection. 12:00 -12:45 p.m. For more information and to register: https://go.umd.edu/waterwebinars - July 20 - Fundamentals of Soil Science and Soil Fertility for Nutrient Management. 12:00 -2:00 p.m. For more information contact Emileigh Lucas at 301.405.2465 or erosso@umd.edu To register: https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pceigqjIsGdKSP9YMRH3CdNgYmWEVHJJi
- July 22 Tractor College. 10:00 a.m -3:00 p.m. at the Howard County Fairgrounds For more information and to register: mdsoy.eventbrite.com
- July 27 - Women in Agriculture Wednesday Webinar: How to Conduct Market Research. At Noon. For more information and to register: https://go.umd.edu/WIAUME
- July 28 - 2022 Maryland Commodity Classic. 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park. For more information and to register: http://marylandgrain.org/events/
August 2022
- Aug 1 - ALEI Webinar Series 2022: Choosing Your Farm Business Structure. At Noon. For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/alei-august-webinar-series-2022-403099
- Aug 8 - ALEI Webinar Series 2022: Business Transitions & Estate Planning Considerations. At Noon. For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/alei-august-webinar-series-2022-403099
- Aug 9 - Maryland Beef Webinar Series: Pasture Management: Stockpiling Tips. 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. For more information and to register: https://go.umd.edu/beef-webinars
- Aug 10 - Women in Agriculture Wednesday Webinar: Understanding Herbicide Resistance and Adapting Your Weed Management Program. noon. For more information and to register: https://go.umd.edu/WIAUME
- Aug 15 - Tractor College. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Talbot Co. Ag Center. For more information and to register: mdsoy.eventbrite.com
- Aug 15 - ALEI Webinar Series 2022: Figuring Out Farm Business Insurance Needs Webinar. At Noon. For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/alei-august-webinar-series-2022-403099
- Aug 16 - New MDA Animal Diagnostic Lab and Education Tour. 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-mda-animal-diagnostic-lab-and-education-tour-tickets-367058250107
- Aug 17 - Wednesday Water Webinar - Top Tips to Care for Your Septic System. 12:00-12:45 p.m. For more information and to register: https://go.umd.edu/waterwebinars
- Aug 22 - ALEI Webinar Series 2022: Understanding Tax & Accounting Implications of Business Structures. At Noon. For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/alei-august-webinar-series-2022-403099
- Aug 24 - Women in Agriculture Wednesday Webinar: Farm Stress Management and Resiliency. At Noon. For more information and to register: https://go.umd.edu/WIAUME
- Aug 31 - 4R & Agronomy Field Day. 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at the Wye Research & Education Center. For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-4r-field-day-tickets- 350608799357
Vegetable Production and IPM Twilight Walking Tour
Evening of Friday- July 29th, 2022 (Rain or Shine)
Registration Not Required
Refreshments and Homemade Ice Cream at 5:30 p.m. with the tour from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
To be held at the farm of: Stauffer Produce, Mahlon Stauffer Jr., 28455 Point Lookout Rd., Leonardtown, Maryland
For more information or accommodations call Ben Beale at 301-475-4481 or email bbeale@umd.edu
Vegetable & Fruit News, July 2022, Volume 13, Issue 4 (pdf)
Vegetable & Fruit News is a research-based publication for the commercial vegetable and fruit industry available electronically from April through October. Published by the University of Maryland Extension Agriculture and Food Systems team.
Subscribe to Vegetable & Fruit News
EDITOR
Emily Zobel
University of Maryland Extension Agent - Dorchester County
501 Court Lane, Room 208
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 410-228-8800
Email: ezobel@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.