Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations

State Extension InformationNEW JERSEYRutgers, The State University of New JerseyNew Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station: http://njaes.rutgers.edu/ag/Fact Sheets and Bulletins: http://goo.gl/PyBwObPlant & Pest Advisory: http://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.eduMid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production ication.asp?pid E001Pesticide Applicator Certification Information, NJ DEP Pesticide Control ppprivate.htm#part2Rutgers NJAES Extension SpecialistsA.J. Both, Specialist in Controlled Environment Engineering, 848-932-9534, both@envsci.rutgers.eduThomas Orton, Specialist in Vegetables, 732-932-4000, orton@njaes.rutgers.eduGeorge Hamilton, Specialist in Pest Management, 848-932-9801, hamilton@njaes.rutgers.eduC.A. Wyenandt, Specialist in Vegetable Pathology, 732-932-4000, wyenandt@njaes.rutgers.eduJoseph Heckman, Specialist in Soil Fertility, 848-932-6333, heckman@njaes.rutgers.eduFor a complete listing of Extension Specialist Personnel, see: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/es/Rutgers Cooperative Agricultural Extension AgentsAtlantic County, Richard VanVranken; Burlington County, Bill Bamka; Cape May County, Jenny Carleo;Cumberland County, Wesley Kline; Gloucester County, Michelle Infante-Casella; Hunterdon County,Megan Muehlbauer; Mercer County, Meredith Melendez; Middlesex County, Bill Hlubik;Monmouth County, Bill Sciarappa; Morris County, Peter Nitzsche; Passaic County, Amy Rowe;Salem County, Dave Lee; Somerset County, Nick Polanin; Sussex County, Steve Komar.For a complete listing of Cooperative Extension County Offices, see: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/county/Rutgers NJAES Plant Diagnostic Lab and Nematode Detection /; clinic@njaes.rutgers.edu20 Indyk-Engel Way, North Brunswick, NJ 08902, phone: 732-932-9140, fax: 732-932-1270,Rutgers Soil Testing Lab http://njaes.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab/57 US Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, 848-932-9295, soiltest@njaes.rutgers.eduPENNSYLVANIAThe Pennsylvania State UniversityPenn State Extension including publications, fact sheets, and more: http://extension.psu.eduPenn State Vegetable Production: getablesVegetable and Small Fruit Gazette newsletter, click on the "Get Connected" button /vegetablesPenn State Vegetable Team DirectoryFor complete listing and contact information s/vegetables/vegetables-expertsPlant Diagnostic Clinic: clinic220 Buckhout LaboratoryUniversity Park, PA 16802Phone: 814-865-2204v

State Extension InformationVIRGINIAVirginia Tech & Virginia State UniversityVirginia Cooperative Extension (VCE): https://ext.vt.edu/VCE Publications and Educational Resources: http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/ and https://ext.vt.edu/agriculture.htmlVirginia Tech Pesticide Programs (VTPP): http://vtpp.ext.vt.eduVirginia Extension SpecialistsRamón A. Arancibia, Assistant Professor, HorticultureMark S. Reiter, Associate Professor, Nutrient ManagementSteve L. Rideout, Associate Professor, Plant PathologyTom P. Kuhar, Professor, EntomologyLaura K. Strawn, Assistant Professor, Food MicrobiologyCharles W. Cahoon, Assistant Professor, Weed ScienceJames A. Parkhurst, Associate Professor, WildlifeDavid B. Langston, Jr., Professor, Plant PathologyR. Allen Straw, Area Specialist, HorticultureJayesh Samtani, Area Specialist, Small FruitPlant Disease Clinic106 Price Hall, 170 Drillfeld Drive, Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24061-0331Phone: 540-231-6758, Fax: 540-231-7477, clinic@vt.edu.Or contact the local VCE officeWEST VIRGINIAWest Virginia University Extension icultureWest Virginia University Extension SpecialistsLewis W. Jett, Ph.D, Extension Horticulture SpecialistG215 Agriculture Sciences Building, Morgantown, WV 26506-6103, 304-293-2634Rakesh S. Chandran, Ph.D, Extension Weed Specialist and IPM Coordinator3417 Agriculture Sciences Building Morgantown, WV 26506-6108, 304-293-2603MM (Mahfuz) Rahman, PhD, Extension Plant Pathology SpecialistG101 South Ag. Sciences Building, Morgantown, WV 26506-6108, 304-293-8838Plant Diagnostic ts/plant-disease/plant-diagnostic-clinicG102 South Ag. Sciences Building, PO Box 6108, Morgantown, WV 26506-6108Phone: 304-293-8838/288-9541, mm.rahman@mail.wvu.eduSoil Testing Lab https://soiltesting.wvu.edu1309-B Agricultural Sciences Bldg., P.O. Box 6108, Morgantown, WV 26506-6108,Phone: 304-293-6023, infoplantsoil@mail.wvu.eduvi

Table of ContentsPrefaceCoordinators and EditorsContributors by StateState Extension InformationTable of ContentsListing of TablesAbbreviations and 4.4VarietiesSeed Storage and HandlingSpecialty VegetablesOrganic ProductionTransplant ProductionConservation Tillage Crop ProductionMulches and Row CoversStaking and TrellisingHigh TunnelsGreenhouse ProductionWildlife Damage PreventionPollinationFood Safety ConcernsSoilsLiming SoilsPlant NutrientsNutrient ManagementSoil Improvement and Organic Nutrient SourcesBasic PrinciplesDrip (Trickle) IrrigationFertigationSubsurface Drip Irrigation SystemsChemigationGeneral InformationHandling PesticidesIntroductionApplying PesticidesPesticide TransportPesticide StorageDisposal of PesticidesDisposal of ContainersSoil FumigantsFarm Worker SafetyRegulationsProtecting Yourself from PesticidesRespiratory Protective Devices for PesticidesPesticide PoisoningGeneralProductionRecommendationsBSoil 55555757575858586060616161636567

Table of Contents - 1.31.41.51.622.12.22.32.42.5Protect the EnvironmentGeneral GuidelinesNotification of BeekeepersProtecting Your GroundwaterPesticide SpillsToxicity of ChemicalsHow to Improve Pest ManagementRecommendations for More Effective Pest ControlCalibrating Field SprayersCalibrating Granular ApplicatorsPesticide Drift and MisapplicationSoil FumigationNematode ControlWeed ControlPostharvest Perennial Weed ControlHerbicide Effectiveness on Common Weeds in VegetablesCrop Rotation Planting RestrictionsPrepackaged Herbicide MixturesHerbicide Site of Action: Reducing the Risk of HerbicideResistanceInsect ControlSoil Pests - Detection and ControlInsecticide Mode of Action: Reducing the Risk of InsecticideResistanceInsect Pest and Mite Control for Greenhouse ProductionDisease ControlFungicide Mode of Action: Reducing the Risk of FungicideResistanceFungicides Registered for VegetablesDisease Control in Seeds, Plant Growing Mix and Plant BedsDisease Control for Greenhouse ProductionPesticide Use DisclaimerAsparagusBeans (Snap and Lima)Beets (Garden)CarrotsCeleryCole Crops (Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower,Collards, Kale and Kohlrabi)CucumbersEggplantGarlicGreens (Mustard and Turnip)HorseradishLeeksLettuce, Endive and ommoditieslisted 8137151155161167184198207213218223228

Table of Contents - uskmelons and Mixed MelonsOkraOnionsParsleyParsnipsPeas (Succulent)PeppersPotatoesPumpkins and Winter SquashRadishes, Rutabagas and TurnipsSpecialty VegetablesSpinachStrawberriesSummer SquashSweet CornSweet PotatoesTomatoesWatermelonsResourcesVegetable Seed SizesPlant Spacings and PopulationsFrequently Used Weights and MeasuresMaking a Plant-Growing MixRecordsPesticide Application RecordPesticide Registration Numbers RecordFCommodityRecommendations(commoditieslisted inalphabeticalorder) - 8428430430432

Listing of mperature, and Planting Recommendations for Transplant ProductionPlanting and Harvesting Schedule for Freestanding High Tunnel Vegetable Crop ProductionTarget Soil pH Values for Vegetable Crop ProductionPounds of Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (CCE) Recommended per AcreConversion of Recommended Calcium Carbonate Equivalent to Recommended LimestoneSoil Test Categories for Nutrients Extracted by Mehlich 3 and 1Composition of Principal Macronutrient Fertilizer MaterialsChemical Sources of Secondary and MicronutrientsBoron Recommendations Based on Soil Tests for Vegetable CropsRecommendations for Correction of Vegetable Crop Nutrient DeficienciesSufficiency Ranges for Fresh Petiole Sap Concentrations in Vegetable CropsPlant Nutrient Value Credits to Be Allowed for Manure Applications and Crop ResiduesStatus for Organic Production, Mineral Nutrient Value, and Relative Availability ofVarious MaterialsMost Critical Periods of Water Needs by CropsAvailable Water Holding Capacity Based on Soil TextureSoil Infiltration Rates Based on Soil TextureHours Required to Apply 1 Inch of Water for Fine-Textured or Heavy SoilsHours Required to Apply 1 Inch Water for Course-textured or Light SoilsMaximum Number of Minutes per Application for Drip Irrigated VegetablesIrrigation Guidelines for TensiometersEquivalent Injection ProportionsUsing Insecticides with Labels for ChemigationDeterioration of PesticidesWinter Storage of ChemicalsKd, Koc, Water Solubility and Persistence Values for Selected PesticidesAcute Categories of ToxicityLD50 Figures Converted to Ounces for Three Commonly Used Products in AgricultureAcute Toxicity of ChemicalsGround Speed ConversionHerbicide Effectiveness on Common Weeds in VegetablesCrop Rotation Planting RestrictionsPrepackaged Herbicide Mixtures Available for Various Vegetable Crops and the Componentsof the MixturesImportant Herbicide Groups for Commercial VegetablesInsecticides and Miticides Labeled for Use on Greenhouse VegetablesFRAC Codes and Corresponding Chemical Groups for Commonly-Used FungicidesCommonly Used Fungicides Registered for VegetablesEffective Seed Treatment Temperature Protocols (2nd Bath) For Pathogen EradicationSelected Fungicides and Bactericides Labeled for Greenhouse UseVegetable Seed SizesPlant Spacings and PopulationsFrequently Used Weights and MeasuresSimple Plant-Growing MixPreferred Plant-Growing 29429

Abbreviations and AcronymsProduct Formulations - continuedSCspray concentrate, soluble concentrateSGsoluble granulesSPsoluble powderWwettableWBE water-based emulsionWDG water-dispersible granulesWDL water-dispersible liquidWPwettable powderWSB water-soluble bagWSPwater-soluble packetUnits of Measurement/Abu Ccccu ftcu ydcwtd Fftfl ozggalgpminlbmphozppmpsiptqtsq fttbstspwkyrper acrebushel(s)degrees Celsiuscubic centimeter(s)cubic foot (feet)cubic yard(s)hundredweightday(s)degrees Fahrenheitfoot (feet)fluid ounce(s)gram(s)gallon(s)gallons per minuteinchpound(s)miles per hourounce(s)parts per millionpounds per square inchpint(s)quart(s)square foot ct FOLFaiAPALSAMSFRACIRACKK2ONOMRIPP2O5PHIREIWSSAcrop oil concentratedustdry flowabledry prilldry saltemulsionemulsifiable concentrateemulsifiable suspensionemulsion in waterflowableflowable concentratefluidflowable micro-encapsulatedgranuleliquidliquid concentrateliquid flowablemicro-encapsulatedoil formulationother labeled formulationsxialfalfa mosaic virusearly blight disease controlFusarium wilt resistanceleaf roll resistantmosaic testedpowdery mildew resistantpowdery mildew tolerantPhytophthora resistancePhytophthora tolerantpotato virus Xpotato virus Ywatermelon mosaic viruswatermelon mosaic virus race2white rust resistancezucchini yellow mosaic virusactive ingredientat plantingacetolactate synthaseammonium sulfateFungicide Resistance Action CommitteeInsecticide Resistance Action Committeepotassiumavailable potashnitrogenOrganic Materials Research Institutephosphorusavailable phosphoric acidPre Harvest Interval (in days)Restricted Entry Interval (in hours)Weed Science Society of America

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A General Production RecommendationsA. General Production Recommendations1. VarietiesNew varieties are constantly being developed throughout the world and it is impossible to list and describe all; onlythose that are available and adapted to the mid-Atlantic region are listed in this publication (see crop sections inchapter F). While all efforts are made to have comprehensive lists, not all varieties may be listed. New varieties orvarieties with a limited release will have the designation “trial”; they should be evaluated in smaller plantings first.The ultimate value of a variety for a particular purpose is determined by the grower: performance under his or hermanagement adaptation to specific environmental conditions, as well as having desired horticultural characteristics.Some Variety Selection Criteria:Yield: The variety should have the potential to produce crops at the same or better yield and quality to those alreadygrown. Harvested yield may be much less than potential yield depending on markets and quality factors.Days to Harvest: Choose varieties that meet market requirements based on days to harvest. Earliness is a majorselection factor for first spring plantings and days to harvest is a critical selection factor for late summer and fallmaturing crops, especially in shorter season areas of the region. Days to harvest in seed guides are based on themost common planting date and may be considerably longer in cooler periods or shorter in warmer periods. A moreaccurate guide to maturity will be Growing Degree Days (GDD), which are calculated for a specific crop usingdaily highs and lows and a base temperature. GDD information for different vegetable crops such as peas and sweetcorn are available from seed suppliers and breeders.Disease and Insect Resistance, Herbicide Resistance: The most economical and effective means of pestmanagement is through the use of varieties that are resistant or tolerant to diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses,or nematodes. When all other factors are equal, select a variety with needed disease resistance or tolerance. In somevegetables, such as sweet corn, insect resistant varieties are also available and should be considered where they fityour requirements. Herbicide resistant varieties of sweet corn are also available to allow for the use of postemergence non-selective herbicides for weed control. The continuous or intense production of herbicide or pestresistant varieties can potentially lead to herbicide-tolerant weeds and new, more virulent pest strains. Adherenceto vender or Extension recommendations and a long-term crop rotation plan should minimize this risk.Resistance to Adverse Environmental Conditions: Choose varieties that are resistant to environmental conditionsthat are likely to be encountered. This includes heat or cold tolerance (disorder such as tuber heat necrosis); droughttolerance; resistance to wet weather (disorders such as cracking and edema); and resistance to low nutrient levels(disorders such as blossom end rot, leaf tip burn and hollow stem).Horticultural Quality: Choose varieties that meet market quality requirements. Quality attributes such as taste,texture, size, shape, color, uniformity, and defects will often dictate variety selection. Grades, percentage by grade,or pack-outs are key quality attributes for some markets. Variety test data such as soluble solids (sugars orsweetness), acidity, pungency, fiber content and consumer taste panel information can assist in variety selectionwhere available. Processing performance is of major concern for frozen, canned or pickled vegetables. Otherconsiderations include the ability to handle mechanical harvest or the ability to be packed and shipped distanceswith minimum damage in contrast to vegetables that are adapted only to hand harvest and local sales or shortdistance shipping. Other quality characteristics to consider include holding or storage ability, ripeningcharacteristics, nutritional content, and culinary qualities.Plant Characteristics: Plant characteristics that may be considered in variety selection include plant form such asbush, upright, or vining; plant height; plant size; location of harvested part on the plant; and ease of harvest.Adaptability: Successful varieties must perform well under the range of environmental conditions and productionpractices commonly encountered on individual farms. Seasonal adaptation is another selection consideration.1

A General Production RecommendationsMarket Acceptability: The harvested plant product must have characteristics desired by both you and your buyers.Consider the requirements or desires of consumers, packers, shippers, wholesalers, retailers, or processors. Includedamong these qualities are flavor, pack out, size, shape, color, culinary qualities, nutritional quality or processingquality. Specialty markets such as ethnic markets, restaurants, or gourmet sales will have very specific varietyrequirements. Many vegetable seed companies offer varieties that are transgenic or “GMO” (genetically modifiedorganism). GMO varieties feature a small amount of DNA from a source outside of the crop species gene pool;another plant species, bacterium, virus, or even animal. This foreign DNA is either the direct source of a new traitsuch as herbicide, or disease or insect resistance or is needed to assist the gene insertion process. GMO products inthe food chain are highly controversial, and effects are ongoing to regulate and label them. Be aware of current andpending regulations and adverse public sentiment before growing and marketing GMO varieties of vegetable crops.Variety selection is a very dynamic process. Some varieties retain favor for many years, whereas others might beused only a few seasons. Companies frequently replace varieties with newer ones. In the mid-Atlantic, varietyselection often requires special regional consideration due to the wide range of climatic variations.There are many sources of information for growers to aid in choosing a variety. University trials offerunbiased comparisons of varieties from multiple sources. Commercial trials from seed distributors also offermultiple source comparisons. Seed company test results offer information about that company’s varieties. Checkresults from replicated trials and multiple sites, if available. Trials conducted in similar soils and environments andlocal trials are the most reliable indicators of what will have the potential to perform well on your farm. Visits tolocal trials can provide good visual information for making decisions. Where quality is a prime concern, look fortrials with quality data. Small trial plantings for 2 to 3 years are suggested for any variety or strain not previouslygrown. For a true comparison, always include a standard variety, one with proven consistent performance in thesame field or planting.Plant Resistance or T

West Virginia University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, combined with industry and grower knowledge . Thomas P. Kuhar, Ph.D. (Virginia Tech) Pesticides . George C. Hamilton, Ph.D. (Rutgers University) Weed Science . . University of Delaware Rutgers University Virginia Tech Horticulture Horticulture Horticulture .