{"id":22792,"date":"2021-01-10T12:42:50","date_gmt":"2021-01-10T16:42:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/our-community\/publications\/reports-and-technical-papers-copy\/"},"modified":"2023-05-01T17:37:18","modified_gmt":"2023-05-01T21:37:18","slug":"fact-sheets","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/our-community\/publications\/fact-sheets\/","title":{"rendered":"Fact Sheets"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Fact Sheets<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Lisez nos ressources en fran\u00e7ais<\/span><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Crop Topics\n\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSoil-less Mixes for Vegetable Seedling Production\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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by Eric Sideman, PhDMOFGA\u2019s Organic Crop Specialist Emeritus Farmers developed soil-less mixes for use in containers for seedlings because field soil does not work well. Soil alone is heavy and poorly aerated. It tends to become waterlogged and sticky when wet. Then it shrinks when it dries, pulls away from the container edges and turns<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tProviding Nitrogen to Organic Crops\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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by Eric Sideman, PhDMOFGA\u2019s Organic Crop Specialist Emeritus Nitrogen is usually the nutrient that is in limiting supply, i.e., the limiting factor to crop growth on organic farms. Plants deficient in nitrogen are stunted, yellowish (especially the lower leaves), and have restricted root growth. Plants turn yellow because nitrogen is an integral part of chlorophyll,<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"Vegetables<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBasics of Organic Vegetable Gardening\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Prepared byDr. Eric Sideman andDr. Jean English Introduction The science of gardening is complex, but the actual practice is simple. The central goal of organic gardening is to maintain or improve the ability of the soil to support plant life as it produces a crop of vegetables each year. That ability depends on a dynamic<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tEstablishing and Caring for an Organic Lawn\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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The cool climate of Maine favors healthy lawns. The grass will grow lush and with few problems as long as basic plant needs are met, including proper soil fertility, soil structure, soil organic matter and proper watering and mowing You don’t need synthetic pesticides or fertilizers for a quality lawn, and such synthetic chemicals can<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGarden Weeds\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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by Eric Sideman, PhDMOFGA\u2019s Organic Crop Specialist Emeritus Garden weeds are simply plants that are growing where you do not want them. Any plant species may be a weed, but in gardens in New England, there are some species that are very common. And, in some gardens, very common is an understatement. Why do some<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tComposting in the Back Yard or on a Small Farm\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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by Eric Sideman, PhDMOFGA\u2019s Organic Crop Specialist Emeritus Composting is a natural, biological process in which microorganisms use organic materials as food and leave a residue of digested organic matter that is almost completely decomposed. Composting is the same as the decomposition that happens to all living things when they die, except that you control<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAn Introduction to the Physical Nature of Soils\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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by Eric Sideman, PhDMOFGA\u2019s Organic Crop Specialist Emeritus Benefits of Composting The soil is a complex and dynamic system of living and nonliving components. In natural ecosystems, minerals cycle from living back to non-living components, while organic matter levels remain relatively constant as deposits of organic matter (from falling leaves, for example) balance decomposition. In<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRidge Tillage at Hackmatack Farm\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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By Nicolas LindholmPhotos and illustrations by Nicolas Lindholm Ridge tillage as we practice it at Hackmatack Farm is a system of growing vegetable crops in raised ridges formed before planting. Essential to this system is incorporation of winterkilled cover crops and other organic matter into the top surface layer of soil as we form the<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tZone Tillage \u2013 A Reduced Tillage Option for Northern Farms\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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By Jan Goranson and Rob Johanson, Goranson Farm, Dresden, and Jean English, Ph.D., MOFGA Plowing and tilling soil excessively can reduce soil health by exposing soil to so much aeration that organic matter oxidizes excessively; subjecting soil to wind and water erosion; inverting soil layers, thus displacing soil organisms from their ecological niches. Plowing and<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOrganic Strawberry Production\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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by Eric Sideman, PhDMOFGA\u2019s Organic Crop Specialist Emeritus Introduction Similar to any organic crop production, producing strawberries organically entails a system approach to the whole farm. Many of the practices are the same in organic and conventional strawberry systems, but the fundamental approach to soil husbandry and pest management may be quite different. Successful organic<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tStoring Garden Vegetables\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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by Eric Sideman, PhD and Cheryl Wixson, P.E. Apples Use caution when storing apples with other vegetables as they give off ethylene gas that causes other vegetables to rot. They can be stored in tubs with lids to prevent this effect. Choose varieties that are good winter keepers, like golden russet, Belle de Boskeep, winter<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNatural Sources of Plant Nutrients\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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by Eric Sideman, PhDMOFGA\u2019s Organic Crop Specialist Emeritus There are two basic approaches to fertilization. The first is to provide required nutrients to each crop in a soluble form that plants can use immediately, i.e., feed the plant. The advantage to this approach is the opportunity to quite accurately meet a crop\u2019s need. The disadvantage<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tUsing Green Manures\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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by Eric Sideman, PhDMOFGA\u2019s Organic Crop Specialist Emeritus Introduction There is no such thing as the \u201cbest green manure\u201d. A grower has to decide what is the most important benefit to their farm system of growing green manures and what is the window of opportunity that they have to take cropland out of production. This<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAn Organic Farmer\u2019s Guide to the Interpretation of a Standard Soil Test from the University of Maine\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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by Eric Sideman, PhDMOFGA\u2019s Organic Crop Specialist Emeritusand David Colson, New Leaf Farm Introduction The soil is the source of all but a very small part of a plant\u2019s nutrition. Soil testing is a quick way to assess the nutrient status of your soil and to determine what amendments are needed for an optimal yield<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Pest Topics\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tStemphylium Gray Leaf Spot of Tomato\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Stemphylium Gray Leaf Spot of Tomato Gray leaf spot can be caused by several fungal species in the Stemphylium genus. Stemphylium solani and S. lycopersici are most common in North America, but S. botrysum also causes the disease. Gray leaf spot is typically considered to be most prevalent in humid tropical and subtropical regions,<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAphids\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Aphids Aphids are perhaps the soft-bodied insect pest most well-known to both farmers and gardeners. There are many different species of aphids, but green peach (Myzus persicae), melon (Aphis gossypii), potato (Macrosiphum euphorbiae), and foxglove (Aulacorthum solani) are the most common aphid species of concern in the Northeast.  Some aphid species may have greater<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFoliar Diseases of Alliums\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Disease(s): Common Foliar Diseases of Alliums This fact sheet discusses botrytis leaf spot (Botrytis squamosa), purple blotch (Alternaria porri), stemphylium leaf blight (Stemphylium vesicarium) and downy mildew of onion (Peronospora destructor). These are the most commonly occurring foliar diseases of alliums in the Northeast, and many of their disease dynamics are closely linked; if one<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWhite Mold\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) Pest\/disease lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) is a widespread disease of over 300 species of plants. It is only a sporadic problem in \u201cnormal\u201d and dry growing seasons; however, white mold can be very damaging in wet years and, if it goes unrecognized<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSlugs and Snails\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Slugs and Snails Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Land slugs and snails are closely related mollusks, known together as \u201cgastropods,\u201d the primary difference between them being that snails have external spiraling shells. There are over 90 terrestrial gastropods found in Maine. The gray garden slug is most common<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTwo-Spotted Spider Mites\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Two-spotted spider mites (Tetryanchus urticae) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Two-spotted spider mites are the most common mite pest of crops in the Northeast. Because they thrive in hot and dry conditions, they are commonly found in greenhouses and high tunnels. Spider mites can feed on many crops<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMexican Bean Beetle\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: If Mexican bean beetles have historically been a problem on your farm or in your garden, you will very likely see them again this year. They may be pests on snap beans, dry beans, soybeans and lima beans.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) Disease identification: Tomato brown rugose fruit virus, otherwise referred to as ToBRFV, is a highly virulent and aggressive plant virus that can cause serious infections on tomato and pepper species. ToBRFV behaves very similarly to other tobamoviruses such as ToMV (tomato mosaic virus) and TMV (tobacco mosaic virus).<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAllium Leafminer\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Allium Leafminer (Phytomyza gymnostoma) First detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2015, Allium leafminer (Phytomyza gymnostoma) is a potential threat to all crops in the allium genus. Since its first detection, allium leafminer has rapidly spread throughout the Northeastern United States. Every growing season seems to bring sightings at new locations, so<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWaxy Breakdown of Garlic\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Condition: Waxy Breakdown (an abiotic disorder) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Waxy breakdown of garlic is a physiological condition that sometimes affects garlic, though typically only rarely in Maine. Development of the condition is not fully understood but often associated with very high temperatures and\/or sunscald damage around harvest<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPowdery Mildew of Cucurbits\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Disease: Powdery Mildew of Cucurbits (Podosphaera xanthii and Erysiphe cichoracearum) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Management options: Powdery mildew is a common disease of pumpkins and winter squash. All cucurbits are susceptible, but many common cucumber and melon varieties have had powdery mildew resistance bred into them. The disease<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"large<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tHornworms\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Hornworms (Manduca sexta, M. quinquemaculata) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Hornworms are probably the most destructive insect that attacks tomatoes. They are giant caterpillars that grow rapidly and can do a vast amount of eating in a very short amount of time. Sometimes it seems that healthy-looking tomato<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tScarab beetles\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Scarab beetles (Asiatic Garden, Japanese, Oriental, Chafers) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: There are several species of scarab beetles that are common in New England turf, fruit and vegetable crops. These were all introduced to the United States. Japanese beetles are the most common and widely distributed. Below<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"basil<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBasil Downy Mildew\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Basil Downy Mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Downy mildew of basil was first reported in Uganda back in 1930. Relatively recently it spread to Italy in 2004, France in 2005, United States (Florida) in 2007 and by 2009 had made its way to New England.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"golden<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tClavate and Golden Tortoise Beetles\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Tortoise beetle (species in the Cassidinae subfamily) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: There are many species of tortoise beetles globally but only two that are commonly noticed in Maine: clavate tortoise beetle (Plagiometriona clavata) and golden tortoise beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata). Adult tortoise beetles lay their eggs on the<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"blossom<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBlossom End Rot\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Blossom End Rot Blossom end rot is a familiar sight for many tomato growers, but it can affect other crops as well, such as peppers and squash. Though it may look like a disease, and it sometimes allows infection by secondary decay organisms, blossom end rot is an abiotic growth disorder caused by stressful growing<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"early<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tEarly Blight\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Disease: Early blight on tomato (Alternaria) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Early blight is a serious problem in tomatoes and potatoes, but rarely affects peppers and eggplants. In most years, it is very common; much more common than late blight, which is usually rare in Maine. All aboveground portions<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"garlic<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGarlic Anthracnose\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Anthracnose (Colletotrichum fioriniae) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: The fungus pathogen that is responsible for anthracnose on garlic scapes (Colletotrichum fioriniae), is the same fungus that causes celery anthracnose \u2014 described in this pest report from 2019. One theory for the relatively recent appearance of the disease is<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"\"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCutworms\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Cutworms (many species) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Cutworms are occasional pests of many crops early in the season, including carrots, peas, onions, spinach, broccoli and the list goes on and on. Some years they result in major losses, other years result in no loss at all. They<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"cucurbit<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCucurbit Downy Mildew\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Cucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Cucurbit downy mildew can be very destructive of cucumbers, squash, pumpkins and melons, if conditions are favorable to it. This disease does not overwinter here, and its severity in any given season is often dependent upon when it<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"squash<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSquash Bug\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Squash Bug (Anasa tristis) Pest identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: Squash bugs are serious pests of pumpkins and squash throughout North America. Plant damage, and bug survival, are low on watermelon, very low on cucumber and muskmelon, and highest on squash and pumpkin. Both adults and nymphs feed by inserting<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"Squash<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSquash Vine Borer\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) Pest identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: Squash vine borer moths are day-flying moths with a 1 to 1.5 inch wingspan and bright orange-red markings. In flight, they look like wasps. There is thought to be only one generation per year in New England with adults<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"tarnished<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTarnished Plant Bug and Four-Lined Plant Bug\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pests: Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris) and Four-Lined Plant Bug (Poecilocapsus lineatus) Pest identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: The tarnished plant bug is a small (6 mm), bronze, brown and black bug that feeds on a very wide variety of plants (up to 300 different species). They overwinter as adults under<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\""hopperburn"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPotato Leafhoppers\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Potato Leafhoppers (Empoasca fabae) Pest identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: The potato leafhopper has been arriving here in New England earlier and earlier. If you see unexplained yellowing of leaves of beans or potatoes, check for the critter. They primarily feed on beans, potatoes, eggplants, strawberries and alfalfa, but will<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"cucumber<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tStriped Cucumber Beetle\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Striped cucumber beetle is our most serious early-season pest in cucurbit crops. These beetles spend the winter in plant debris in field edges and with the onset of warm days and emergence of cucurbit crops they rapidly move<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"\"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tColorado Potato Beetle\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) Pest identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: As with most other insects and plants, there is a direct relationship between higher temperatures (in the range between about 55 and 90 degrees) and faster rate of development. That includes egg-laying, egg hatch, larval growth and feeding rates.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"\"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSeedcorn Maggot and Other Maggots\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pests: Seedcorn maggot (Delia platura), Onion maggot (Delia antiqua), Cabbage maggot (Delia radicum) Pest identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: Seedcorn maggot larvae feed on seeds and young seedlings of many crops (including corn, beans, beets, peas, spinach, onions and Brassicas). The first symptoms are usually poor germination (or failure of seedlings<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"\"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSeedling Problems and Compost-Based Potting Mix Problems\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Throughout the northern states, early spring is a time when many growers are starting seedlings in heated greenhouses and grow rooms. While these are much more controlled settings than outdoor fields, problems can still arise, and farmers should be on the lookout for indications that plants may be stressed. Both biotic (i.e., living) and abiotic<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"Leek<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLeek Moth\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pests: Leek Moth (Acrolepiopsis assectella) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: Leek moth is a newer invasive pest of allium crops like onions, garlic, shallots and chives, and, as the name suggests, they are particularly fond of leeks. As with most moth pests the crop damage is from its larval<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"Three-lined<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThree-Lined Potato Beetle\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pests: Three-Lined Potato Beetle (Lema daturaphila) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common damage symptoms and crops affected: The favorite foods of the three-lined potato beetle are crop and weed species in the Physalis genus, notably tomatillo and husk cherries. Other solanaceous crops, such as, ashwagandha, eggplant, potato, and tomato are also sometimes attacked.The adult of<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"Spinach<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSpinach Leafminer and Beet Leafminer\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pests: Spinach leafminer (Pegomya hyoscyami), Beet leafminer (Pegomya betae) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: These closely related species of leafminer attack spinach, beet, chard and some weeds, such as lambsquarters. The adult is a fly that lays its eggs on the undersides of leaves. Eggs hatch in as few as<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"Imported<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCabbageworm\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pests: Imported Cabbageworm (Pieris rapae), Diamondback Moth (Platella zylostella), Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni) The first sign of imported cabbageworm is typically one or more white moths with dark marks on their wings fluttering around brassica plants during the day. Also known as cabbage whites, these moths lay \u215b-inch long eggs singly on brassica crop leaves,<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"Damage<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOnion Thrips\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci) Pest\/disease Identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: Onion thrips are active already, and if they have been a problem for you in years past it is time to start scouting for them. They are very tiny and easily overlooked until the onion plants start showing leaves that<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"\"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGarden Springtails\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Garden Springtails (Collembolla) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: Springtails are a very diverse group of soil dwelling arthropods, that largely feed on decaying organic matter. As such, most springtail species are playing a beneficial role in a healthy soil\u2019s food web. That knowledge may be of little relief, however,<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"\"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSunscald\/Windwhip\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: Plants that have not yet been hardened off thoroughly, or can\u2019t get all the water they need, can suffer from something akin to a sunburn. The damage usually shows up first as a bleaching of exposed leaf surfaces, typically higher up on the plant, though<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"\"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFlea Beetles\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pests: Crucifer Flea Beetle (Phyllotreta cruciferae), Striped Flea Beetle (Phyllotreta striolata), and Solanaceous flea beetles (in the genus Epitrix \u2014 E. cucumeris and E. fuscula) Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: In colder climates such as the Northeast, the crucifer flea beetle (Phyllotreta cruciferae) and striped flea beetle (Phyllotreta striolata) are<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"\"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAsparagus Beetle\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Asparagus Beetle, Common (Crioceris asparigi) and Spotted (Crioceris duodecimpunctata) Pest identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: Common Asparagus Beetle (Crioceris asparigi) Blue-black, shiny, smooth and about 6 to 9 millimeters (1\/4 inch) long, with three large yellow, squarish spots with red margins along each wing cover. Eggs are black, laid standing on<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\"\"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tEdema\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pest: Edema Pest\/disease identification and lifecycle, most common symptoms and crops affected: Edema usually shows up on tomato seedlings when they have been waiting through lots of cloudy cold days. It is also a common problem in plants in the cabbage family, and some house plants. Blisters or bumps appear on the surface of the<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Lawn Care\n\n\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"Lawn\"<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tEstablishing and Caring for an Organic Lawn\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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The cool climate of Maine favors healthy lawns. The grass will grow lush and with few problems as long as basic plant needs are met, including proper soil fertility, soil structure, soil organic matter and proper watering and mowing You don’t need synthetic pesticides or fertilizers for a quality lawn, and such synthetic chemicals can<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Livestock Topics\n\n\n\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tManure Management from Facility to Field\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u201cFarmers are outstanding in their field.\u201d \u2013 Unknown Facilities: Barn design Considering barn design in relation to livestock and poultry manure output can be critical. Designing low-cost facilities while balancing their efficiency can depend on species and production considerations. For example, dairy cows create considerable amounts of wet manure and urine, making bedded pack barn<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBasic Care of Cattle\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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Basic biology: Average Body Temperature: 100.5 F  Age of sexual maturity: 6 months   Heat cycle: 21 days Gestation: 283 days (9 months) Productive life: 10-12 years Digestive system: Ruminant Types of cattle: Dairy \u2013 Cattle selectively bred to produce larger volumes of milk than their calves would consume.  Beef \u2013 Cattle selectively bred to be<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRaising Organic Livestock in Maine: MOFGA Accepted Health Practices, Products and Ingredients\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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By Diane Schivera, MATMOFGA\u2019s Organic Livestock Specialist last updated November 2019 One goal of organic livestock agriculture is to maintain animal health through sound management, and to move away from the regular use of health care products. This list includes both management techniques and materials that are available for use by organic livestock farmers. Information<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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by Diane Schivera, MAT Pigs can be valuable additions to diversified farms by providing meat and helping to clear land. Louis Bromfield wrote in his book From My Experience (1955), \u201cTo be financially successful at raising hogs primarily requires the ability to think like a hog.\u201d This article covers the basics of keeping pigs and<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOrganic Chicken Basics\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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By Diane Schivera, MAT Introduction The basis for organic livestock production is the development of a harmonious relationship between land, plants, and livestock, and respect for the physiological and behavioral needs of livestock. This is achieved by: Providing good quality organically grown feed Maintaining appropriate stocking rates. Designing husbandry systems adapted to the species\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

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By Diane Schivera, MAT Introduction Feed is the most expensive portion of the cost of raising chickens, and this expense is magnified by the fact that most folks feed a ground mash or pellet that is formulated and produced by a feed company. In an attempt to reduce this cost, you can feed laying hens<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Orchards\n\n\n\n\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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By C. J. Walke Introduction Growing organic tree fruit can be a bit of a challenge, considering the various insects and diseases that like to call your fruit tree home and the relatively short efficacy window of organic control materials; so being attentive to stages of fruit development and biological cycles of pests in your<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Please contact a member of our Farmer Programs team for more information. For information about crops and pests, contact Caleb Goossen<\/a><\/strong>. For information about dairy and livestock, contact Jacki Martinez Perkins<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor information & fact sheets on more organic farming topics, visit ATTRA <\/a><\/strong>or Cooperative Extension<\/a><\/strong>. \n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Fact Sheets Lisez nos ressources en fran\u00e7ais Crop Topics Pest Topics Lawn Care Livestock Topics Orchards Please contact a member of our Farmer Programs team for more information. For information about crops and pests, contact Caleb Goossen. For information about dairy and livestock, contact Jacki Martinez Perkins. For information & fact sheets on more organic 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