a tour of the periodic table notes

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Unit 1: Atoms, elements, and the periodic table

About this unit.

Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of chemistry? In this unit, we'll cover some of chemistry's most fundamental topics, including atoms, isotopes, ions, and the periodic table. We’ll also explore different ways of representing atoms, such as through Bohr models and Lewis diagrams.

Atomic structure

• Protons, neutrons, and electrons in atoms (Opens a modal)
• Elements and atomic number (Opens a modal)
• Understand: atomic structure Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Apply: atomic structure Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Isotopes and ions

• Isotopes (Opens a modal)
• Worked example: using the mass number equation (Opens a modal)
• Average atomic mass (Opens a modal)
• Introduction to ions (Opens a modal)
• Worked example: calculating ion charge (Opens a modal)
• Understand: isotopes Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Apply: isotopes Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Apply: calculating average atomic mass Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Understand: ions Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Apply: ions Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

The Bohr model and atomic spectra

• The Bohr model (Opens a modal)
• The electromagnetic spectrum (Opens a modal)
• Atomic spectra (Opens a modal)
• Absorption/emission lines (Opens a modal)
• Understand: Bohr models Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Apply: Bohr models Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Apply: atomic spectra Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

The periodic table and Lewis diagrams

• The periodic table (Opens a modal)
• Determine valence electrons using the periodic table (Opens a modal)
• Lewis diagrams for atoms and ions (Opens a modal)
• Apply: the periodic table Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Apply: number of valence electrons Get 5 of 7 questions to level up!
• Apply: Lewis diagrams of atoms Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Apply: Lewis diagrams of ions Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Periodic trends

• Atomic radii trends (Opens a modal)
• Ionization energy trends (Opens a modal)
• Apply: atomic radii trends Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Apply: ionization energy trends Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

• Test Preparation
• Chemical Distributors
• Chemistry Lab
• International Organisations
• Research Articles

PERIODIC TABLE NOTES

The Prime Chemistry Portal

Free Download Periodic Table Notes

“Periodic Table” Notes with Facts explained to memorize the Periodic Table in a more efficient way.

The periodic   table  also  referred to as  the periodic table  of elements,  is specifically a  tabular display of the chemical elements, which are arranged by their atomic numbers , electronic configuration, and recurring chemical properties. The structure and shape of the table show periodic trends of the elements. The seven rows of the table, which are called periods, usually have metals on the left and nonmetals on their right side. The columns are called groups that contain elements with similar chemical behaviours and attributes. Six groups have designated names and assigned numbers:  for instance, group 17 elements are the halogens; and group 18 elements are the noble gases.

Periodic Table Notes help us to undergo a systematic study of the various elements found in nature, without which it would have been impossible for us to study all the elements. By classifying the elements into various groups and periods a comparative study of the elements and their compounds can be done. It also helps us to analyze the periodic trend in various properties such as ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity etc.

The Periodic Table Notes contain:

DEVELOPMENT OF PERIODIC TABLE

• PROUT’S HYPOTHESIS
• DOBEREINER TRIAD RULE
• NEWLAND’S OCTET LAW
• LOTHER MEYER’S CURVE
• TELLURIC HELIX
• MENDELEEF’S PERIODIC TABLE
• MODERN PERIODIC TABLE (MODIFIED MENDELEEV PERIODIC TABLE)
• Characteristics of the modern periodic table
• LONG-FORM / PRESENT FORM OF MODERN PERIODIC TABLE

CLASSIFICATION OF ELEMENTS

• s-BLOCK ELEMENTS
• p-BLOCK ELEMENTS
• d-BLOCK ELEMENTS
• f-BLOCK ELEMENTS

TYPE OF ELEMENTS

PREDICTING THE ATOMIC NUMBER OF SUCCESSIVE MEMBERS IN A GROUP OR FAMILY

P E R I O D I C I T Y

SCREENING EFFECT AND EFFECTIVE NUCLEAR CHARGE

ATOMIC RADIUS

ISOELECTRONIC SERIES

IONIZATION POTENTIAL OR IONIZATION ENERGY OR IONIZATION ENTHALPY

ELECTRON AFFINITY

ELECTRONEGATIVITY (EN)

D E N S I T Y

BOILING POINTS AND MELTING POINTS

PERIODIC VARIATION

Free download PERIODIC TABLE NOTES in pdf from the following links.

Download Link 1

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CLASSIFICATION OF ELEMENTS Modern Periodic Table Periodic Table Periodic Table of Elements Periodic Trends Periodic Varation Periodicity Type of Elements

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1-7 The Periodic Table of Elements

Here is your free content for your lesson on the periodic table of elements.

The Periodic Table of Elements Worksheet - Word Docs, PowerPoint, & PDF's

Please note this lesson will cover multiple days.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 1-7 Additional Resources - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7 Additional Resources - Periodic Table (PDF) GUIDED NOTES 1-7 Guided Notes SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7 Guided Notes SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7 Guided Notes TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7 Guided Notes TE - Periodic Table (PDF) POWERPOINT PRESENTATION 1-7 Slide Show - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7 Slide Show - Periodic Table (PPT) VOCABULARY 1-7 Vocabulary Worksheet SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7 Vocabulary Worksheet SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7 Vocabulary Worksheet TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7 Vocabulary Worksheet TE - Periodic Table (PDF)

BELL RINGER 1-7a Bell Ringer SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7a Bell Ringer SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7a Bell Ringer TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7a Bell Ringer TE - Periodic Table (PDF) EXIT QUIZ 1-7a Exit Quiz SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7a Exit Quiz SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7a Exit Quiz TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7a Exit Quiz TE - Periodic Table (PDF) HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT 1-7a Homework SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7a Homework SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7a Homework TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7a Homework TE - Periodic Table (PDF) LESSON PLAN 1-7a Lesson Plan - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7a Lesson Plan - Periodic Table (PDF)

BELL RINGER 1-7b Bell Ringer SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7b Bell Ringer SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7b Bell Ringer TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7b Bell Ringer TE - Periodic Table (PDF) EXIT QUIZ 1-7b Exit Quiz SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7b Exit Quiz SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7b Exit Quiz TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7b Exit Quiz TE - Periodic Table (PDF) HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT 1-7b Homework SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7b Homework SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7b Homework TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7b Homework TE - Periodic Table (PDF) LESSON PLAN 1-7b Lesson Plan - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7b Lesson Plan - Periodic Table (PDF)

BELL RINGER 1-7c Bell Ringer SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7c Bell Ringer SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7c Bell Ringer TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7c Bell Ringer TE - Periodic Table (PDF) DOODLE NOTES 1-7c Doodle Notes - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7c Doodle Notes - Periodic Table (PDF) EXIT QUIZ 1-7c Exit Quiz SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7c Exit Quiz SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7c Exit Quiz TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7c Exit Quiz TE - Periodic Table (PDF) HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT 1-7c Homework SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7c Homework SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7c Homework TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7c Homework TE - Periodic Table (PDF) LESSON PLAN 1-7c Lesson Plan - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7c Lesson Plan - Periodic Table (PDF)

BELL RINGER 1-7d Bell Ringer SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7d Bell Ringer SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7d Bell Ringer TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7d Bell Ringer TE - Periodic Table (PDF) EXIT QUIZ 1-7d Exit Quiz SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7d Exit Quiz SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7d Exit Quiz TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7d Exit Quiz TE - Periodic Table (PDF) HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT 1-7d Homework SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7d Homework SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7d Homework TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7d Homework TE - Periodic Table (PDF) LESSON PLAN 1-7d Lesson Plan - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7c Lesson Plan - Periodic Table (PDF) DOODLE NOTES 1-7d Vocabulary Doodle Notes SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7d Vocabulary Doodle Notes SE - Periodic Table (PDF)

BELL RINGER 1-7e Bell Ringer SE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7e Bell Ringer TE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7e Bell Ringer TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7e Bell Ringer SE - Periodic Table (PDF) LESSON PLAN 1-7e Lesson Plan - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7e Lesson Plan - Periodic Table (Doc) HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT 1-7e Homework TE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7e Homework TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7e Homework SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7e Homework SE - Periodic Table (Doc) EXIT QUIZ 1-7e Exit Quiz TE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7e Exit Quiz TE - Periodic Table (Doc) 1-7e Exit Quiz SE - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7e Exit Quiz SE - Periodic Table (Doc) DOODLE NOTES 1-7e Doodle Notes - Periodic Table (PDF) 1-7e Doodle Notes - Periodic Table (Doc)

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Tour of the Periodic Table (Chapter 6)

Dr. Walker Objectives

• Describe the historical development of the periodic table • Name the groups of the periodic table and describe their properties • List elements that are diatomic • Differentiate elements based on periodic trends

• First periodic table created by Dmitri Mendeleev – Arranged elements by increasing atomic mass, which caused mistakes – Was incomplete, but pattern predicted existence of elements found later • Current periodic table created by Henry Moseley – Arranged by increasing atomic number Mendeleev’s Periodic Table

The columns are called groups or families. Groups have similar physical and chemical properties. Periodic Law

• When elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic numbers, their physical and chemical properties show a periodic pattern.

• Elements in the same groups have the same general physical and chemical properties because of their similar number of valence electrons.

• Periodicity is regularly repeating patterns or trends in the chemical and physical properties of the elements arranged in the periodic table.

More About Periodic Law

• Valence Electrons – Electrons in the outer shell of an atom – Determines chemical properties Determining Valence Electrons

• How do we determine valence electrons?

– Valence electrons = last number of group number

– Examples • Sodium – Group 1 = 1 valence electron • Boron – Group 13 = 3 valence electrons • Chlorine – Group 17 = 7 valence electrons • Nitrogen – Group 15 = 5 valence electrons Determining Valence Electrons

• We can also get valence electrons from the electron configuration • Superscripts for highest energy level are valence electrons • Includes s AND p electrons

– Examples • Sodium – 1s22s22p63s1 = 1 valence electron – There is one electron in the third energy level • Boron – 1s22s22p1 = 3 valence electrons – There are three electrons in the second energy level • Chlorine – 1s22s22p63s23p5 = 7 valence electrons – There are seven electrons in the third energy level

Determining Groups

• Each group has a distinctive electron configuration

– ns2np2 = 4 valence electrons = Group 14 • 1s22s22p2 = carbon • 1s22s22p6 3s23p2 = silicon • 1s22s22p63s23p6 4s23d104p2 = germanium Determining Valence Electrons

• What about the transition metals (groups 3-12), actinides , and lathanides? – We don’t worry about these elements

– These elements can use electrons from d and f orbitals, which we won’t deal with

Groups of the Periodic Table

• Group 1-Alkali Metals • Physical Properties – Soft – Low melting points – Low densities • Chemical Properties – Explodes in water – Tarnish rapidly in air

• Group 2 - Alkaline Earth Metals • Physical Properties – Soft • Chemical Properties – React well with hot water – Strong reducing agents

• Groups 3-12 - Transition Metals

• Physical Properties – High density – High melting point – Magnetic

• Metalloids – Diagonal Elements beginning with Boron • B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, and Te • Physical Properties – Semi-conductors • Chemical Properties – Act like metals when they react with non-metals – Act like non-metals when they react with metals

• Group 17 – Halogens

• Physical Properties – increase in density as you go down the column – colored (yellow-green to brown to black) • Chemical Properties – Form salts with elements from alkaline metals – Exist as diatomic molecules – Form acids with hydrogen

• Group 18 - Noble Gases • Physical Properties – Colorless – Odorless – Tasteless • Chemical Properties – chemically inert (do not react) – full valence shell

Hydrogen • Why is this separate? – Since it only has one electron, it is placed with group 1 – Doesn’t possess any chemical similarities with alkali metals – Physical Properties • Colorless, Tasteless, Odorless – Chemical Properties • Inflammable • Highly reactive • Exists as diatomic molecule

Diatomic Molecules

• Some elements exist as diatomic molecules – Exists as TWO atoms covalently bonded to each other

• Mostly top right of periodic table

• H2, N2, F2, O2, I2, Cl2, Br2 – ClIF H BrON Not in guided notes! Inner Transition Metals

• Otherwise known as lanthanide and actinide series or “f- block ” elements – Some not found in nature (primarily actinides) The rows are called periods. The period number matches the principle energy level of the element. Periodic Trends

• Atomic Radius : Measure of the distance between radii of two identical atoms of an element. • Ionization Energy: The energy required to remove an electron from an atom in its gaseous state • Electronegativity : Measure of the attraction of an atom for electrons in a bond.

Atomic Radius

Across periods: Radius size decreases due to increased nuclear charge Down a group: Radius size increases to due higher number of occupied shells Ionization Energy

• The energy required to remove an electron from an atom in its gaseous state Electronegativity Electronegativity: The tendency of an atom to attract electrons to itself when chemically combined with another element.

The halogen group has the highest electronegativity of the families. The first period has the highest electronegativity. Question

• If electronegativity increases to the right, why don’t the noble gases have the highest electronegativity? Question

• If electronegativity increases to the right, why don’t the noble gases have the highest electronegativity?

– Electronegativity involves atoms in a bond. Noble gases DO NOT BOND! Therefore, no electronegativity value Nuclear Shielding

• Outer shell electrons feel less effect of the positive nucleus because of the inner shell electrons. • The nuclear shielding effect is constant within a given period and increases within given groups from top to bottom. Shielding Trends • Shielding is equal among elements in the same period Chemical Reactivity

• Reactivity refers to how likely or vigorously an atom is to react with other substances. • Metals and nonmetals have their own trends (can’t be easy….can it?)

Not in textbook, but on SOL (figures!) From http://www.pleasval.k12.ia.us/highschool/teachers/hoffmanjoshua/Chem%20PDF/Chem%20Unit%203/PeriodicTrendsReading.pdf Chemical Reactivity - Metals

• Increases as you go down – As you go down valence electrons are further from the nucleus – Further from the nucleus, easier to get rid of • Decreases left to right – Further to the right, more electrons to get rid of – Takes more energy to do this

Not in textbook, but on SOL (figures!) http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/lindabennett1/502/Periodic%20Table%20e%20config/PTable_trends%20around%20table.html Chemical Reactivity - Nonmetals

• Decreases as you go down – Higher elements have more electronegativity – The more they “hog” electrons, the faster they react • Increases left to right – The closer you are to filling an octet the more reactive it is – Noble gases don’t count – their octet is full, so they don’t react Chemical Reactivity

https://jahschem.wikispaces.com/file/view/Reactivity_Trends.jpg/211822562/Reactivity_Trends.jpg Review

• What group is chemically unreactive?

• What is the Periodic Law?

• Give three diatomic elements.

• What group consists of elements that explode in water? Review

• What group is chemically unreactive? • Noble gases • What is the Periodic Law? • When elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic numbers, their physical and chemical properties show a periodic pattern. • Give three diatomic elements.

• H2, N2, F2, O2, I2, Cl2, Br2 • What group consists of elements that explode in water? • Alkali Metals Review

• Of F, B, and O, which is the most electronegative element?

• Of F, B, and O, which element has the largest radius?

• Of Rb, Na, and K, which element has the largest shielding effect? Review

• Of F, B, and O, which is the most electronegative element? • Fluorine (farthest right) • Of F, B, and O, which element has the largest radius? • Boron (farthest left) • Of Rb, Na, and K, which element has the largest shielding effect? • Rubidium (lowest on periodic table) Terms to Know

• Mendeleev (name) Inner Transition Metals • Moseley (name) Diatomic elements • Valence electrons Atomic Radius • Alkali metals Electronegativity • Alkaline earth metals Ionization Energy • Transition metals Nuclear Shielding • Metalloids • Halogens • Noble gases

Skills To Master

• Determining diatomic elements • Determining valence electrons from their position on the periodic table, by group name, and by electron configuration • Classifying elements by their group name • Arranging elements according to their periodic trends – Electronegativity – Atomic Radius – Shielding – Reactivity

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Periodic Table PDF

Need a periodic table PDF? Here are a collection of free periodic tables to download to your computer, tablet, or phone to print whenever you need one. For printing, you’ll get the best results if you choose the landscape or “fit to page” options.

Muted Color Periodic Table PDF

This is the 2015 (latest) version of a pale-colored printable periodic table PDF with element names, atomic numbers, atomic mass, and element groups. You can right-click and save the image of this or any other table. The periodic table PDF is here .

IUPAC Periodic Table – Black/White

This fact-filled periodic table is black and white for ease of reading and printing. Get the periodic table PDF with the most recent atomic mass values of the elements and the highest number of significant figures, per the IUPAC. This table is nice for practicing identifying element groups or color-coding your table for some specific purpose.

Blank Periodic Table PDF

This printable periodic table PDF and image file is blank. The periods and groups are noted, plus there is a zig-zag line to indicate the division between the metals and nonmetals. Use the blank table to practice coloring element groups and filling in element names and symbols.

Circle Tiles Periodic Table with Black Background

This printable periodic table features round element cells and a black background. You can get the PDF here . If you prefer the same table with a white background, the PDF for that table is also available to download .

Neon Element Cells Printable Periodic Table

Rather than coloring the element cells to show the element groups, this table features highlighted neon-colored outlines of the cells. You can get the PDF of this table or click the image if you prefer that type of file.

Printable Periodic Table Wallpaper PDF

The original periodic table wallpaper created for Science Notes and About.com Chemistry is available with both a white background and a black background at the Chemistry site as a PDF .

Periodic Table PDF Terms of Use

Save these to your hard drive or device and print as many copies as you like! Please ask permission before using any of the tables in a printed publication. We don’t allow re-publication of the tables elsewhere online. Thanks!

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Vegetable notes 2024 vol. 36:15, crop conditions, pest alerts, squash bugs out now, fungal leaf diseases of tomato, short-term summer cover crops.

Produce Safety Updates

To print this issue, either press CTRL/CMD + P or right click on the page and choose Print from the pop-up menu.

We’ll be out on Martha’s Vineyard next week at Morning Glory Farm for a field walk—we are excited to see folks from the Cape and islands and have a good discussion on pest and weed management. Click here to register so we can be sure to order enough food for after the walk!

Onion thrips are under control in one field that we’re monitoring, after 1 application of spinosad a few weeks ago and several big rainstorms. Rain will wash thrips off of leaves, so we often see lower thrips pressure in wet years. In addition to causing silvery feeding injury on allium leaves, onion thrips' feeding wounds allow bacterial pathogens to enter leaves, which can cause bulb rots later on in storage. The threshold for insecticide application is 1-3 thrips/leaf. Organic growers should use the lower 1 thrips/leaf threshold, as OMRI-listed materials are less effective. See the appropriate crop insect control section of the New England Vegetable Management Guide for labeled materials.

Squash vine borer (SVB) trap counts are slightly lower than last week—we may be at or just past the peak of the first flight. See table 1 for trap counts. SVB infest thick-stemmed cucurbits only. If plants are wilting, check the base of the plant for an entrance hole and/or piles of sawdust-like frass. Cutting open the stem will reveal a beige, legless larva. There are several diseases that can also cause cucurbit plants to wilt (e.g. bacterial wilt, Anasa wilt, Phytophthora blight) so it’s good to get a definitive diagnosis before implementing any treatment. Pesticide applications targeting SVB need to be made before larvae bore into the stem. Labeled conventional materials include Assail (neonicotinoid) and several pyrethroids (e.g. Brigade, Asana, Declare, Warrior, Mustang). For organic growers, spinosad (e.g. Entrust) and Bt (e.g. Dipel, Xentari) have demonstrated efficacy but must be ingested to be effective, making proper spray timing and coverage critical. Note that SVB is not listed on these labels but may be used in states that allow applications to the crop for other target pests. Sprays should be directed at the base of plants. Row cover will exclude moths from new plantings but need to be removed to allow for pollination during flowering.

Nightshades

Late blight has been identified in 2 locations in southern Ontario—this is still a ways away from MA, but samples from one site have been identified as strain US-23, which produces much more sporangia than any other strain. Sporangia are the infective spores that are spread by wind. Strain US-23 is highly aggressive on tomato foliage and fruit and on potato tubers, and less aggressive on potato foliage. Pesticide applications targeting late blight are not recommended for MA growers at this time. Growers should scout tomatoes regularly for symptoms of late blight and report any suspected cases to us at umassveg@umass.edu or 413-577-3976. There are many other foliar diseases of tomato that can cause similar symptoms so getting an accurate diagnosis is important. See the article in this issue for more information and pictures.

Colorado potato beetle (CPB): The second generation CPB adults are out now, but we haven’t seen any new eggs yet. As we wait for the next generation of larvae, line up your pesticide(s) for control. Do not use the same class of insecticides on this coming generation as you used on the 1st generation. See the potato  or eggplant  insect control section of the New England Vegetable Management Guide for labeled materials.

European corn borer  (ECB) trap captures remain low, with a high of 6 moths caught this week (Table 2). We are getting near the start of the 2nd flight at 1400 GDDs, so we expect trap captures to increase again in the next few weeks.

Corn earworm  (CEW) trap captures increased this week, putting several farms on a 4-day spray schedule. Researchers monitoring pyrethroid resistance in CEW are finding that resistance is slowly increasing in populations. Do not rely solely on pyrethroids for CEW management. Bt varieties that contain the vip3A gene (e.g. Attribute II, Attribute Plus) will control CEW—this pest is resistant to the other Bt genes. If we have 2 or more consecutive days above 80°F (which is likely this week), tighten spray intervals by 1 day.

Multiple/Miscellaneous Crops

Contact the UMass Extension Vegetable Program with your farm-related questions, any time of the year. We always do our best to respond to all inquiries.

Vegetable Program: 413-577-3976, umassveg@umass.edu

Staff Directory:   https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/faculty-staff

Home Gardeners: Please contact the UMass GreenInfo Help Line with home gardening and homesteading questions, at greeninfo@umext.umass.edu .

Squash bugs are a perennial problem in cucurbit crops, causing leaf dieback, Anasa wilt, and physical damage to squash fruit. Nymphs are emerging now, so it’s a good time to start including them in your pest management plan or taking note of their presence and making a plan for next year.

Life stages and identification

Host crops and damage

​​​​The most susceptible and attractive crops are yellow summer squash, zucchini, and pumpkin ( Cucurbita pepo ) as well as C. maxima crops (e.g. Hubbard squash). Watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon, and butternut resist damage and provide poor food quality for adults and nymphs. Resistant varieties also include sweet cheese pumpkins ( C. moshata ) and royal acorn squash ( C. pepo ). Both adults and nymphs feed by sucking sap from plant tissue using their beak-like mouthparts. Adult feeding on seedlings can cause wilting of the whole plant. Places on the leaves where the bugs feed develop small, yellow specks that eventually turn brown due to a toxin released by the bug during feeding. High densities and intensive feeding cause foliage to wilt, turn black and die in a condition known as “Anasa wilt”. Squash bugs also feed on the fruit, causing scarring that can make the fruit unmarketable. 

Squash bugs may also vector the bacterium Serratia marcescens , which causes the disease yellow vine decline . This disease is reported intermittently in New England; it is not thought to be widespread, but it was found in MA in 2003 and was again confirmed from one site in CT in 2020. The bacterium is introduced into a cucurbit plant by squash bug mouthparts and enters the plant’s phloem sap. Symptoms of yellow vine decline include a general yellowing of the entire vine within a two- to three-day period. Infected plants usually collapse completely approximately 10 to 14 days before the fruit matures. Plants infested with squash vine borer can display similar symptoms—leaf yellowing, wilt, lack of vigor—but will have an entry hole in the stem where the borer entered, usually accompanied by lots of sawdust-like frass. If you are seeing symptoms that you suspect could be yellow vine decline in your cucurbit crops, let us know at umassveg@umass.edu or (413) 577-3976.

Cultural Control

Scouting and Chemical Control

Scout plants from seedling to vining/flowering stage to detect adults as well as eggs and nymphs. After flowering, thresholds are based on egg masses and young nymphs, but also note adults and large nymphs while scouting. 

There are two key windows for control:

• Target adults on young plants (before flowering or vining). An insecticide application made when adults are colonizing plants in June will prevent subsequent egg and larval populations. Coverage is easier at this time, and broad-spectrum pyrethroids (e.g. bifenthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin) or carbaryl, which are reported to be effective on adults at this stage, can be used without risk to bees on the crop. OMRI-approved pyrethrin products are available (e.g. PyGanic). The threshold for targeting adults has been determined for watermelon crops at an average of 1 adult per plant (Dogramaci et al. 2006), but in more susceptible crops such as summer squash and zucchini, it might be appropriate to use a lower threshold (e.g. 1 adult per 2 or more plants). Aim for coverage of underside of leaves and stems where bugs hide. Systemic furrow, drip, or seed treatments and sprays for cucumber beetle at the seedling stage may also control colonizing squash bug adults. 
• Target smaller nymphs on flowering plants . Scout for egg masses and note the first emergence of nymphs. The threshold is reached at an average of 1 egg mass per plant and when the first nymphs are seen. Good coverage of undersides of leaves is needed. For newly laid eggs and nymphs, consider a foliar application of acetamiprid (Assail 30 SG) which has moderate toxicity to bees (lower than other neonicotinoids). Adults and larger nymphs are more difficult to control, partly because they hide in the lower canopy and near the soil. An organic option for nymphs is a mixture of pyrethrin (a contact toxin) and azadiractin (an insect growth regulator, derived from neem). This would be gentler on bees than a high rate of pyrethrin alone and would include two modes of action. Insect growth regulators work to disrupt the molting process, so they are useful only on immature stages. Treat late in the day when the flowers are closed to reduce risk to bees. 

Take note of re-entry and pre-harvest intervals of materials used on summer squash and zucchini that are being harvested frequently. 

For more information on rates and products for squash bug control, see the Cucumber, Muskmelon, and Watermelon insect section and the Pumpkin, Squash, and Gourds insect section of the New England Vegetable Management Guide.

--UMass Vegetable Program

All the recent rain has made for perfect conditions for the spread of plant diseases and made it hard to get into fields to spray protectant fungicides. Even in drier weather, the lush canopies of tomato plantings make great environments for moisture-loving fungal pathogens. Most of the diseases caused by these pathogens can occur in both field and high tunnel tomatoes, but Botrytis, leaf mold, and powdery mildew are most commonly seen in high tunnels and Septoria and early blight are most commonly seen in the field. Late blight is often perceived as the scariest tomato disease because of its ability to rapidly wipe out a crop; however, the other diseases outlined below, which we see every year without fail, routinely have significant effects on fruit quality and yield.

These are some other key characteristics of late blight that can help you distinguish them from symptoms of the other diseases included in this article:

• Leaf lesions are dark-green to gray, and appear water-soaked or greasy.
• No leaf yellowing occurs.
• Stem lesions are brown and can occur anywhere on stems or petioles.
• White sporulation may be seen within or on the edges of lesions on leaves or stems.
• Lesions can occur anywhere on the leaf and anywhere on the plant, meaning that they don’t necessarily start at leaf margins or at the base of the plant but are distributed throughout the canopy.

The common fungal foliar diseases of tomato are similar in that they all thrive in hot, humid weather and once established, are spread by wind, splashing water, insects, workers, and equipment. Most also survive in infested crop residue or in the soil. It’s common to see multiple of these diseases on a single plant. Management practices are similar for all of these diseases, but it is still helpful to know what diseases you are seeing in your crop so you know where it is coming from and how to stop its spread. It’s especially important to identify what diseases you have if you plan to control them using resistant varieties. For help with tomato disease identification, you can send us photos at umassveg@umass.edu , or submit samples to the UMass Plant Diagnostic Lab .

Botrytis gray mold & ghost spot ( Botrytis cinerea ): This pathogen causes leaf spots, stem cankers, fruit rot, and ghost spot on fruit. The pathogen thrives in humid greenhouse conditions, but it has been observed in field tomatoes when humidity is very high. Leaf lesions are dark gray and have no yellow halo, and therefore are often mistaken for late blight lesions. Under conditions of alternating heat and humidity, like in a high tunnel, the pathogen grows in such a way as to form concentric rings, and for this reason can also be confused with early blight. The way to distinguish Botrytis from early blight is by its characteristic fuzzy, brownish-gray sporulation. If you hold the leaf up and look across the lesion horizontally, you will see fine mycelia sticking up with little tuftlets on the ends that resemble grape clusters. B. cinerea primarily feeds on dead tissue and is only weakly pathogenic, therefore, you will likely see this sporulation on senescing tissue including flowers, pruning scars, or leaf tips and margins where nutritional disorders have caused tip dieback. Spores that land on fruit cause ghost spot, which appears as pale white haloes or ring spots on the green fruit. On ripe fruit, the ringspots may be yellow. Ghost spot develops when the fungus initiates infection, but disease progress is stopped by dry environmental conditions. This spotting may make fruit unmarketable. Under more humid conditions, ghost spot may lead to fruit rot. B. cinerea has a wide host range, including lettuce and other common winter tunnel crops, and can survive on dead plant tissue for long periods of time. It overwinters as mycelium in crop residues and sometimes as sclerotia in the soil.

Powdery mildew ( Oidium neolycopersici ) of tomato is primarily a concern in high tunnels. ( Note: this is a different pathogen than the one that causes powdery mildew on cucurbits.) Infections begin as small, white, powdery, circular lesions on the upper and lower leaf surfaces that can expand and coalesce until they cover entire leaves. Unlike other powdery mildews, affected leaves may rapidly wither and die, but remain attached to the stem. There are no symptoms on fruit or stems, but loss of foliage may result in sunscald. Unlike the other pathogens in this article, O. neolycopersici does not require leaf wetness to germinate and cause disease, but it does thrive under humid conditions and a range of temperatures (50-86°F). This pathogen can be very aggressive and lead to reduced yield and poor fruit flavor if untreated.

Septoria leaf spot ( Septoria lycopersici ) usually occurs in the field and is one of the most destructive diseases of tomato foliage, resulting in considerable leaf drop that can cause sunscald, failure of fruit to mature properly, and reduced yields. Once infections begin, the disease can spread rapidly from lower leaves to the upper canopy. Symptoms consist of small, circular, tan-to-grey lesions with dark brown margins that appear on lower leaves first, after the first fruit set. Lesions usually have yellow halos and as the lesions coalesce, significant leaf yellowing can occur. S. lycopersici forms pycnidia (structures that produce asexual spores) in the center of expanding lesions, which can be seen with a 10X hand lens as tiny black dots. The presence of pycnidia, plus the generally smaller size of the lesions and the absence of target-like circular bands within the lesion, distinguish this disease from early blight. The pathogen overwinters on infected tomato debris or infected solanaceous weed hosts ( jimsonweed , horsenettle , groundcherry, and black nightshade ), and can also survive on stakes and other equipment. The pathogen can also be seed-borne.

Early blight ( Alternaria solani ) occurs on the foliage, stem, and fruit of tomato, as well as on potato foliage and tubers. In tomato, the disease first appears as small brown to black lesions with yellow haloes on older foliage. Under conducive conditions, numerous lesions may occur on each leaf causing entire leaves to turn yellow. As the lesions enlarge, they often develop concentric rings giving them a bull’s eye or target-spot appearance. As the disease progresses, plants can become defoliated, reducing both fruit quantity and quality. Fruit can become infected either in the green or ripe stage. Infections usually occur through the stem attachment. Fruit lesions appear leathery and may have the same characteristic concentric rings as the foliage. Fruit lesions can become quite large, encompassing the whole fruit. The fungus overwinters on infected crop debris in the soil and can survive there for several years.

Stemphylium or gray leaf spot can be caused by several different species of the genus Stemphylium . This is a new disease of tomato in the Northeast—we first saw it in MA in 2020—but is common in southern states. Over the last few years, it’s been reported in both field and high tunnel tomatoes throughout the region. Stemphylium leaf spots are tan to gray and irregularly shaped, with no yellow halo. Sparse gray sporulation is sometimes visible at the center of the spots with a 10X hand lens. Lesions occur on upper and lower leaves simultaneously, distinguishing this disease from early blight and Septoria that often start on lower leaves and move upwards as the diseases progress. Similar to early blight and Septoria, Stemphylium spores are dispersed by wind and splashing water, and the fungus can survive on crop residue in the soil as well as on seeds.

• Choose resistant varieties. This is especially effective for leaf mold management. There are also varieties that are resistant to early blight and Stemphylium. Most varieties are susceptible to Septoria leaf spot. You can find a list of resistant tomato varieties here .
• Dial in your nutrient applications , to avoid both deficiencies and excesses. Excessive nitrogen fertilization will lead to lush foliar growth, thus increasing humidity and a more favorable environment for disease development. Nutrient deficiencies can cause leaf tip dieback, providing senescent tissue for Botrytis infection. Lower leaves also become more susceptible to early blight as crop nutrient demand increases with fruit production and nitrogen is pulled from older leaves. See the field tomato and high tunnel tomato sections of the New England Vegetable Management Guide for nutrient recommendations.
• Destroy all diseased plant residue. In the field, till under crop debris promptly. In tunnels, removing diseased plant residue is ideal, if possible. Disinfest the entire greenhouse after pruning and harvest. See our Cleaning & Disinfecting the Greenhouse article for more information.
• Reduce humidity within the canopy by improving air circulation, controlling weeds, using wider plant spacing, removing suckers, pruning lower leaves, and watering early in the day or using drip irrigation. Avoid working in fields or tunnels when foliage is wet. In high tunnels, improve horizontal airflow with fans, and reduce humidity by a combination of heating and venting in the evening, particularly when warm days are followed by cool nights.
• Control solanaceous weeds.
• Practice a 2-year crop rotation out of tomatoes. This might not be possible in high tunnels but should be practiced for field tomatoes.
• Apply protectant fungicides. Start chemical control before or as soon as symptoms first develop, and apply at regular intervals. See the field tomato and high tunnel tomato disease control sections of the Guide for current chemical control recommendations. Always alternate fungicide applications between materials with different modes of action to prevent resistance development. For greenhouse and high tunnel crops, check labels to ensure that indoor use is not prohibited. If a label does not explicitly prohibit indoor use, a product may be applied in tunnels and greenhouses. Michigan State University has a spreadsheet that compiles indoor use allowances of pesticides, available here ; but you should always check the label yourself as well! Find current pesticide labels at cdms.net . Stemphylium leaf spot is not currently included in the New England Vegetable Management Guide, and fewer fungicides are labeled specifically for this disease than for early blight and Septoria. In MA, fungicides can legally be used if the target crop and use pattern (e.g. foliar sprays) are both on the label—fungicides that are effective against early blight and Septoria should also be effective against Stemphylium. Chlorothalonil, mancozeb, Aprovia Top, Inspire Super, Luna Tranquility, ManKocide, Gavel, Revus Top, Mettle, Flint are labeled specifically for Stemphylium/gray leaf spot.

--Written by Bess Dicklow, retired UMass Extension Plant Diagnostician, and Susan B. Scheufele, UMass Extension Vegetable Program

As harvests continue and space is freed up in fields, consider planting a cover crop to fill gaps for short periods. There are several good legume and non-legume cover crop choices for planting now and throughout July that grow rapidly in the summer heat. When planting mixtures in the summer, select equally vigorous crops (similar height and growth rate) so they will not compete and shade each other out. For example, Jean-Paul Cortens of Roxbury Farm in Kinderhook, NY likes a mix of 50 lbs/A sunn hemp, 10 lbs/A Japanese millet, 5 lbs/A sunflower, and 50 lbs/A cowpea or field pea. 

• Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata ), also known as black-eyed or southern pea, is fast-growing with peak biomass often reached in 60 days. It also tolerates drought and heat. Cowpeas can fix up to 100 lbs N/A with biomass of 3000-4000 lbs/A. It breaks down rapidly after incorporation. Cowpeas also can be harvested in the immature pod stage as a fresh legume. Drill at 40-50 lbs/A and broadcast at 70-100 lbs/A.
• Sunn hemp ( Crotalaria juncea ) is a tropical legume (not related to other hemps) and has great potential in our humid, tropic-feeling summers. Sunn hemp can produce a lot of biomass (3-4 tons/A in MA). It is a high nitrogen-fixing legume and can contribute over 100 lbs N/A to a following crop. Sunn hemp grows very fast in the summer, reaching 6 feet or taller in 8 weeks. Allow sunn hemp to grow 1-3 feet tall, then mow it and let it regrow. If allowed to get too tall, the stems will become tough and fibrous and will not decompose rapidly. This crop is an excellent companion for sorghum sudangrass, which can also be mowed to keep it from getting too fibrous. Sunn hemp is a day length-sensitive crop; it will grow anytime during the summer, however it will not flower and go to seed until the days start getting shorter in very late summer.  Drill 20-30 lbs/A.
• Crimson clover ( Trifolium incarnatum ) is a beautiful cover crop that is a great choice for a short-term summer cover or perhaps seeded between plastic rows to reduce splash and erosion and suppress weeds. Historically it was not  considered an overwintering cover crop in Massachusetts, but in  UMass Extension cover crop research trials, it has overwintered well in the last decade. It is fairly resilient and tolerates well-drained soils, heat, drought, and low fertility soils. Shade tolerance makes this cover crop a good choice for mixes, but it can still struggle to compete against very vigorous cover crops like sorghums and buckwheat. Depending on coverage, it can fix 70-150 lbs N/A. Drill 10-20 lbs/A, and broadcast at 12-24 lbs/A.

Non-Legumes

• Sorghum sudangrass ( Sorghum bicolor x S. sudanense ) is a cross between grain sorghum and sudangrass. It is a warm-season annual grass that grows well in hot conditions and produces a large amount of biomass. Its thick root system and high biomass makes it useful for soil building. Sorghum sudangrass can reach 6-12 feet tall, but should be mowed when it reaches 2-3 feet tall to prevent it from becoming fibrous and difficult to manage. Mowing also encourages root growth. Unmowed sorghum sudangrass will winterkill but the tough residue can be difficult to manage in the spring. Brown midrib types will decompose more quickly because they have less lignin. Expect 3-4 tons of biomass addition per acre in MA. Because it is a grass, to get the most growth you will need to add nitrogen fertilizer (40-80 lbs/A), which will be cycled on to the next crop. Sorghum sudangrass is very effective at suppressing weeds and has been shown to have allelopathic and biofumigant properties useful for nematode management. Drill 35-40 lbs/A or 40-50 lbs/A broadcast.
• Phacelia ( Phacelia tanacetifolia ), also known as blue or purple tansy, is a good cover crop for use in rotation on vegetable farms because it is not in the same family as any major vegetable crops. This fast-growing cover crop is best to seed in mid-summer. While it does not have a deep taproot, phacelia is a wonderful soil aggregator in the top 2 inches. Beneficial insects including parasitoids and pollinators are attracted to the fuzzy purple-blue flowers. This cover crop will winterkill at 15°F. Seed at 1 lb/A drilled and 3 lb/A broadcast.
• Pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum ) or Japanese millet ( Echinochloa spp.) have similar functions as summer cover crops: they grow rapidly but are easier to manage than sorghum sudangrass. They also produce less biomass than sorghum sudangrass. Both millets grow about 4-6 feet tall and have similar seeding rates. They are well-adapted to sandy and/or infertile soils and do well in the summer heat. Forage types are better adapted for soil improvement than grain types. To get the most growth, you will need to add nitrogen fertilizer (40-80 lbs/A). Pearl millet has been shown to suppress some nematodes. Forage pearl millet can make a good mulch for late-summer plantings of no-till or strip-till crops. Seed at 12-15 lbs/A drilled or 15-20 lbs/A broadcast.

Additional Information

• Summer Soil Improving Crops for Vegetable Rotations , Gordon Johnson, Extension Vegetable and Fruit Specialist, University of Delaware.
• Cover Crop Guide for New York Vegetable Growers . From Cornell Cooperative Extension. This site includes cover crop profiles as well as a cover crop decision tool, where you can get crop recommendations based on your management goal, planting time, and cover crop duration.
• Cover Crops : What a Difference a Few Weeks Makes! Results from Cornell Organic Cropping Systems Trials.
• Cover Crop Periodic Table  

Produce Safety Update

Fsma water rule and the massachusetts commonwealth quality program (cqp).

A reminder that the rules relating to preharvest water quality under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule have changed. For anyone who attended a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training in the past, this means that what you learned in that course about the requirements for water testing of preharvest water is no longer accurate. While the Rule still requires growers to assess whether water is “safe and of adequate sanitary quality for its intended use”, it now requires them to complete an annual Written Water Assessment , rather than relying on a series of water tests to assess risks from preharvest agricultural water. 

The FDA developed an Assessment Builder tool to help growers create their required document. It involves answering a series of questions and filling in text about each water source. You get a summary of your answers at the end to include in your records and guide your determination about whether corrective or mitigation measures are necessary to reduce the risk of produce contamination. 

Compliance dates for the new Rule are:

• Largest businesses (annual gross >$500K)-----------April 7, 2025
• Small businesses (annual gross >$250K-$500K)------April 6, 2026
• Very small businesses (annual gross >$25K-$250K)---April 5, 2027

Note that some water testing is still required if you use ground/well water for any postharvest uses (e.g., washing of produce, food contact surfaces, or hands) – 4x per year for the first year and 1x per year thereafter, as long as tests remain negative for generic E. coli .

The Rule also requires an annual inspection of your entire water system, which is different than the water assessment .  

Growers participating in CQP  must continue to do some testing of both preharvest and postharvest water. Growers in CQP must have records of required water tests in order to be eligible for a certificate. See here for a Summary of Current Ag Water Requirements in MA .

NECAFS introduces new interactive tool for assessing risks from wildlife contamination

The Assessing Wildlife and Animal Contamination tool:

• provides a simple and accessible method of prioritizing changes to improve food safety specifically related to animal intrusion, fecal contamination, and other factors that influence the spread of that contamination, and
• calculates the easiest to implement changes with the greatest food safety impact and identifies those practices for action first.

To do this, the tool provides:

• science-based survey questions focused on distilled aspects of wildlife and animal contamination,
• curated science-based recommendations based on survey answers,
• cited resources for further investigation, and
• figures and tables for easier comprehension of food safety concepts and recommendations.

This tool can be used:

• as an educational tool in conjunction with food safety trainings,
• as an educational tool with one-on-one educator aid to growers,
• at the start of a growing season when growers are planning and developing an animal intrusion and contamination standard operating procedures (SOPs), 
• when there is a change in animal activity on adjacent land or within an operation, and
• on an annual basis since the recommendations will adjust based on changes made on the farm over the previous year. 

Direct link: https://dst.necafs.org/animal

Food Safety Clearinghouse Page: https://foodsafetyclearinghouse.org/resources/assessing-wildlife-and-animal-contamination-decision-support-tool-grower-adoption-food 

FDA Updates Food Traceability Resources

Routine inspections for growers needing to comply with the new FSMA Traceability Rule won’t begin until 2027, giving affected parties time to get their systems in place. Additional records, which may include an electronic sortable spreadsheet, are required for foods on the Food Traceability List, which includes fresh, uncut:

• Leafy greens

The list also includes fresh-cut fruits and vegetables as well as shell eggs, nut butters, and some cheeses and fish. 

A downloadable spreadsheet template can be found here .

There are exemptions for some produce farms: 

Summary Chart of Exemptions from the Traceability Rule for Produce Farms

A training curriculum for the Traceability Rule is being developed and is anticipated to be available by mid-2025. 

If you have questions about produce safety or the Produce Safety Rule reach out to Lisa McKeag at lmckeag@umass.edu or 413-658-8631.

New MDAR Service: Farm Transfer Plan Assistance or Farm-Pass

MDAR’s new Farm-Pass Program will provide direct assistance to help Massachusetts farm owners pass their farm on to the next generation. This service is targeted to owners who have already identified a successor – either within the family or not – who is interested in transitioning to own and manage a commercial farm business on the farm property in the near future. This is a no-cost opportunity for farm owners, family members, and the identified successor to work one-on-one with an experienced, dedicated planner to create a customized farm transfer plan. Participants will meet regularly to set goals for retirement and the future farm business, and create tangible next steps to transfer assets and management.

MDAR's Farm Transfer Plan assistance program will match participants with a professional planner with experience working with farms on business management, financials, and farm transfer to meet regularly over the course of approximately one year. The planners will NOT provide legal or tax advice but WILL help you develop a written action plan that identifies concrete next steps to work on with your attorney and/or CPA/tax advisor to make the transfer happen. Three rounds of this program are anticipated under this RFR. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, but must be received by the following dates in order to be considered for each round’s start date as follows:

• To start by August 30, 2024, applications must be received by July 15, 2024 .
• To start by March 1, 2025, applications must be received by January 15, 2025
• To start by June 1, 2025, applications must be received by April 15, 2025

CLICK HERE to apply . The PDF titled “AGR-FTPA-FY25-26” is the Request for Response with information and the application form.   Questions? Contact Melissa Adams, 857-276-2377, Melissa.L.Adams@mass.gov or Laura Barley, 857-507-5548, Laura.Barley@mass.gov .

39 th Massachusetts Tomato Contest to be Held on August 20

The 39 th Massachusetts Tomato Contest will be held at the Boston Public Market on Tuesday, August 20. Tomatoes will be judged by a panel of experts on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape. Always a lively and fun event, the day is designed to increase awareness of locally grown produce.

Open to commercial farmers in Massachusetts, growers can bring tomatoes to the market between 8:45 am and 10:45 am on August 20 or drop their entries off with a registration form to one of the regional drop-off locations on Monday, August 19. Drop off locations include sites in South Deerfield, Southboro, North Easton and West Newbury. These tomatoes will be brought to Boston on Tuesday.

For complete details, including drop off locations, contest criteria, and a registration form, click here . Be sure to include the  registration form with all entries.

The Massachusetts Tomato Contest is sponsored by MDAR and New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association , in cooperation with the Boston Public Market . Please consider participating to showcase one of the season’s most anticipated crops!

Questions? Contact David Webber, David.Webber@mass.gov .

Field Walk at Morning Glory Farm   - Edgartown, MA

When: Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 6-8pm

Where: Morning Glory Farm, Edgartown, MA

Registration: Free! Please register in advance so we can order enough food. Click here to register.

Join UMass Extension specialists Sue Scheufele and Maria Gannett for a field walk at Morning Glory Farm. We will identify current pest and weed issues in vegetable crops and discuss their management. There will be lots of time for Q&A, discussion, and dinner and refreshments will be provided.

2 pesticide recertification credits are available for this program.

This event is co-sponsored by NOFA/Mass and Martha’s Vineyard Ag Society  with support from the Transition to Organic Partnership Program.

Tillage Reduction Systems and Equipment: Living Mulch and Strip-Till at Atlas Farms - Deerfield, MA

When : Thursday, July 25, 4-6pm

Where : Atlas Farm (~1 mile south of farm office), 595A River Rd, Deerfield, MA 01342

Registration : Free! Please register in advance so we can plan for food. Click here to register .

Come check out Atlas Farms' 3-acre experiment with strip-tilled winter squash into a perennial clover living mulch, and living clover/rye pathways in 5 acres of tomatoes. We'll look at a no-till drill, strip-till equipment, and strip-cultivation equipment. Atlas' trials have implications for tillage reduction and soil health for conventional and organic growers at all scales. There will be a light dinner at 6 PM. 

This event is co-sponsored by CISA, Momentum Ag, Hampshire/Hampden/Franklin County Conservation District, and UMass Extension.

Participate in Organic High Tunnel Vegetable Study

If you are growing organic vegetables in a high tunnel, we want to connect with you! The University of Minnesota and University of New Hampshire are partnering to conduct on-farm research about the performance of legume cover crops in organic high tunnel vegetable rotations in the Midwest and Northeast regions. The goal of this project is to enable organic high tunnel growers to reduce their dependence on purchased composts and manures by using nitrogen-fixing legume cover crops to support soil fertility, productivity, and sustainability.

We are currently recruiting organic high tunnel growers to receive cover crop seed and participate in the on-farm research trials, which will begin in fall 2024 for overwinter cover crops and spring 2025 for spring/summer covers. We have two levels of participation available, so you can choose the level of commitment that works for you.

Informational webinar:

When : Tuesday, July 30, 7:30pm EST

Where : Zoom

Click HERE  to watch a recording at the previous information session.

Sign up to learn more about the trial at z.umn.edu/hightunnelcovercroptrial . We will send the webinar link and a calendar invitation to everyone who signs up. Hope to see you there!

Questions? Contact Becky Sideman, becky.sideman@unh.edu

Water & Climate Change Twilight Meeting at Bardwell Farm  – Hatfield, MA

When: Friday, August 2, 2024, 5-7pm, with dinner and discussion to follow

Where: Bardwell Farm, 49 Main St., Hatfield, MA 01038

Join UMass Extension and CISA for a climate-themed twilight meeting at Bardwell Farm in Hatfield, MA!

• Lisa McKeag will share findings from her recent water quality survey of farms around MA and discuss potential risks and impacts of weather and climate change and rising year-round temperatures on agricultural water quality.
• Harrison Bardwell will show off his new automated irrigation system, and discuss irrigation practices and funded projects around the farm.
• Sue Scheufele will discuss increasing pest risks caused by a hotter climate on vegetable pests including an on-farm trial for managing Phytophthora blight in peppers hosted by Bardwell Farm.

1 pesticide recertification credit is available for this program.

This event is co-sponsored by CISA as part of their Adapting your Farm to Climate Change Series .

Save the Date! UMass Research Farm Field Day - South Deerfield, MA

When: August 13, 2024, time TBD

Where: UMass Crop & Livestock Research & Education Farm, 89 River Rd., South Deerfield, MA

Registration: Coming soon!

Come learn about all the research being done by students and faculty across CNS and by UMass Extension on a tour of the farm. Topics include pollinator habitat, bee health and disease ecology, novel cover cropping strategies, intercropping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, genetic basis of flowering traits in agriculture, and vegetable variety trials including heat-resistant lettuce varieties for summer production.

Field Walk at Siena Farms - Sudbury, MA

When: Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 4-6pm

Where: Siena Farms, 113 Haynes Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776

Registration: Free! Please register in advance, for food ordering purposes. Click here to register .

Join us for a field walk at Siena Farms! Someone from the farm will discuss their sunflower production, and the UMass Extension Vegetable Program will lead a pest walk. Light dinner and refreshments will be served at the end, with plenty of time to talk with fellow growers!

This event is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture.

Twilight Meeting: Climate Impacts on Weed Management and Soil Health  - South Deerfield, MA

When: Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 4-6pm, with a light supper to follow

Where: UMass Crop & Livestock Research & Education Farm, 89 River Rd., South Deerfield, MA, 01373

How are climate change and hotter temperatures affecting our soils? Often, practices like reducing tillage and cover cropping are recommended to improve soil health, reduce risk of topsoil loss and enhance resilience to drought and flood—practices that can also affect weed management. UMass Extension will discuss general impacts of climate change on soil health and highlight current research on updating recommendations for planting timing and overwintering survival of cover crop species in MA. Maria Gannett, UMass Extension Weeds Specialist, will relate these strategies to how they can impact weed management.

New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference - Registration Now Open!

When:  Tuesday - Thursday, December 17-19, 2024, 8am-6pm daily

Where:  Doubletree Hotel, 700 Elm St., Manchester, NH 03101

Registration: Before November 30, $115/person, or $85 for additional attendees if registering as a group. Students $50. Registration capped at 1,400.  Click here to register.

The NEVF Conference includes more than 25 educational sessions over three days, covering major vegetable, berry and tree fruit crops as well as various special topics. A Farmer-to-Farmer meeting after each morning and afternoon session will bring speakers and farmers together for informal, in-depth discussions on certain issues. The extensive trade show has over 120 exhibitors.

Vegetable Notes. Maria Gannett, Genevieve Higgins, Lisa McKeag, Susan Scheufele, Alireza Shokoohi, Hannah Whitehead, co-editors. All photos in this publication are credited to the UMass Extension Vegetable Program unless otherwise noted.

Where trade names or commercial products are used, no company or product endorsement is implied or intended. Always read the label before using any pesticide. The label is the legal document for product use. Disregard any information in this newsletter if it is in conflict with the label.

The University of Massachusetts Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer, United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Contact your local Extension office for information on disability accommodations. Contact the State Center Directors Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 413-545-4800.

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The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment and UMass Extension are equal opportunity providers and employers, United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Contact your local Extension office for information on disability accommodations. Contact the State Center Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 413-545-4800 or see ag.umass.edu/civil-rights-information .

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UMass Design Center in Springfield

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Agriculture & Commercial Horticulture Resources

Community & Economic Vitality

Disaster Preparedness

Food Safety

Home Lawn & Garden

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Land Conservation Tools

Pollinators

Tick testing

Resources for Faculty and Staff

Extension Outreach Programs

4-H Youth Development

Crops, Dairy, Livestock and Equine

Greenhouse Crops and Floriculture

Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry

Clean Energy

Climate Change

Nutrition Education

Value-Added Food