Tree Fruit Edition

Seasonal updates on insects, diseases, weeds, maturity dates and cultural practices impacting only tree fruit.
 
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April 28, 2015

Fruit IPM Report 4-28-2015

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Peach

Petal Fall Insect Complex: An OFM biofix was set for April 20 in southern counties. Treatments for the first flight will be due at 170-200 degree days after the first trap captures or “biofix.” According to the NEWA weather station in Upper Deerfield, we have had 49 degree days accumulate since 4/20. This timing usually coincides with late petal fall to shuck split, however we are a little late this year, since we have about 120 degree days to go until the first OFM treatment.

Since we are still waiting for the OFM timing, the initial petal fall spray will primarily target plum curculio, tarnished plant bug and other catfacing insects. Plum curculio is active, and will feed on blossoms and freshly set fruit. See last week’s newsletter and the Tree Fruit Production Guide for insecticide options. Given the current insect targets, Avaunt is one of the better materials for plum curculio (PC) at this time, and also covers Oriental fruit moth and tarnished plant bug. We are not concerned with BMSB at this time, so many of the other materials which are effective for BMSB can be saved for later in the season.
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Filed Under: Blueberry, Tree Fruit
April 23, 2015

Fruit IPM Report 4-24-2015

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Peach

Brown Rot: Blossom infections from the brown rot fungus can occur whenever pistils are exposed and a favorable climate exists. Infections can occur during any wetting period when temperatures are between 41 and 86°F. However optimum conditions for infection occur with wetting and temperatures in the mid 70’s. During long wetting periods (several days or more) blossoms can be infected regardless of temperature. Generally infections that occur when conditions are sub optimal are less severe. Blossoms and fruitlets will remain susceptible until the pistil desiccates (sometime between petal fall and shuck split).

Petal Fall Insect Complex: An OFM biofix was set in southern counties on 4/20. Treatments for the first flight will be due at 170-200 degree days after the first trap captures or “biofix.” This timing usually coincides with late petal fall to shuck split. Be sure all petals are off before applying insecticides. Imidan, Lannate, and synthetic pyrethroids (Asana, Ambush/Pounce, Danitol, Mustang/ Mustang Maxx, Warrior, Baythroid) are rated for control of petal fall insect pests. Diamide and diamide mixes are also labeled, and include Altacor, Belt, Voliam Flexi and Voliam Express, Belt and Tourismo, and the new diamide, Exirel. When used alone the diamides are only effective against Leps. such as OFM. Exirel is a second generation diamide and will also control PC, but must be used at the higher rate to do so. This makes it expensive to use. The spinosyn, Delegate is effective for OFM and other Leps, and thrips if they are present in nectarines. Experience has shown that the pyrethroids may be weak at lower rates against plum curculio (PC), especially in hot weather. If using any of the pyrethroids, use a high rate in order to control both OFM and PC. Rotate pyrethroids (IRAC group 3) and O.P.’s (IRAC group 1B) with different chemistries for resistance management. The key arthropod targets at petal fall are OFM, PC and various catfacing insects, primarily tarnished plant bug and native stinkbugs.
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Filed Under: Tree Fruit
April 23, 2015

Weather Alert from NJ Dept of Ag: Open Burn Approval

At the request of the NJ Dept of Agriculture, DEP Commissioner Martin today approved open burning and the use of smudge pots for tonight and Friday because of the extreme cold temperatures forecasted for those evenings. This approval mirrors the approval from 2012. Copies of the approval and restriction memo plus the list of Critical Temperatures for Frost Protection of Various Crops are attached.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops
April 15, 2015

Fruit IPM Report 4-15-2015

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Peach:

Brown Rot: Blossom infections from the brown rot fungus can occur whenever pistils are exposed and a favorable climate exists. Infections can occur during any wetting period when temperatures are between 41 and 86°F. However optimum conditions for infection occur with wetting and temperatures in the mid 70’s. During long wetting periods (several days or more) blossoms can be infected regardless of temperature. Generally infections that occur when conditions are sub optimal are less severe. Blossoms and fruitlets will remain susceptible until the pistil desiccates (sometime between petal fall and shuck split).
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Filed Under: Blueberry, Tree Fruit
March 2, 2015

Early Season Tree Fruit Pest Control in 2015

  • Dormant season oil sprays
  • Dormant season copper sprays
  • Dormant season urea sprays

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Filed Under: Tree Fruit
February 27, 2015

North Jersey Tree Fruit Meeting

Date: March 4, 2015
Time: 8:30 am – 4:45 pm
Location: Hunterdon County Complex
314 State Rt. 12, Bldg. #1, Flemington, NJ 08822

See flyers for details.
Registration
Agenda

Topics in Brief:

  • Update on Managed (Club) Varieties – J.Clements, UMass
  • NEWA Use with Malusim Carbohydrate Model for Apple Thinning – T.Robinson, Cornell
  • NEWA: Getting your machine, Getting data – P.Oudemans, Rutgers
  • Precision Orchard Mgmt – T.Robinson, Cornell
  • Precision Thinning with PGR’s – J.Clements, UMass; W.Cowgill, Rutgers
  • Fireblight & NEWA: Control in 2015 – D.Rosenberger, Cornell
  • Apple Scab & NEWA: Control in 2015 – D.Rosenberger, Cornell
  • Insect Models & NEWA: Reducing Insecticide Usage – D.Polk, Rutgers
  • Peach Blossom Blight: Biology, Control, Fungicide Resistance Mgmt – N.Lalancette, Rutgers
  • Apple Trees: Branching with PGR’s – W.Cowgill, Rutgers
  • Tree Fruit Spray Programs: With and Without BMSB Control – D.Polk, Rutgers
  • Pesticide Applicator Certification Review – P.Hastings, Rutgers
Filed Under: Tree Fruit