The program for the control of annual weeds in the orchard should consider the weed free strip under the tree and the sod middles between the tree rows separately. The “Weed Control Season” in orchards starts in late fall, after harvest. The program implemented in the spring depends on what herbicides were applied the previous fall. If herbicides were applied in late fall, applications can be delayed until later in the spring. Residual herbicides should be applied in late winter or early spring after the soil is no longer frozen, if no late fall treatment was applied. [Read more…]
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March 22, 2013 Dave Schmitt
The Cicadas are Coming!
Brood II of the 17 year cicada (Magicicada sp.) is expected to emerge in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic this spring. The last emergence in 1996 did not cause many problems in southern NJ counties as I recall. Brood II is one of the broods reported on the east coast. This map indicates the possibility of a broad emergence throughout the region.
Cicada’s can damage trees and shrubs by laying eggs in the twigs. Damage can be severe if the adult emergence is large (populations can be in the tens of thousands per acre!). Damage can also come from sap feeding by females. New and young plantings up to 4 years of age are generally most susceptible to damage. Emergence occurs once the soil temperature reaches 64 degrees (sometime in May in southern NJ). Growers should start scouting in late April by listening for cicada songs and looking for damage.
Information on Cicada life history for tree fruit and for wine grape can be found at:
March 20, 2013 Brad Majek
Orchard Row-Middle Sod Maintanance
Managed sod row middles have many advantages, and have been adopted by many tree fruit growers. A perennial fescue sod does not attract insects pests, is not an alternate host for harmful nematodes, and provides shelter for beneficial insects. The sod provides a firm drive path for spring spraying of insecticides and fungicides, prevent or reduce soil erosion, and improve soil tilth by increasing soil organic matter. Control broadleaf weeds in the sod to eliminate bloom in the orchard throughout the spring and summer, which will attract beneficial pollinators into the orchard when the trees are not in bloom and insecticides are being applied. Control weeds in the sod in early spring or in the fall after harvest. [Read more…]
March 12, 2013 Norman Lalancette
Peach Leaf Curl Epidemiology: Abiotic Factors
Earlier this month we discussed peach leaf curl biology and control. In this issue we’ll explore how the abiotic environment influences infection by the leaf curl fungal pathogen, Taphrina deformans. [Read more…]
March 12, 2013 Dave Schmitt
Pear Psylla Oviposition Starts
An examination of a pear orchard in Gloucester County yesterday revealed that psylla have started laying eggs. Early season control should start as soon as the weather allows for oil applications. Alternatively, Surround can be applied regardless of temperature.
March 4, 2013 Dave Schmitt
Start Fire Blight Control Now
Mark Longstroth at MSU reminds us that now is the time to start fire blight control measures by pruning out overwintered cankers. Now is also a good time to review the current research and control recommendations for season long management programs.
Remember to check the NEWA site during bloom for infection event predictions.
