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…]

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…]

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.

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.

Disease management programs for peach and nectarine begin every year with control of leaf curl. In this article, we discuss some of the basic biology of leaf curl, as well as the methods used for its control. In a near future article, we’ll explore how the abiotic environment influences leaf curl development, and how climate change may be altering our management strategies. [Read more…]