Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Tree Fruit Phenology:
Tree fruit phenology is about normal based on historical observations. In southern counties some early blooming varieties are at Pink to about 20% bloom. Redhaven was at bud swell on March 29, about 6 days later than the median observation date. Plums are in bloom and Pears are at Green Cluster. Red Delicious is at 1/2 Green Tip, which is about a week early. So it is time to start applying delayed dormant and blossom protection applications. [Read more…]
Pruning fruit trees is an important horticultural practice that promotes proper tree vigor and canopy architecture for optimal fruit production. Generally the best time for dormant pruning pome fruit in the northeast is January through early March. Stone fruit, with the exception of sweet cherry, may be safely pruned as late as the delayed dormant and early bloom periods.
Tree Fruit Phenology: Tree Fruit Phenology remains advanced, but development is slowing. In southern counties peach orchards are at Shuck Split to Shuck Off. Pears are past Petal Fall. Red Delicious was about Full Bloom on 4/25 and is late bloom/Petal Fall on May 4. Other varieties still have considerable bloom. Cherries are just past full Bloom. [Read more…]
Disease Control in Freese Damaged Orchards: Dr. Lalancette has published his recommendations for how to protect tree fruit from diseases in freeze damaged orchards.
Tree Fruit Phenology: Tree Fruit Phenology remains advanced, but development is slowing. In southern counties peach orchards are at Shuck Split. We are now only about 5 days ahead of the median date for shuck split. Pears are late bloom/Petal Fall. Red Delicious was about Full Bloom on 4/25. Cherries are about full Bloom. [Read more…]
Evaluating Freeze Damage in Tree Fruit: The subfreezing temperatures on the morning of April 17 Caused injury at varying levels across the state. Lows ranged from 27-30 in southern counties. Much is the damage is now visible. Any physiological damage that is not visible now will appear as the season progresses. A helpful guide for evaluating fruit damage can be in the Intermountain Tree Fruit Production Guide.
Tree Fruit Phenology: Tree Fruit Phenology remains advanced, but development is slowing. In southern counties all peach orchards are late bloom to early Shuck Split. Redhaven was at approximately full bloom on March 30, and was at Petal Fall by April 14. Peach bloom has been very long this year. Plums are past shuck fall. Pears are late bloom/Petal Fall. Red Delicious is pink to 50% bloom. Cherries are at 50% bloom. [Read more…]
