Tree Fruit Phenology:

Tree Fruit Phenology is advanced. In southern counties some early blooming varieties are at Pink with a few blossoms open. Redhaven was at Bud swell on March 9, and is pre-pink. This is among the earliest observation for this stage over the past 20 years. Only two years were close: 2002 and 2012. In those years full bloom occurred on April 10 and March 27 respectively. This year is more like 2012 than 2002. Plums are in bloom and Pears are nearing Green Cluster. Red Delicious is at Silver Tip while the typically more advanced cultivars such as Granny Smith are at Green Tip. So with that said its time to start applying delayed dormant and blossom protection applications. [Read more…]

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. [Read more…]

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. [Read more…]

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 dessicates (sometime between petal fall and shuck split). [Read more…]