In this issue
Tree fruit news
§ Monitoring and management strategies for the apple maggot
§ Monitoring and management strategies for cherry fruit fly
§ Glyphosate damage in apple and cherry orchards
§ American brown rot control in cherries
§ High density apple orchard tour
Small fruit news
§ Monitoring and management strategies for blueberry maggot
§
Grape IPM Workshop July 24 in Scottdale,
§ NW Grape IPM Update “First Friday” meeting
§ Strawberry black root rot and renovation meeting
Other news
§ Controlling Japanese beetles in fruit crops
§ New disaster program requires crop insurance
§
Update of
§ Regional reports
§ Weather news
Next issue July 22
John Wise, MSU Trevor Nichols Research Complex
David Epstein, IPM Program
Larry Gut, Entomology
Luís Teixeira, Entomology
Apple maggot overwinter as pupae and are developmentally
ready to emerge as adults in early summer (900 growing degree-days base 50). Adult
fly emergence is often delayed however, if soils are dry. Peak emergence
generally occurs between 1400 and 1700 growing degree-days, but is highly
dependent on site-specific weather conditions. Much of the
Monitoring adult apple
maggot flight is the key to effective management of this pest. Adult activity
can be monitored using yellow sticky boards with ammonium bait, or a red sphere
trap covered with an adhesive and baited with synthetic fruit volatile. The
yellow trap is most useful during the pre-oviposition period when newly emerged
females are actively feeding. The red sphere trap is effective throughout the
season because it mimics the ripening fruit that flies are attracted to during
egg laying. Comparisons of the two trap types in
Identifying apple maggots generally requires the use of a 10X hand lens. Adults are dark flies, approximately six mm in length. The most characteristic feature of the fly is the dark pattern on their wings (Figure 1). These wing-banding patterns are used to differentiate between fruit fly species. The apple maggot has four distinct black bands toward the wing tips, as seen in this illustration. Further identifying characteristics for the apple maggot include a white spot on the back of the thorax, and white bands across the top of the abdomen.
The greater the number of traps deployed per block, the greater the confidence level in basing treatment decisions on fly catch. Place at least two traps along borders that historically have been a source of infestation. Proper trap maintenance is crucial to trap effectiveness. Leaves, twigs, other insects and debris can foul the adhesive over time. Remove debris and insects each time traps are checked. The adhesive should then be evenly redistributed. In determining control treatment timing, on-farm fly catches should be used in conjunction with regional trapping information. Basing treatment decisions solely on regional information may lead to unnecessary insecticide applications. If you employ a good trapping program, a control treatment for apple maggot is not warranted until flies are captured on your farm. If flies are trapped on-farm, and a regional trap catch was recorded prior to the on-farm fruit fly capture, the treatment should be timed based on the earlier regional capture. This conservative approach is the best way to ensure that the control is applied prior to egg hatch. Chemical control of apple maggot is focused almost entirely on the adult, with the goal of preventing egg laying.
Upon emergence there is an eight to ten day period before female flies begin to lay eggs. During this time they are searching for nutritional sources needed to become sexually mature. After female flies complete this pre-oviposition period and have mated, they will lay eggs just under the skin of ripening fruit with a needle-like ovipositor, making visual detection of the puncture wound difficult to distinguish from lenticels on the apple surface. Fly larvae, called maggots, hatch from eggs within a week and begin to feed in the flesh of the fruit. Maggot infestations will sometimes cause fruit to abort, but often the fruit will hang till harvest. Mature maggots drop out of fruit and enter the ground, where they pupate, starting the next generation’s life cycle.
Control of the apple maggot has been traditionally achieved
with organophosphate insecticides, like Guthion and Imidan, but some label and
processor restrictions may limit their use near harvest. Carbamate and
synthetic pyrethroid compounds like Lannate and Asana are also toxic to adult
fruit flies, but are generally viewed to be moderately effective because they
have a shorter field residual. There are several new reduced-risk and
OP-replacement insecticide products that includes apple maggot on their labels.
The neonicotinoids Calypso, Clutch, Provado and Assail are labeled for apple
maggot control. All three have performed well against apple maggots in small
plot field-performance trials. Calypso and Assail have also performed well in
on-farm trials conducted in
GF120 NF Fruit Fly Bait (spinosad) is registered on pome fruits for control of apple maggot and is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production. Because the primary route of entry is through ingestion, applying this product during the fruit fly pre-oviposition period is important for optimal performance. GF120 must be applied with specialized equipment, and is designed for low-volume application by air. Field efficacy data is encouraging, but we have limited experience with this novel tool to date.
The use of Surround WP for fruit fly control is based on creating a protective barrier between the plant and the pest that 1) reduces host recognition of the pest, and 2) prevents adult oviposition (egg-laying). Because it is not toxic to adult flies like conventional contact poisons, complete coverage of the plant is critical. Multiple applications are typically needed to attain initial coverage; further sprays may be necessary to respond to wash-off from rain or excessive wind. Field trials indicate that when adequate coverage is maintained, excellent fruit protection can be achieved.
|
Compound trade name |
Chemical class |
Optimal spray timing for apple maggot begins |
Residual activity |
** Mite Flaring Potential |
Effectiveness rating*** |
|
Guthion, Imidan |
Organophosphate |
7-10 days after the first fly is captured |
14+ days |
L - M |
E |
|
Lannate, Sevin |
Carbamate |
7-10 days after the first fly is captured |
5-7 days |
M - H |
G |
|
Asana, Warrior, Danitol, Decis, Mustang Max, Baythroid, Battalion |
Pyrethroid |
7-10 days after the first fly is captured |
7-10 days |
H |
F-G |
|
SpinTor, Entrust*, Delegate, GF120 NF* |
Spinosyn |
Immediately after the first fly has been captured |
7-10 days |
L |
F |
|
Assail, Calypso, Clutch |
Neonicotinoid |
7-10 days after the first fly is captured |
10-14 days |
M |
E |
|
Surround WP* |
Particle Film Protectant |
Multiple applications before fly emergence |
As long as thorough coverage of the tree canopy is maintained |
L |
E |
* OMRI approved for organic production
** Pollinator/Parasitoid Toxicity rating; S – relatively safe, L – low toxicity, M – moderate toxicity, H – Highly Toxic.
*** Effectiveness rating of insecticides (2007 Fruit Management Guide, MSUE bulletin E-154); E – excellent, G – good, F – fair.
John Wise, MSU Trevor Nichols Research Complex
Nikki Rothwell, MSU Northwest Horticulture Research Station
David Epstein, IPM Program
Larry Gut, Entomology
Luís Teixeira, Entomology
Cherry fruit fly overwinter as pupae and are developmentally
ready to emerge as adults in late spring. Adult fly emergence depends on soil
heat accumulation. Peak emergence is highly dependent on site-specific weather
conditions. Much of the
Monitoring adult cherry fruit fly flight is the key to effective management of this pest. Adult activity can be monitored using yellow sticky boards with ammonium bait. The yellow trap is most useful during the pre-oviposition period when newly emerged females are actively feeding. Traps should be placed on the south-facing side of the top of the canopy of trees in perimeter rows because most flies are expected to be immigrating from wild hosts outside the orchard. The native host of cherry fruit fly is wild black cherry. Optimally, traps should be checked twice weekly until the first fly is captured, then once a week thereafter to indicate the end of the flight.
Identifying cherry fruit fly generally requires the use of a 10X hand lens. Adults are gray flies, approximately five mm in length. The most characteristic feature of the fly is the dark pattern on their wings with a broken band at the tip (Figure 1). These wing-banding patterns are used to differentiate between fruit fly species.
The greater the number of traps deployed per block, the greater the confidence level in basing treatment decisions on fly catch. Place at least two traps along borders that historically have been a source of infestation. Proper trap maintenance is crucial to trap effectiveness. Over time, the adhesive can be fouled by leaves, twigs, other insects and debris. Remove debris and insects each time traps are checked. The adhesive should then be evenly redistributed. In determining control treatment timing, on-farm fly catches should be used in conjunction with regional trapping information. Basing treatment decisions solely on regional information may lead to unnecessary insecticide applications. If you employ a good trapping program, a control treatment for cherry fruit fly is not warranted until flies are captured on your farm. If flies are trapped on-farm, and a regional trap catch was recorded prior to the on-farm fruit fly capture, the treatment should be timed based on the earlier regional capture. This conservative approach is the best way to ensure that the control is applied prior to the flies reaching reproductive maturity and beginning to lay eggs. Chemical control of cherry fruit fly is focused almost entirely on the adult, with the goal of preventing egg-laying.
Upon emergence there is an 10-12 day period before female flies begin to lay eggs. During this time, they are searching for nutritional sources needed to become sexually mature. After female flies complete this pre-oviposition period and have mated, they will seek out fruit for egg-laying. They lay eggs just under the skin of ripening fruit with a needle-like ovipositor, making visual detection of the puncture wound difficult to distinguish from lenticels on the apple surface. Fly larvae, called maggots, hatch from eggs within a week and begin to feed in the flesh of the fruit. Mature maggots drop out of fruit and enter the ground, where they pupate, starting the next generation’s life cycle.
Control of the cherry fruit fly has been traditionally achieved with organophosphate insecticides, like Guthion and Imidan (phytotoxic on sweet cherries), but some label and/or processor restrictions may limit their use near harvest. Carbamate and synthetic pyrethroid compounds like Lannate and Asana are also toxic to adult fruit flies, but are generally viewed to be moderately effective because they have a shorter field residual. There are several new reduced-risk and OP-replacement insecticide products that include cherry fruit fly on their labels. The neonicotinoids Actara, Provado and Assail are labeled for cherry fruit fly control. All three have performed well against cherry fruit fly in small plot field-performance trials. The Spinosyn compounds Delegate and Delegate are active on cherry fruit fly, but their need for ingestion by adult flies requires excellent spray coverage.
GF120 NF Fruit Fly Bait (spinosad) is registered on pome fruits for control of cherry fruit fly and is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production. Because the primary route of entry is through ingestion, applying this product during the fruit fly pre-oviposition period is important for optimal performance. GF120 must be applied with specialized equipment, and is designed for low-volume application. The bait is not rainfast and should be re-applied after rain or heavy dew. Field efficacy data is encouraging, but we have limited experience with this novel tool to date.
The use of Surround WP for fruit fly control is based on creating a protective barrier between the plant and the pest that 1) reduces host recognition of the pest, and 2) prevents adult oviposition (egg-laying). Because it is not toxic to adult flies like conventional contact poisons, complete coverage of the plant is critical. Multiple applications are typically needed to attain initial coverage; further sprays may be necessary to respond to wash-off from rain or excessive wind. Field trials indicate that when adequate coverage is maintained, excellent fruit protection can be achieved.
As a final management note, having fly populations infesting
fruit that remain on the tree after harvest may be problematic because resident
populations represent a source of infestation the following year. Growers with
known high fly captures or fruit
|
Compound trade name |
Chemical class |
Optimal spray timing for apple maggot Begins |
Residual activity |
** Mite Flaring Potential |
Effectiveness rating*** |
|
Guthion, Imidan |
Organophosphate |
7-10 days after the first fly is captured |
14+ days |
L - M |
E |
|
Lannate, Sevin |
Carbamate |
7-10 days after the first fly is captured |
5-7 days |
M - H |
G |
|
Asana, Warrior, Baythroid, Ambush |
Pyrethroid |
7-10 days after the first fly is captured |
7-10 days |
H |
F-G |
|
Delegate, Entrust*, GF120 NF* |
Spinosyn |
Immediately after the first fly has been captured |
7-10 days |
L |
F |
|
Assail, Actara, Provado |
Neonicotinoid |
7-10 days after the first fly is captured |
10-14 days |
M |
E |
|
Surround WP* |
Particle Film Protectant |
Multiple applications before fly emergence |
As long as thorough coverage of the tree canopy is maintained |
L |
E |
* OMRI approved for organic production
** Pollinator/Parasitoid Toxicity rating; S – relatively safe, M – moderate toxicity, H – Highly Toxic.
*** Effectiveness rating of insecticides (2007 Fruit Management Guide, MSUE bulletin E-154); E – excellent, G – good, F – fair.
Nikki Rothwell, District Horticulturist, NWMHRS
Mark Longstroth, SW District Fruit Educator
Bill Shane, District Horticulturist, SWMREC
Amy Irish-Brown, District Fruit ICM Educator, CHES
We have seen glyphosate (Round-Up) damage to cherry and apple trees over the past few weeks. In most cases, damage was to young trees, but we have found damage on 15 to 20-year-old tart cherries. Glyphosate damage is easily recognized; the leaves on a branch or the whole tree are small and narrow with a light yellow or pale green color. The leaves may be so narrow they resemble conifer-type needles rather than broad leaves. This type of foliage has been described as having “mouse-ear” leaves. If growers see glyphosate damage on either a branch or a whole tree, the symptoms give the plant an unhealthy and stressed appearance.
The damage showing up this spring probably occurred with late summer-early fall glyphosate applications.
This is the time when trees are storing reserves in the roots for next year’s growth. The activity of glyphosate on weeds is the same in fruit trees: the product must be applied to green tissue to be effective. Glyphosate does not move through the roots via soil application because glyphosate is quickly tied up by soil particles. To have glyphosate damage in fruit trees, the product must have contacted the tree itself, either directly sprayed onto a branch or the trunk, or by drift of spray droplets. Glyphosate contact in the latter part of the season causes the tree to take up the herbicide and translocate it to the roots, storing it with the carbohydrates. In spring, the tree moves its reserves, including the herbicide back to the canopy, and symptoms become visible on the foliage.
Spring damage symptoms can often be explained by one of the following: 1) glyphosate is applied to young trees ( less than third leaf), 2) applications of glyphosate are made late in the season, or 3) when applications are made without a proper weed boom or other tree protection strategies at later application timings.
The general rule of thumb for timing glyphosate is to apply no later than July. This date is variable depending on yearly weather conditions affecting tree bark development and nutrient movement inside the tree. A glyphosate application date in one year may be problematic in another season under a different set of weather conditions. Applications of glyphosate are not recommended for apple trees younger than the third leaf. Use of a non-porous tree wrap or even water-based latex paint will help prevent glyphosate uptake by young bark. Lastly, if growers decide to apply this herbicide later than July, a shield-protected boom on the weed sprayer is necessary, but not foolproof. Growers who are using glyphosate sprays only to control weeds in the tree row need to be especially mindful of sprays on the lower trunk that may be absorbed by young suckers or even by older bark.
Many products with the glyphosate active ingredient are now on the market, and these different formulations could be compounding the recent problems. Use of formulations containing surfactants with aggressive uptake properties may be enhancing glyphosate problems in fruit orchards Dr. Christy Sprague of the MSU Crop and Soil Sciences Department wrote a nice article that will help decipher some of the new formulations in order to minimize damage. Although this article was written for those in the row crop arena, it is still valuable for explaining differences in new products and formulations. See the June 9, 2005, Field Crop Advisory Team Alert at: http://www.ipm.msu.edu/CAT05_fld/FC06-09-05.htm#4.
American brown rot management is becoming increasingly important as the sugar content in the fruit begins to build and cherries begin to color. Spore production is greater between 59°F and 74°F than at cooler temps, and the optimal temperature for infection is between 67°F and 77°F. Although injury to the fruit may lead to increased infection, the brown rot fungus readily infects when no wound or fruit-to-fruit contact is present. Under ideal conditions, spore production can occur within as few as three days, allowing for epidemic outbreaks after a very short period of time.
American brown rot management includes the application of a fungicide two to three weeks before harvest, with subsequent applications every five to ten days. The spray interval is highly dependent on weather conditions and inoculum level. The fungicides labeled for the control of brown rot are listed in the table below. Just a reminder, most of these fungicides are sterol inhibitors (with the exception of Pristine) and therefore do not have activity again cherry leaf spot.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rufus Isaacs, Entomology
John Wise, MSU Trevor Nichols Research Complex
The blueberry maggot
goes through one generation per year, over-wintering as a pupa below the soil
surface. Most pupae emerge one year after going into the soil, though depending
on climatic conditions a small proportion will remain as pupae through another
year or two before emerging. Adult emergence typically begins in mid- to late
June with adult flight continuing through August. First adult emergence can be
predicted by using a Growing Degree Day (GDD) model, because adult fly emergence
should begin at 750 DD base 50. Actual emergence can be delayed if the soils
are dry, as pupae usually respond more readily to a moist environment. Thus,
initial adult emergence often follows a rainfall event in late June and in July.
After emergence, female flies require approximately seven to ten days to become
sexually mature and mate, at which point they will begin laying eggs. Eggs are
oviposited under the skin of ripening blueberries, with a single egg deposited
per fruit. Eggs hatch in about five days, at which point the maggot begins
feeding, completing their development within a single berry. Upon maturity, the
maggot drops to the ground, burrowing up to several inches into the soil before
pupating. In
Monitoring adult blueberry maggot flight is the foundation of an effective protection program for blueberries against this pest. Initial adult emergence is best monitored using yellow sticky boards baited with ammonium acetate (or ammonium carbonate) as a food attractant, because newly emerged females are actively feeding during this pre-oviposition period. These traps should be placed on a stake or hung on an upper branch of a blueberry bush in a perimeter row (south facing side of bushes) with enough foliage cleared from around the trap so leaves don’t stick to it. Hang traps with the colored side down in a V-orientation (see photo). Traps should be deployed before the first anticipated flight in late June, since most flies are expected to be immigrating from wild or non-sprayed hosts outside the commercial planting. If a resident fly population is suspected from previous infestation, a trap placed inside the field is a good idea to detect internal infestations. Traps optimally should be checked twice weekly starting at 700 GDD base 50 until the first fly is caught, triggering fruit protection activities.
After the pre-oviposition period is complete, female flies will begin actively searching for fruit to lay eggs in, and there is a trap available that mimics the visual stimulus of a fruit. A green sphere trap, baited with a synthetic fruit volatile lure can be used to monitor fly activity in fields. Again, these traps should be placed in perimeter rows of the field unless there is evidence of a resident population far in the interior.
Control of blueberry maggot has been achieved for many years using broad spectrum insecticides. These kill the adult fly on contact and prevent the insect surviving to the point of being able to lay eggs into the fruit. Guthion is highly active against blueberry maggot, with long residual activity and has a seven day pre-harvest interval. The organophosphates Malathion and Imidan are also active, with shorter pre-harvest intervals and potential for use closer to harvest. Carbamates such as Sevin and Lannate and the pyrethroids Asana and Danitol are moderately active on adult fruit flies. As a general rule, our trials in fruit crops against maggot flies have shown lower activity from the pyrethroid chemical class than from the organophosphates.
There are several new insecticide products that include
blueberry maggot on their labels. These include the neonicotinoids Provado and
Assail that are also active on Japanese beetle and aphids. Small plot trials of
these products have shown that they protect fruit from maggot infestation, and
in large-scale trials over four years in
GF120 NF Fruit Fly Bait (spinosad) is registered for control
of the blueberry maggot and is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute
(OMRI) for use in organic production. Because the primary route of entry into
the insect is through ingestion, applying this product during the fruit fly
pre-oviposition period is important for optimal performance. GF120 must be
applied with specialized equipment, and is designed for low-volume application
by air. Field efficacy data is encouraging, but we have limited experience with
this novel formulation in large-scale trials in
The use of Surround WP for fruit fly control is based on
creating a protective barrier between the plant and the pest that 1) reduces
host recognition of the pest, and 2) prevents adult oviposition (i.e.; egg
laying). Because it is not toxic to adult flies like conventional insecticides,
complete coverage of the plant is critical. Multiple applications are typically
needed to attain initial coverage; further sprays may be necessary to respond
to wash-off from rain or excessive wind. Field trials indicate that when adequate
coverage is maintained, excellent fruit protection can be achieved, although
the white residue makes this not suitable for fruit destined for the fresh
market.
|
Compound trade name |
Chemical class |
Optimal spray timing for BBM |
Residual activity |
Effectiveness rating** |
|
Guthion, Imidan |
Organophosphates |
Within 7 days of the first fly being captured |
14+ days |
E |
|
Malathion |
Organophosphates |
Within 7 days of the first fly being captured |
5-7 days |
G |
|
Lannate, Sevin |
Carbamates |
Within 7 days of the first fly being captured |
5-7 days |
G |
|
Asana, Danitol |
Pyrethroid |
Within 7 days of the first fly being captured |
7-10 days |
G |
|
SpinTor, Entrust*, Delegate, GF120 NF* |
Spinosyns |
Immediately after the first fly has been captured |
7-10 days |
F-G |
|
Provado, Assail |
Neonicotinoid |
Within 7 days of the first fly being captured |
10-14 days |
G-E |
|
Surround WP* |
Particle Film Protectant |
Multiple applications before fly emergence |
As long as thorough coverage of the canopy is maintained |
G |
* OMRI approved for organic production
** Effectiveness rating of insecticides Fruit Management Guide; E – excellent, G – good, F – fair.
Rufus Isaacs, Mark Longstroth, and Steve Van Timmeren
Entomology and
MSU will host an evening IPM workshop and barbeque for
southwest
Presenters will include members of the MSU Grape Team: Mark Longstroth, Steve Van Timmeren, Rufus Isaacs, Paolo Sabbatini, and Annemiek Schilder.
The Dongvillo farm is at the intersection of
This meeting is open to anyone with an interest in growing grapes, and it is free. Restricted Use Pesticide applicator credits will be available.
Mark your calendars! The pre-harvest IPM workshop will be
held on Thursday, August 28 at Lemon Creek Winery on
Rufus Isaacs and John Wise
Entomology
Japanese beetles have only one generation per year, but these
beetles emerge over a long period in July and August and they live for over 30
days. They feed on the foliage and fruit of various fruit crops grown in
Traps are sold widely for Japanese beetle monitoring and control. However, these insects are very easy to see so they can be monitored by looking on the crop – you will know when they are present from the feeding damage and the beetles. Traps are highly attractive and draw beetles to them over large distances, so putting a trap anywhere near your crop fields will draw beetles from the surrounding landscape. Many of the attracted beetles do not get trapped and end up laying eggs in the soil near the trap, so this creates a hot-spot for next season. The take-home message is that traps should be avoided because they will not help reduce Japanese beetle damage in fruit crops.
The carbamates Sevin and Lannate provide immediate kill of beetles present during the application. They are also stomach poisons, so if beetles eat treated foliage they will also receive a higher dose. This can be a good property for control of Japanese beetles since they eat so much that a strong dose of insecticide is taken up. Lannate has a short residual activity of a few days, whereas Sevin provides a week or more of protection. Sevin has a three or seven day PHI depending on the crop, and Lannate ranges from 3- 14 days. The organophosphates Guthion and Imidan (buffer Imidan to pH 6.0) both provide excellent lethal activity on adult beetles, although it can take a few days for their effects on Japanese beetles to be seen as the beetles take up the insecticide. They provide 10-14 days of activity, with three to 21 day PHI, depending on the crop. The pyrethroids Danitol, Asana, Brigade, Baythroid, Mustang Max, and Capture give instant knockdown and mortality of adult beetles, with 7-10 days of activity. It is important to remember that the pyrethroid class of insecticides is sensitive to hot and sunny conditions, so performance in mid-summer will be less than that expected in the spring. Beetles that do not receive a lethal dose of pyrethroid may also be repelled from treated fields, providing an additional mode for reducing infestation of crops. PHI’s for pyrethroid insecticides vary widely across crops, so check the label before use or consult the 2008 edition of the MSU Fruit Management Guide on pages 205-206 to compare PHI’s. To order, contact the MSUE Bulletin office at 517-353-6740
The labeling of the neonicotinoids Provado, Actara, Assail,
Venom, and Clutch for use in some fruit crops provides selective options for
Japanese beetle management. These insecticides provide two to five days of
lethal activity from the surface residues before being absorbed into the
foliage. Thereafter, beetles must eat treated foliage to get a dose of the
insecticide. Once inside the foliage, these locally-systemic insecticides are
rainfast and provide repellency and knockdown activity, but with much less
direct mortality from the residues. These neonicotinoids will also provide some
control aphids and leafhoppers. The rate of these insecticides allowed in
different crops will have a large impact on their effectiveness, and growers
should consider the higher end of the rate range to achieve control of Japanese
beetles. Most labels will provide guidance on the rate that is appropriate for
control of this pest. Avaunt has been labeled for use in grapes, with Japanese
beetle, grape berry moth and leafhoppers (suppression only) on the label.
Trials underway this season will determine its performance in
For growers looking for beetle control immediately before harvest or in organically grown fruit crops, some selective insecticides with zero day PHI’s can provide a tool to repel beetles and help achieve beetle-free fruit during harvest. Compounds containing neem (Azadirect, Ecozin, Neemix etc.) have a zero day PHI and pyrethrum (Pyganic) has a 12 hour PHI. These compounds are labeled for organic use, and have a short but effective impact on adult Japanese beetles, with some mortality, some knockdown off the crop, and some repellent activity. Typically there is only one to two days of activity against beetles because the residues do not remain active for long. The non-organic form of Pyganic, called Evergreen, also has a 12 hour PHI, and is much more effective against Japanese beetle than Pyganic due to the addition of a chemical that inhibits the beetle’s ability to break down the insecticide. A final option for protection against Japanese beetle is Surround WP, a white clay material applied to create a white coating on the surface of foliage and fruit to provide protection against insects. When applied to provide a good coating (typically requiring two or more applications), Surround has performed very well against Japanese beetle in trials conducted in blueberry and grape. If considering this approach to Japanese beetle control, be aware that the white coating on the fruit may require some removal after harvest to make the fruit marketable. This may be challenging for some types of fruit. For example, in blueberries the white residue was removed well from the surface during processing but deposits in the calyx cup were not removed even after running berries through a typical wet processing line with food grade detergents.
Japanese beetles typically lay their eggs in moist grassy
areas and many fruit farms have a large amount of this highly suitable habitat.
An additional approach to reducing the impact of Japanese beetles in a farm is
to reduce the overall population by targeting the grub stage of this pest to
reduce the abundance of beetles in the following year. If the location of high
grub densities near fruit fields is known, these areas could be treated with a
soil insecticide to get maximum return on this treatment. Our experience in
Amy Irish-Brown
MSUE educator
The Farm Bill includes mandatory funding for the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) and a new permanent disaster program. Though funding for these programs will not start until next fiscal year (which begins October 1), producers will be allowed to file claims on the 2008 crop. In order to be eligible for these programs, producers must participate in the Federal Crop Insurance Program, or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. Recognizing that the registration date has passed, the Farm Bill legislation includes a mechanism for allowing growers who have not registered for a policy to do so now, thereby enabling them to participate in the disaster programs.
USDA is expected to issue a specific form for this purpose in the next few weeks. Registration will be handled by local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices which will also be promoting the program. The Farm Bill states that growers have 90 days from the enactment of the Farm Bill to sign up if they are not already in a program. According to the USDA, there are about 60 days left until that deadline runs out.
Apple growers who have not signed up for the apple crop insurance policy or CAT policy are strongly encouraged to do so once USDA comes out with the new application.
Paul Jenkins
Small Fruit Education Coordinator
When: Friday, July 11, 3:00-5:00 PM.
Where: Larry
Mawby’s vineyard,
Annemiek Schilder will lead a discussion on grape pathology issues
For more
information contact Paul Jenkins at: jenki132@msu.edu;
or 517-432-7751
The High Density Apple Orchard tour will be held on Thursday, July 10 from 1:00 PM. to 7:00 PM.
Please RSVP quickly to:
Donna at (800)-767-1345, Fax: 616-693-2317 or email: stewar28@msu.edu.
Carlos Garcia-Salazar;
MSUE educator
Bob Tritten; MSUE educator
When: July 10, 2008 – 6:00 to 8:00PM
Where: DeLange’s Redberry Farm,
Topics: Dr’s Annemiek Schilder and Jim Hancock of MSU have been working on
trying to piece together the strawberry black root rot complex or puzzle over
the last few years. Dr. Schilder established some plotwork at this farm that
she feels shows some real promise in understanding the nature of this
devastating strawberry disease, and some possible strategies for reducing its
severity in the future.
At this same
meeting, we will also review the strawberry renovation practices, including
weed control, fertilization, bed width, etc. This will not necessarily be a
farm tour, but a chance to look at some interesting plotwork and talk about
renovation. We also will look at fall red raspberries. A number of our MSU
Small Fruit Specialist Team members will be present for the meeting.
Directions to the
farm:
-From Hudsonville:
Three miles west of Hudsonville on
-From
Vera Bitsch
Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics
In January
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The past two weeks had highs in the low 70s to mid-80s and
lows in the 50s and 60s. Rainfall ranged from about three-quarters of an inch
in the south to two inches in the northern portion of the southwest district. Rainfall
totals starting January 1 until now range from around 13 inches in
|
Grapes, from April 1
|
|||
|
Location |
GDD 42 |
GDD 45 |
GDD 50 |
GDD 50 |
|
1631 |
1380 |
1010 |
1004 |
|
|
1744 |
1483 |
1090 |
1085 |
|
|
1527 |
1279 |
915 |
911 |
|
San Jose scale crawler damage to fruit has been showing up more frequently in recent days. Mite numbers are increasing but not a problem in most sites. Japanese beetles emerged in high numbers in some areas this past weekend. Green apple aphid numbers are still building. Immature stinkbugs are becoming easier to find. Deer are feeding on growing terminal ends of young trees. A greater than normal incidence of deep suture of sweet and tart cherry fruit are being seen this year. This disorder occurs and may be due to hot weather in 2007 during the time fruit buds for 2008 were being formed.
The harvest of Goldrich apricot will begin in a few days.
Peaches are about
1.75 to 2.25 inches in diameter. Harvest of ‘Phil’s Pride’ a local white peach
and the first for the season will begin in a few days followed by PF-1. Revised
informal guesstimates for fresh market peaches for southwest
Sweet cherry harvest is in full swing with mid-season varieties such as ‘Schmidt’ and ‘Hedelfingen’ being picked in some places. Brown rot and cherry leaf spot are relatively rare, however the green/brown felt-like symptoms of alternaria fruit rot are increasing, especially on fully mature fruit. Some fruit cracking has occurred, but is generally not a problem.
Tart cherry fruit
coloring has been slowed by cool weather. Fruit on the outside of trees are red
with most interior fruit ranging from straw colored to nearly full red. Mechanical
harvests took place on Monday, July 7. Recent rains resulted in a cherry leaf spot infection. Few
cherry leaf spot symptoms have been reported. Eastern cherry fruit fly was caught the last week of June in
Plums are an inch or more in diameter and the pits are hard. Shoot growth has stopped and growers no longer need to protect against black knot. Plum trees need to be protected from the peach tree borers. Growers should scout for white apple and potato leafhoppers.
Apples are 1.7 to 2.3 inches in diameter. Apple scab and fire blight infections are easier to find, but overall these diseases are relatively light. There has been little fire blight oozing due to the dry conditions. Trap catch for codling moth has declined to near zero for most orchards. Codling moth larvae can be found in the fruit. We are now more than halfway through egg hatch for the second generation. We expect apple maggot to be flying after the recent rains and apple maggot traps should be out. Obliquebanded leafroller larvae are hatching and feeding on leaves and fruit. Scouting for small larvae with brown to black head capsules is needed to determine need for control measures. Spotted tentiform leafminer trap catches are high. Two mines per leaf is the damage threshold for this generation. White apple leafhoppers are scarce. European red mites and apple rust mites are causing bronzing in a few locations. Red spots on apple fruit due to San Jose scale crawlers are showing up in a few orchards. Careful monitoring at this point can indicate whether a spray is needed to prevent significant fruit damage. Green aphid populations are climbing. Young trees should be examined for potato leafhopper. Dogwood borer moth began emerging in mid-June, indicating the need for trunk sprays in orchards with burr knots attractive to the insect.
Pears are about 1.5 inches in diameter with June drop ending. Pear psylla numbers are generally low. Fire blight can be seen in the area, but is not generally a problem.
Blueberry harvest
began last week\ with the harvest of
Grapes are at or approaching berry touch. Concord
grape berries are predicted to be at half of their final weight at 1200 GDD
(Base 50F) past April 1. The current GDD sum is approximately 1000 to 1100, and
warmer locations will reach 1200 by the weekend. Many growers have already
applied their second post bloom spray. Grape leafhoppers are
scarce. Wine grapes need to be
protected from potato
leafhoppers. Wine grapes need to be protected from potato leafhoppers. Grape berry moth trap
catches are down indicating the end of the first generation. Larval stings can
be found on some berries. Fungicides in the post bloom period should target all
four major fruit diseases; powdery
mildew, downy mildew,
black rot and phomopsis.
Strawberry harvest has ended and growers have begun renovation.
Raspberry and blackberry harvest is underway. Some fruiting canes are collapsing due to disease or winter injury. Growers should be prepared to protect against Japanese beetles. Primocanes in fall bearing raspberries are about three feet tall.
Cranberry bloom is ending and there are pinhead fruit.
The next Monday Fruit Update
meeting will be in two weeks on Monday,
July 21 at the Fruit Acres Farm in
The annual
Viticulture Day at the Southwest Michigan Research and
Typical summer-like weather has occurred over the last two
weeks with a good amount of heating and precipitation. Most of east
|
Location |
GDD42 |
GDD45 |
GDD50 |
|
Commerce ( |
1639 |
1385 |
1006 |
|
Emmett (St Clair) |
1599 |
1358 |
988 |
|
|
1631 |
1381 |
1026 |
|
Lapeer (Lapeer) |
1621 |
1374 |
1008 |
|
|
1726 |
1464 |
1079 |
|
Romeo ( |
1667 |
1412 |
1029 |
Apples continue to size very nicely, with most being in the range 1.5 to 1.75 inches, and some, such as ‘Honeycrisp’, now at two inches. A slight amount of apple drop continues in many blocks. Growers are continuing to hand thin apples in a few blocks, however most are pretty well set for the season. Deer browsing damage is more prevalent than the last five years.
Apple maggot emergence occurred last week, most likely as a result of rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday. Remember that apple maggot will spend a little over a week feeding in trees before beginning egg laying. Codling moth trap catches have been all over the board these last few weeks. A few blocks have seen increased trap catch, and most have seen a decrease. I have even seen a few larvae in fruit. So, where we are currently at with codling moth is a bit of a mystery if I look at trap catch numbers across the region. There is a chance that the A and B flights have been compressed with more moths flying over a longer time. A few blocks biofixed last week for the second generation.
Oriental fruit moth trap catch is generally low, ranging from zero to eight per trap. I have seen a few obliquebanded leafroller larvae, and trap catch remains low. I am continuing to catch obliquebanded leafrollers in codling moth traps. Japanese beetle have been seen in a few more apple blocks than a few weeks ago, they are mostly feeding on viney vegetation on the orchard floor. Rose chafers were also reported at a few farms. Green apple aphids are pretty well under control in most varieties, however there are a few exceptions where they have been found on fruit. Generally, predators have taken most of them out. Spotted tentiform leafminer adults are on the rise for the second generation flight. Dogwood borer adults continue to be seen, however there numbers are generally low. Potato leafhopper has been doing some leaf curling and yellowing apple foliage in a few blocks; they need to be watched closely. White apple leafhopper numbers remain low across the region. European red mites are above threshold in just a few blocks of apples; predators are doing a good job of controlling them in most blocks. Two spotted spider mite adults and eggs are hit and miss with most blocks being well below threshold. Apple rust mites continue to be seen, however the numbers are generally low. I am seeing a good number of predators over the last two weeks. Most notably are high populations of green and brown lacewings.
A few growers are reporting new strikes of fireblight, particularly in the thumb area. Apple scab is generally under control across the region, however I am still seeing what I believe are a few active lesions out there. Some light amounts of cedar apple rust are also starting to be seen. Sooty blotch and flyspeck control needs to begin at most farms.
Pears are currently at 1.375 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Generally at this time of year, pears don’t size very rapidly. Fireblight has also been seen in pears over the last two weeks, with some blocks being hit heavily. Fabraea leaf spot continues to be seen in a few blocks of pears.
Peaches are mostly in the range of 1.5 to 1.625 inches in diameter. A few growers are starting to see rose chafer adults in peach foliage, however they are not feeding on fruit. Oriental fruit moth trap catches are generally down in peaches across the region. X-disease is being seen commonly in many peach blocks across the region. Bacterial spot of foliage and fruit continues to be seen in a few blocks.
Sweet cherry harvest is on the downhill side or wrapping up across the region at most farms. Where sweet cherries are present, most farms had a pretty good crop. Fruit quality was excellent this year, and up until the rain event of last week, cracking was generally minimal. Cherry fruit fly trap catch has been very heavy in a few blocks of sweet cherries over the last two weeks. Remember that once emergence occurs, cherry fruit fly will spend eight or ten days feeding in the trees before laying eggs. I think that most sweet cherry growers will be pretty much done with sweet cherry harvest when larvae will be present.
Tart cherry harvest is well underway across the region as well. Fruit quality appears to be very good. Brown rot has been reported in a few blocks of tart cherries.
Plums continue to size fairly well with most being in the range of 1.0 to 1.125 inches in diameter. I have seen a few plum curculio larvae in plums over the last week. Black knot is also starting to be seen in some of the more susceptible plum varieties.
Strawberry harvest is pretty well wrapped up across the region. Growers are now beginning the renovation process; I encourage growers to begin renovation quickly as strawberry harvest concludes. I have seen a few strawberry blocks where two-spotted spider mites were a bit of a concern, however with the renovation process that should break their life cycle fairly effectively for the rest of the season. Most strawberry growers reported an excellent strawberry crop this year with a long season. There was excellent demand for pick-your-own-strawberries this year. Newly planted strawberries are continuing to runner well, some have filled the row.
Raspberry harvest is underway for some of the early fruiting summer red and black raspberries. Harvest will begin on other varieties in about five to seven days. I also started to see some sunburn in some plantings. Fall red raspberries are about 24 to 30 inches in length, and appear to be growing quite well. Raspberry cane borer are starting to be seen in a few blocks of fall red raspberries. Japanese beetles are beginning to feed in foliage of raspberries. There is some anthracnose in raspberries this season.
Blueberries continue more toward harvest. The early varieties are now turning a pink color. I have not had any reports of blueberry maggot trap catch, however my trapping is limited to just a few farms. I suspect that since we have seen apple maggot emergence, that blueberry maggot emergence has occurred as well. If emergence occurred late last week as a result of rainfall, that would mean that control measures need to be applied in about five days or so.
Phil Schwallier
Amy Irish Brown
Carlos Garcia-Salazar
Degree day totals continue to run right about at normal average accumulations for this time of the year. We are currently at only a half of a day behind the normal average. Trees are growing nicely with all the rains over the past two or three weeks, and all tree fruits appear to be sizing well. Sweet cherry harvest is quickly coming to an end, it looks like yields will be much reduced this year due to many factors from winter injury to spring frosts, heavy rains and fruit cracking.
With the storms that moved through the area last Wednesday, July 2, we expect to start seeing initial trauma blight symptoms start to show up later this week. It usually takes about nine or ten days at normal temperatures to start seeing the initial wilting of tissue. We’re hoping we don’t see any, but you should be on the look out for it.
A regional biofix for codling moth was set on May 24. Our degree day accumulations since then are right around 670 for most stations, that puts us past peak egg hatch, but cover sprays need to still be maintained for another 10 days or so.
We’ve accumulated about 560 DD base 42 since the regional biofix on June 14 for obliquebanded leafrollers. This indicates that egg hatch is well underway and small larvae should start to be found at any time in apple blocks.
Japanese beetles have started to show up in the southern areas of the Ridge and are expected in areas to the north at any time.
Controls for green apple aphids and both white apple leafhopper nymphs and potato leafhoppers should be considered if they are present in your blocks.
All stages of European red mites, from eggs to adults can be found, but populations seem to be in check in most blocks. The heavy rains lately have probably helped with that. Continue to monitor mites closely.
By the end of this week or over the weekend, we will probably accumulated enough degree days base 45 from my May 8 regional biofix to get to the beginning of egg hatch for the second generation of Oriental fruit moth. Cover sprays in peaches and plums will need to be started again by the weekend to prevent feeding damage to fruits and shoots. Be sure you double check the PHI of the materials you are using as we get closer to harvest.
No apple maggots have been trapped or reported, but the heavy rains lately could drive them out of the soil. Traps need to be up, if they aren’t already.
Be sure to add something in for summer diseases, both sooty blotch and fly speck could start to show up at anytime. By adding fungicides for summer diseases, you prevent the expression of these diseases.
The weekly rain pattern continues. The region has received more than half of the normal precipitation for the month in only two wetting events. Temperatures were mainly into the 70s with the exception of the last two days, when they began inching up into the low 80s. The night temperatures stayed into the 40s and 50s. Soil moisture is satisfactory.
Fruit is sizing well. Apples
are more than an inch in diameter. It appears that there are more apples than
originally anticipated in the southern parts of the district (
|
|
|
|
|
Rainfall in last week |
Rainfall since April 1 |
|
Hart |
1432 |
1193 |
841 |
2.37 |
12.34 |
|
Ludington |
1353 |
1119 |
774 |
1.57 |
15.02 |
|
Manistee |
1408 |
1173 |
830 |
2.00 |
14.97 |
Rain and high humidity are conducive to disease development. Fireblight symptoms are becoming very visible throughout the area after the trauma events in the past few weeks. It is more common in the blocks with the history of the problem, though they could be found elsewhere as well. Blocks treated with Apogee are in much better shape and are not showing nearly as many shoot strikes. There are a few blocks with apple scab symptoms. Most growers have done a very good job controlling the primary. Powdery mildew is starting to take hold throughout the area in apples, cherries and peaches. The frequency of cherry leaf spot infections has increased in the last couple of weeks. There is an ongoing infection at the time of this report.
Insect activity is still quite high. Codling moth numbers have gone up since last week. The degree-day model indicates that codling moths have past peak egg-laying and are nearing the end of first-generation emergence. American plum borer numbers are showing an overall down-trend, though there has been a slight increase in trap catches compared to last week. There is no significant change in greater peach tree borer trap catch numbers since last week; they have stayed about the same. Lesser peach tree borer numbers have doubled in a week’s time. Obliquebanded leafrollers are at the peak egg-hatching. Small larvae are being found throughout the area. Trap catches have dropped from 22.7 to eight moths per trap. Since the second-generation biofix on June 22, Oriental fruit moth numbers are on the rise. First sprays for the second-generation control are being applied this week. Cherry fruit fly numbers are still relatively low, only one cherry fruit fly per trap. There has been no report of apple maggot catches yet. There are increased numbers of aphids, Japanese beetles, leaf hoppers and tarnished plant bugs throughout the area.
Nikki Rothwell
Duke Elsner, Erin
Lizotte, Rob Sirrine
GDD42 1400
GDD50 816
Apples are at 30-35 mm.
Sweet cherries: Hedelfingen and Napoleon have 19 mm fruit. Gold has 18 mm fruit.
Tart cherries: Montmorency has 18 mm fruit and Balaton has 19 mm fruit
Apricots have 30 mm fruit.
Plums are 25 mm.
Grapes are in buckshot.
The Fourth of July holiday weekend was perfect summer
weather!Temperatures were in the mid-70s to mid-80s. With these warm
temperatures, we have accumulated growing degree days (GDD) more quickly than
our past 2008 summer weekends. As of the morning of Tuesday, July 8, we have
accumulated 1400 GDD base 42 and 816 base 50. We are still considerably behind
where we were at the same time last season. A little over a quarter of an inch
of rain fell last Wednesday, and we received a small amount of rain on Monday
morning (less than 0.01-inch)at the NWMHRS. Areas in Benzie
and Manistee counties received much more rain: 2.5 - 4 inches. This morning,
July 8, there is high humidity, lots of mist, and very warm temperatures. There
were reports of hail this past Thursday in
Sweet cherry harvest has begun in southern areas in the region. By the end of the week, we anticipate most receiving stations to be at or moving toward full swing. The rain will be a challenge to fruit with frost scars and other weather-related damage. Tart cherries are beginning to color, and overall cherry size still seems on the small side so far this season. Apples are sizing well (30 - 35mm but due to hail and windy conditions, fire blight has been more prevalent than in past years. Strawberry harvest is winding down, and most growers have finished picking this season.
Cherries are ripening throughout the region, and the first few sweet cherry stands are popping up. As the fruit begins to color, and the weather warms and humidity soars, American brown rot continues to be a concern. Cherry leaf spot symptoms are becoming more noticeable, and some areas have relatively high pressure this year. We are also receiving grower reports of powdery mildew at high levels in area orchards. We have caught our second cherry fruit fly at the NWMHRS; these numbers are tremendously low compared to past years. Obliquebanded leafroller numbers are holding steady at the station trap line with about 25 per trap. Lesser peach tree borer is still emerging with 10-15 per trap; this week only one American plum borer was caught. Greater peach tree borers are continuing to emerge with an average of three moths per trap at the station.
We are seeing symptoms of scab throughout the region, and as late as last week, we saw new infections developing on leaves. Symptoms of fire blight are becoming more obvious, with some area orchards exhibiting signs of relatively new infections. Infected shoots should be pruned out as soon as possible to prevent further spread and trauma blight infections later in the season. Codling moth numbers are still relatively high with 22-31 per trap at the station. Obliquebanded leafroller numbers are still around 20 per trap, and spotted tentiform leafminer are on the rise again with nine to 59 per trap. We caught an average of five Oriental fruit moths per trap at the station.
Powdery mildew is being seen at low levels in area
vineyards. Potato leafhoppers and rose chafers are also at lower levels than
usual. Although rare in northwest
Aaron Pollyea
Geography
A cold front will pass through the state this afternoon and
evening producing showers and thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts could be more
then an inch in the
Temperatures during the next couple days will dip lower because of the passing cold front. Temperatures stay steady across the state until Friday when a general warming trend picks the temperatures up. On Friday, highs will be in the upper 70s in the north to upper 80s in the south. Lows will be in the low to mid-60s across the state. For the weekend, temperatures will be in the upper 70s in the north to upper 80s in the south.
The National Weather Service 6 ‑ 10 day outlook covering July 13 through July 17 calls for above normal temperatures and precipitation across the state. The outlook for the 8 - 14 day period (July 15 - 21) also calls for above normal temperatures and precipitation. The long term outlook shows that conditions for the rest of the month should be near normal with a gradual shift back to a more seasonable range in conditions.