Asian ladybeetles are less of a headache in 2002 |
At this time last year, I was receiving the first reports from grape and raspberry growers of ladybeetles feeding on fruit and causing problems at harvest. This year is quite different, with much lower populations of this insect across the region. Conditions were not as favorable for ladybeetle development this year, and the fall migration to houses is expected to be much lower. Reports from fruit growers and processors indicate that ladybeetles will be one less headache for this year. In response to the problems for fruit growers caused by ladybeetles in 2001, a team of MSU Extension entomologists produced fact cards and a website on the biology and management of this insect in homes and fruit crops. The website is available at: http://www.ipm.msu.edu/asianladybeetle.htm and packs of 100 fact cards can be ordered free from MSU Integrated Pest Management Program (see Multi-colored Asian lady beetle in fruit crops). Text from the webpage related to this beetle's biology and management in fruit crops is reprinted in this issue. |
Multi-colored Asian lady beetle in fruit crops |
BackgroundThe multi-colored Asian lady beetle is a beneficial insect that has become established throughout the eastern United States. Originally introduced to help manage tree fruit pests, it has become a nuisance for homeowners and for some agricultural crops. In recent years, it has caused problems for growers of fall-ripening fruit, who find the beetles on and in their fruit during harvest. However, this insect also helps fruit growers during the summer months when adults and larvae provide biological control of many soft-bodied insects, including aphids and leafhoppers. During the fall when the adult lady beetles begin to search for energy and sheltered sites for overwintering, fruit crops can provide both of these resources and large numbers of beetles can infest fall-ripening fruit. Raspberry, blackberry, grape, and peach are particularly affected. IdentificationAs their name suggests, adult Asian lady beetles can take on many different color forms, varying from yellow to orange and red. Their spots may be dark on the wing covers or they may be faded or absent. Even the number and size of the spots varies. Many beetles have a straw-colored pronotum (top covering of middle body part) with markings that fuse into a regular- to irregularly-shaped "M" if viewed from the front, or "W" if viewed from behind. (Pictured at left to show an "M") The adult beetles are approximately a quarter-inch long, with a domed, round to oval shape. They are similar to many of the native species of lady beetles that do not cause homeowners or fruit growers problems. Native lady beetle species typically overwinter in sheltered sites outdoors and do not seek homes during the fall. Immatures (larvae) are covered with tiny, flexible spines that do not sting. (See photo at right of larva eating aphids.) Their body is alligator-shaped and they can rapidly move over leaves and branches, where they eat aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Eggs are yellow, oval-shaped, and occur in clusters of about 20, usually on the undersides of leaves. BiologyThe multi-colored Asian lady beetle is similar to native lady beetles in many ways. It also feeds on soft-bodied insects such as aphids and leafhoppers. However, some of its habits are different from those of native species. To find out more, including how to distinguish the introduced species from our native lady beetles, visit our web page about biology. DamageFruit growers and MSU Extension agents first reported direct feeding damage by adult Asian lady beetles in Michigan during fall 2001. The greatest number of reports was from fall raspberries and on over-ripe grapes in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, though the beetle is present through much of Michigan. It is still unclear whether the beetles are starting this damage or whether they are exploiting berries that have already been split for other reasons. Either way, their presence is most unwelcome at harvest. A more serious issue for growers selling fresh berries is the potential for contamination with adult Asian lady beetles. If berries are picked with beetles and then placed in cold storage, the beetles seem to move away from the cold, and this typically means that they burrow deeper into the berry. Once out on the fruit stand, beetles may warm up and fly out of the container, but they could also be bought and eaten. When disturbed, the adults release a noxious yellow-orange liquid from their legs. This is called reflex bleeding and is meant to prevent birds and other predators from eating the beetle. The defense secretion is extremely bitter and unpleasant tasting with a strong odor. Preventing beetles from being harvested is important to avoid contamination that can lead to customer complaints and off-flavors in juice or wine. Learning more about the biology of the Asian lady beetle can help in understanding how to prevent their infestation into a fruit planting, and this is briefly reviewed below. ManagementGrowers that find their fruit infested with a few adult beetles immediately before picking can instruct hand pickers to carefully avoid them. This may not be economically feasible on a large planting, however, and growers may have to resort to other tactics. Camphor and menthol have recently been shown to repel adult beetles, but their activity lasted for only a short time and no commercial formulations are yet available. Ladybeetles are efficient predators of pest insects for the majority of the growing season, and most chemical controls for this introduced beetle will also kill native predators. If beetles reach pest levels in a fruit planting before harvest, insecticides applied for other near-harvest pests may allow growers to achieve insect-free fruit during harvest. Pesticides applied for control of other beetle pests such as Japanese beetle are likely to control Asian lady beetle infestations. The waiting period restrictions will vary by crop, so the labels should be checked carefully before any product is used near to harvest, to allow pickers to re-enter and harvest to proceed. Pesticides should be applied only to infested areas to minimize chemical exposure and to avoid causing outbreaks of other plant-infesting pests because these products also kill beneficial insects. Many pesticides are labeled for use only by certified, licensed applicators that have received specialized training on the use and disposal of pesticides. These pesticides should not be applied by unlicensed homeowners, and at all times, their use should be in accordance with the label. Information cards about Asian lady beetle for distribution to U-Pick customers and othersWe have created information cards with color photos and a brief summary of the information offered at this web site. The cards fold in half to be "business card" size (3.5" X 2.25") and encourage people to visit this web site for updated additional information. Michigan fruit growers can call the MSU IPM Program (517-432-2203) or email pattersj@msue.msu.edu to request packets of 100 cards while supplies last. The cards can be distributed to farm market or U-Pick customers who have questions about the beetles. Click here to see a pdf file of the card. Similar information is available in this pdf file of an article that may be copied in newsletters (click here). |
Blueberry production in West Central Michigan: A preliminary diagnostic, field season 2002 |
The immediate goal of the program was to conduct a diagnostic overview to determine the challenges and opportunities for the small fruit industry of West Central Michigan. Since more than 90 percent of the small fruit industry in this region corresponds to blueberry production, special priority has been given to this crop. A preliminary analysis of the conditions of the West central Michigan blueberry industry identified two major factors seriously affecting blueberry production and productivity. One factor is the recurring late spring frosts. The second factor is road salt damage to blueberry fields alongside the major roads in West Central Michigan. Spring frost damage to blueberry fields across West Central MichiganThe consensus among growers and technical personnel is that spring frost damage and the short growing season are the main climatic factors limiting blueberry productivity in West Central Michigan. For example between 1995 and 2000 the average yield fluctuated between 2,725 and 4,250 pound per acre (six year average, 3,710 pounds/acre) well below the one observed in other blueberry growing regions (New Jersey and the West coast). We quantified the spring frost effect on blueberry production from March to May 2002 in 23 blueberry fields located in Ottawa County. The evaluation was conducted in frost-protected fields during the blueberry pre-bloom and bloom period in the varieties Bluecrop, Blueray and Duke. This evaluation was complemented with a questionnaire mailed to 180 blueberry growers in West Central Michigan. Preliminary results indicated that there were six frost events during the time period comprised between the early bloom (4/23, 4/26 and 5/4) and late bloom (5/17, 5/19, and 5/21). Previous to April 22, at 0.25 inches green stage winter damage to buds varied from 2 to 25 percent. At the time of the first frost events the varieties Bluecrop, Blueray and Duke were in early pink. A frost damage evaluation conducted after April 27 showed that 2 to 5 percent of all blossoms were damaged. A second evaluation conducted on May 15, after two more frost events showed only a slight increase in the accumulated frost damage averaging 2.7 percent. However, frost damage in Bluecrop unprotected blueberries adjacent to the protected areas was 36.7 percent, approximately. At the end of May, frost damage in early varieties ranged from 10 to 50 percent. However, the distribution of damage was scattered or concentrated along the edges of the field or in areas where the cold air remained trapped for longer time. The grower's frost control decision-making process played an important role in the extent of the frost damage. Basically, the grower's decision to turn on the overhead irrigation and the temperature at which the irrigation was turned on were critical to prevent serious frost damage. The response from 47 growers that answered the questionnaire showed that, on April 22, 26 and May 5, only 35.7, 37.2, and 59.6 percent of the growers with overhead irrigation used the irrigation system for frost protection. Frost control timing was another problem. Under conditions of low relative humidity (rH), less than 50 percent, the recommended temperature at which sprinkling irrigation should be started is around 37°F. However, if the rH is above 50 percent, the sprinkling may be started at 34°F. The results of the enquire showed that 38 percent of the growers that used the sprinkle irrigation for frost protection during the first frost event turned on the irrigation system when the temperature was above 34°F, the remaining did it when the temperature dropped below 32°F. During the third frost event, 26 percent turned the irrigation system on when the temperature was around 34°F and 74 percent did so when the temperature was around 32-33°F. Those that waited until the temperature was close to the freezing point to turn on the irrigation system suffered frost damage. As a result of this, early varieties like Bluecrop, Blueray, and Duke that were in the early pink growth stage at that time suffered 10 to 20 percent frost damage. However, in late season varieties such as Jersey, the damage was minimal. These preliminary results seem to confirm that late spring frosts are responsible in a part for the yearly fluctuation in blueberry yield. According to the Michigan Fruit Inventory 2000-2001, a 26.6 percent of the blueberry production area corresponds to the variety Bluecrop, the most affected variety by spring frosts. Early estimates for the size of the 2002 Michigan's blueberry crop published by the North America Blueberry Council indicate a 17 percent decrease in blueberry production in relation to the 2001 blueberry crop. Since most of the frost damage was confined to early varieties, mainly Bluecrop, this percentage nearly matches the frost damage we recorded in our field survey. Road salt damage to blueberry fields alongside the major highways in WC MichiganUrban sprawl in West Central Michigan has created a conflict between agricultural communities and urban dwellers that impose environmental changes amenable to urban life but very often detrimental for communities that depend on agricultural production. That is the case of the use of salt during the winter to de-ice the major highways across West Central Michigan. As the highway traffic increases in this region, the need to maintain the roads free of ice and snow has also increased and with this the use of road salt. Salt particles blown onto blueberry fields adjacent to major highways seemed to adversely affect the health of blueberry bushes up to 300 ft away from the highway. Affected blueberry bushes looked stunted in growth and show symptoms of dieback with bud development limited to the protected side of the bush. It took several years to realize that this damage was caused by road salt. In 2001, the MSU Horticulture Department, MSU Extension and Ottawa County initiated a study to document the extent of the damage to blueberry field proximate to major highways and secondary roads in Ottawa County. A field evaluation conducted from March to May 2002 in 19 blueberry fields indicated that, previous to the first spring frost event (April 22) in the region, bud winter damage in secondary roads was 9.3 percent in front of the road (» 100 ft away) and 7.9 in the back of the field, approximately 300 ft away from the road (Figure 1). In fields located alongside M-45 and US31 bud damage was 33.1 and 63.1 percent in front of the road and 19.6 and 31.3 percent in the back of the fields, respectively (Figure 2). After the frost events that occurred in April 22-23, 25-26 and May 5-6, bud kill increased dramatically in fields alongside US31 and in some instances 90 percent of the buds were killed. Our preliminary results indicated that road salt decreases the winter hardiness of the blueberry plants and increases its susceptibility to low temperatures, especially during the bud break period. In addition, this research provided consistent evidences of the deleterious effect of the de-icing salt on blueberry fields in proximity to urban developments and highways across West Central Michigan. Figure 1. Damage in secondary road. 144th Street; left side, 100 ft away from the road. Right side; back of the field, 300 ft away from the road. Figure 2. Damage in main highway. US 31; left side, damage 100 ft ways from the road. Right side; back of the field, 300 ft away from the road. |
2002 in review |
SouthwestWeather: March was cool. April began with cool weather, but a week of summer-like weather caused rapid plant growth. A classic radiation frost with clear skies and calm conditions on April 22, 2002, caused significant losses to all fruit crops. The warmest temperature reported was 28°F and lows from 13 to 18 were reported in blueberries. The following four weeks were wet and cold and slowed plant development. This cool wet period ended with blast of cold air and almost a week of frosts from May 17 to May 21. These frosts were important to strawberry and blueberry growers, but tree fruit growers suffered most of their losses from the first frosts in April.June and July were hot and dry, quickly drying out the soil leading to drought conditions and reduced plant and fruit growth. August was hot but had rain in most areas and allowed crops to develop. September brought a return to dry weather until the first day of fall brought cool weather and rain during apple and grape harvest. Diseases: Bacterial diseases were common in stone fruit due to the cool, wet spring. Fire blight was a minor problem. Fungal diseases were common in fruit plantings abandoned due to poor crop. There were lots of frost marks and russeting on the surviving fruit.Insects: Insect activity seemed normal but direct pests such as codling moth, Oriental fruit moth and grape berry moth were major problems for fruit growers.Apricots were killed in the shuck by the April 22 freeze.Peaches were still in bloom on April 22. In Berrien County, the frost reduced the crop, but most growers still had a fair crop on good high peach sites. Lower sites and sites away from the lake suffered a total loss. Bacterial spot symptoms are common on susceptible varieties due to the cool, wet spring. Peach leaf curl was not a major problem this year. Split pits were a problem. This may have been due to the light crop loads. Oriental fruit moth was a steady problem during harvest. Because of the dry summer, brown rot was not a problem. In cherries, crop losses due to freezing temperatures were significant. Due to the small size of the fruit, total fruit number needs to be large to have a full crop. Sweet cherries were in bloom and only the best sites had a good crop. For both Tart cherries and sweet cherries frost damage was minor, but the cool, wet weather during bloom resulted in poor pollination and a poor crop. The Southwest Michigan cherry crop was about 25 to 30 percent of a full crop. The cool, wet weather also resulted in widespread bacterial spot problem early in the year. Cherry leaf spot was not a problem in sprayed orchards with a crop, but orchards that were not sprayed because of a light crop were defoliated by harvest. Birds and raccoons ate a large portion of the crop before harvest. Plums had a very light crop due to frost and a heavy drop. Japanese plums were past full bloom and most flowers were killed by the frost. European plums were at full bloom, but frost damage did not look severe at first, but almost all of the fruit fell off the trees during June drop. Very few growers harvested plums in 2002. Apples were at tight cluster during the low temperature episode and lost the king bloom and some of the side bloom. Poor pollination conditions and another series of frosts resulted in a heavy drop and a very light crop. The total apple crop was probably only 30 percent of a full crop for the region. Apple scab was the main disease problem in the Southwest and many orchards were nearly defoliated in June by the wet spring. Some growers did not spray blocks with heavy frost damage. Fire blight was not a major problem in the Southwest this year, but damage was heavy in some Central Berrien County orchards. Codling moth and Oriental fruit moth were major insects pests with heavy sustained flights throughout the year. Reports of wormy fruit were received in July indicating that the first generation of codling moth was especially long in 2002. European red mites were also a common problem in July. Pears suffered damage due to frosts and poor pollination similar to apples. Codling moth damage from late first generation larvae was a common complaint. Blueberries in Berrien and Van Buren counties suffered scatter damage from the April frost. Some sites did suffer severe damage and a common problem was fewer leaves on a bush than fruit. The frosts from May 17 to May 21 occurred during bloom and caused damage as well. Hot, dry conditions during most of the harvest season kept the fruit size of later pickings small. Japanese beetle, an emerging pest problem in blueberries, was better controlled this year as growers become more adept at controlling this new pest. Growers who sprayed at the first sign of Japanese beetle had better control than those who waited for the beetle numbers to build up. Birds were a major problem during harvest. Grapes suffered greatly from the April 22 frost. Only the highest sites escaped damage. In lower vineyards almost all the buds froze. Secondary and tertiary buds began to grow in late May with the return of warm weather, but for a month, the vineyards looked as if they were dead. Wine grapes suffered less because they began growth later and are usually in better higher sites. Most growers adopted a reduced spray program until bloom revealed that many new shoots had flower clusters. Cool, wet conditions during early shoot growth favored phomopsis, the major disease problem in 2002. Black rot, powdery and downy mildew were not significant. Grape berry moth pressure was heavy throughout the season and a heavy flight in September caused widespread damage. Japanese beetle was the other major insect pest. The final crop appears to be about 30 percent of a normal crop. Strawberry flower buds were emerging from the crow on April 22 and the early frost caused little damage. Fields that wintered under plastic were beginning to bloom and suffered losses. Many fields were damaged during bloom by the May frosts. Strawberry growers had to frost protect with sprinklers. These frosts and the poor pollination weather caused a lot of misshapen fruit. Cranberries generally escaped frost damage. Managed fields seem to have a good crop. Miscellaneous: Birds and raccoons were major problems eating fruit before harvest.SoutheastAs I have been preparing this season summary over the last week, I've tried to think of adjectives that could describe our 2002 growing season. Some that come to mind include unusual, strange, weird, unforgivable, etc. I guess the best words I can share with you regarding the season is one of extremes. Recall that our spring started out to be early and warm. Both tree fruits and small fruits got off to an early growing season. Many growers were able to plant in late March or early April this year with no considerations for wet soils. Along about mid- to late May things took a dramatic turn in that we had several frost and freeze events, which affected all of our fruit crops in Southeast Michigan. We had two major freeze events that took flower buds and blossoms at critical times. These freeze events were April 27 and May 19. Besides these two major events, we had an extreme number of frosty mornings. Many strawberry growers reported frost protecting between 10 and 15 times this year. Furthermore, many growers reported frost protecting 5 to 7 consecutive mornings, which has been virtually unheard of in the past. Because of this cool down in our weather, our season dropped back to one that was behind the norm. We also had a lot of moisture during this time. Beginning in early June we started a trend of extreme heat and lack of moisture, which seemed to plague most fruit growers for the rest of the season. Our soil conditions went from moderate soil moisture levels, to below adequate, to extremely dry in a matter of three weeks or so. The heat in mid-June caused our late strawberry season to be shortened to a week to ten days at most farms. It was a bit ironic that many strawberry growers frost protected more times than the days that they were able to harvest fruit. For the rest of the summer season, most of our fruit crops began harvest earlier and earlier. Sweet and tart cherries were harvested about 5 days ahead of normal and fall red raspberries about 10 days ahead of normal at many farms. Blueberry harvest began about 10 days ahead of the typical year and apple harvest has been accelerated as well as a result of the extreme heat and dry soils. More specifically our apple crop was hurt significantly by the May 19 frost and freeze event. Many farms reported complete bud loss for many of the early varieties of apples. For the most part our apple crop was the fruit crop most significantly affected by these cold weather conditions in springtime. While we did have some farms in Lenawee and Monroe counties that reported 80 to 90 percent of normal crop, most farms are now picking out at about 30 to 50 percent of a normal crop. It also seems that we've had heavy pressure from codling moth this year and as a result seen significantly higher levels of fruit damage than is typical. Dry soil conditions have reduced fruit size as well. Lastly, the strange weather conditions back in spring resulted in a long extended bloom period (three weeks at many farms) that has resulted in apple maturity that is similarly spread out over an extended time period. So the bottom line for apple growers has been that we have a small crop that was hit hard by frost and freeze and that the maturity is somewhat in question. Peaches were also affected by the frost and freeze events this spring. We had an excellent crop of flower buds make it through the winter and most farms were in full bloom during one of the two frosts and freeze events. With the exception of the Romeo area, which had a full crop of peaches, most other peach growers had a total loss of the peach crop. There also was a significant amount of pressure this year from Oriental fruit moth in peaches in the Romeo area. Sweet and tart cherries did make it through the frost and freeze events, however the crop size was diminished to about 60 to 70 percent of normal. It was amazing to see how much thinning and fruit drop occurred through the month of June in both sweet and sour cherries. Dry soil conditions also resulted in fruit that was smaller than normal in size. Strawberry yields were about 50 to 70 percent of normal due to freeze that affected the flower bud while it was still in the crown of the plant. Due to dry soil conditions, many patches did not rebound well after renovation. Northwest
Weather: The season began with a few days of record heat in mid-April, followed by two months of very cold, wet weather. Included is a comparison of growing degree days for the past six years. In mid-June it abruptly changed to above normal temperatures and not much precipitation. The drought was not as bad as the severe drought of 2001, but still the summer was hot and fairly dry. As in 2001, July was the dry month, with only 1.06 inches of rain at the NWMHRS, compared to the previous 20-year average during July of 2.72 inches. Evaporation was below the 20-year average in May and June, then well above normal in July and August. In fact, during the past 21 years, evaporation during July of 2002 was exceeded only in 1983, and August evaporation was exceeded only in 1991. No year exceeds the combination of July and August 2002. It is no wonder that some orchards have shown signs from drought when one combines the high evaporation during the heat of summer with the low rainfall during that period. But what 2002 will long be remembered for is not the summer heat or moisture, but a killer wind (convection) freeze on April 21 and 22. This was followed by a hard inversion freeze on May 19 and dismal pollination conditions during May when daytime highs rarely reached 60ºF. This combination of conditions led to the most devastating cherry crop in history and most other crops in short supply as well. Tart cherries were by far the smallest crop in Northwest Michigan since records were kept, and likely the smallest since tarts began to be planted in the late 19th century. One million pounds were harvested in an area that has averaged 145 million pounds during the past five years. Cherry leaf spot pressure was high this season. For many growers, the money they saved by not needing to apply insecticides was offset by increased fungicide costs. The sweet cherry crop was also very, very small, with Golds producing more than other varieties - overall, maybe 15 percent of a sweet crop. Fruit quality was great. Interestingly, data from the NWMHRS showed that not only did varieties vary greatly in their flower bud survival as one would expect but also rootstock influenced flower bud survival with several test varieties. Gisela rootstocks imparted the best flower bud survival to the scion variety; Mazzard was the worst, with Mahaleb giving intermediate results. The influence of rootstock was very significant in some cases. Bacterial canker infection of spurs and shoots in sweets is the worst in at least 27 years. The infection resulted from the extended cool, wet spring weather combined with the May inversion freeze events. Other tree fruit crops were also hurt by the spring weather. The peach crop was very light, but generally fruit sized well. The plum crop is light, while apricots were virtually non-existent. I doubt if Northwest Michigan will produce more than half a normal apple crop. Wine grapes are the one crop that appears to have come through in good shape during this generally disastrous year. Sunny and warm late summer, early fall weather has been favorable for grapes. The crop quantity and quality are both looking good. |
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2003 Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program |
Growers of
perennial crops should be contacting their local USDA/Farm Service
Agency Office now if they are planning on paying the service fees
for 2003 NAP crop coverage. The Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) is a risk protection tool offered to producers of agricultural crops. This program covers losses to crops when the crop loss exceeds 50 percent of the farm actual production history. The application service fee is $100.00 per crop per county, not to exceed $300.00 per county or $900.00 per producer regardless of how many counties a producer grows crops in or how many crops are grown. An example would be a farm has cherries, pears, plums and apricots, 4 crops grown in one county, the maximum fee this individual would pay is $300.00. The deadline for completing the application process is November 20, 2002 for perennial crops. Included are apricots, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, strawberries, asparagus, Christmas trees, maple sap, honey, forage crops, and nectarines. Onions have an application closing date of February 1, 2003. Farms growing spring-seeded vegetables have until March 15, 2003 to pay the application fee for spring seeded crops. May 31, 2003 is the deadline to pay the application fee for Nursery crops. For those of you with crop insurance policies, these dates should already be familiar, as the dates are also the sales closing dates for purchasing crop insurance policies. Perennials- November 20 and annual field crops February 15. It is important to remember these dates do not vary and are not extended. If crop insurance is offered on the crop in your county NAP is normally not available. Please direct questions about the Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program to your local Farm Service Agency Office. |
Regional reports |
1 - Southwest |
WeatherCool fall weather has come in with the beginning of fall. The next week is forecast for cooler temperatures.
InsectsSeveral direct pests are still out. Codling moth trap catch is still low. It does seem that we will not have a significant third flight of codling moth. We are still catching good numbers of Oriental fruit moth. Grape berry moths are still flying.
Tree fruitPeach harvest is over. Apple harvest is well underway. Growers and pickers are making fast work harvesting orchards with only a light crop. Growers are harvesting Jonathans and early picking Red and Golden Delicious apples this week. Check the Code-A-Phones in Van Buren and Berrien to monitor apple maturity. Oriental fruit moth adults are still flying. Trap catch for codling moth was very low last week in most orchards but rising in others. Growers need to maintain protection in their orchards. Damage from worms in the fruit by both codling moth and Oriental fruit moth is common in the region. European red mites are laying their winter eggs. Small fruitBlueberry harvest is finished. The flower buds for next spring are forming. In grapes, harvest continues. Niagara harvest ended last week. Concord harvest began Monday, September 23. Grape GDDs at Lawton from April 1 to September 23 are 2837 base 50. Grape berry moth pressure has been heavy primarily from mated females from outside the vineyards laying eggs in the vineyards. |
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2 - Southeast |
WeatherWarmer temperatures over the last two weeks have not helped color maturing apple varieties. Warm temperatures have also seemed like they have kept some of the insect activity flying later in the season than normal. (There are more details on these insects in the apple section.) Generally, dry soil conditions persist over most areas of southeast Michigan. Thundershowers late last week and weekend have brought much needed rain to many growers. Unfortunately it is too late in the season to help this year's fruit crops. At many farms newly planted tree fruits and small fruits are under severe signs of drought stress. Tree fruitsApple harvest continues at a slow pace across the region. Most growers have now finished Gala and have moved on to Jonathon, however color has been fairly poor in most Jonathon blocks. Jonagold are now being harvested as well. Golden Delicious are eating fairly good right now and may be ready for harvest fairly quickly. Red Delicious are a week to ten days away from being ready to harvest. Codling moth trap catches have continued to bounce around over the last three to four weeks. Generally, adult moth catches decreased at the end of August and then began to creep up again in mid-September. It is very possible that a partial third generation flight is what caused this increase trap catch over the last few weeks. Codling moth entry holes in fruit are fairly easy to find at most farms across southeast Michigan. Obliquebanded leafroller trap catches have been fairly high for this time of year, as have been Oriental fruit moth trap catches in apple blocks that are adjacent to peach plantings. European red mite populations have been high at several farms across the region. They are now beginning to prepare for winter by laying eggs in the calyx end of apples, under bud scales and within the bark. White apple leafhopper adult flight has been troublesome during harvest at many farms. Small fruitsFall red raspberry harvest is moving along fairly well this year. Where irrigation was applied the crop looks to be fairly typical. However, where irrigation supplies were short is where I see a fair amount of small berries as well as wilting of canes on sandy sites. Blueberry harvest is now wrapped up at all farms across the region. |
3 - Grand Rapids Area |
Tree fruit insectsCodling moth trap catches from last week have remained very low to near zero in many blocks. There most likely will be a partial third generation this year, but from what we know so far, it doesn't look as though it will be a large percentage of the second generation that will emerge. We will continue to monitor through the next several weeks. Oriental fruit moth trap catches have been rising, but numbers in the Grand Rapids area have not been in the range where feeding damage in apple should be of much concern. I have seen some small Oriental larvae in late season nectarines. Obliquebanded leafroller adults continue to fly, but trap numbers are much declined in most blocks for the second generation of this pest. Some damage can be found, especially in clustered fruits. The larvae can be found pretty easily now that they are getting some size to them. OBLR overwinters as a second or third instar larvae - these will be the worms we target next spring. With all the dry weather for the past month, apple maggot has not been too active. I wouldn't expect the predicted rain to cause too much flight this late in the season, but if you're exporting apples and the protocol calls for apple maggot, you should continue to monitor traps in these blocks. Other horticultural topicsLeaf drop in apples still continues and is most likely due climate conditions we've had this season. If you look around at other tree species, you will see that maples and other are dropping leaves now also. Heat stress and water stress will cause leaves to drop. It should not affect the overall health of the tree even if they drop 50 percent of their leaves. Apple maturityMaturity is moving right along. Fruit is reported loose by some growers. Brix levels have been excellent. Maturity is quite variable between fruit. Honeycrisp - Continue to color pick. Starch levels are clearing out daily. Heavy trees still have green fruit. Next week, Honeycrisp will be moving into short-term harvest window. Gala - Continue to color pick. Ethylene levels have been high for two weeks. All samples are ready for harvest. Gala is starting to develop a waxy feel. McIntosh - Some early sites are ready. Color needs to improve. Firmness is starting to decline. Starch levels are just moving into long term CA harvest window. Watch out for fruit drop. Cortland - They are still immature, but Ethylene is starting to move and firmness is declining. Harvest next week. Empire - Fruits are still immature but starting to change. First harvest will probably be late next week. Watch firmness if for export. Jonathan - Our first sample is close to maturity. Jonathan on early sites will be ready probably about late September. |
5 - Northwest |
Tree fruitPeach harvest is complete. Plums are being harvested; crop is very light. Apple harvest is underway but mostly limited to pre-McIntosh varieties. Ginger Gold harvest is complete. Honeycrisps are being selectively harvested, with maturity less consistent than normal in Northwest Michigan, requiring multiple pickings. Mac harvest is underway for processing and just beginning for fresh, though the crop is very light. Apples being harvested so far without irrigation have not sized too well in some areas. Early defoliation from cherry leaf spot is very common at this time, particularly in the tops of trees, in both tart and sweet cherries. Small fruitWine grape harvest is getting started. Rot pressure has been relatively low to date. |
Weather news |
During the past week, major changes to the upper airflow across North America have taken place, resulting in a broad trough of low pressure across the Great Lakes region (A high pressure ridge had persisted across the region during much of late August and early September.). This trough will bring cooler, more seasonable temperatures and frequent chances for precipitation during the next week or two. Look for high temperatures near or slightly below climatological norms with highs ranging from the 60's to low 70's on most days and lows in the upper 30's to mid-40's. Given relatively dry soils in many sections of the state, frost is a possibility should clear, calm conditions develop on any given evening. Climatologically, the first freezing temperatures of the fall season have occurred by the end of September in much of the Upper Peninsula, and across interior sections of northern and central Lower Michigan. In the medium-range outlooks, the NOAA 6-10 and 8-14 day outlooks for September 29 through October 3 and October 1-7 both call for the upper air troughing pattern to continue with below normal temperatures expected in both time frames. Precipitation in the 6-10 day period is forecast to remain near to below normal while in the 8-14 day period the outlook calls for above normal totals statewide. Further ahead, the new NOAA Climate Prediction Center long lead outlook for October continues to call for the even odds, "climatology" scenario of equal odds of below-, near-, and above normal temperatures and precipitation statewide. For the three-month October through December period and following winter/early spring months, however, the outlooks strongly follow the statistical composite of previous El Nino years, as warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific signal the early stages of a weak to moderate El Nino event. During most El Nino episodes, milder than normal winter and early spring (2003) temperatures are common across the northern U.S. including Michigan. Precipitation for the same time frames is expected to be below normal or in the equal odds-climatology category statewide. |