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| Fruit Crop Advisory Team Alert newsletter | |||||
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| Vol. 23, No. 2, April 1, 2008 |
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| In this issue Tree fruit news Pear psylla management arsenal gets biggerApple scion and rootstock selection and planning for MichiganSmall fruit news PropiMax fungicide labeled for use in berries Blueberry IPM meeting announcementOther news Department of Homeland Security plans I-9 audits in 2008 Jenkins begins new small fruit position New pesticide applicator core manuals available Regional reports Weather news |
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Pear psylla management arsenal gets bigger
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| Materials that share the same number have the same mode of action even if followed by a different letter. For example, carbaryl has an MOA classification of 1A and diazinon of 1B. The number 1 indicates that both materials share the same MOA, in this case they are both cholinesterase inhibitors. The letter after the number represents the chemical sub-group. Notice that the last six table entries have no MOA classification and can be applied whenever appropriate for that material. A sound resistance management program relies on treating successive generations of psylla with materials from different MOA groups. Read the label directions for complete information regarding application rates, timing, combination with adjuvants and precautionary statements regarding effects on natural enemies and bees. Check the 2008 Michigan Fruit Management Guide for information on the effectiveness of many of the control options. Call the MSUE Bulletin office at 517-353-6740 to order a copy. Table 1. Insecticides labeled for pear psylla control in Michigan
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| Apple scion and rootstock selection and planning for Michigan The training system that an apple (Malus xdomestica) grower selects must be one that best maximizes all the resources in making the enterprise a profitable venture. There are many parts to the orchard system decision "puzzle" that must fit together in a complementary arrangement to gain maximum precision and profitability. The most immediate question that must be answered regarding the establishment of a new orchard is spacing. Extension agents and growers often need assistance in determining optimum tree density for sites. Trees planted too close cause excessive shading and competition for resources, resulting in inadequate light penetration, poor quality fruit, low cropping, excessive labor in pruning to reduce shading impact, etc. Excessive distance results in inefficient planting designs where the land surface is under utilized and long-term profitability may be compromised. In 1989, we made an initial attempt at trying to simplify the decision making process by considering the most important variables and assigning them values (number codes in parentheses) in a formula. Assessments on vigor are derived from rootstock and cultivar trials and field observations. Our experience gained from working with the high density orchards and with new cultivars and rootstocks has encouraged us to frequently update the model. The formula is available on the MSU Department of Horticulture web site for general use by the public, students and extension field agents in an interactive mode (spacing calculator) http://www.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/clements/appletreespacing.htm. This information is also available for the iPhone, please visit the web site for more information. More revision in the future will be necessary as we learn more of the technical intricacies of new rootstocks, cultivars, marketing demands and management constraints. The primary factors affecting spacing include; scion vigor, rootstock vigor, soil type, irrigation, management system and the interactions that take place between them. This spacing recommendation is only relevant to Michigan sites and for single row arrangement of trees. For more information, please view a pdf of the entire document at: http://ipm.msu.edu/cat08fruit/pdf/4-01applespacing.pdf. |
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| PropiMax fungicide labeled for use in berries The fungicide PropiMax EC (propiconazole) from Dow Agrosciences received a supplemental label for berries, including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, lingonberries, gooseberries and currants. PropiMax is not labeled for strawberries. However, it was labeled for use in stone fruit. PropiMax is a systemic, sterol inhibitor fungicide for control of a variety of diseases. The active ingredient, propiconazole, is the same as Orbit. Even though PropiMax has not been evaluated for disease control in small fruit crops, it is expected to work similarly to Orbit. The target diseases listed are: cottonball (Monilinia oxycocci) in cranberry (4-6 oz/acre) and mummy berry (Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi), leaf spot (Septoria albopunctata), rust(Pucciniastrum vaccinii), and powdery mildew (Microsphaera vaccinii)in blueberry (6 oz/acre); and leaf spot (Septoria rubi, Septoria spp.) in other berry crops. PropiMax can be applied via ground or aerial equipment or chemigation. The pre-harvest interval for PropiMax is 30 days. |
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| Blueberry IPM meeting announcement
Blueberry IPM Kick-Off Meeting |
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| Department of Homeland Security plans I-9 audits in 2008 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has posted a revised I-9 form on its website for employers to use with new employees (http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-9.pdf). To order forms, call toll-free at 1-800-870-3676. For forms and information on immigration laws, regulations and procedures, call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. In 2008, industries targeted for random audits are agriculture, restaurants, and janitorial/cleaning services. Ways to be included on the audit list include having been complained about on the national hotline, having been referred by another auditing agency, such as the Department of Labor (DOL), or having been audited before by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Audits can take a number of different forms and be done by mail or in person. For a mail audit, employers will need to send in their I-9 forms to the ICE office. Certified mail and return receipt requests are the recommended way to mail original I-9 forms. Employers should also make copies of the original I-9 forms to keep on file for the duration of the audit. During the audit, each employee for whom an I-9 form is submitted will be subjected to a full background check and each form is carefully evaluated. Civil monetary penalties are $375 to $3,200 for the first violation; $3,200 to $11,000 for the second violation; and $4,300 to $16,000 for subsequent violations on a per-alien basis. Fraudulent I-9 forms constitute a felony and are likely to be prosecuted. When the need arises to correct an I-9 form, employers should use a single line strikethrough, initial it, if necessary attach an explanation, and also attach an additional I-9 form with the correct data. White-out and similar alterations to I-9 forms are strongly discouraged. Different from a random audit, the typical worksite enforcement targets specific individuals, e.g., fugitives or criminal aliens, or looks for evidence in a crime, and is based on prior information. A common reason for worksite enforcement in Michigan is identity theft. Providing access to the individual in question is likely to be less disruptive than a search of the farm premises. If ICE officers take I-9 forms during a search, the employer should make copies and request the officer to certify the copies. If the original I-9 forms are evidence in a crime, they will not be returned to the employer. When the Immigration Reform and Control Act was created in 1986 a concern for resulting unfair employment practices led to founding the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) as part of the U.S. Department of Justice. In a 1990 report, widespread employment discrimination against citizens and legal workers, against persons who appear foreign, and against persons with a foreign accent were indeed found. With increased enforcement, an increase in discriminatory practices is expected. The OSC operates a hotline for employers, which may be contacted, even anonymously, at 1-800-255-8155. This article serves educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information go to www.msu.edu/user/bitsch, under “News” click on “Department of Homeland Security Plans I-9 Audits 2008” or click on “Agricultural Labor Issues in Michigan” for a list of available newsletters. |
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Jenkins begins new small fruit position
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| New pesticide applicator core manuals available The long-awaited, newly revised and rewritten pesticide applicator core certification manuals will be available for sale through the MSUE Bulletin office and through county Extension offices soon. The private applicator manual (MSUE Bulletin E3007) and commercial applicator manual (MSUE Bulletin E3008) are expected to be delivered to the Bulletin Distribution Center by mid-April. Unlike the old core manual, which combined the private and commercial certification information into one, the new manuals will be sold separately. Both will be sold at a retail cost of $30. They both consist of a Michigan-specific addendum shrink-wrapped with the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual. The Michigan Department of Agriculture has established a cut-off date of August 1, 2008 for taking the old core exam. In the interim, applicants will be given the choice of taking the old core exam or the new core exam depending on which manual they studied. |
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| Regional reports Weather Spring was delayed by a snowstorm on Good Friday, March 20. The storm dumped six to 14 inches of snow in the region. The heaviest snow fell in Van Buren County. The snow on that Friday, the first full day of spring, brought to mind the freeze on Easter 2007. Sunday April 8, 2007. In 2007, the fruit crops were advanced by a week of warm weather before the freeze and this year temperatures have been cool delaying bud break. Growing degree day (GDD) accumulations are behind for most of the last 10 years in growing. Bill Shane reports that the GDD42 total for 2008 (68) through March 31 since Jan 1 at SWMREC is ahead of 2001 (34), similar to 2005 (67), but behind all other years starting from 1995. So, we are in the second coldest spring in the last 14 years. Growing degree day accumulations this early in the year move in fits and starts with several warm days causing a rapid rise and then a long plateau caused by cooler weather. The current La Nina weather pattern will probably keep warmer weather away. The weather last week was cool, with highs in the 40s and lows below freezing. The snow melts quickly when the sun is up for more than 12 hours. Most of the snow from Good Friday’s storm had melted by late last week and ice had melted off the lakes and ponds. More snow last Thursday also melted quickly. Buds are beginning to swell. There is little danger of spring freeze damage at this time. We would need temperatures well below 20ºF to cause damage at this time. When buds become noticeably swollen, temperatures in the low 20s will cause damage, but that seems unlikely for a few weeks. Wide spread rain fell Monday, March 31 and soils are saturated.
Tree fruit Tree fruits are starting to show some movement. Growers have reported some movement in apricots, peaches and Japanese plums. Growers still have the opportunity to apply dormant sprays to reduce overwintering disease inoculums. Apricot buds are beginning to swell. Peaches buds are swelling. No green tissue is exposed. Most growers still have time to apply sprays to control peach leaf curl. Both sweet and tart cherries are showing some movement. Copper can still be applied to sweet cherries as a dormant spray to reduce bacterial canker. In plums, Oriental plum buds moved last week during the warm weather, but European plums show little movement. Apples show little movement. Growers need be ready to apply apple scab sprays. Because of the mild winter, we expect scab spores from the leaf litter will be ready as soon as green tissue is available for infection. Pear buds are dormant. Pear psylla adults should emerge soon when warm weather returns. Small fruit Small fruit appear dormant. Now is the window for lime sulfur applications in blueberries, grapes and brambles to suppress diseases that overwinter on the plant. Blueberry fruit buds show little if any swelling and leaf buds have not moved. It is too early to look for mummyberry mushrooms. Mushroom development should begin about the time green tissue shows on the leaf buds. We really need several warm days to warm up the soil. Grape buds are tight and dormant. Some of the wood in juice grape vineyards looks weak from the large crop last year. Strawberries are beginning to green up, but new leaves have not yet begun to emerge. Growers are applying herbicides and putting down straw mulch. Raspberries are dormant. Now is the window for lime sulfur applications to suppress anthracnose. Cranberries are dormant. Miscellaneous Growers are pruning and clearing brush. Meetings The first Monday Fruit Update meeting will be Monday, April 7 at the Fruit Acres Farm in Berrien County. |
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| 2 – Southeast Bob Tritten Weather For the most part, unseasonably cool to cold temperatures have kept the development of our fruit crops at a standstill over the last few weeks. Our degree day totals have moved very little over the last two weeks. Many fruit growers have commented that they continue to like to see this cool weather in spring to help slow down the development of our fruit crops. We have had a moderate amount of moisture over the last two weeks, with most areas receiving around one inch of rain. Some areas to the south have been a bit drier. There is still a bit of frost on the ground in ditch banks and in shaded areas on the north side of buildings. Wet soil conditions have made it hard for fruit growers to continue progress on pruning. Note that the degree day totals that I placed in the March 18, 2008 report were incorrect. They were from January 1, 2008 instead of March 1, 2008.
Tree fruits Apple buds continue to be mostly dormant with a few at early silvertip in the south. There has been no bud movement in apples. I have continued to look at a fairly good crop of buds over the last several weeks. Many growers are looking down the road to apply dormant oil spray this year specifically to help control San Jose scale. Pear buds show little movement at this time, other than some occasional swelling on a warm day. I have seen very little pear psylla activity as of yet, however, I expect with warmer temperatures throughout the week we will see more of them emerge. Peach buds have swollen only slightly. Many growers are waiting for a window to apply peach leaf curl sprays before buds open. We have a good crop of fruit buds at most farms. Sweet and tart cherries continue to be dormant to slightly swollen. Small fruits Strawberry growth has not begun. Raspberries show no growth. I continue to see some tip dieback on summer red and purple raspberries. Blueberry buds continue to be dormant. Grapes show little movement at this time. |
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| 3 – Grand Rapids Area Phil Schwallier Amy Irish Brown Carlos Garcia-Salazar Tree fruit growth stages There’s not much happening on the crop development front. Even peach and cherry buds are pretty tight. In 2007, we had the first signs of green tissue showing about this time. Normal first green for the Grand Rapids area is around the April 10-15 and if the weather continues as it is, it looks like we will reach April 10 or even later before we see any apple growth starting. Growers are wrapping up winter pruning of apples and removing brush from blocks. Ground-applied fertilizer applications could be started soon, but with the price of fertilizers, growers should carefully time applications so that they are not wasted by being put on too early. Tree planting could start in another couple of weeks if the soil warms up. Tree fruit pests Copper applications to sweet cherries should be started at the first signs of green tissue showing to help with bacterial canker. Also, copper or lime sulfur sprays for peaches should go on right away if you haven’t done so already. Peach leaf curl is a sporadic disease that we only really see every six or eight years. Peach leaf curl is favored by cool and wet temperatures early at bud break. European red mite eggs can be found, but numbers appear to be normal. Blocks that had high numbers of mites late in 2007, should be checked carefully and planned for regular early season monitoring for red mites. Announcements The Ridge area Code-A-Phone is operational. The number is (616) 451-8065. The Spring Spray meeting will be held Thursday, April 17 at Bill and Patrick Goodfellow’s farm on 12 Mile, just west of M-37 near Sparta. The meeting will run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. |
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| Weather news An upper air troughing pattern across the central and eastern United States has been persistent for much of the preceding winter. This pattern has led to a very active storm track from the southern Great Plains through the Ohio Valley, and to a very long and snowy winter in Michigan. Forecast guidance for the upcoming week suggests that we will experience more of this pattern, with some moderation of temperatures to near normal levels. Following dry conditions Wednesday, April 2 and most of Thursday, an area of low pressure moving across the Ohio Valley will bring the chance for precipitation late Thursday into Friday, mostly to southern sections of the Lower Peninsula. Northern sections of the state should remain dry. Dry weather is likely once again Saturday, with another chance for rain or snow late Sunday into Monday. Temperatures will moderate to near normal levels during the next few days, with highs ranging from the upper 30's or low 40's far north to the low 50's south and lows generally falling into the mid-to-upper 20's. Current medium‑range forecast guidance suggests more mid-continent troughing for the first two weeks of April, with a continued active storm track through the Midwest. The official NOAA 6-10 day and 8-14 day outlooks covering April 6-10 and 8-14, call for temperatures to average out near normal levels and for above normal precipitation totals statewide. It is worth noting that forecaster confidence in these outlooks is lower than normal due to dissimilarities amongst the various forecast models used to create the outlooks. Long lead outlooks Forecast guidance for the next few weeks suggests more of the same upper air pattern across the Midwest, which would lead to normal to below normal mean temperatures and normal to above normal precipitation totals in Michigan. With the stronger sun of the season, increasingly more of any precipitation that occurs will likely be the form of rain. An active storm track across the Midwest would also suggest the potential for severe weather outbreaks, most of which will remain in areas to our south, but could reach into the southern portion of the Great Lakes region. In the longer term, outlooks are largely dependent on the longevity of a La Nina event currently in place across the equatorial Pacific region. For the April through June period, mean temperatures and precipitation totals in Michigan are forecast to remain with near equal odds of below, near and above normal values. However, milder and drier than normal conditions are forecast across much of the central United States for the upcoming summer months, including portions of Michigan. This outlook is associated with expectations that the current La Nina event will persist into the summer season, as La Nina events are statistically linked to drier than normal conditions in the Midwestern United States. On the other hand, drought was a serious problem across many sections of Michigan during the 2007 growing season, and back to back growing season droughts in Michigan are very rare. At the least, the 2008 growing season will begin with a rooting zone at near field capacity in terms of soil moisture, which reduces the risk of running out of moisture later in the season. |
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