Leaf analysis, codling moth, apple maggot, summer diseases

July 25, 2014
Although it seems that I’ve been absent a bit in the past month, I was tied up teaching my undergraduate Sustainable Orchard & Vineyard Management course which enrolled twelve very interested students, some of who you will interact with as they enter the Vermont tree fruit industry. Now I’d like to drop a couple of reminders before the weekend:

Leaf Analysis – It is the time in the growing season to collect leaf samples for analysis. Samples are usually collected between July 15 – Aug. 15. Unfortunately, UVM cannot provide analysis and recommendations. The following are potential options of labs for analysis. It is recommended that you contact the lab for instructions and costs before samples are sent. Plus, it is important to confirm that they will send recommendations along with the analysis.

(1) University of Maine Analytical Lab: http://anlab.umesci.maine.edu/
(2) University of Massachusetts Soil and Tissue Testing Lab: http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/

(3) Cornell Nutrient Analysis Lab: http://cnal.cals.cornell.edu/

Summer insects – Primary insects of concern are apple maggot and codling moth. Both should be managed in high-pressure orchards. AM can often be managed with a single insecticide application based on monitoring with red sticky traps. The threshold is 5 flies/ (unbaited) trap. Codling moth are entering their second flight in many orchards, so management is advised if this pest is a problem for you. Insecticide options are listed in the 2014 New England Tree Fruit Management Guide. Dr. Arthur Agnello discusses these summer insect pests in more detail in the July 7 issue of Scaffolds .

Summer diseases – Northern Vermont, at least in Chittenden County, has been quite dry in July, but many areas of the state have sen significant and sometimes torrential rainfall. It is important to maintain fungicide coverage to protect against sooty blotch, fly speck, and summer fruit rots. Materials should be applied after every 200 accumulated hours of leaf wetness or 2 inches of rainfall, whichever occurs first.

Terence Bradshaw, UVM Tree Fruit and Viticulture Specialist

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The UVM Tree Fruit and Viticulture Program is supported by the University of Vermont Agriculture Experiment Station, a USDA NIFA E-IPM Grant, and USDA Risk Management Agency Funds.