Good morning:

The growing season just keeps getting closer, I am calling today as the start of silver tip in McIntosh trees at the UVM Horticulture Research and Education Center. That means that the need for regular pest management is right on our doorstep.

For decades, the UMASS Fruit IPM program published the ‘March Message’ under the direction of the late Dr. Ron Prokopy. Since Dr. Jaime Piñero returned to the program in 2019, he has revived that old tradition. The Message contains a succinct and science-based summary of research, recommendations, and considerations to help growers navigate the year to come. It’s an excellent resource and I highly recommend reading it here: 33rd Annual March Message. Big thanks to the UMASS Extension Fruit Program for their work on this and allowing it to be distributed.

-Terry

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

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.

Where trade names or commercial products are used for identification, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is implied. Always read the label before using any pesticide. The label is the legal document for the product use. Disregard any information in this message if it is in conflict with the label.