Facts for Fancy Fruit 2000-12 September 11, 2000

Crop Conditions: Apple crops are looking good around the state. The
season continues to run 10-14 days early. ÔGalaÕ harvest is complete in
more southern areas and is continuing in the northern areas of the
state.  Many growers are reporting good fruit size and good fruit
finish this year.  Grape harvest is well underway. Quality has been
very good overall, but some fruit rot problems are occurring in areas
that have received significant rainfall has over the past few weeks.

Help is on itÕs way Ð Feds Moving Forward on Financial Assistance:
Both the senate and house have passed separate bills providing support
for fruit growers.  The house bill provided for $100 million in market
assistance and $10 million for weather related losses.  The senate bill
also included $100 million in market assistance but $60 million for
weather related losses.  Congress just started back in session
(September 5) and a conference committee will be meeting over the next
week or so to reconcile the differences in the two bills.  The US Apple
Association is working to have the best parts of both bills
incorporated into the final version. They are also addressing the issue
of who the assistance would apply to, all growers or excluding very
large growers.  The dollar amount that growers will receive will depend
upon the number of growers who are eligible for assistance, what years
it applies to (1999 or 2000 crop year) and what kind of disasters are
covered.  The market assistance will be in the form of direct payments
to growers.  We expect this to progress quite rapidly since the aim is
to have this wrapped up by the end of the fiscal year on October 1.
Hopefully weÕll have something definite to announce in the next issue
of Facts for Fancy Fruit.  -Hirst

Apple Maturity Determination:  Determining exactly when to harvest can
be a tricky issue. Looking at historical calendar date may get you in
the right ballpark, but in a year like this one when weÕre running a
week or more ahead of normal, you could come unstuck relying on
historical averages.  Many tests can be performed to measure fruit
maturity, such as firmness, soluble solids concentration (also known as
sugar levels or Brix), starch, ethylene, seed color, fruit skin color,
etc.  I donÕt know of any growers in the state who do all of these, and
I wouldnÕt recommend going that far with it.  If fruit are to be stored
for a long period, or put into CA storage, then maturity at harvest is
a lot more critical than if fruit is to be sold immediately.  In
Indiana, the majority of growers plan on selling fruit immediately or
maybe storing it for just a short period.  If this describes your
situation, then taking a bite out of the fruit is a good test.  An
experienced taster can tell a lot from taste Ð sugar, starch, and fruit
firmness can all be determined by the taste test.  If you are going to
do one single test, I would recommend the starch-iodine test. As fruit
ripen, starch is converted to sugar.  The more starch that is present
in a fruit, the less ripe it is.  To test for this, cut the fruit in
half transversely (crossways) and either dip it in an iodine solution
or spray the fruit with the solution from a spray bottle.  In less than
a minute, the iodine will stain the starch black.  For fruit to be sold
immediately, harvest when there is just a small amount of starch in the
fruit.  For storing fruit for longer periods, more starch should be
present at harvest.  Remember that the fruit will continue to respire
and convert starch to sugar in cold storage Ð cold storage doesnÕt stop
this process, it just slows it down.

To make the iodine solution: Mix 10 g of potassium iodide and 2.5 g of
iodine in 1 liter of water Ð it will dissolve better if the water is
hot.  WARNING: iodine fumes are hazardous so make sure to make this up
in a well- ventilated place.  Your local pharmacist may be able to make
up this solution for you. Keep the solution away from light in a brown
bottle or wrap the bottle in aluminum foil.  The solution will keep for
the whole season.

Further information: See pages 97-99 of the Midwest Tree Fruit Pest
Management Handbook. www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id93/ch_7.htm

The Ontario  Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs also have a
fact sheet on this subject online at:
www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/crops/facts/88-090.htm   -Hirst

Pinpoint Scab: Even though it has been dry, you never know when the
rains may come, wet weather during the apple harvest period can lead to
the development of pinpoint scab and other fruit infecting diseases,
such as sooty blotch and fly speck.  Pinpoint scab can infect fruit up
to and during the harvest period if wet weather persists at this time,
however, the symptoms of pinpoint scab may not show up until the fruit
have been stored for several months.   Late season apple scab can also
build up on leaves after harvest, resulting in large quantities of
primary scab spores the following season, even though a good spray
program was followed early this year.  Help prevent such problems by
maintaining scab fungicides in late cover sprays; also do not stop
cover sprays too early.  Check the label for days-to-harvest
restrictions before making the final application.  -Pecknold

Collar Rot: Late summer is a good time to inspect trees for aboveground
symptoms of collar rot.  Look for weak trees with premature leaf
reddening (especially on goldens); sparse, yellow foliage; and many
small, highly colored fruit.  Keep in mind that such symptoms are
general stress symptoms that may be caused by a number of factors, eg.
wet feet, mouse injury, trunk decay, root rot, etc.  However, trees
that show the above-described symptoms and also have a canker at or
just below ground level are likely infected with collar rot.  If collar
rot is suspected we advise the use of Ridomil 2E in the fall after
harvest. Apply Ridomil as soon as possible after harvest so it will be
in place before the fall rainy periods begin and possible new
infections occur.  Also be sure to concentrate your Ridomil treatment
on surrounding healthy appearing trees, not just trees already showing
severe symptoms of collar rot.  Ridomil is best used to prevent collar
rotÉ. not cure it. ÐPecknold

Fall Small Fruit Care: Grapes- Grapes should be encouraged to harden
off for winter by avoiding nitrogen fertilizers and supplemental
watering at this time. Apply non-nitrogen fertilizers and lime as
needed based on soil and tissue test results. It is especially
important to maintain healthy leaves through fall to promote proper
hardening. Downy and powdery mildews often build to epidemic levels on
susceptible cultivars in fall. Both can cause defoliation and reduced
winter hardiness so itÕs important to maintain protection against these
diseases throughout the fall until leaves drop naturally.

Blueberries-
	As with grapes, blueberry plants should be encouraged to harden off
for the winter. However, growers should continue to irrigate if dry
weather persists. Fruit buds are developing now for next yearÕs crop so
it is important to avoid water stress on the plants during this time.
Apply non-nitrogen fertilizers and materials for soil pH adjustment
based on foliar analysis and soil tests. Apply these before fall rains
begin and also before adding any supplemental mulch to the plants.

Strawberries-
	Flower bud initiation occurs during late summer and fall, so
maintaining good plant health into the fall is important for high yield
potential next year.  The recent dry weather (in some parts of the
state) can significantly reduce fruitfulness next year. Irrigate to
provide at least 1 inch of water per week through October. Nitrogen
fertilizer should be applied in early September to bring your seasonal
total up to about 75-100 lb./acre.  Most growers apply about 50-70 lb.
of nitrogen at renovation so the fall application should provide
another 25-30 lb. This stimulates good root growth in the fall and
supplies nitrogen needed for flower bud initiation. Ammonium nitrate
(33% N) is a good choice for fall fertilization. If tissue analysis
shows deficiencies in magnesium or boron, early fall is a good time for
foliar applications of Epsom salts (15 lb./100 gal./acre) for magnesium
and Solubor (3 lb./100 gal./acre) for boron. Phytotoxicity can be a
problem with these materials so read the labels. In addition to
fertility, controlling leaf diseases improves the ability of the plant
to carry on photosynthesis and store starch in the crowns. Check fields
for infestations of leafhopper or aphids. Generally, plants can take a
fair amount of feeding by these insects, but heavy infestations can be
a problem.  For best production next year, fields should be weed free.
A herbicide such as Devrinol 50WP at 4 to 6 lb./acre, should be applied
in late summer to either a newly planted or a renovated planting. To be
most effective, Devrinol also requires being watered in by irrigation.

Brambles-
	Encourage hardening off of canes in summer bearing varieties of
brambles by avoiding nitrogen fertilizers and supplemental watering at
this time. Spent floricanes can be removed now, but itÕs better to wait
until later in the winter unless they are significantly affected by
disease. Fall bearing raspberries can still benefit from irrigation in
this dry weather to help maintain fruit size. Apply non-nitrogen
fertilizers and lime as needed based on soil and tissue test results.
If Phytophthora root rot has been identified in a field, treat the
affected area with Ridomil Gold or Alliette in September or early
October. This timing is important to get the material in place in the
root zone before the onset of cool wet weather in the fall. ÐBordelon

Soil Management and Cover Crops:  Fall is a good time for cultivating
fields, adding lime and fertilizer, and planting cover crops in fruit
plantings. Cover crops can be an integral part of the orchard floor
management plan. If you plan on establishing new orchards or vineyards
next year, you should consider a pre-plant soil management program
which includes deep subsoiling, soil pH adjustment, addition of
fertilizer (especially P and K) according to soil test recommendations,
and planting cover crops. Cover cropping a site the year before
planting is an excellent way to increase organic matter and reduce weed
problems. Several cover crops are available for fall planting, and mid
to late September is the best time to plant in most areas of the state.
 A favorite among growers is winter rye because it performs very well
under Indiana conditions. Rye not only adds large amounts of organic
matter to the soil, but also suppresses the development of many annual
and perennial weeds. There are several other cover crops and the choice
depends on the growerÕs specific preferences and needs. ÐBordelon

Perennial Weed Control:  Late summer and fall is an excellent time to
control troublesome perennial weeds by spot spraying with suitable
herbicides. Perennial weeds tend to become established within the rows
in fruit plantings because they are not fully controlled by the normal
weed management program. Once established, these plants can be
difficult to eliminate. Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup) is a particularly
good herbicide for controlling perennial weeds in the fall. As
perennial plants begin to slow growth and harden off for winter,
carbohydrates are translocated to the roots for storage. Fall applied
systemic herbicides will be similarly transported to the root system
which leads to excellent control. Fall application works equally well
on hard to control herbaceous perennial weeds such as thistle, dock,
smartweed, and morning glory, as well as woody perennials such as
poison ivy, Virginia creeper, multiflora rose, mulberry, blackberry and
so on. The plants do not have to be actively growing for good results
but should have sufficient active leaf area to take up the herbicide.
Check the manufacturerÕs product label for specific recommendations.
NOTE:  Desirable crop plants are also translocating carbohydrates to
the roots and can be severely injured by fall applied systemic
herbicides. Be extra careful when spot treating to AVOID ANY CONTACT
with desirable plants. ÐBordelon

Fall Weed Management:  Fall is a good time to do a weed survey and
determine the weed problems in your plantings. This information can be
used to tailor your weed management plan. There are several advantages
to fall applications of pre-emergent herbicides in fruit crops. Dry
soil conditions in the fall allow for equipment travel without
compaction, weather conditions are more stable giving the grower
greater flexibility in application times, and there is less likelihood
of heavy rains to cause runoff. Fall applications provide control of
winter annual weeds and can eliminate the need for a post emergent
herbicide application the following spring. Though weed control from
fall applications can last shorter into the following growing season
than spring applications, a split application can help eliminate this
problem. Several herbicides registered for use on fruit crops have a
recommendation for fall or fall/spring split applications. Materials
such as Surflan, Devrinol, Princep, Karmex and Kerb perform well in
fall or fall/spring split applications. See ID- 168 and ID-169 for
complete weed control recommendations. ÐBordelon

Jerry Brown Injured:  Many of you know Dr. Jerry Brown, tree fruit
specialist at the University of Kentucky.  In June, Jerry was seriously
injured in a bicycle accident.  He shattered his helmet and landed on
the back of his neck, causing swelling of his spinal cord.  Since the
accident, JerryÕs condition has improved, and he now has limited
movement of his arms, and to some extent his legs.  Those that know
Jerry will not be surprised to learn that he is in good spirits and
working hard at rehabilitation.  I know he would appreciate cards or
notes Ð his address is 501 South Willow Way, Kuttawa KY 42055.

New Zealand Fruit Tour Going Ahead:  The tour is on!  So far about 20
people have signed up, but we still have room for a few more.  The
14-day tour will leave Indianapolis on February 19 2001 and will return
on March 4.  The cost of $3000 includes all travel, all accommodations,
all admissions and over half the meals.  This means the only additional
costs participants would face are some meals, trip insurance (optional)
and spending money.  The strong US dollar and weak New Zealand dollar
makes this a great time for us to go Ð your dollar will go a long way
there.  If youÕre interested in going, we need to have your
registration form and $300 deposit by September 20.  For a brochure and
registration form, or if you have any questions, call Peter Hirst
(765-494-1323).

Indiana Horticultural Congress:  Planning is currently underway for
next yearÕs Hort Congress which will be held on January 29-31, 2001 at
the Adams Mark Hotel in Indianapolis. We have a lot of topics
developed, but could always do with more input.  If you have a burning
issue you would like us to address, please let us know soon.  Remember,
the congress is for the participants, not the organizers, so let us
know what you want.

Beginning Commercial Apple Growing:   A one-day workshop for those new
to the apple industry will be held on the day preceding the Hort.
Congress, January 29, 2001.  The list of topics will be changed
somewhat from this year, so if you came this year and found it
worthwhile, then next year it should be worth your time also.  If you
know of folks who have just started in the apple business, please would
you make then aware of this workshop and ask them to let Peter Hirst
know of their interest, so we can send them information about it.
-Hirst

Obituary Notice - Jay Kilpatrick Jr.:   A good friend of the Indiana
fruit industry, Jay E. Kilpatrick Jr. dies July 28, 2000.  Jay was born
in New Jersey on May 22, 1925.  Following his education at Cornell
University, he served in the US Navy during the second World War.  He
moved to Michigan 27 years ago and most recently was employed with the
Gowan Company. Many will remember his efforts in recent years, lobbying
for fairness and reason on the implementation of the Food Quality
Protection Act.  Our industry certainly benefited from his efforts.
Jay is survived by his wife Betty, three children, and six
grandchildren.

Subscribing electronically:  To subscribe (or unsubscribe) to Facts for
Fancy Fruit, send a message to fff@lists.hort.purdue.edu with the
subject or body ÒsubscribeÓ (or ÒunsubscribeÓ). You can also use the
form at the web site http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fff/mailinglist.html to
submit your subscription. Electronic access is free of charge.

Coming Meetings:

October 12  Grafting workshop, Porter Co.  1.30 pm.  For more
information, contact Dave Yeager, Porter Co. Extension, 219-465-3555

January 16-18, 2001 Heartland Grape and Wine Coalition Short Course:
Vineyard and Winery Establishment. Somewhere in Michigan. Contact Tom
Zabadal, MSU Southwest Michigan Research & Extension Center, Benton,
Harbor MI 49022, 616-944-1477 ext 206, fax: 616-944- 3106, email:
zabadal@msue.msu.edu

January 29-31, 2001 Ð Indiana Horticultural Congress. AdamÕs Mark
Hotel, Indianapolis. Watch for future announcements.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce Bordelon, 1165 Dept. of Horticulture, Purdue University, West
Lafayette, IN 47907-1165, 317/494-1301, e-mail:
bordelon@hort.purdue.edu

Peter Hirst, 1165 Dept. of Horticulture, Purdue University, West
Lafayette, IN 47907-1165, 317/494-1323, e-mail: hirst@hort.purdue.edu

Paul Pecknold, 1155 Dept. of Botany & Plant Path., Purdue University,
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1155, 317/494-4628, e-mail:
Pecknold@btny.purdue.edu

Rick Foster, 1158 Dept. of Entomology, Purdue University, West
Lafayette, IN 47907-1158, 317/494-9572, e-mail:
Rick_Foster@entm.purdue.edu


Disclaimer:  Reference to products in this publication is not an
endorsement to the exclusion of others which may be similar.  Any
person using products listed in this newsletter assumes full
responsibility for their use in accordance with current label
directions of the manufacturer.