Facts for Fancy Fruit 2000-14 November 13, 2000

Last Issue of 2000:  This is the last issue of Facts for Fancy Fruit
for 2000.  All paid subscribers will receive the first issue of 2000 in
March. At that time you will have an opportunity to renew your
subscription. You may also renew through the Indiana Horticultural
Congress registration in January (which we prefer). If you receive the
email version only there is no need to renew. We hope you have enjoyed
this yearÕs issues and found them useful. If you have any suggestions
on how we can make the newsletter more useful please contact us.

Indiana 2000 Season Fruit Review: Weather: The winter of 1999-2000 was
another La Nina winter as predicted with swings in temperature and
precipitation. Fall through early December was very warm and dry, but
zero to sub-zero temperatures occurred by the end of the year, and
temperatures well below zero occurred in late January.  The minimum low
temperatures for the winter occurred January 21-28. The coldest spot in
the state was Richmond that reported Ð17ûF on January 28. We recorded
Ð12ûF at West Lafayette on the 21st. Most of the southern 1/3 of the
state was warmer with lowest temperatures reported as Ð2ûF at Terre
Haute, -1ûF at Bedford, 0ûF at Seymour, 3ûF at Oolitic, 2ûF at
Vincennes, and 9ûF at Mt. Vernon. Those temperatures were not in the
range that we normally expect to cause significant damage to fruit
crops. However, unseasonably warm temperatures in early March caused
concern to many.  Fruit crops had received their chilling requirement
and begun to respond to warm temperatures and begin development.  A
cold snap hit the state on March 12-13, with widely varying
temperatures around the state.  Examples of some of the minimums were:
LaPorte 28, Kendallville 23, Plymouth 20, Lafayette 9, Indianapolis 17,
Greenfield 19, Bloomington 17, Trafalgar 16, Seymour 22 and Scottsburg
23.  Damage varied widely by crop and region.  Rainfall was near normal
throughout the season for most parts of the state, but again varied
widely.

Tree Fruits: Peaches Indiana produced some beautiful peach crops this
year. A freeze early in the season caused some initial worry but those
fears were mostly unfounded, especially in the southern areas of the
state. Fruit size and yields were both good where growers did a good
job with their thinning.

Apples ÒPatchyÓ is the best word to describe IndianaÕs apple crop this
year.  Many blocks of Red Delicious and Mutsu were badly affected by
the early season freeze, so supplies of these varieties were in short
supply come harvest time.  Other varieties looked to be in poor shape
too, but as development progressed it became clear that for most
growers chemical thinning would still be necessary.  In fact, the
freeze may have helped out in some cases by getting some of our
thinning taken care of early.  The season started for us about 10-14
days early.  Usually when the season begins early, such differences are
less pronounced at harvest time, but this year we stayed about 10 days
early throughout the season.  Fruit size was generally pretty average,
but not outstanding. During the fall, the weather stayed warm which
presented problems with attaining sufficient color on many varieties.
A cool few nights from October 7-10 helped us out with color on most
remaining varieties, but came too late for most varieties. -Hirst

Tree Fruit Diseases: Persistent wet periods throughout the growing
season resulted in moderate disease pressure and an ÔaverageÕ disease
yearÉwith exceptions. One exception was fire blightÉagain! As noted
last year, there were a number of isolated reports of moderate to
severe fire blight throughout the state.  However, overall we feel
fortunate in that we escaped the devastating losses from fire blight as
reported from southwest Michigan.  Sooty blotch and flyspeck of apple
intensified as the season progressed due to persistent wet conditions
throughout summer.  At harvest, both diseases were severe in orchards
that had not maintained an adequate spray program. Frequent scab
infection periods during April and May resulted in another bad year for
apple scab, fruit infection was very high in those orchards lacking a
good, early spray program for scab. Moderate winter temperatures
resulted in an above normal carry over of apple powdery mildew and a
consequent increase in mildew, especially on Jonathon and other mildew
prone varieties. Leaf curl was again the most prominent disease on
peach and nectarine.  Brown rot and peach scab were noticeable in many
orchards in southern Indiana, especially where mid and late season
fungicide sprays had not been maintained. -Pecknold

Insects and Mites: 2000 was fairly typical year for insects and mites.
The European red mite continued to defy the conventional wisdom and was
present in high numbers in some orchards early in the summer, even
though there was a considerable amount of rainfall in many parts of the
state. We usually expect mites to be more of a problem in hot, dry
years. We put out several studies in growersÕ orchards to test the
efficacy of Apollo as a rescue treatment. In general Apollo worked well
as a rescue treatment is used early in the season, but by late June, it
no longer provided acceptable control. I will report on the results in
more detail at the winter meetings.
	A couple of other insects that were present in higher than normal
numbers in several locations were spotted tentiform leafminers and rosy
apple aphids. Growers that I talked to got excellent control of both of
these pests with Provado.
	Japanese beetles continue to be a major problem in many areas, feeding
on a wide variety of fruit crops. This year was no exception, with very
high populations being reported in some locations. In other spots,
Japanese beetle numbers were down, possibly as a result of various
natural enemies that may be suppressing their numbers.
	Once again, the biggest insect news of the season came from Washington
D.C., rather than from the orchards. Effective December 31, 2000,
Lorsban will be allowed for use on apples pre- bloom only. Lorsban was
identified in our 1994 pesticide use survey as the third most commonly
used insecticide on apples in Indiana. This restriction will eliminate
most of the uses for which Indiana apple growers applied Lorsban. The
tolerance for chlorpyrifos (the active ingredient in Lorsban) will be
reduced from 1.5 ppm to 0.001 ppm. Lorsban also will become a
Restricted Use Pesticide. Lorsban, or its companion product Dursban,
will no longer be available for use by homeowners. Like the decisions
on Penncap M last year, this decision alone is not devastating to apple
growers. However, given the additional restrictions placed on Guthion,
the loss of Penncap M, and the pending decision on Imidan, the loss of
Lorsban for most uses severely limits the options available to apple
growers. As I have said frequently, I believe that apple growers should
look to the future under the assumption that at some point they will no
longer be using organophosphate insecticides (Guthion, Imidan, Lorsban,
Penncap M, malathion, diazinon, etc.). No one knows when that time will
come, but it is prudent to begin preparing now. One of the major
thrusts of my research is to look for non-OP methods for controlling
apple pests. I will also be reporting those results at the winter
meetings.

Small Fruit and Grapes: The winter temperatures caused little damage to
grapes and small fruit this year. The mid- March freeze is likely
responsible for the significant amount of delayed winter injury that
was observed on brambles, especially in central and northern areas. The
growing season started early and stayed about 1-2 weeks ahead of normal
all the way through harvest for most small fruit crops. Grapes were the
exception where harvest was about normal.

Grapes Fruit quality was excellent where fruit rots were not a problem.
Untimely rains in August and September caused major fruit rot problems
on grapes in southwestern areas. Otherwise, diseases were not a
significant problem this year. Grape Berry moth was at the highest
level ever observed in Indiana vineyards. Growers should plan to
closely monitor this pest next season. Pheromone traps are available
for monitoring populations and timing sprays. Refer to the Midwest
Small Fruit Pest Management Handbook for details.  Japanese beetles
continue to be a problem in vineyards in many parts of the state.
Complete control is nearly impossible, so some damage is expected but
should be kept to acceptable levels.

Blueberries Blueberry yields were about average with good fruit quality
and size. Some damage occurred from late spring frosts in the major
production areas. Harvest started about 7-10 days early. Japanese
beetle numbers seemed to be down compared to previous years in most
areas.

Brambles Raspberries and blackberries saw mixed results. Some growers
reported extensive cold injury from the March freeze while others saw
little problems. Blackberries in southern areas preformed best among
the bramble crops.

Strawberries The strawberry crop was excellent across the southern part
of the state this year, and only fair across central and northern
areas. Several late frosts caused damage in central and northern areas,
and high temperatures in early June further reduced fruit yield.
Harvest was 1-2 weeks early.  Fruit size and quality were excellent in
southern areas.  Eastern Flower thrips showed up again, but did not
cause a major problem this season.  Black root rot complex continues to
be a major limiting factor to longevity in matted row plantings.
-Bordelon

Private Applicator Recertification Program Changes:  For years many
have argued that the private applicator recertification system provided
only basic training and was outdated. Beginning in January of 2001 all
that will change. Under the new system, farmers will have the option to
attend continuing education sessions over the five year life of their
permit, or to recertify Òthe old wayÓ, by re-exam. Beginning in
January, continuing certification programs will be offered.  Farmers
must attend at least three of these sessions within the five year
certification period. No more than two can be attended for credit in
any given year. Topics for the sessions may include traditional
pesticide issues or emerging topics such as use of genetically modified
crops. To learn more about this new program, attend the Joint Session
at the Indiana Horticultural Congress in January. Cheri Janssen,
Private Applicator Program Specialist with the Purdue Pesticide
Programs office will give a presentation and answer questions. We plan
to offer a recertification program on Tuesday evening, Jan. 30 at Hort
Congress.

Cider Contest:  The cider contest will be held once again this year in
conjunction with Hort Congress.  This has been a popular event for
state cider makers over the last 2 years.  Either frozen or fresh cider
is fine, and 2 gallons per entry is required.  The winner and
place-getters will receive a mounted plaque and the bragging rights
that go along with it.  Last yearÕs winner has his plaque on display in
his market where he believes it has resulted in increased cider sales.

Cider Survey   IÕm planning another brief survey to update the status
of the cider industry in Indiana.  This information allows me to be
well informed in discussions with the Indiana State Department of
Health, the FDA and US Apple Association.  Cider makers should be
receiving this in the mail in a few weeks time.  Please take a moment
to complete and return the survey promptly. If you are a cider maker
and donÕt receive a survey by the end of the month, please contact
Peter Hirst (765-494-1323).  I appreciate your cooperation with this.

President Clinton sings Agricultural Appropriations Bill:  After months
of tough negotiations, President Clinton signed the agricultural
appropriations bill into law on Oct. 28. The $78 billion bill included
$3.6 billion in direct aid to farmers, with special attention given to
losses sustained by apple growers. The appropriations provide the
nationÕs apple growers with $138 million in economic assistance. This
total includes $100 million in assistance for market losses, and $38
million for crop losses suffered by apple growers over the past two
years. ÒApple growers across America have been hard hit by three
terribly  tough years in a row,Ó said U.S. Apple Association (USApple)
President Kraig R. Naasz, whose group was instrumental in efforts to
secure apple assistance. ÒWe are very grateful that Congress acted on
our pleas to address the devastating losses suffered by apple growers.Ó
The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments totaling
$100 million to apple producers to provide relief for the loss of
markets caused domestically by a recent flood of unfairly-priced apple
juice concentrate from China, and in the export arena by trade barriers
and the recent financial crisis throughout Asia. Growers will be
eligible to receive market loss assistance payments on their first 1.6
million pounds of apple production, which roughly equates to 40,000
bushels. The bill further directs the Secretary of Agriculture to spend
$38 million to compensate apple growers for quality losses to their
1999 and 2000 crops due to fire blight or weather-related disaster,
including but not limited to a hurricane or hail. ÒUSApple is working
with the U.S. Department of AgricultureÕs Farm Service Agency to
encourage the distribution of these funds to growers as quickly after
the bill is signed into law as possible.Ó Naasz added. According to
U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics, apple growers suffered $760
million in losses over the past three years due to unfairly-priced
Chinese concentrate imports, lost sales to key export markets and
weather-related crop disasters. Other key provisions of the bill
included $75 million to compensate growers for losses associated with
disease including plum pox virus and watermelon sudden wilt; and $1.6
million for potato research and multi-state variety development.(from
http://www.fruitgrowersnews.com)

Tax Deductible Gifts to the Return Bloom Fund:   The Indiana
Horticultural Society has established the Return Bloom Fund to help
support tree fruit research and extension programs at Purdue.  Just as
return bloom in your orchard is all about doing something this year
which will be of benefit to you next year, so it is with this fund.
Contributions support apple research and extension at Purdue
University, and allows projects to be undertaken that would not
otherwise be possible (see the Return Bloom Fund report following).
These projects cover the areas of horticulture (Peter Hirst),
Entomology (Rick Foster) and plant pathology (Paul Pecknold). The
Return Bloom Fund is an initiative of the industry to help support
programs that directly benefit the fruit industry in the state of
Indiana.  The suggested amount is one (1) cent per bushel.  This is a
very nominal amount and should present little problem for Indiana
growers.  For each 1,000 bushels a grower produces that translates to
$10.  For each 10,000 bushels that becomes $100.  Growers in other
states are contributing much larger amounts to their industry research
and promotion programs.  Indiana citizens can receive a 50% tax credit
for direct contribution to an in-state university up to a maximum gift
of $400 if filing a joint return or $200 if filing an individual
return.  The tax credit directly reduces the bottom line of your state
income tax, either reducing the amount you owe in taxes or increasing
the refund you will receive.  If you work for a company that
participates in the Matching Gift Program, you may double (or more) the
value of your gift.  Look for form CC 40 or check with your accountant.
	Contributions can be made payable to Purdue University and sent to:
Return Bloom Fund, Dept. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture,
Purdue University, 1165 Horticulture, W. Lafayette, IN 47907-1165.  On
your check memo line, please indicate for fund 704-1165-0012. For more
information on gift giving contact the Purdue Research Foundation,
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 for information on the
Annual Giving and Matching Gift Program.  PRF will send a brochure that
explains all the options and provides forms needed for contribution and
tax credit.

Return Bloom Fund report:  The past year has been a busy one with a
number of research studies being conducted.  One of the problems with
much of the research we do is that it is long term in nature, and
although we want to communicate the results with the industry, we donÕt
want to be premature with this.  Let me give an example of what I mean.
 We currently have a planting evaluating a number of new semi-dwarfing
rootstocks that was planted in 1994 by Dr. Dick Hayden.  One rootstock
was G.30 - in previous tests it had looked promising, but our planting
was part of the first nationwide extensive testing of this rootstock.
In the 5th year the trees were looking good until we had a windstorm.
Seven of the 8 trees snapped off at the graft union due to some level
of incompatibility.  If I had stood up and heavily promoted this
rootstock after 4 years (at which time it was looking very promising),
there would be a number of you wanting to run me out of the state by
now.  So while we want to get our results out to the industry, we need
to take the time to be confident in our results and recommendations. As
many of you know, we have been busy developing a new research farm at
the Throckmorton Center, just south of Lafayette.  We have made a
number of new planting there over the last 2 years.  Some of these are:
1) Organic ground cover management.  Comparing various mulches with
conventional herbicide strips 2) Red Delicious trees planted for mite
research 3) Evaluating new dwarf rootstocks for apple 4) Evaluating new
semi-dwarf rootstocks for apple 5) A general planting for plant
pathology research 6) Organic apple production - 500 trees planted with
another 500 to go in this coming spring (planted at Lafayette and
Vincennes) 7) A block of trees for entomology research 8) Evaluation of
20 new apple varieties under Indiana conditions

As you can imagine, these plantings take time and money, both of which
are in short supply.  Your support through the return bloom fund
certainly helps us in performing research that otherwise would not be
possible.  We appreciate your support over the past year. -Hirst

Paul Wilson Steiner (1942-2000):  Dr.. Paul Wilson Steiner, 58, of
University Park, MD, died on early on October 28, 2000 at his home
after a long illness.  He worked on his plant pathology course lecture
notes until about a week before his death. He was born October 13,
1942, in Gettysburg,  the son of the late Harold Metzler and Virginia
Wilson Steiner.  His wife of 35 years, Leila (Tharp) Steiner, also of
Gettysburg, survives him, along with two sons, Adam John Steiner, of
SilverSpring, MD, and Matthew James Steiner of Baltimore. Dr. Steiner
was Professor of Natural Resources and Landscape Architecture (Plant
Pathology) at the University of Maryland.  He joined the Department of
Entomology staff at Cornell University where he earned his MasterÕs
Degree in Entomology in 1971 and his PhD in Plant Pathology in 1975. He
served in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of
Missouri, Columbia, from 1975-1980. In 1980, he joined the Department
of Botany at Maryland and soon advanced to full professor. Dr. Steiner
was more recently known in for his research in fire blight.  With
computer expert Gary Lightner, he created Maryblyt, a computer program
to determine the most likely symptom outbreak of fire blight. This
program is used by fruit growers and academics in 31 states and 26
countries. He was an invited visiting professor in several European
countries and chaired sessions at national and international congresses
to discuss forecasting methods to improve detection of plant diseases.
He has been a frequent area visitor at the Penn State University Fruit
Research Laboratory in Biglerville, where his father, Harold, was once
an associate professor of entomology from 1938 through 1946 when the
Lab was located in Arendtsville.  On his birthday, Dr. Steiner was
honored at home by members of the Maryland Fruit Growers Association
who named him Maryland Fruit Grower of the Year 2000 in recognition of
his 20 years of service to area fruit growers. IÕm sure that all in the
Indiana fruit industry join us at Purdue in extending our sympathies to
PaulÕs family and friends.

Small Farm Conference:  The 2000 Midwest Small Farm Conference and
Trade Show will be held on November 17 - 18 at the 4-H Exhibition
Center in Noblesville, Indiana (northeast Indianapolis). The theme is
Small Is Beautiful. The conference purpose is to present reliable
information that can help family farm become sustainable; that is:
profitable, contributing to the health of ecosystems and being a key
part of their community.
	The speakers include some nationally known authors and some university
researchers, but most are farmers involved in organic or reduced
chemical production. Jerry Brunetti will be present the Keynotes of
Livestock Health, and Holistic Livestock Nutrition. Rex Spray has
farmed 550 acres organically since 1972 and will offer his insights to
maintaining long-term organic production. Art Biggert supplies organic
vegetables, small fruits and chicken to 55 family subscribers to his
CSA on Bainbridge Island, Washington- all from 1 1/2 acres. He will
present Small Farm Business Plans (economies of integration).  A second
seminar will cover Compost Tea: How to Make It, How To Use It. Richard
DeWilde has built a sustainable farming system with 55 acres of organic
production in Wisconsin. He will tell all about Controlling Weeds and
Other Pests With Soil Fertility. When Sandie Shores wrote the book,
Growing and Selling Fresh- Cut Herbs, she had built a successful
business based on the title. She will explain how it can be done.
	Other of the twenty four seminar presentations will cover topics such
as building soils for better crops, beneficial insects, buying rural
property, sustainable community energy systems, the importance of farm
biodiversity, sources of information for sustainable agriculture and
on-farm distillation of essential oils. Many of the seminars will focus
on production, adding value and marketing for farm enterprise topics
such as meatgoats, fancy mushrooms, cheesemaking, sheep, a portable
poultry processing facility, selling to restaurants, and more.
	Keynotes for the conference are The Importance of Local Economies by
Michael Shuman, author of Going Local; and John Ikerd, retired
agricultural economist (Univ. Missouri) presenting Economics as If
People Mattered.
	For a conference brochure, contact Sustainable Earth at 100 Georgton
Ct., W. Lafayette, IN 47906, (765) 463-9366, or email
sbonney@iquest.net

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. This year we will have several
programs on Monday including the Beginning Commercial Apple GrowerÕs
Workshop, Beginners Grape Growing and Winemaking workshops, Commercial
Grape, Wine, and Wine Marketing workshops and a workshop on Risk
Management. Tuesday will be the main day for the Winegrape, Fruit,
Vegetable, and Organic sessions and the Raw Products Conference. We
will have a joint session on Tuesday morning to discuss Crop Insurance,
Food Safety, and Pesticide Certification changes. Wednesday will
continue the fruit, vegetable, and organic sessions  and the New Crops
Symposium.  The trade show should be bigger than ever as weÕve had a
lot of interest from exhibitors.
	We will again have a silent auction this year to benefit the Tree
Fruit and Vegetable Extension and Research funds. If you have something
you would like to donate to the silent auction, please contact Dick
Hayden (765-463-6587), Liz Maynard (219-785-5673), or Tom Roney
(317-326-2278). We have a lot of topics developed, but could always use
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.  Check
the Indiana Horticultural Congress website for updates and complete
programming as it is developed. Click on http://www.hort.purdue.edu and
follow the link for Indiana Horticultural Congress or go directly to
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/hort/ext/hortcongress/

Beginning Commercial Apple Production:  Once again this year, we will
be holding a workshop on Beginning Commercial Apple Production in
conjunction with Hort Congress.  The workshop will be held on Monday,
29 January at the Adams Mark Hotel in Indianapolis.  This one-day
intensive session is primarily intended for those contemplating
entering the apple industry, or those that have just bought an orchard,
although anyone interested is welcome to register. Although there will
be some overlap of topics with last year, we will also cover a range of
new subjects also. -Hirst

New Zealand Fruit Tour Fully Subscribed:  There has been a good
response to the tour and I am pleased to say all spots are filled.  We
have 31 people signed up.  If you would like to go but havenÕt sent
your name in, you are welcome to be wait listed in case someone
cancels.  To those who have registered, look for an information packet
in the mail in about 2 weeks time.  If you have any questions, call
Peter Hirst (765-494-1323).

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:

November 17-18, 2000 - 2000 Midwest Small Farm Conference and Trade
Show. 4-H Exhibition Center in Noblesville, Indiana (northeast
Indianapolis). For a conference brochure, contact Sustainable Earth at
100 Georgton Ct., W. Lafayette, IN 47906, (765) 463-9366, or email
sbonney@iquest.net

January 8-9, 2001 -   Kentucky State Horticultural Meeting. For more
info contact John Strang, University of Kentucky, 606-257-5685

January 16-18, 2001 - Heartland Grape and Wine Coalition Short Course:
Vineyard and Winery Establishment. Battlecreek, 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  See the website http://www.msue.msu.edu/swmrec/

January 29-31, 2001 Ð Indiana Horticultural Congress. AdamÕs Mark
Hotel, Indianapolis. Check the website often for updates:
http://www.hort.purdue.edu and follow the link for Indiana
Horticultural Congress.

February 18-20, 2001 Ð Ohio Grape-Wine Short Course. Columbus, OH For
more information call 440-466-4417 or 800-227-6972 or visit
www.ohiowines.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.