Crop Conditions: Warm weather finally arrived in the state over the
past two weeks and plants are beginning to respond. Apples range from
1/2 inch green in the southern part of the state, with just a little
green showing here in Lafayette.  Peaches are in early bloom in
southern parts of Indiana.  Despite some cold weather in January, peach
buds throughout the state look good, but we still have a long way to go
to be out of danger from the cold.   Grapes, blueberries, and apples
are showing signs of bud development. Early grape varieties were
bleeding when pruned this week in Lafayette. Strawberries are just
starting to push new leaves but flower buds are not out of the crown.

Subscription Notice:  If you subscribe to the printed version of Facts
for Fancy Fruit, check the mailing label on this issue.  If there is a
02 in the corner we have no record of your payment for 2003 and this
will be your last issue of the newsletter.  If you want to continue
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Fire Blight:  Dormant copper sprays are most beneficial in those years
following severe fire blight.  If you do feel copper sprays are needed,
we suggest you apply copper to the entire orchard block, including non-
susceptible cultivars.  The reason for treating non-susceptible
cultivars is that even normally fire blight ÔresistantÕ trees like Red
Delicious can be colonized by the bacteria and serve as a source of
infection during bloom.  If copper sulfate (4 pounds per 100 gallons)
is used be sure to apply it when trees are dormant.  If applied late it
may burn leaf tissue. Also, do not apply copper sulfate with oil; apply
copper sulfate and dormant oil as separate sprays spaced at least 10
days apart.  If copper sulfate is applied under poor drying conditions
or later than silver tip, plant injury can result.  An alternative to
copper sulfate are the fixed coppers such as Kocide and C-O-C-S; most
fixed coppers do not have the compatibility problems of copper sulfate
and can be tank mixed with early season oil sprays.  Remember however
that even fixed coppers, if applied after half-inch green, can cause
fruit russetting in years when there is not enough rain to remove the
copper residues before tight cluster.  Note: when using copper sprays,
growers must read the individual product label to ensure compliance
with label resitrictions.  (Pecknold)

Collar Rot of Apple:  Think back to late last summer, did trees in your
orchard show premature leaf reddening, sparse, yellow foliage, and many
small, highly colored fruit?  Such symptoms, if accompanied by a canker
(localized discolored tissue) at or just below ground level, are
evidence of possible collar rot, caused by the soil-borne fungus,
Phytophthora.  If collar rot is suspected we advise the use of Ridomil
Gold EC or Aliette 80WDG.  We especially recommend these fungicides in
those areas having poor drainage and heavy, clay-type soil. Be sure to
treat surrounding healthy appearing trees, not just trees already
showing severe symptoms of collar rot.  Both these fungicides are best
used to prevent collar rotÉ. not cure it. See  ID-168, Ò2003 Indiana
Commercial Tree Fruit Spray GuideÓ, for further information. (Pecknold)

Powdery Mildew of Apple:  The PathologistÕs Almanac states:  after a
very cold winter there will be very little powdery mildew on apple;
however, after a very mild winter powdery mildew may be severe.  The
reasoning behind this prediction is that mildew infected apple buds are
much more apt to be killed off by severe cold.  IÕll let you decide how
severe the winter cold was.  However, if you do have mildew prone
cultivars it might be wise to use a fungicide that will also control
mildew in your early scab sprays.  Nova and Rubigan are excellent for
scab, powdery mildew and rust control. (Pecknold)

Peach Leaf Curl:   Peach trees need all the help they can get, that
includes a spray for control of peach leaf curl.  If you have not yet
sprayed for leaf curl get on your tractor and spray the first chance
you get; however, if peach trees are at, or past bud swell, youÕre too
late.  If you always seem to be too late, consider applying your leaf
curl spray at leaf fall this autumn, then you wonÕt have to worry about
spraying in spring.  (Pecknold)

Raspberry Anthracnose:   The most important spray you will apply this
season for control of anthracnose on brambles is the delayed dormant
spray of lime sulfur.  DONÕT FORGET IT!  Liquid lime-sulfur at 20
gallons per acre should be applied when new leaves are exposed 1/4 to
3/4  inches; if you are late in your application and donÕt spray until
a few leaves have unfolded, cut the rate to 10 gallons per acre.  NOTE:
There is greater risk of lime-sulfur burn, when applied at this later
time. (Pecknold)

Straw Removal on Strawberries:  Studies done in Illinois indicate that
proper time to remove straw from matted row strawberries is when the
bare soil temperature at 4 inches averages about 40-43ûF. This usually
coincides with mid to late March in central Indiana.  According to data
from the Purdue Applied Meteorology Group bare soil temperatures have
climbed quickly from the high 30s a week ago, to well into the 40s this
week.  Soil temperatures should rise steadily through the month, so the
straw should be raked off the tops of the beds and into the row middles
if it hasnÕt already been done.  Leaving some straw on top of the beds
for plants to grow up through provides a clean surface for fruit.
Straw should be removed from strawberry beds before the plants grow
enough to cause yellowing of foliage.  Allowing the leaves to become
etiolated (yellowed with long petioles) due to late straw removal can
reduce yields by as much as 25%.  However, uncovering the plants early
may promote early growth and increase chances of frost or freeze
injury.  The Illinois research found that the difference between early
removal and late removal increased first harvest by only 3 days, so
there is no real advantage. After the straw is removed the frost
protection irrigation equipment should be set up. (Bordelon)

E-Mail Subscriptions Up:  Over the past few years more and more Facts
for Fancy Fruit subscribers have chosen the electronic version of the
newsletter.  Our hard copy mailing list has fallen steadily and is now
about 100.  At the same time our email list has grown to well over 500
subscribers.  If you have e-mail and would like a copy sent
electronically, send us your e-mail address and we will include you on
the list.  Or send a message to fff@lists.hort.purdue.edu with the
subject or body ÒsubscribeÓ (or ÒunsubscribeÓ) to be automatically
included.  Another way is to visit our website at
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fff/fff.html and subscribe through the
Mailing List link.  Subscription to the email version is free.

Pruning Grapes:  March is the most common month for pruning grapes.
The threat of extremely cold weather has passed and we can evaluate any
winter injury to vines that may have occurred.  By April buds will
begin to swell and it is important that pruning is completed prior to
bud swell to avoid damage to the tender buds.  Winter injury in grapes
this year should be minimal.  However, there is likely to be some
damage on cold-tender varieties.  You should assess bud damage prior to
pruning so that adjustments in the balanced pruning formula can be made
based on the amount of bud loss.  Typically, if less than 25% of the
buds are damaged you can prune normally.  If 25-40% of the buds are
damaged then youÕll want to adjust the number of buds retained
accordingly.  For example, if 40% of the buds are damaged then 60% are
live.  If you need 40 buds per vine for the proper crop load then
youÕll have to leave 68 buds to end up with 40 primary shoots.  To
determine how to adjust the bud number multiply the inverse of the %
live buds (1/.60) times the desired number of buds (1/.60=1.7; 1.7 x 40
= 68 buds).  If more than 40% of the buds are damaged then youÕll
probably want to do minimal pruning now and wait until after budbreak
to determine where live buds occur in order to have an adequate number
for balancing the vines. Spring freeze damage can also be a significant
economic problem for grape growers.  A technique called long pruning or
double pruning helps avoid spring frost and freeze damage, especially
on varieties that tend to bud out early.  The procedure utilizes the
apical dominance of buds on the cane.  The first buds to begin growing
are those on the tip of the cane, while buds closer to the base begin
growth later.  This type of pruning is only applicable to spur or
no-tie training systems.  To perform long pruning, select canes to be
used for fruiting spurs during the normal pruning practice, but leave
those canes long, with 10-15 more buds than desired.  Spurs are
normally pruned to 4 to 6 nodes for fruiting, but if they are not cut
back, then the extra buds will help delay the development of the
desired basal 4 to 6 buds, which helps avoid frost injury.  After the
date of the last probable spring freeze has passed, the canes are
shortened to the desired length to properly adjust the bud number for
the vine.  Growth of the basal buds can be delayed by as much as two
weeks if weather conditions are favorable.  While this procedure
requires an extra trip through the vineyard, it can mean the difference
between a full crop and little or no crop. (Bordelon)

Pruning Brambles:  This is a good time to finish pruning summer-bearing
brambles.  Last years fruited canes should be removed now if they were
not removed last summer or fall. Remove weak or spindly floricanes and
thin to 4-6 canes per foot of row.  Laterals on blackberries and black
and purple raspberries should be trimmed back to about 2/3 to 3/4 of
their original length to promote flowering on strong wood.  Red
raspberry canes can be tipped if desired, but should not be tipped more
than 1/4 of the cane length.  If the planting is trellised, the canes
should be tied to the wires now before growth starts.  Fall bearing
types should be mowed to the ground before growth begins for a
fall-only harvest, or remove the fruited tips if a summer and fall
harvest is desired.  Remove and destroy the prunings to help prevent
anthracnose and botrytis. (Bordelon)

Pruning Blueberries:  Spring is the best time to prune blueberries.
Winter injured wood is easily identified and should be removed.  Try to
establish an even number of canes of various age classes. A well-pruned
blueberry bush should have about 15-25 canes (depending on age,
cultivar and growth habit) with approximately 1/3 in the 5-7 year-old
class, 1/3 in the 2-4 year-old class, and 1/3 new canes for renewal.
Pruning should open the center of the bush to encourage new cane
growth, and promote an upright growth habit by removing low, drooping
branches.  Detailed pruning to remove weak growth in the tops of the
canes will reduce the number of fruit and improve fruit size.
(Bordelon)

Indiana Horticultural Congress:  In January we hosted another
successful IHC.  This meeting continues to be well supported by both
industry and vendors alike.  Educational sessions were well attended
and the trade show was filled to overflowing.  We appreciate the
support of the Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture for a grant to
enable us to bring in more invited speakers this year.  Our meeting
certainly compares favorably with many other states.  Dr. Vic
Lechtenburg, Dean of Agriculture at Purdue, was presented with the
Golden Apple award for strong support of our industry, most recently in
evidence with the creation of a specialty crops marketing faculty
position (see separate article on the progress with this).   Also
receiving recognition certificates were Dr. Randy Woodson (Associate
Dean and Director of Agricultural Research Programs) and Dr. Ed
Ashworth (head of the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Department).  If you already have your 2004 calendars, the dates are
January 26-28, 2004. (Hirst)

Cider Contest Winners:  In conjunction with the IHC, the Indiana Cider
contest was help again in January.  It seems that family rivalry is
alive and well with David Doud taking the top honors this year (his
brother Steve has been a multiple winner in the past).  Also recognized
as producing among the best ciders were John Beasley and Gene Wild.
While these three cider makers warrant special mention, we applaud all
those who submitted entries Ð all were good and of premium quality.
(Hirst)

Specialty Crops Marketing Search:  We are well underway with our search
to fill a faculty position in specialty crop marketing.  This is a new
position that Dr. Lectenburg has committed to fill with some support
from the Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture.  We are also
grateful to Dr. Ed Ashworth for his strong support and his behind the
scenes efforts to have this position created.   The position will have
a strong extension emphasis.  We are in the process of interviewing
three candidates, from Pennsylvania, Washington State and New Jersey.
Some of you have been invited by Dr. Ashworth to participate in the
interviewing process and we value your input.  (Hirst)

2003 Spray Guides:  The revised 2003 Commercial Tree Fruit (ID-168) and
Commercial Small Fruit and Grape (ID-169) Spray Guides are now
available.  The new issues contain the latest pesticide label
information available at printing time but, as always, you should read
and follow the label directions.  Several changes have occurred this
year and all commercial growers should have a copy of the revised
versions.  The spray guides will be available at the regional meetings,
through your local Cooperative Extension office, or directly from
Agricultural Communication Service, Media Distribution Center at
1-888-EXT-INFO. (1-888-398-4636).  The current version of the Small
Fruit and Grape Spray Guide is also available on the web at:
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/hort/ext/sfg/.  Any changes in pesticide
registrations that have occurred since printing will be listed under a
special button on that web page. The Tree Fruit Spray Guide is at
www.extension.iastate.edu/pubs/PM1282/homepage.html.  (Bordelon)

Grape Flea Beetle:  The Grape flea beetle can be a serious pest of
grapes because they feed on developing buds after final pruning. Lost
buds can relate to a direct loss of yield. Grapes will be in early
swell to budbreak across the state over the next two weeks and these
are the stages most likely to be damaged from flea beetles. Scout
vineyards for these insects or their damage and control if more than 5%
of the buds have been damaged. Damage appears as holes eaten into the
sides of buds. The insects are small (1/8 inch long) and shiny green,
blue or black in appearance. They crawl quickly along the canes and
tend to drop to the ground if disturbed. Incidence often occurs in
outer rows adjacent to fence rows or woods, making spot spraying an
option. Scout the planting carefully and apply insecticides only if
needed. Damage from flea beetles usually decreases as buds break and
shoots become 1/2 inch or longer. Sevin will provide excellent control
of this insect. Refer to the label or ID-169 for complete
recommendations. (Bordelon)

In Memory of Ben Sparks: Ben Sparks, Jr. of Uniontown passed away
January 29 at the age of 84. Many of you in the fruit industry are
familiar with Ben through his attendance at Indiana and regional wine
grape conferences, often adorned in his trademark lederhosen. Ben
attended the 2003 Indiana Horticultural Congress and Wine Grape
Symposium the day before his death.
	Ben was born in Rushville and served in the Navy for 27 years. He
owned and operated Possum Trot Winery and Vineyards from 1968-1991, and
Possum Trot Bed & Breakfast from 1991 to present. A retired Navy
commander and Naval aviator, he was a veteran of World War II, and the
Korean and Viet Nam wars. He received medals for heroism and the Air
Medal. A 1935 graduate of Rushville High School, he attended Purdue
University, where he was a member of the Flying Boilermakers. He was a
founding member and past president of the Indiana WinegrowerÕs Guild.
He was named a Sagamore of the Wabash in 1997. Ben had many interests
and was involved in many civic activities in Brown County and the
Bloomington area. He will be missed by all.

In Memory of Fred Stalnaker:  Fred Stalnaker of Terre Haute passed away
on March 17, 2003.  Many of the long time fruit growers will remember
Fred who for many years operated an orchard south of Terre Haute on US
41 near Farmersburg.  We extend our sympathies to his family and
friends.

Upcoming Meetings:

April 2.  East Indiana Horticultural Society.  Minnestrista Cultural
Center, Muncie.  6.00 pm.  Contact Dave Clamme, Delaware County
Extension Educator.  Email: dave.clamme@ces.purdue.edu, Phone 765-
747-7732.

April 4-5.  ÒAn Introduction to Starting a Specialty Food or Food
Ingredient Business in IndianaÓ.  Farm Bureau, Indianapolis. This
program is geared toward meeting the needs of small to medium scale
food entrepreneurs.  Pre-registration required.  Contact Dr. Kirby
Hayes, Department of Food Science, Purdue University for more details.
Email: hayesk@purdue.edu, Phone 765-496-2864.

April 17.  Lake County fruit meeting.  Pruning demonstration 3.00 pm,
twilight meeting 6.00 pm, Countyline Orchard.  Contact Stan Sims, Lake
County Extension Educator.  Email stanley.sims@ces.purdue.edu,  Phone
219-755-3240.

April 23.  North East Indiana fruit meeting.  More details to come.

May 22.  LaPorte County twilight meeting.  Garwood Orchard.  Contact
Walt Sell, LaPorte County Extension Educator.  Email
walt.sell@ces.purdue.edu,  Phone 219-326-6808

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce Bordelon, 1165 Dept. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture,
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN  47907-1165, 317/494-8212,
e-mail: bordelon@hort.purdue.edu

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

Paul Pecknold, 1155 Dept. of Botany & Plant Pathology, 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

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using products listed in this newsletter assumes full responsibility
for their use in accordance with current label directions of the
manufacturer.

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