FFF04-02 April 9, 2004

Crop conditions:  Warm weather over the last 2 weeks has pushed along
crop development quickly. Temperatures in the 60's and up to the high
70's have been experienced in many places across the state but now seem
to be settling down to a more typical 50-60 range.  This is obviously
more desirable so that crops don't develop too quickly and arrive at a
frost sensitive stage when the risk of frost is high.  Apples went from
silver tip to half-inch green almost overnight it seemed.

MaxCel, a new 6BA thinner for apple:  Valent Biosciences announced in
late March that US-EPA has approved the registration of a new
formulation of 6BA for thinning apples. The new product, named MaxCel,
will replace Accel, and is expected to be registered in time for the
2004-growing season. This product is an improvement over Accel in both
formulation and in labeled instructions for use.

6-benzyadenine (6BA) is a cytokinin, a class of growth regulator that
promotes cell division and bud initiation in plants. It is the active
ingredient in Accel, Exilis Plus and RiteSize apple thinners.  6BA
thinners purportedly have the advantage over other thinners in that
they can increase fruit size by promoting cell division in the fruit as
well as by providing thinning.

New Formulation:  The MaxCel formulation contains 1.9% 6BA, which is a
slightly higher concentration than Accel, and unlike Accel, it contains
no GA. Prior research showed that the GA in the Accel formulation might
interfere with the thinning activity of 6BA, especially at higher
concentrations of Accel. The new product also contains additives to
enhance absorption.

New Label:  Perhaps the most improved aspect of this product is its
label! The MaxCel label will allow higher concentrations of 6BA than
were permitted under the Accel label. Following the Accel label, a
grower could apply one or two sprays 30g of active ingredient per acre
per season. For semi-dwarf trees this was the equivalent of about 75
ppm. At this rate 6BA is a mild thinner. The MaxCel label permits up to
200 ppm per spray and up to 182 g of 6BA per acre per season, which
will allow for multiple sprays, even at the higher rates.

The thinning response to 6BA is rate dependant, meaning that increasing
the concentration applied generally will result in increased thinning
activity. MaxCel at 100 to 150 ppm will provide a stronger thinning
response than what a grower would have expected from Accel. While most
growers considered Accel and its generic equivalents to be mild
thinners, the MaxCel label will permit a range of rate options from
mild through aggressive thinning.

If mild thinning is desired, similar to the results obtained with
Accel, then 75 ppm MaxCel is a good starting point. For moderate
thinning with moderate to difficult varieties, 100 to 150 ppm is an
acceptable range. If additional thinning is desired, MaxCel can be
tank-mixed with carbaryl.

The new label is concentration based, so growers accustomed to thinking
about thinners in parts per million will now be able to think about
MaxCel in this way. Research suggests that MaxCel may be concentrated
up to 5X with similar thinning results, however thinning and fruit size
responses to MaxCel were slightly better with more dilute applications.
Another change on the MaxCel label is that the preharvest interval
(PHI) is 86 days. This means that MaxCel may not be a good choice for
very early season varieties.

What ’s not new:  6BA, regardless of formulation, works best when
temperatures rise into the 70's for several days during and after the
application. The best window of application will be a stretch of warm
weather while fruit are in the 9 to 15 mm size range. As with all 6BA
thinners, don't apply 6BA and NAA in the same year to Delicious or to
Fuji, as this combination may result in a bad case of pygmy fruit.

Conclusion:  The registration of MaxCel is noteworthy because it
represents a big improvement in 6BA technology. Growers will be able to
use highly effective concentrations, either as a stand-alone thinner,
or in combination with carbaryl. I predict this product will put 6BA in
its rightful place with apple growers as a first-rate apple thinner.
(Dr. Jim Schupp- PSU Fruit Research and Extension Center, Biglerville,
PA)

Beware of the Cicadas! - 2004 marks the return of Brood X of the
17-year cicada. This is the largest brood of cicadas in Indiana and
most of the eastern part of the United States. This particular brood
will emerge in areas from New Jersey to Tennessee. Cicadas, sometimes
mistakenly called locusts, have a very unique life cycle. The nymphs,
or juveniles, feed by sucking on the roots of trees for 17 years. After
then, the last nymphal stage crawls out of the ground and onto the
trunk of a tree. The adult then emerges, leaving behind the skin of the
nymph. The male cicadas attract females with their loud calls, which
are produced by vibrating tymbals on their abdomen. After mating, the
females lay eggs in twigs that are approximately pencil size in
diameter. They use their saw-like ovipositor to slit the twigs so that
they can place the eggs inside. After 6-8 weeks, the eggs will hatch
and the nymphs will fall to the ground, burrow in the soil, start
feeding on roots, and begin the 17-year cycle again. Brood X was first
observed in 1715 and was last seen 17 years ago in 1987. In 1987, the
first emergence in the Bloomington area occurred on May 12, with the
largest emergence from May 17 to 29. The last emerging adults came out
on June 4. The adults live for about 2 weeks after emergence.
	For fruit growers, the major concern is the damage that the females do
when they slit the twigs for egg laying. This damage will most likely
destroy that terminal. On full-grown trees, this will be a relatively
minor problem, because most terminals will go undamaged. However, on
young trees, there are not as many branches and damage to the same
number of terminals may cause a severe problem.
	

My recommendations for how to deal with this problem are:

1. Don't plant new trees this spring until after the cicada emergence
is past, especially in southern Indiana.

2. Wait to prune trees until after the damage is complete so that you
can prune out the damaged branches and leave the healthy ones.

3. If feasible, protect young trees with cloth barriers. This will only
be practical if you have very few young trees.

4. For young trees that are not yet in production, spray with Asana
when cicadas are present. Scouting for cicadas is pretty easy. All you
have to do is open your window in the evenings and listen. Data from
Kentucky has shown that Asana is fairly effective for cicada control.
Normally, I would be concerned about killing predator mites, but
hopefully the predators will come back before the trees start
producing.

5. For trees in production, use Danitol as your cover spray insecticide
when cicadas are active. Our recent research results have shown that
Danitol is a very good alternative to Imidan and Guthion for control of
plum curculio and codling moth. Replacing these materials with Danitol
for 2 sprays is a good idea for other reasons, but will provide the
added benefit of Cicada control.

6. Do not expect to get complete control of cicadas with these or any
insecticides. Some reports indicate that about 50% control may be the
best we can do.
	(Foster)


Severity of emergence of Brood X cicadas in 1987.

New farmers market for Indianapolis:  Preliminary planning for a major
year round farmers market for central Indiana is underway. The market
is to be located in a major "destination" retail development by
Holladay Properties at a new interchange at I-70 and the Indianapolis
airport. Holladay's goal is to have a world-class market that will take
advantage of the location, which will be directly accessible from all
points of metropolitan Indianapolis and be directly across from the new
airport terminal.  Current plans call for a 75-stall facility, a
"signature" building housing a restaurant and meeting space, and a
preparation space of about 5,000 sf.  In addition to showcasing the
best that Indiana growers have to offer, Holladay is working with
Federal Express to create national and international overnight delivery
of specialty items.  More information will be provided as planning
proceeds. (See website http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fff/FFF.html for picture of proposed farmers market)

Protecting the US Food Supply: FDA Requires Registration of Fruit and
Vegetable Packing, Holding and Processing Facilities:  Another
regulation, I can hear the groans and sighs already. But this one
doesn't seem too taxing (let me know if I'm wrong). It requires a
one-time no-cost registration, and many Indiana fruit and vegetable
operations will be exempt. So read on!

The Bioterrorism Act of 2002 requires facilities that pack, hold or
process human and animal food to register with the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). According to the FDA, in the event of a potential
or actual bioterrorism incident or an outbreak of food- borne illness,
the registration information will help FDA to determine the location
and source of the event and permit the agency to notify quickly
facilities that may be affected.

The FDA published an Interim Final Rule in Oct. 2003 detailing who must
register and how to register. Registration is required only one time
and there is no charge for registering. The FDA strongly encourages
online registrations at <http://www.access.fda.gov/>.

Many Indiana fruit and vegetable growers will be exempt from
registration, but others will need to register. A single farm business
may include more than one facility, for instance a farm (for growing
and harvesting), a packing facility (for packing and storing/holding),
and a retail farm stand (for selling direct to consumers). Each
facility shall be considered separately to determine whether it needs
to be registered. Even if the facilities are part of one partnership or
corporation, they can still be considered separate facilities under
this rule. This is important because retail food establishments, such
as farm stands, do not need to register even if they pack, hold or
process fruits and vegetables produced on other farms. In contrast, a
facility that packs or holds produce grown on other farms and then
sells it wholesale DOES need to register. Most Indiana fruit and
vegetable growers will probably fall into one of the following groups:

Facilities that don't need to register (excerpted from "What You Need
to Know about Registration of Food Facilities", US-FDA and US-DHHS,
Nov. 2003):

Farms, i.e. facilities in one general location devoted to growing and
harvesting of crops (washing, trimming of outer leaves and cooling
produce are considered part of harvesting) and/or raising animals
(including seafood). The term "farm" also includes facilities that
manufacture/process, pack or hold food, provided that all food used in
those activities is grown, raised, or consumed on that farm or another
farm under the same ownership.

Retail food establishments, such as groceries, delis, and roadside
stands, that sell food directly to consumers as their primary function,
means that annual food sales directly to consumers are of greater
dollar value than annual sales to other buyers.

Facilities that do need to register:

Facilities that pack, hold, or process fruits or vegetables and do not
fit one of the descriptions above. Operations that pack or hold produce
grown on another farm and sell the produce wholesale need to register.

For more information, see the FDA Web site "FDA Actions on New
Bioterrorism Legislation" <www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsbtact.html>. Good
summary documents available on that site include: -Booklet (SECG): What
You Need to Know About Registration of Food Facilities -Slide
Presentation: Overview of Registration Interim Final Rule Implementing
the Bioterrorism Act -Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers
Regarding Registration of Food Facilities (Edition 3) February 17, 2004
A toll-free number is also available for questions: 1-800-216-7331. Be
sure to take notes on the information you receive. If you need
assistance accessing on-line materials, contact your local County
Extension Office, or call: 219-785-5673. (Dr. Liz Maynard)

Proposed Rule for Modifying Apple Crop Provisions Published in Federal
Register Risk Management Agency Program Announcement

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2004 -- USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) today
announced a proposed rule published in the Federal Register, seeking
public comment on proposed modifications to the current Apple Crop
Provisions. The proposed rule is subject to a 30-day public comment
period, ending April 29, 2004.

"RMA recognized changes in the apple industry and worked closely with
the U.S. Apple representatives to propose changes that will provide
better coverage for apple producers," said RMA Administrator Ross J.
Davidson, Jr. "These modifications will simplify and add further
certainty to the apple crop insurance program. RMA appreciated the
assistance of apple producers and their representatives in developing
the proposed changes and looks forward to public comments."

Highlights in the proposed rule include:

* Raising the floor of the insurable grade from U.S. Cider grade to
U.S. No. 1 Processing in the basic apple policy. This eliminates the
need for the producer to purchase the current Fresh Fruit option A that
provides coverage for U.S. No 1 Processing Apples.

* Revising Fresh Fruit Option B that provides quality for fresh apples
that do not U.S. Fancy or better. The new Optional Coverage for Fresh
Fruit Quality Adjustment provides coverage against all perils that
could cause apples not to grade U.S. Fancy or better. The current Fresh
Fruit Option B only provides coverage against the perils of hail,
freeze and wind. * Incorporating "sunburn" as a cause of loss in the
Basic Apple Crop Provisions and the new Optional Coverage for Fresh
Fruit Quality Adjustment. Apple producers will now be covered in their
basic apple insurance policy for sunburn rather than purchasing an
option. In addition, sunburn will be an insurable cause of loss under
the new Optional Fresh Fruit Quality Adjustment Option.

* Requiring producers to designate acreage grown for fresh and
processing apples on the acreage report. This modification helps
protect against program abuse since the Fresh Fruit Quality Adjustment
is only available for Fresh Apples. Apples designated as processing are
not covered by this quality adjustment option. By preventing program
abuse, RMA can assure that producers who work within the system receive
the actuarially sound risk protection they deserve. Contact: James
Callan (202) 720-8812 Raegan Weber (202) 720-6200; From RMA online:
http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/pr/2004/03/0329apple.html


Apple Diseases:  Tight cluster to pink is a time for maximum disease
control efforts.  During this period primary scab spores often reach
their peak; powdery mildew infection is occurring on new growth; cedar
apple rust is discharging spores with each rain; and fire blight is
building, ready to be carried to opening apple and pear blossoms. It's
not a pretty picture!

1. Apple scab: The potential for severe scab infection is ALWAYS high.
The amount of scab is directly dependent on the frequency AND DURATION
of spring rainfall.  If we have a wet April, scab pressure will be
high, if it turns dry, scab pressure will be low, spray accordingly.

2. Rust:   The pink stage of apple growth generally coincides with the
time rust spores begin to infect apple foliage and fruit.  If rust is a
chronic problem consider the use of a sterol-inhibiting fungicide such
as Nova or Rubigan.

3. Powdery mildew:  If mildew has been a chronic problem in certain
blocks (Jonathan, Rome, Ida Red) the above mentioned sterol-inhibiting
fungicides are also excellent in helping to control mildew.

4. Fire Blight: Cool, spring temperatures help prevent a rapid increase
in the fire blight population; warm spring temperatures can cause very
sudden, dramatic increases in the fire blight population.  Here's
hoping for a cool spring. (Pecknold)

Fire Blight Warning:  An increased occurrence of fire blight over the
past few years has increased the potential for this to be another bad
year for blight.  If prebloom & bloom coincide with warm temperatures
(daily average temperatures above 65¡F) the possibility of blossom
blight infection being triggered by a wetting event (rainfall or heavy
dews) becomes very real. The best prevention for fire blight is the
application of streptomycin during bloom.  Apply streptomycin just as
blossoms begin opening and repeat every 3-4 days if weather favorable
for blossom blight infection persists.  The "MARYBLYT" computer
software program will help you in determining when and if an infection
event occurred as well as predict the risk for future infection
periods. (Pecknold)

Planting to Avoid Fire blight: When establishing new orchard blocks,
consider varietal susceptibility to fire blight.  Blight control is
easier if plantings of susceptible trees can be isolated.  Avoid
interplanting susceptible apple varieties (Gala, Fuji, Ida red,
Jonathan, Lodi, Rome, etc.) with pears or in fields adjacent to pear
plantings.  In mixed variety plantings, set varieties susceptible to
blight in solid rows for ease of spraying with blight control
chemicals. Also, most of the more severe fire blight problems have
occurred in orchards planted on poor sites.  These sites can be
characterized as having heavy, poorly drained, and/or highly acid
soils. Planting trees on poor soil invites fire blight damage and poor
fruit production. (Pecknold)

Apple Scab: The most important time of year for scab control is from
green tip to petal fall.  If you don't control scab during this period
it's an uphill struggle the remainder of the season.  Be sure sprayers
are properly calibrated; thoroughly read the label of all pesticides
you will be applying; use sufficient water to provide good coverage;
choose calm, good drying conditions for spraying (Good luck on this
suggestion); prune trees so they have an open canopy allowing for good
spray penetration; and maintain a tight schedule if wet weather
persists during the primary scab period. (Pecknold)

Brown Rot Of Stone Fruits: Management of brown rot began last year
after harvest...with the removal of all fruit, mummies and blighted
twigs.  It continues this year at pink with early season fungicide
sprays.  We fortunately have an abundance of fungicides for use in
control of brown rot. See ID-168, "2004 Indiana Commercial Tree Fruit
Spray Guide", for a complete listing of suggested fungicides.
(Pecknold)

Obituary: Eunice K. Byers, May 6, 1914-April 8, 2004.  Bedford-Eunice
K. Byers, 89, of 1142 Cassidy Lane, Mitchell, IN died at 4:00 pm on
Thursday, April 8, 2004 at the Bedford Regional Medical Center.

Born May 6, 1914 in Vincennes, IN, she was the daughter of Otto J. and
Grace (Kaufman) Klein. She was a homemaker, a loving mother, and
grandmother.  She was the wife for sixty-six years of Robert Byers, a
fruit grower.  They both helped manage Dixie Orchard Company of
Vincennes.  They retired and moved to Bedford in 1981 to live near
their son who manages Applacres, a family business.  Eunice was
involved with Applacres market and assisted with fruit and bedding
plant sales and school tours.  She was a member of the First United
Methodist church of Bedford and homemakers clubs in Vincennes and
Bedford.

Survivors include two sons, Ross Byers of Winchester, VA and David
Byers of Bedford; one daughter, Margaret Klein of Indianapolis; three
grandchildren, Julia Byers of Bloomington, Lisa Strimple of Winchester,
VA and Stephen Byers of M. Airy, MD; one great grandson, Addison Byers.
 Her parents, husband, and one brother, Herbert Klein, preceded her in
death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 13th
at The First United Methodist Church in Bedford with Rev. Curtis Hurley
officiating.  A committal service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on
Tuesday, April 13th at Vincennes Memorial Park Cemetery.  Friends may
call from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, April 12th at the Day and
Carter Mortuary and from 10:00 am until the hour of service on Tuesday,
April 13th at the First United Methodist Church. The family asks that
friends consider memorial contributions be made to The First United
Methodist Church.

Our condolences are offered to the family of Eunice K. Byers.

Upcoming Meetings:

April 12 - Spring Grape and Wine Workshop. Anderson's Winery,
Valparaiso. Contact Bruce Bordelon 765-494-8212, Jill Blume
765-494-1749, or visit www.indianawines.org

April 28 - North East Indiana Fruitgrowers twilight meeting.  Fairland
Orchard.  More information in the next Facts for Fancy Fruit or contact
Ricky Kemery, Phone 219-481-6826, email  ricky.kemery@ces.purdue.edu