FFF05-01 April 15, 2005

Crop conditions Most crops have come through the winter well, although
peaches and grapes have been frozen out in a few spots, especially
across the central part of the state.  I think we are generally running
about normal but it's hard to get a read on where we are in terms of
crop development compared with previous years since a few warm days at
this time of the year can really bring things along fast.  The opposite
is also true in that a few cool days can hold crop development back.
Peaches are at or just past full bloom and apples are at tight cluster
here in Lafayette. Early grapes are at bud break in the south and full
swell in Lafayette.

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
04 in the corner we have no record of your payment for 2005 and this
will be your last issue of the newsletter. If you want to continue your
subscription please fill out the subscription form attached to this
issue and send with a check for $15.00 payable to Purdue University,
to: Facts for Fancy Fruit, Department of Horticulture and Landscape
Architecture, 625 Agriculture Mall Drive, Purdue University, West
Lafayette, IN 47907-2010. If you feel there is an error, please contact
Danielle Sheese at (765) 494-1301.

Cider Contest We congratulate John Beasley of Beasley's Orchard in
Danville, IN on being awarded the top cider maker in the state.  John
has consistently placed in the top 3 in the 5 years we have held this
contest, but this is his first time winning the top prize.  The cider
contest is held in conjunction with the Indiana Horticultural Congress
and continues to be popular with cider makers.

Cider regulations According to an article in the March 2005 "The
Grower", the New York Apple Association is working towards mandatory
pasteurization of apple cider.  Like Indiana, New York law currently
has a loophole that allows growers to sell untreated cider provided it
is sold directly to the consumer.  It is this loophole that the NY
Apple Association wants closed, and according to one board member "It's
putting the whole industry at risk."  In 2004, contaminated apple cider
was blamed for landing 14 people in the hospital with food borne
illness. We all know that food safety regulations are getting more
restrictive, not less, but it's anyone's guess how long this loophole
will remain open in Indiana, or on a federal level.  I haven't heard of
any moves to close the "retail exemption" in Indiana but by the same
token, I'd be surprised if this rule was still in force 10 years from
now. (Hirst)

Happy McApples How many of you know who is the nation's largest
purchaser of apples?  Probably not many answered "McDonald's" but last
year they sold more than 35 million pounds of apples, according to the
Wall Street Journal.  These are sold as fresh cut apple slices as an
alternative to fries in Happy Meals.  (Hirst)

New Blueberry Publication from MSU: A new publication (E-2928) "Pocket
Guide to IPM Scouting in Highbush Blueberries", compiled and edited by
Annemiek Schilder, Rufus Isaacs, Eric Hanson, and Bill Cline is now
available from Michigan State University. The 128 page long index
card-sized format is handy to take to the field or keep in the pickup.
The guide contains disease and insect scouting calendars that are based
on blueberry growth stages, not dates, to make the information
transferable to different areas. Calendars describe when infections
begin or insects are problematic, when symptoms of diseases appear, and
when controls might be needed for problems that affect blueberry
growers across the Midwest and Northeast. Disease and insect
descriptions and pictures make it easy to identify problems in the
field. Other useful information includes pictures of natural enemies,
nutrient deficiencies, herbicide damage, and environmental problems.
The cost is $14, plus $4 for shipping and handling.  It can be ordered
online at http://web2.msue.msu.edu/bulletins/mainsearch.cfm. Type in
the keyword blueberries to see all of MSU's blueberry publications.  It
can also be ordered from the MSU Extension Bulletin office at
517-353-6740. (Bordelon)

New Small Fruit Publication Is Highly Recommended: The Midwest Small
Fruit Pest Management Handbook has been revised and is now available.
The handbook features full-color photos of the major disease symptoms
and insect pests. Comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
recommendations are included for control of insects, diseases, and
weeds on strawberry, brambles, blueberry, and grapes. There are also
chapters on pesticide handling, and nutrient recommendations. The
handbook is bargain-priced thanks to grant support to offset production
cost. Copies can be obtained through Ohio State University by calling
614-292-1607 or email to pubs@ag.osu.edu or through Purdue's Media
Distribution Center at 1-888-EXT-INFO or on the web at
http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/.  Visa and MasterCard orders are
accepted. (Bordelon)

Correction in the 2005 Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray
Guide: We have become aware of a few mistakes in the printed version of
the 2005 Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide (ID-169).
We make every effort to assure that the updates are correct before we
go to press, but occasionally mistakes slip through. This should be a
good reminder to every grower that they should read and follow the
label directions instead of depending on guides or advice from
neighbors or others.

The corrections are:

On page 18 under the section Downy Mildew - The
Use of Ridomil Gold MZ and Ridomil Copper, we have listed the
preharvest interval (PHI) for Ridomil Gold MZ as 42 days when it should
have been listed as 66 days. And we listed the PHI for Ridomil Gold
Copper as 66 days when it should be 42 days.

On page 50, Table 8 Fungicide Harvest Restrictions and Restricted -
Entry Intervals (REI), the preharvest interval (PHI) for mancozeb on
grapes is listed as 42 days. This is not correct. The PHI for mancozeb
on grapes is still 66 days.

Finally, on page 63 under Sinbar 80 WP, the rate should read 1-2 lb,
not 1-22 lb.

We regret that these mistakes happened and will do our best to avoid
this in the future. If you find any other mistakes, please let us know.

Another problem we have become aware of is that some of the copies were
not assembled correctly by the printer and may be missing certain
pages. If you received a copy that is not complete, let us know and we
will send you a replacement. (Bordelon)

Risk of Fungicide Drift from Soybeans to Apples: With the potential for
soybean rust showing up in the region this year, apple growers should
be aware that there is potential for drift damage on certain varieties
from some of the strobilurin fungicides that may be used on soybeans.
In particular, the azoxystrobin products Quadris and Abound are known
to cause phytotoxicity to Macintosh-related apples varieties. These
products may be used on soybeans. Growers should take time to visit
their neighbors and discuss this potential problem. (Bordelon)

Strobi availability Azoxystrobin, sold as Quadris in the field crop
market, and trifloxystrobin, a component of Stratego, are both likely
to be used against soybean rust should the disease develop this year.
If a major epidemic develops, this will put a lot of strain on the
fungicide delivery system. Various people have told me that the
chemical companies and dealers are not going to forget about their
regular customers as they try to take care of all the soybean farmers
who may want product. Still, I think fruit growers might want to talk
to their dealers about supply, and if pre-ordering is appropriate, may
want to do so. I think the fruit growers probably have a big advantage
over soybean growers, in that they have a pretty good idea of how much
material they need. Right now, it's all very uncertain for the soybean
growers, because no one can say whether we will have a rust problem or
not, especially in the northern states.  (Gregory Shaner, Professor,
Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue Univ.)

Search for New Plant Pathologist As many of you know, Paul Pecknold has
announced his retirement after 32 years at Purdue.  The good news is
that the administration has decided to fill this position, with an
extension emphasis on fruit and landscape trees.  The search process is
moving along - 3 candidates have been interviewed and the search
committee will meet later this week to develop a recommendation.
(Hirst)

Petting zoo sanitation Cases of E. coli infection following visits to
petting zoos or animal exhibits have been widely reported recently.  In
Florida, at least 22 people, almost all children, fell seriously ill
after visiting one of three fairs in the past two months. State health
officials are investigating 35 more cases.  Last Autumn, 15 children
developed the life-threatening kidney ailment in North Carolina, and a
petting zoo exhibit at the state fair in October was determined to be
the likely source. In all, 108 people, more than half of them small
children, were affected by E. coli traced to the fair, though most had
far milder symptoms than the 15.  I'm mentioning this not to say that
petting zoos are hazardous places for kids, but that there is some
level of risk.  As with any aspect of your farm operation, you should
do all you can to be aware of the risks and to reduce and manage the
risk.  Talk to your local health inspector to make sure you are in
compliance with all regulations.  The bad publicity and ramifications
of a child becoming ill after visiting your petting zoo are pretty
obvious, so do all you can to reduce the risk of this occurring.
(Hirst)

Pest Patrol for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Rats, flies and other
vermin. Centuries ago rats struck fear into the hearts of mankind
because contact with them could lead to death. Well, we're past the
medieval scourge of the Black Death aren't we? Flies are only a
nuisance in this day and age, aren't they? Deer, geese, ducks ...isn't
the only real concern for a grower the potential crop losses to these
pests? Simply put: no. You don't have to look any farther than the
nearest newspaper or web news page to see stories about the bird flu
and the latest petting zoo outbreak to realize that vermin, insects,
fowl, and animals all still have the potential to carry microorganisms
that can lead to human illness. Time and again, wild animals including
rodents and insects have been documented to carry E. coli 0157:H7 and
other human pathogens.

Three words sum up the approach to reducing your risk of contamination
from pests, large and small: restriction, exclusion, and trash/garbage
management. Starting with the field, the best practice as defined by
the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) program is to restrict access as
much as reasonably possible. Using fences and other active deterrents
were practical will help you minimize your risk. Remember that our goal
is always minimizing risk, not eliminating it.

Also, consider the water you are using for irrigation and spraying. If
it's an open surface, restrict access by geese and other waterfowl as
much as possible. Also test the reservoir quarterly and consider some
form of water treatment if you detect fecal coliforms or E. coli.

In the packing facility, pest control is that much more important since
this is the often the last place produce is handled before reaching the
consumer. Start outside and remove trash and/or culling piles from the
building's perimeter. As far as rodents and insects are concerned, junk
equipment and garbage piles are the best motels and fast food the
country has to offer (outside of New York City). Effective trash and
garbage management will minimize the potential for attracting the pests
that can cause you the most trouble.

In the packing shed is where you can successfully practice exclusion.
You are ahead of the game if you can minimize openings in the walls,
floor and ceilings of you packing shed and use screening and doors.
Regardless of how open your shed is, you can reduce the presence of
rodents in and around your facility by using traps located on either
side inside and outside doorways, including garage doors. Rodents like
to move close to the wall along the floor and readily enter baited
stations located tightly against the wall approximately every 20 feet
within the building.

Poison is not needed to capture and remove rodents and creates an
unnecessary risk. If you undergo a third party audit, most auditors
would significantly reduce your score and some would consider an
automatic failure if they found poison inside the packing shed, even if
it's within the bait station. Be sure to number and map your bait
stations so you can keep track of them and more easily record when you
monitor them, especially if you expect to undergo third party auditing.

Insect traps are only needed if you have a consistent, significant bug
problem. If you do use something like zappers or pheromone traps,
remember that they work because they attract the insects. Place them
away from where the produce is held prior to entering the packinghouse
and away from the packing line so the insects are drawn away from those
areas. Also, check and clean them out frequently, so they don't become
a potential source of contamination.

Each operation is unique and requires some creative thinking to address
pest problems sufficiently. This year we have the Ohio and Indiana
Specialty Crop Food Safety Initiative offering growers a variety of
tools to address pests and other food safety issues. The Initiative is
presented in partnership with the United States Department of
Agriculture's Risk Management Agency.

Ohio and Indiana fruit and vegetable growers may contact Mid American
Ag. and Hort. Services (MMAHS) at 614-246-8286 (voice), 614-246-8686
(fax) ormaahs@ofbf.org or visit www.midamservices.org and click on
"projects" for more information on this initiative. Materials that
provide additional information on this topic and free on-farm food
safety consultations are available by contacting MAAHS. (Shari L.
Plimpton, Ohio and Indiana Specialty Crop Food Safety Initiative)

Starting a Specialty Food Business in Indiana The Agricultural
Economics Department and the Food Science Department at Purdue
University, and the Southeast Indiana Small Business Development Center
are co- sponsoring the bi-annual workshop titled, "Introduction to
Starting a Specialty Food Business in Indiana" on Friday, April 22nd,
2005 at the Farm Bureau Building in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Topics
discussed in the workshop range from business planning and marketing
food products to packaging and food safety.  More information is
available at: http://www.foodsci.purdue.edu/outreach/cafe If you would
like a hard copy of the brochure, please contact Maria Marshall,
mimarsha@purdue.edu or De Bush at djbush@purdue.edu.

Exploring Opportunities in Specialty Markets The Purdue Small Farms and
Sustainable Ag Team are sponsoring three workshops this spring and
summer, titled "Exploring Opportunities in Specialty Markets".  The
first workshop is in Ft Wayne April 15; Noblesville June 10; and
Charlestown August 5. This one-day workshop offers insights into
trends, market requirements and marketing tools that are helpful in
accessing specialty markets. Breakout sessions will focus on particular
specialty markets. Catch the energy and enthusiasm for marketing
specialty products.  A brochure and registration form is available at:
http://www.ces.purdue.edu/anr/documents/specialtymarketsflyerapril-aug52005.pdf
For more information, contact Pat Sheahan, sheahanp@purdue.edu, phone
765-494-4310

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.

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.

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, "2005 Indiana Commercial Tree Fruit
Spray Guide", for a complete listing of suggested fungicides.
(Pecknold)

Upcoming Meetings:

April 22	Workshop, "Starting a Specialty Food Business in Indiana". See
article in this issue of FFF.

June 10	Workshop, "Exploring Opportunities in Specialty Markets". See
article in this issue of FFF.

June 30- July 1	Indiana Horticultural Society summer meeting.  More details to come. 

August 5 	Workshop, "Exploring Opportunities in Specialty Markets". See article in this issue of FFF.

FACTS FOR FANCY FRUIT SUBSCRIPTION NOTICE FOR 2005

Facts for Fancy Fruit is a newsletter for commercial and/or advanced
amateur fruit growers.  It provides timely information on pest control
and production practices that should be of interest to all growers.
The information is not intended for home fruit growers unless those
growers wish to follow commercial practices.  All growers or interested
persons are welcome to subscribe, however.

At least 14 issues will be published during 2005, bi-weekly during the
growing season and monthly otherwise.  The subscription price of $15.00
includes only the basic costs of printing and mailing at first class
rates.  The newsletter is also available free of charge electronically
through the World Wide Web at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fff/fff.html
or by e-mail. If you have e-mail and would like a copy sent
electronically, send your e-mail address to hirst@hort.purdue.edu and
we will include you on the list, or you can subscribe yourself through
the web at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fff/fff.html.

If you wish to receive the printed version of the newsletter in 2005,
please fill out the form below and send it to the Department of
Horticulture, along with a check for $15.00 (tax included) made out to
Purdue University.

We hope that you will benefit from the information contained in the
newsletter.  We welcome your comments and suggestions. Peter M. Hirst

Please send me "Facts for Fancy Fruit" for the 2005 season.  Enclosed
is my check for $15.00 (tax included).  Make checks payable to PURDUE
UNIVERSITY.

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			Please Return to:	Facts for Fancy Fruit
			Attn: Danielle Sheese
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			Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
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			West Lafayette, IN 47907-2010