Facts for Fancy Fruit 96-06        
March 8, 1996

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Facts for Fancy Fruit is a newsletter for commercial and advanced amateur
fruit growers developed in the Purdue University Department of Horticulture
with regular contributions from the specialists in the Departments of
Entomology and Botany and Plant Pathology, and from other agents &
specialists on campus.  If you have questions, or are are interested in
receiving this newsletter electronically, contact Bruce Bordelon
(bb@hort.purdue.edu).
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Inside
   Crop Conditions
   Weather
   Final Pruning and Shoot Removal in Grapes
   Fire Blight
   Peach Survey
   Strawberry Diseases
   Spotted Tentiform Leafminers
   Apple Thinning
   Nitrogen Fertilization on Grapes
   Open Burning Law
   Grape IPM Manual Available
   Mechanical Raspberry Harvester Demonstration
   Summer Meeting of the Indiana Horticultural Society
   Plant Diagnostic Workshop
   Coming Meetings/Events

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Crop Conditions:  Apples are at full bloom to petal fall in the south, at
early bloom throughout central part of the state, and at tight cluster to
pink in northern areas.  Grapes have 1 to 3 inch shoots in the south, and are
at full swell to bud break in central and northern areas.  Blueberries are at
full bloom in the south and white tip in the north.  Mummy berry mushrooms
are being found on a limited basis in the north and should increase in
numbers with warm weather predicted for this week.  Strawberries are in early
bloom in the south, and just beginning to push flower clusters in central and
northern areas.  Hailstorms in southern Indiana on May 4-5 caused damage in
some crops.  Most crops are still about 10 days behind normal.  

Weather:  (From Purdue Crop and Weather meeting Minutes, May 3 - Ken
Scheeringa.  Review of the last two weeks weather shows significant wetting
in the southern portions of the state with some areas receiving up to 11
inches of rain, most of it coming in one or two events.  The Salem, Seymour,
Paoli areas received significant rainfall on April 29 as did the Evansville,
Mt Vernon areas.  These areas received varying rainfall amounts in this event
of up to 9".  Statewide over the last two weeks there has been a definite
north-south trend in precipitation with the northern third of the state
receiving double the normal amount of rain while the central third received 3
times the normal amount and the southern third received more than 4 times the
normal precipitation amounts during the same time period.  Meanwhile
temperatures statewide have continued the 3-4 degree below normal trend which
has been in place over the past couple of months.  
	For the entire month of April the figures look a little better with near
normal precipitation north, about 1 1/2 times normal in the central portion
of the state and 2 - 2 1/2 times normal in the southern third.  Again, most
of the precipitation came during the two episodes mentioned above, April 19
and April 29.  Temperature trends for the month are the same as for the past
two weeks with temperatures averaging 3-4 degrees below normal statewide. 
Overall, this was the 3rd wettest 
April since 1895 and the 17th coldest.
	Soil temperatures at the 4 inch level should stay above the 50 degree level
over the southern half of the state based on the forecast but not in the
northern half as yet.  In the northern half look  for minimum soil
temperatures in the 40 degree range and maximums to be near 60 degrees.  

Weather Outlook:  (From Purdue Crop and Weather Meeting minutes, May 3 - Tom
Priddy, UK)  Several Systems have passed through the Ohio Valley during the
last couple of weeks resulting in significant wetting in some areas. A ridge
building over the Great Plains and in the Ohio Valley could bring a major
change in the jet stream beginning on Wednesday, May 8.  This change should
bring much warmer temperatures and some drying, particularly central and
south.  Over the period of May 13 - 17 look for this warmer drier trend to
continue.  As the jet stream shifts north the possibility of wetting
increases north while decreasing south and central.  The current thirty day
outlook calls for no departure from normal in either temperature or
precipitation. 

SAVE THE BEES:  Do not apply insecticides or miticides during bloom since
these pesticides are toxic to bees. Those bees that are not killed by direct
contact in the orchard often carry the pesticide back to the hive where it
may kill the brood. Choose `soft' insecticides that are less toxic to bees.
Mow row middles that have flowering plants (such as dandelions) prior to
insecticide applications. Apply insecticides late in the evening after bee
activity has diminished. Remove bees from the orchard as soon as adequate
pollination has been achieved, and certainly before the petalfall spray is
applied. With current concerns about survival of bees over the winter and
resulting low bee populations, be extra careful, please.

Final Pruning and Shoot Removal in Grapes:  Pruning grapes is done to balance
the amount of fruit production with the amount of vegetative growth to
promote high yields of high quality fruit.  Pruning severity is based on the
strategy of `balanced pruning' which dictates the correct number of buds to
retain based on the vine's pruning weight and the pruning formula for the
cultivar.  Many growers are reluctant to completely prune vines during the
dormant season in case there is a late frost or freeze that damages some of
the buds which could result in a situation of too few live buds and resultant
low yields and high vegetative growth.  For that reason, growers practice
`safe' pruning, leaving extra buds during the initial pruning to hedge
against late spring frosts or winter injury.  Now that the danger of frost
and freeze is mostly behind us, and grape buds are beginning to grow, growers
can begin to go back through the vineyard and adjust the number of shoots per
vine by shortening spurs or removing shoots.  Either way is acceptable.  New
shoots are easily broken off by hand without the need for pruners.  
	Growers should pay close attention to shoot growth to determine if it is
from primary or secondary buds.  Shoots from primary buds have full fruiting
potential, whereas secondary buds produce shoots with little or no fruiting
potential, depending on cultivar.  Typically, all secondary shoots are
removed during final pruning adjustment or later at cluster thinning. 
However, in a year such as this one, where mid-winter temperatures were cold
enough to cause damage to primary buds of some cultivars, it may be necessary
to leave secondary shoots for fruit production.  Many French hybrid cultivars
will produce a good crop on secondary shoots, and full yield is possible,
even if few or no primary buds are alive.  However, this requires that the
grower leave many more shoots than normal, often resulting in shading
problems and lower quality fruit.  Shoots should be spaced evenly along the
trellis if possible and at a density of about 6 shoots per foot.  If only
secondary shoots are retained, it may be necessary to have 9 to 12 shoots per
foot in order to achieve a normal yield.  The resulting shading problems
would have to be controlled with leaf removal and shoot positioning.  It
takes more management on the part of the grower, but the rewards (a full
crop) are worth the trouble.

Fire Blight:   We continue to receive warnings from our fellow pathologists
on the potential for severe fire blight.  The latest comes from Paul Steiner
of Maryland, who states:  "The situation in Maryland and the surrounding
territory this year with respect to fire blight potential appears similar to
the scenario in 1995 - one of the most severe outbreaks in recent history. 
While green tip arrived nearly 10-14  days later than usual, the sudden
change to warm weather and the rush into flowering has increased our risks
for blossom infections considerably.  Cumulative degree hour totals >65F are increasing
at an incredible rate with some sites already registering 600+ hrs 4-5 days
into the bloom period."  Fire blight watchers know that this mean BIG time
potential for severe blight.  While we are a long way from Maryland, our
situation in respect to stage of development is not that different.  Stay
alert, stay prepared!

Peach Survey:  In late March a pesticide use survey questionnaire on peaches
was sent to Indiana peach growers. If you grow peaches and did not receive a
questionnaire, please contact Rick Foster (765-494-9572) and a questionnaire
will be sent to you. If you received a questionnaire but have not sent it in,
it's not too late. We would still like to have your input. If you completed
the questionnaire and sent it in, thank you. The information we received from
you is valuable and much appreciated.

Strawberry Diseases:  Strawberry gray mold and leather rot are most apt to
occur under cool, wet, cloudy conditions.  Keep an eye on your prevailing
weather conditions and act (spray) accordingly.  As previously mentioned,
bloom is a key time to apply preventative sprays for these diseases.  See
ID-169, " 1996 Indiana Commercial Small Fruit & Grape Spray Guide ", for
further information.

Spotted Tentiform Leafminers:  Most reports so far have been that spotted
tentiform leafminer adult catches in pheromone traps have been relatively
low. I have observed one orchard that did have high moth populations.
Insecticide applications directed at the adults (Thiodan is a good choice)
should be made when moths are at peak flight. Pheromone traps are the most
effective method for determining flight activity. 
	There are two new insecticides available for leafminer control. Provado,
which was labeled last year, can be used after petal fall and all the reports
I have received from growers is that it did a good to excellent job. Agrimek,
the newly labeled miticide, will control leafminers as well. Some states are
recommending using Agrimek at petal fall to provide both leafminer and mite
control. With the loss of Omite, I would prefer to hold Agrimek in reserve
for any later season mite outbreaks, rather than using it routinely at petal
fall. However, Agrimek is a good option for leafminer control if necessary.

Apple Thinning:  In southern and central Indiana, thinning time is upon us,
in spite of the wet weather.  The heavy cloudiness will cause pollination to
be tenuous and fruit set to be difficult to predict.  Thinning will probably
be easier than usual.  Furthermore in many blocks of apples in Indiana the
apparent fruit bud density is lighter than expected.  This will make the
decisions on thinning more difficult in those blocks where some level of
thinning is needed. 
	While we have been concerned about finding the correct fruit size, it
appears now that finding the best temperatures and weather conditions early
in the thinning window may be much more important.  Sunny days in the range
of 70#161#F to 75#161#F would be ideal.
	For varieties that exhibit severe biennial bearing habit, e.g. Golden
Delicious, the application of a minimal dose of NAA (2 1/2 - 3 ppm) can help
in obtaining return bloom even if thinning is not desired.  Sevin does not
affect return bloom the following year.
	Growers should consider possibly using Accel for thinning varieties like
Empire, McIntosh, Jonagold and others.  See the label.  Note that the labeled
rate has been increased for 1996.  Recognize that the material will be
expensive, but consider the alternatives before making the decision to spray
or not.  Keep good records of usage including rate, timing and weather
including temperature and amount of sunlight on the several days before and
after application. 
	The 1996 Fruit Tree Spray Guide (ID 168) has suggestions for thinning. 
Also, see comments on Apple Thinning Guide in this issue.  It is suggested
that both sources of information be consulted to gain the best perspective.  

New Apple Thinning Guide:  The apple thinning guide, by Phil Schwallier
mentioned in the last issue of FFF appears to be an excellent treatment of most
of the factors involved in thinning of apples.  It is suggested as a good
guide for growers to help in collecting and digesting the information needed
to make an informed decision on thinning.  
	Indiana growers should remember that this publication was written for
Michigan conditions and the dates listed will not apply to Indiana.  However
the information on weather and dates related to bloom and petalfall should be
applicable all across the state.  
	Crop load, temperatures, sunlight, management practices are all considered. 
Phil makes the important point that while many factors are important,
temperature is the most important factor in the success of chemical thinning
applications.  However, thinning remains an art and prior experience is
important in doing a good job.  This publication gives a good "art" lesson
for growers in doubt about thinning techniques.  See FFF 96-05 for source and
price. 

Nitrogen Fertilization on Grapes:  (Adapted from Finger Lakes Vineyard Notes
`96 #5 by David Peterson) Grape growers (and other fruit growers for that
matter) do not need to be in a rush to apply nitrogen fertilizer. Active root
growth is required for uptake of nitrogen and other nutrients from the soil.
Root growth does not begin until a few weeks after bud break. Since nitrogen
fertilizers are quickly available and prone to leaching, application prior to
bud break is inefficient and may lead to ground water contamination. Mid- to
late-May applications should result in more efficient uptake. Try to apply
nitrogen when rain is expected in the day or two following application. This
is especially important with urea, as it volatilizes into the air, especially
under warm conditions. Ammonium nitrate is usually preferred for this reason.
Avoid applications close to bloom as fruit set may be reduced. Split
applications are generally better than a single application. Applying half to
two thirds of the expected total in mid-May, followed by the remainder after
fruit set (about 4 weeks later) allows more efficient nitrogen use and better
assessment of the need for fertilizer. Often the second application can be
skipped, depending on the crop load. Nitrogen can be banded or broadcast in
mature vineyards, but should be banded on young vines. Banded applications
are probably better on deep soils, where root growth does not extend
laterally into the row middles. Rates of up to 100 pounds of actual N are
commonly used and there seems to be little justification for exceeding that
rate. On deep, fertile soils typical of Indiana vineyards, 50 pounds may be
adequate. Foliar analysis does not provide a good measure of nitrogen status
unless samples are taken at full bloom (rather than 70 days after full bloom
as is recommended for other nutrients). The best indicators of nitrogen
status are shoot growth, vigor, leaf color, etc. Experience is the best
guide. Excessive nitrogen fertilization leads to excess vigor, poor fruit
set, poor fruit quality, and inadequate hardening off in fall. By splitting
applications growers have more chances to adjust for various conditions and
avoid over fertilization.

Open Burning Law:  A question was asked at a recent twilight meeting about
the open burning law.  That law was passed in 1993 and took effect on July 1,
1993.  It was House bill 1078 and became Section 1. (C 13-1-1.2) of the
Indiana Code as a new chapter (Chapter 1.2).  The text of the bill was
presented in FFF 93-10, dated 5/1/93. 
	This law does permit open burning of prunings and "vegetation from a farm,
orchard, nursery, tree farm or drainage ditch."  The law also states that
"All burning must comply with other state and federal laws."  Where there is
a question, growers might  want to obtain a copy of the law for reference.  
	Remember that we as growers need to be good neighbors and good citizens.  It
is always a good idea to contact your local fire department when you are
planning to burn prunings.

Grape IPM Manual Available:  A new grape IPM guide has been released by
Cornell University.  In conjunction with a USDA/ES grant on IPM implementation
a manual titled Grape IPM in The Northeast was developed in an attempt to
bring all pest related information together in one place.  The manual
contains Cornell IPM Disease and Insect Fact Sheets, Penn State University
Weed Identification Sheets, The Grape Facts series Managing Weeds in New York
Vineyards, Grape Berry Moth and Leafhopper Management Bulletins, a vineyard
pest management calendar, sections on setting up and using weather equipment
in disease management and much more.  Though the manual was specifically
developed for the Northeast US, growers in Indiana should find the
information very useful.  This is an excellent collection of information for
grape growers throughout the US east of the Rockies.  The manual is available
through the Finger Lakes Grape Program office for $30.  For information on
ordering contact the Finger Lakes Grape Program, 110 Court Street, Penn Yan,
NY 14527-1130  Phone: 316-536-5134 Fax: 315-536-5117

Mechanical Raspberry Harvester Demonstration:  The Ohio Fruit Growers Society
will host a field demonstration of a Littau mechanical berry harvester on the
Dale Stokes Farm a few miles west of Wilmington, OH. The demonstration will
begin at 5:00 p.m. followed at 6:30 p.m. by a program discussing the
harvester, how to handle berries following harvest, and a raspberry product
buyer. In 1995 the mechanical harvester was field tested by the Small Fruit
Team at The Ohio State University. Based on an average speed of one foot per
second, the harvester was able to pick up to 1,000 pounds per hour of
`Bristol' black raspberries at an estimated cost of $0.17 to $0.33 per pound.
The program is sponsored by Ohio State University Extension, the Ohio
Agricultural Research and Development Center and the Ohio Small Fruit team.
Contact Tom Wall (614-289-2071) or Dick Funt (614-292-8327).

4th International Symposium on Cool Climate Viticulture & Enology:  July 16 -
20, 1996. Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester NY. The first Cool
Climate Symposium was held in Oregon in 1984 attracting 600 attendees and a
large number of exhibitors from the US, Canada and Europe. After successful
shows in New Zealand and Germany, the CCS is coming to Rochester, NY in 1996,
hosted by the Eastern Section of the American Society of Enology and
Viticulture. The Cool Climate Symposium will offer workshops and seminars
designed to bring the most current methodology to industry personnel.
Technical sessions presenting current research, a large trade show at the
Rochester Riverside Convention Center, and many opportunities to sample wines
and foods from diverse grape growing regions of the world will be featured.
All commercial grape growers and winemakers are encouraged to attend this
valuable symposium. Additional information and registration materials may be
obtained from: ASEV/ES, William Edinger, Dept. of Food Science & Technology,
NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, New York  14456-0462,  Phone: 
315-787-2277  Fax:  315-787-2397  E-Mail:  TH12@cornell.edu  or Check us out
on the WEB: http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/fst/asev/cool-climate/

Summer meeting of the Indiana Horticultural Society:  Due to unforeseen
circumstances, the summer meeting schedule has been changed from what we
previously reported.  On Friday June 21, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. there
will be a tour of Sunacre Orchard, New Carlisle. On Saturday June 22,  there
will be a meeting at Garwood Orchards, LaPorte.  The meeting schedule and
details TBA. (Note the change in locations.)  All fruit growers are welcome
to attend.  These are different days from our usual practice.  The dates are
intended to mesh with the Dwarf Fruit tree Association meetings in Michigan
on Sunday-Tuesday, June 23-25. 

Plant Diagnostic Workshop:  The next workshop (#25) will be a joint
Indiana-Ohio Plant Diagnostic Workshop, co-sponsored by OSU Extension and
Purdue University.  It will be held on Friday, June 7, at Purdue University
in ARB-116.  This workshop is for professional plant problem diagnosticians
(anyone who is expected to diagnose plant problems for others-- thus
--Extension educators are welcome).  The day (10:00-4:00) will include
morning presentations on diagnostic issues, lunch (approx. $6), a walking
tour of problem plants (time permitting), and afternoon roundtable "Clinic
Catharsis" discussions, slides, and sample reviews.  More information will be
forthcoming as the date nears, but if you have questions please feel free to
call Gail Ruhl (workshop coordinator for 1996) 765-494-4641 or Jim Chatfield
(workshop originator) Phone: 330-263-3831.  FAX: 330-263-3667.  E-mail:
chatfield.1@osu.edu 

Facts for Fancy Fruit Available Electronically:  We will have all 1996 issues
of Facts for Fancy Fruit available through the Horticulture and Plant & Pest
Diagnostic Clinic worldwide web homepages in the near future.  In addition, a
listserv is being set up so you can subscribe and unscribe to the email
version.  Watch for an announcement in the coming newsletter for details.

Coming Meetings/Events:

May 19 --- Indiana Nutgrower's Association Grafting Meeting.  Indianapolis.
Contact Gene Wild (317-849-0273) or Charles Spurgeon (317-297-1326).

June 6 --- Eastern Indiana Fruitgrowers Meeting.  Cook's Orchard near Gas
City, IN.  Contact Harold Brown  (317-747-7732)

June 7 --- Plant Diagnostic Workshop.  Purdue University ARB 116.  Contact
Gail Ruhl (765-494-4641) or Jim Chatfield Phone: 330-263-3831.  FAX:
330-263-3667.  E-mail: chatfield.1@osu.edu 

June 11 --- Blueberry Growers of Indiana Summer Meeting.  Zylstra's Blueberry
Farm, Demotte, IN.  Contact Kevin Goin (219-896-2283).

June 19 --- Southeast Indiana Fruitgrowers Summer Tour. Apple Junction,
Batesville, IN. Contact Karen Witt (317-647-3511) or John Ewart
(812-926-1189).

June 21-22 --- Indiana Horticultural Society Summer Meeting.  NEW DATE &
LOCATION  Friday June 21, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tour of Sunacre Orchard,
New Carlisle.  Saturday June 22, all day meeting at Garwood Orchards,
LaPorte.  Program details later.  Contact Dick Hayden (765-494-1301).

June 23-25 ---   International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association Summer Tour. 
Central MI.  Contact Dick Hayden (765-494-1301).

June 27 --- Mechanical Raspberry Harvester Demonstration. Dale Stokes Berry
Farm near Wilmington, Ohio. Contact Tom Wall (614-289-2071) or Dick Funt
(614-292-8327).

July 16-20 ---  4th International Symposium on Cool Climate Viticulture &
Enology, Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester NY. Contact William
Edinger, Dept. of Food Science & Technology, NYS Agricultural Experiment
Station, Geneva, New York  14456-0462,  Phone:  315-787-2277  Fax: 
315-787-2397  E-Mail:  TH12@cornell.edu  Check us out on the WEB: 
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/fst/asev/cool-climate/

September 15, 1996 --- Ohio Valley Harvest Festival.  Louisville, KY. Contact
Roy Ballard (812-948-5470).


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Bruce Bordelon, 1165 Dept. of Horticulture, Purdue University, West
Lafayette, IN 47907-1165, 765/494-1298, e-mail: bb@hort.purdue.edu

Dick Hayden, Professor Emeritus, 1165 Dept. of Horticulture, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1165, 765/494-1298, e-mail:
Dick_Hayden@hort.purdue.edu

Paul Pecknold, 1155 Dept. of Botany & Plant Path., Purdue University, West
Lafayette, IN 47907-1155, 765/494-4628, e-mail: Pecknold@btny.purdue.edu

Rick Foster, 1158 Dept. of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
47907-1158, 765/494-9572, 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.