FFF 97-09        
June 18, 1997
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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
Brown Rot of Stone Fruits
Strawberry Fruit Rots
Rosy Apple Aphids
European Red Mites
New Miticide
Apple Maggots
Brambles-Orange Rust
Herbicide Injury to Grapes
Yield Assessment and Adjustment
   in Grapes
Indiana Winegrower's Guild Summer
   Meeting
IDFTA Summer Tour
Calcium Nutrition on Apples
National Peach Council
Indiana Nut Growers Association
   Annual Meeting
From the Editor
Coming Meetings/Events
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Crop Conditions
Continued cool, wet, cloudy weather has slowed fruit plant development considerably.  We are at least 100-200 
growing degree days behind normal for the season.  Strawberry harvest is underway in the south and central areas.  
Fruit quality has been good despite the cloudy weather, but yields appear to be somewhat below normal due to flower 
bud damage from the cold temperatures in April.  Early grape varieties are at bloom in the central areas.  Growers 
should stay on a tight spray schedule to control diseases.
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Brown Rot of Stone Fruits:  As fruit softens during the ripening process, it becomes more susceptible 
to brown rot.  Keep in mind that wet, humid weather is ideal for brown rot development. Scout 
orchards now for brown-rot-infected, aborted fruit.  Also maintain good insect control, especially for 
curculio.  Special attention to brown rot control is required where trees are planted closely and/or 
where the orchard is surrounded by woods.  Such conditions reduce air movement, and dew or rain 
evaporates more slowly, leading to possible brown rot outbreaks.

Strawberry Fruit Rots:  An excellent cultural practice to help avoid strawberry fruit rot problems is to 
maintain a thick layer of straw mulch between rows.  If dry weather persists throughout harvest, 
fungicide sprays for grey mold should not be required.  If  extended rain is in the forecast growers 
should be applying fungicides on a regular protectant schedule as outlined in ID-169.  Be sure to 
check labels for harvest and re-entry restrictions. 

Rosy Apple Aphids:  Serious infestations of rosy apple aphids have been observed throughout 
Indiana. Growers should be scouting their apples on a regular basis for this pest. It is important to 
control this insect early because feeding will cause fruit to abort or be small or poorly shaped. 
Growers can tolerate many more aphids of different species. Rosy apple aphids can be identified by 
their rosy color and the white powdery substance on the backs of many individual aphids. Control 
options include Thiodan and Provado.

European Red Mites:  European red mites are active in most areas of the state. Growers who applied 
Apollo, Savey or Agri-Mek should be safe for awhile, although it would be a good idea to scout to 
monitor the level of control received. Remember that Agri-Mek should be applied within six weeks of 
petal fall for best control. If you did not apply one of these preventive miticides, you definitely 
should be monitoring your apples on a regular basis (at least every 2 weeks). Predator mites are also 
active, so be careful to conserve them as much as possible.

New Miticide - A new miticide, Pyramite from BASF, has recently received clearance for use on 
apples. Pyramite should be applied at a rate of 4.4 to 13.2 ounces per acre in 100-400 gallons of 
water. No more than two applications may be made per season and you must allow 30 days between 
applications. The preharvest interval is 25 days. Pyramite is the rescue type miticide that we have been 
hoping for. If you run into a mite problem, this new material should allow you to clean it up. I would 
appreciate it if any growers who choose to use Pyramite this year would let me (Rick Foster) know 
their opinion on how well the product worked for them.
 
Apple Maggots:  The adult apple maggots should be emerging from the soil about now. Growers in 
areas where apple maggots are a problem should monitor them with cardboard yellow sticky traps or 
sticky spheres. The flies will usually continue to fly and lay eggs through most of September, so 
applications aimed at controlling apple maggots should continue as long as flies are active. Apple 
maggots are controlled with cover spray materials such as Imidan or Guthion.

Brambles-Orange Rust:  Orange rust is now appearing on blackberries and black raspberries; it  does 
not affect red and purple raspberries.  The fungus grows systemically through the plant into the 
canes, crown, and roots.  An infected plant remains infected throughout its life and will produce 
spores every year after it is infected.  There are no controls for orange rust other than immediately 
removing the entire plant -roots and all- to prevent spread to healthy plants.  Where spore pustules are 
already fully developed (which they are) and the spores are easily dislodged, bag the plants before 
removing them from the field.  Diseased plants may appear to recover later because they produce 
symptomless leaves, but they are still infected.

Herbicide Injury to Grapes:  Application of volatile herbicides, such as 2,4-D, to field crops can lead 
to serious herbicide injury to fruit crops due to drift or re-volatilization.  Grapes are the most 
susceptible fruit crop to 2,4-D and related compounds, and are most susceptible during the early 
stages of growth when new shoots are developing rapidly, and at bloom.  Exposure to volatile 
herbicides later in the season may cause minor damage, but exposure during the first few weeks of 
growth can cause serious injury that may last for years, and in some cases vines never fully recover.  
We have had a few reports of serious 2,4-D injury to grapes around the state.  Grape growers should 
contact their farming neighbors and remind them of the potential hazards of 2,4-D and related 
herbicides.  Though it may be uncomfortable to approach a neighbor and suggest they be careful in 
their farming practices, it is a lot less uncomfortable to approach them before damage occurs than 
afterwards.  If you have questions about herbicide drift, state laws governing injury to crops, or other 
pesticide related issues, contact your County Cooperative Extension Office, the Office of the Indiana 
State Chemist (317-494-1594) or Purdue Pesticides Program (317-494-4566).

Yield Assessment and Adjustment in Grapes:  Grapes require careful control of crop size to balance 
the amount of fruit to vegetative growth. An optimum balance leads to maximum yields of high 
quality fruit and adequate vine growth for consistent productivity. Excess fruit production leads to 
poor fruit quality and reduced vegetative growth, resulting in lower potential production in the future. 
Though crop control is generally accomplished through balanced pruning, many French hybrid 
cultivars tend to be overly productive, so balanced pruning alone will not adequately control crop 
size. These cultivars require careful crop load adjustment to prevent weakening of the vines. 
	The period from just before bloom to 1-2 weeks post-bloom is a good time to assess the crop 
potential. The first step is to evaluate potential yield to determine if crop reduction is necessary. 
Potential yields are determined by the number of vines per acre (based on row and vine spacing), the 
number of clusters per vine, and the weight of the mature clusters.  At standard spacing (8' x 10') 
there are approximately 545 vines per acre. If each vine produced 20 lbs of fruit, the yield on a per 
acre basis would be 10,900 lbs, or about 5 1/2 tons. To determine how much fruit a vine will yield, 
count the number of clusters and estimate potential cluster weight based on cultivar and past 
performance of the vineyard. Multiply cluster size by number of clusters by number of vines to 
determine yields per acre. Cluster size is largely determined by genetics of the cultivar and is 
relatively consistent from year to year, however, factors such as cluster thinning, fruit set and 
environment will also have an effect.  Large clusters average about 3/4. Large clustered cultivars 
include: Seyval, Vidal, Chambourcin, Himrod, and Reliance. Medium clusters average about 1/3 lb. 
Medium clustered cultivars include: Chelois, Concord, Catawba, and Mars. Small clusters average 
about 1/4 lb or less. Small clustered cultivars include: Foch, Leon Millot, Baco noir, Ventura, 
LaCrosse and Vignoles.
	Five to seven tons per acre is a reasonable yield range for most wine grape cultivars in 
moderately vigorous vineyards. Some cultivars and vineyards are capable of producing much higher 
yields while maintaining good fruit quality. Growers must know the relative vigor of their vines 
(pruning weights) and past performance to determine the maximum yield potential of a vineyard.  It 
is easy to overcrop grapes if careful attention is not paid to crop load. Set a target yield and adjust the 
crop to meet that target.  Keep good records to determine the appropriate yields for each particular 
vineyard. 
	To adjust the crop load first adjust shoot number. Adjust shoot density to approximately 6 
shoots per foot of row (48 shoots/vine at 8 ft spacing). An excessive number of shoots can create a 
shading problem which reduces fruit quality and bud fruitfulness for next year. Remove secondary 
and non-count shoots before primary shoots. After shoots are thinned to the proper density, estimate 
the yield by counting the clusters on the remaining shoots. To further reduce the crop cluster thin to 
one or two clusters per shoot depending on cluster size and number per shoot. Leave the basal cluster 
as it is usually the largest. Shoot removal should be completed relatively early in the season to reduce 
vine stress, but cluster thinning can continue up through veraison if necessary.

Indiana WinegrowerÕs Guild Summer Meeting and Vineyard Tour:  The IWG will hold its annual 
summer meeting on June 23 at Chateau Pomije Winery, 25060 Jacob Rd., Guilford, IN (Dearborn 
County). The business meeting will begin at 1:00 PM EDT (ThatÕs 1 hour ahead of the rest of us).  
The Vineyard tour will begin at 3:00 PM and will be followed by a family style barbecue and potluck 
dinner at 5:30.  IWG will grill chicken, steaks, and sausage, and provide chips, bread and soft drinks.  
Attendees are asked to bring a favorite dish to share.  To add variety, attendees with last names A to H 
are asked to bring vegetable dishes; I to O bring pasta, rice, etc.; P to Z bring dessert.
	The vineyard tour promised to be very informational.  Chateau Pomije is the largest vineyard 
in the state and has several acres of vinifera varieties in production.  Established plantings range from 
4-20 years old and feature a full range of varieties.  New plantings in 1997 feature grow tubes and 
drainage tile.  This is a Ômust seeÕ for anyone thinking about growing grapes or expanding acreage.  
Directions:  Chateau Pomije is near New Alsace in Dearborn county.  From the northwest, exit I-74 at 
the Sunman Exit (SR 101), go 2 miles south on SR 101 to Sunman. In Sunman turn left (East) on 
North Dearborn Road (which joins SR 101 right at the railroad crossing in Sunman.) Follow North 
Dearborn Rd (it makes a jog south then east just outside Sunman) through New Alsace (about 4 mi).  
Chateau Pomije is on the left just east of New Alsace.  If you have problems call the winery at 812-
623-3332.

IDFTA Summer Tour:  The International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association (IDFTA) is holding a summer 
tour in Washington state from July 20-22.  A brief outline of the tour is:
Sunday, July 20.  Welcoming reception and introduction to the north central Washington tree fruit 
industry.
Monday, July 21. Visit the Quincy/Babcock Ridge areas of the Columbia Basin, with stops including 
nursery production and tree quality, Valley View Orchards and Morgan orchards. During the 
afternoon the tour will visit Stemilt Growers packing house and sweet cherry production areas.
Tuesday, July 22.  Stops at Bear Mountain Ranch, Marker Orchard, Hubbard Orchard, Wee Hoot 
Orchard, Grady Auvil Orondo Orchard and Tom Auvil Orchard.
	Many of the orchards that will be visited have higher density plantings of 1000-2000 trees 
per acre mostly on M.9, M.26 and M.7 rootstocks.  Some orchards have also planted trees on B.9, 
Mark and Ottawa 3.  
	The registration fee of $100 is due on July 11 to avoid the $25 late fee. The registration fee 
includes transportation and meals. Accommodation is extra.  Contact Peter Hirst for more details or 
IDFTA directly at 717-837-1551.

Calcium Nutrition on Apples:  Many disorders of apple are associated with low calcium status. The 
most common of these are bitter pit and Jonathan spot, and cork spot on pears.  Problems are 
generally worse in trees which are very vigorous or those which have a light cop load. In many cases, 
fruit from young trees can also be more prone to these disorders.  
	Applying calcium to the ground is not very effective in increasing the calcium levels in the 
fruit since calcium isnÕt very mobile within the tree.  In order to get calcium into the fruit, it must be 
sprayed directly onto the fruit surface.  On varieties prone to these problems (Jonathan, Rome, 
Delicious, Braeburn) it is important to include calcium in the early season cover sprays.  More 
calcium will find itÕs way into the fruit in early season sprays compared with later season sprays when 
the fruit cuticle (the waxy outer layer of the skin) is more developed.  Calcium is usually applied by 
adding 2 lbs/100 gallons of calcium chloride to the spray mix for 8 sprays.  Since calcium chloride is 
corrosive to metal, proper cleaning of equipment after use is important to reduce these effects and 
increase the life of your equipment.

National Peach Council:  The National Peach Council (NPC) is a voluntary organization 
representing fresh market peach and nectarine growers across the nation. It lobbies the U.S. Congress 
for the best interests of peach growers, makes crop estimates and compiles peach statistics and related 
information.  The NPC produces a publication, Peach Times, to communicate with their membership.  
The organization has launched a membership drive to increase itÕs membership to place it in a more 
sound financial position to become more aggressive in lobbying. Their lobbying efforts were 
successful in getting USDA to purchase freestone peaches for its feeding program and have 
contributed to other changes of benefit to agriculture in general.  
	Their agenda for 1997 includes continuing to lobby USDA to purchase peaches for their 
feeding programs in addition to lobbying the U.S. Congress to:
·	lift the Mexican quarantine of U.S. peaches
·	to eliminate/reduce funding for Legal Services Corporation
·	support a temporary guest worker program for agriculture
·	make improvements in crop insurance for peach and nectarine growers
·	allow the continued use of methyl bromide
·	to disallow OSHA to apply and enforce ergonomic standards to the agricultural workplace.

Membership in the National Peach Council, including receiving the newsletter Peach Times, is 
$20/year. Checks should be made payable to National Peach Council and sent to National Peach 
Council, 12 Nicklaus Lane, Suite 101, Columbia, SC 29229

Indiana Nut Growers Association to Host Northern Nut Growers Association 88th Annual Meeting:  
The INGA is hosing the 88th Annual NNGA meeting at Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, 
Indiana from August 3 to 6, 1997.  This promises to be a very good meeting for anyone interested in 
growing nuts or rare fruits.  The meeting will feature paper presentations, a field trip to Ken DooleyÕs 
plantation, barbecue dinner and banquet.  For a complete program, or more information about INGA 
or NNGA contact Charles Spurgeon (317-297-1326).

From the Editor:  We have heard that some of you are having trouble receiving either the printed 
version, email version, or both.  We apologize for an inconvenience and are working to sort out the 
problems.  If you have subscribed to the email version but are not receiving it, please send me an 
email message (bordelon@hort.purdue.edu) and I will correct the problem.  If you are having 
problems receiving the printed and mailed version please let me know.  If you have not been 
receiving the newsletter, or subscribed mid-season, we can either send you the back copies or apply 
the unused portion of your subscription fee to next year.  In any case, let us know if you are having 
any problems so we can solve them. 

Coming Meetings/Events:

June 23 Ñ Indiana Winegrowers Guild Summer meeting and Vineyard Tour.  Chateau Pomije Vineyard and 
Winery, 25060 Jacob Rd. Guilford, IN. Business meeting: 1:00 - 3:00pm, Vineyard Tour: 3:00 - 5:00pm. Cookout 
following. Contact Bruce Bordelon 765-494-8212.

June 23-26 Ñ Kentucky and Tennessee Cooperative Summer Apple Tour. Contact Jerry Brown 502/365-7541 
ext.204 for additional information.

June 26 Ñ Summer Field Day and Cider Makers School, Illinois Horticultural Society.  Mills Apple Farm, 
11477 Pocahontas Rd, Marine, IL. Field Day begins at 10.00 am (cost $15/person including lunch) and Cider 
Makers Certification School 2.00 pm. (cost $100 per farm). Directions: I-70 to Marine then follow signs from the 
center of town for 3 1/2 miles NE. Contact: Don Naylor, RR#13, Box 36A, Bloomington, IL 61704. Phone 309-
828-8929, email: dhnaylor@heartland.bradley.edu

July 1&2 Ñ Indiana Horticultural Society Summer Meeting.  July 1: Applacres, Inc. in Bedford. July 2: 
Beiersdorfer Orchard in Guilford. See program in FFF 97-08. Contact Dick Hayden (765-463-6587).  

July 9-11 Ñ  American Society for Enology and Viticulture/Eastern Section Annual Meeting and Riesling 
Symposium, Corning, NY. Contact:  E. Harkness, Dept. Food Science, Smith Hall, Purdue Univ. W. Lafayette, IN  
47907-1160,  Phone 317-494-6704, FAX  317-494-7953 Email:  Harkness@foodsci.purdue.edu.

July 20-22 -- IDFTA summer tour, Washington State. Registration fee of $100 due by July 11. Contact Peter 
Hirst (765-494-1323) for more details.

July 23 Ñ Commercial Apple IPM Meeting, Robert RuddÕs Orchard, East Bernstadt, KY (Laural county). Contact 
Jerry Brown 502/365-7541 ext.204 for additional information.

July 24 Ñ Robinson Substation Field Day, Quicksand, KY. Contact Terry Jones 606/666-2438.

July 30 Ñ Viticulture Field Day at Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, all day, pre-registration 
required. Contact Tom Zabadal (616-944-1477 x 206).

August 3-6 Ñ 88th Annual Northern Nut Growers Association meeting. Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, 
IN. Contact Charles Spurgeon (317-297-1326).

August 4-6 Ñ Kentucky Vineyard Society Grape Vineyard and Winery Tour. See article above.

August 7 Ñ Early Season Peach Showcase at Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center. Self-guided 
tours any time 3:00 - 6:00 PM, group discussion 6:30 PM. Contact Bill Shane (616-944-1477 x 205).

August 21 Ñ Mid Season Peach and Early Season Apple Showcase at Southwest Michigan Research and 
Extension Center. Self-guided tours any time 3:00 - 6:00 PM, group discussion 6:30 PM. Contact Bill Shane (616-
944-1477 x 205).

August 21-22 Ñ Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference, US Apple Association, Chicago.  Starts 2.00 
pm on August 21 with regional break-out discussions of the USDAÕs 1997 apple crop forecast. An updated forecast 
will be presented to attendees starting at 8.00 am on August 22.  Registration required.  Contact: US Apple 
Association, 800-781-4443.

September 18 Ñ Late Season Peach and Mid Season Apple Showcase at Southwest Michigan Research and 
Extension Center. Self-guided tours any time 3:00 - 6:00 PM, group discussion 6:30 PM. Contact Bill Shane (616-
944-1477 x 205).

November 5 Ñ Late Season Apple Showcase at Clarksville Horticultural Research Station. Contact Clarksville 
Station (616-693-2193).
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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.