Ascospore release is timed to optimize infection, which happens around tight cluster through petal fall. This is when all the fun really begins: Ascospores are at their peak and ejecting, and apple tissue is expanding, providing a larger, susceptible canopy that spores can hit. That excellent timing is the poetry of evolution in motion. Other…Read more about Ascospore release[Read More]
Disease Management
A black swan refers to an event that defies expectation and that would be extremely difficult to predict. This spring is one of those. And although it seems unlikely that we will emerge from our last frost-free date (May 15 here in Tippecanoe County) unscathed, it could happen and then you could end up with…Read more about Lambs, Lions and Black Swans[Read More]
The most important spray of the season for control of anthracnose on brambles is the delayed dormant spray of lime sulfur, Sulforix or copper hydroxide. If you have a problem with anthracnose, this is one spray that you can’t afford to miss. One of these materials should be applied when new leaves are exposed 1/4…Read more about Raspberry anthracnose[Read More]