Wet weather has led to an uptick in shot hole disease, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (XAP). We started to see a significant uptick in shot hole on peaches, cherry and plum already. Leaves and fruit susceptibility to XAP infection decreases after pit hardening. Keep in mind that any change to warm,[Read More…]
Disease Management
Grapevines are in early stages of growth across the state, from bud break to 10 inch shoots. Significant shoot growth is expected with the warm weather predicted for this week. This is a very important time to maintain preventative control over major grape diseases including Phomopsis, black rot, powdery mildew and downy mildew. Fungicide application[Read More…]
We’re getting close to the time when growers need to make chemical thinning decisions – for many the most perplexing and risky decision they will make all year. This is usually a tricky call to make. Remember that only about 5-10% fruit set is usually enough for a full crop. In other words, 90 out[Read More…]
Historically Stinger® herbicide application in Indiana strawberries was limited to post-harvest. A new 24(c) Special Local Needs Label now includes a spring application (Figure 1). Why does it matter? A spring application of Stinger® will help to manage certain difficult-to-control broadleaf weeds in the spring. This will reduce reliance on hand-weeding, reduce competition between[Read More…]
A new strawberry disease has been found in Indiana and researchers are looking for samples to determine the extent of the problem. The disease, caused by a species of the fungus Neopestalotiopsis, has been reported in several southeastern states and other countries where it causes leafspots, fruit spots and a plant decline. In Indiana, the[Read More…]
Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is a devastating disease of apples and pears. Epidemics of the disease develop quickly, particularly in a climate of warm, wet weather like this weekend! The type of management program developed by each orchard will vary considerably based upon a variety of orchard factors, including apple variety,[Read More…]
The only thing predictable about Indiana weather is that it will certainly be unpredictable! The past few weeks of cool weather and intermittent freezes has slowed some things down. Unfortunately, scab isn’t one of those things. Failure to control early season scab infections increases the risk of economic losses. When managing scab, it is important[Read More…]
In Indiana, our ‘normal’ or average weather is one of extremes, punctuated with an occasional glorious summer day of sun and 76 degrees F. This year has been one of flooding and droughts, freezes and scorching heat. Again. With these weather extremes come physiological disorders and summer fruit rots, for those lucky enough to even[Read More…]
Throughout Indiana orchards, Phytophthora root and crown rot continues to be a major cause of tree death (Fig. 1), and losses in small fruit, as well (Fig. 2). The disease is caused by the several members of the genus Phytophthora, and includes (but is by no means limited to) the following species): P. cactorum, P.[Read More…]
Frogeye leaf spot, caused by the fungal pathogen, Botryosphaeria obtusa, has been quite prevalent this year, probably due to the combination of potential (and realized) crop loss and our cool, wet spring. This is the same fungus that causes cankers on the tree, along with black rot of apple fruit (Fig. 1). Frogeye leaf spot[Read More…]