Crop Conditions

Apples in Lafayette are approaching pink. IN more southern areas of the state apples are past full bloom and into petal fall. Frost damage to crops has been widespread in southern areas of the state.

Fruit crops are in early stages of growth across the state. In southern areas peaches and apples are in bloom and grapes have 1-3 inch shoots. Strawberry flowers are still mostly tight bud stage in matted row plantings and in bloom in plasticulture plantings. Brambles have 3 to 6 inch shoots. There was some damage from the frosts and freezes of April 15-17 but damage is spotty and it is still too early to tell the full effects on overall yield. Peaches and grapes were likely the most heavily affected followed by apples and strawberries. Brambles should be okay. We will learn more as crops continue to develop with warmer weather this week. In central and northern parts of the state, fruit crops have developed very little over the past couple of weeks. Apples are from tight cluster to pink, with some crabapples starting to bloom. Grapes are mostly at early to full swell with a few at bud break. Strawberry flower buds are out of the crown. Brambles have 1/2 to 1 inch shoots. Gooseberries and currants are in bloom as are honey berries. Pawpaw flowers are swollen but have not begun to open. Damage appears to be minimal except for strawberry, where most exposed flower buds were injured. There is some leaf burn on brambles and elderberries.