The last frost tolerance check on May 9th had ST, BL, and hybrids at 29.5 F and 27 for EB and Howes. All cultivars at Rosebrook were at the bud elongation stage. Hopefully after the cold day today, we will enter at least a few days of warmer temperatures, especially at night.
Cranberry IPM Message
Dodder has been reported in the seedling stage in Carver over the weekend. We had dodder emerge in our buckets by the greenhouse on May 3 (last week).
We are finally getting some much needed rain, though total amounts varied widely throughout the growing region. Depending on the path of Hurricane Matthew, the area could receive even more rain this weekend. September weather report has been posted on the web site. http://ag.umass.edu/cranberry/weather-summaries.
We have heard of a few reports of noticeable Spag flights over the past week or so. It is not unusual to see Spag flight at this time of year. We do NOT recommend applying insecticides at this point. They will not affect the adults (moths). The moths you see now will lay eggs and the first-instar larvae will overwinter. If you see a flight of Spag out on your bog, you should be especially...
Drought conditions continue in most of the state (approaching 93% affected) and for the first time a significant area (approaching 18%) has reached Extreme Drought status. This is in the Northeastern part of the state with almost all of Essex County included. Only far Western Berkshire County is considered NOT to be in drought at this time. Most of our region is in the Moderate Drought...
The weather has been and will continue to be very hot. This can be stressful for the vines (and for you!). Monitor as needed to make sure the vines and fruit are not lacking for water. We all recognize there is much concern about depleting water supplies and upcoming harvest. Let's hope we get some rain soon.
We have had a few questions about timing of Callisto with the heat conditions. From the manufacturer, if it is possible, they would prefer to see applications made in the morning. Weeds are less stressed due to the heat and will pick up the Callisto more readily verses day or evening applications. Realizing this is not always possible, they have not put restrictions about this on the label....
We had our first report of early rot late last week (July 22). This is caused by the fungus, Phyllosticta. Remember that resistance development to Abound, Indar, and Proline is a real and serious threat. Applications of these fungicides should be made PRE infection rather than POST infection (now). For RM purposes, it is best to use multi-site contact fungicides, like chlorothalonil or...
If your fruit have set, you are clear to make applications of Select/Select Max. With any herbicide or pesticide for that matter, exercise caution when applying in hot conditions. The general guideline is that the risk for vine injury increases if the temperature (degrees F) and humidity exceed 150.