The forecast is for VERY POOR preliminary keeping quality.
As of April 1, there are “0” points out of a possible “10” towards preliminary keeping quality for the 2024 Massachusetts cranberry crop. The forecast is for VERY POOR keeping quality. Unless the final keeping quality forecast (issued after June 1) improves in June, we do NOT recommend reducing the number and rates of fruit rot fungicide applications. Close attention should be paid where fruit rot has been a major or regular concern. As for the holding of late water, this would be a good year to hold late water. However, growers should determine whether to hold late water based on bed conditions. Please check the table below and the section on late water in the Chart Book for advice regarding the implementation of this cultural practice. If you have any questions, please contact Leela Uppala suppala@umass.edu.
Late Water is Advised:
- Once in three years for 4 weeks from Mid-April to Mid-May.
- If your bog looks healthy and not showing any signs of stress.
- The flower buds are still red and tight.
- If your bed was properly flooded at the periods of coldest temperatures.
- If the scale and/or fruit rot incidences were high in 2023.
- If you have access to good quality water supplies.
|
Late Water is Not Advised:
- If you held late water in the past two years.
- If your bog produced a heavy crop in 2023.
- If the buds have broken dormancy.
- If the bed was sanded the previous year.
- If the bog is stressed and shows signs of winter injury.
- If your bog is severely out of grade.
|