John’s updates
1. Many growers had a scab infection period around May 30th
2. Most Southern WI growers are at or near 100% ascospore maturity
3. An infection period is occurring at the time of this call
4. CM trap counts are very different than they were last year at this time
5. There is spotty evidence of PC
6. Be concerned about the transmission of fire blight, especially in young trees
Conversation Topics
1. Scab: looking for fruit scab, kickback materials for fruit scab, etc.
2. Two different degree-day calculation methods: which is best? how much do they differ?
3. Factors to consider in deciding when to put on the first CM material: petal fall, degree days post biofix, PC spray program
4. Differences between last year’s CM trap catches and this year’s CM trap catches
5. Strong presence of beneficials in many orchards
6. Antibiotics allowed on apples in WI
7. Setting a biofix for an orchard in IL
8. In large orchards, setting different biofixes for different blocks
9. Using combination lures in areas with low trap counts
10. Topography’s effect on variable trap counts
11. Interpreting trap counts in an orchard using mating disruption
12. Deciding whether or not to spray when trap counts are very low
If you would like to hear the call recording, dial (641) 715-3436, then enter the access code: 516817. You will be able to hear the recording on the telephone until it is replaced by the next week’s call. You can also hear this recording anytime by downloading the audio file below.