Vines are generally at peak dormancy this time of year. The recent warm weather in late December/early January makes me question if this is currently true. Cold weather patterns are expected the third week of January. “Roller coaster” patterns of cold-warm-cold can cause the vines to prematurely de-acclimate during late…
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Compiled by John R. Clark, University of Arkansas In the last 20 years or so, I have focused substantially on sweeter berries, and also changes in plant form or architecture in blackberries. ‘Ponca’ is the most recent result of these areas of focus. It will have limited plant supply in…
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Compiled by Wayne Buhler and Wayne Mitchem, Department of Horticultural Science Growers utilizing paraquat for non-selective POST weed control will have to adhere to new legal requirements to use this herbicide in 2020. All herbicide products containing paraquat-dichloride (“paraquat”) are restricted-use pesticides marketed under various trade names (Gramoxone, Para-SHOT, Parazone,…
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The North Carolina Muscadine Conference will be held January 17-18, 2020 in Kenansville, N.C. The conference features a workshop for novice producers, a tour and reception at Duplin Winery, and educational sessions on both production and marketing. Keynote speaker Dr. Patricia Gallagher of Wake Forest Medical School will present the…
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UPDATE 11/26/19: View videos and slideshows from the 2019 Blueberry School The Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium is hosting the 2019 Blueberry School Webinar Series, an in-service training program focused on the basics of blueberry production. Registration for the webinar series is restricted to cooperative extension agents in the Southeastern…
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Compiled by Gina Fernandez, Small Fruit Specialist, North Carolina State University Plant growth and development Primocanes continue to grow but growth rate is slower Flower buds start to form in leaf axils on summer-fruiting types Carbohydrates and nutrients in canes begin to move into the roots Primocane fruiting types begin…
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Reflection on past: The 2019 vintage was warm and dry throughout the southeastern (and most of the eastern) U.S. The 2019 vintage was highly divergent from that of the previous two vintages, which were characterized by greater cloudiness and rainfall. Thus, depending on harvest decisions, wines from 2019 may be…
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Compiled by Mark Hoffmann, NC State University The main muscadine chores for the rest of the year 2019 are: finish harvest, soil testing, scouting for damages, disease control, prepare pruning. OCTOBER 2019 Harvest: We had a year with exceptional high yields, and some varieties were producing for a longer period…
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Compiled by Mark Hoffmann and Barclay Poling, NC State University Grower’s Checklist OCTOBER 2019 Planting Check plants for possible biological (insects and diseases) and physiological (nutrient) disorders prior to planting and treat appropriately or do not plant if Anthracnose is detected. Consult your extension agent if plants appear unhealthy. Get…
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Compiled by Dr. Elina Coneva, Fruit Crops Extension Specialist and Professor, Department of Horticulture, Auburn University Pierce’s Disease (PD) is a serious threat to the cultivation of grapes in the United States, especially in the warmer southern regions. Recently the UC Davis grape breeding program has developed new European (Vitis…
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