Douglas G. Pfeiffer, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech When the fruit are in, it is easy to think about putting the sprayer away. But sometimes there are insect issues that can be addressed in post-harvest, fall or winter periods. Let’s take up a few now. Grape In general, it is advisable…
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Rebecca A. Melanson, Extension Plant Pathologist, Mississippi State University, and Aaron Cato, IPM Specialist, University of Arkansas Diagnosis is the first step in pest management. It is first necessary to know the cause of a problem before appropriate management methods can be implemented. Management methods that do not accurately address…
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Wayne E. Mitchem, Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Coordinator, Tree Fruit Weed Management Extension Associate, (704) 472-4369 Corteva Agriscience has issued a supplemental label for Trellis SC (isoxaben) herbicide use in newly planted and bearing caneberries. Trellis already has approved uses for weed control in blueberry, grape, and a few…
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Dr. Aaron Cato, IPM Specialist, University of Arkansas The Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium is an expansive source for unbiased information and news for small fruit growers and county agents across the Southeast. The consortium’s website features production and IPM guides that are updated yearly by specialists across the region,…
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Douglas G. Pfeiffer, Dept. Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg VA 24060, . Since its introduction and spread in the US from 2008-2012, spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), SWD has presented a huge problem for berry growers. SWD is a difficult pest to control. Because of its high fecundity and number…
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Dr. Phil Brannen, Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, Plant Pathology, University of Georgia Many of the fungicides utilized for Botrytis management are no longer efficacious due to resistance development in this fungus. Now is a great time to collect Botrytis samples for fungicide-resistance testing. While the funds last, Botrytis resistance testing…
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Compiled by Doug Pfeiffer, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg VA 24061 Spotted lanternfly is a new invasive pest so far restricted to the mid-Atlantic states. As it expands its range, it has entered the northern part (Virginia) of our Southeastern region. It is likely to expand considerably. While grape…
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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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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 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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