Reminder of NSFGA Convention - Early bird registration ends today

The Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association is having their 161st Annual Convention on January 28-30th at the Old Orchard Inn. The draft agenda and fillable registration form are on the NSFGA website (www.nsfruitgrowers.ca). Guest speakers include both Jason Londo (Cornell University) and George Sundin (Michigan State University), and there is another great Kitchen Party in the works- you won't want to miss it!

Orchard Outlook Newsletter Vol. 24, No 15

*Updated on Nov 13 to add two bullet points about glyphosate to the fall herbicide section.

Today's newsletter is the final issue for Volume 24 in the year 2024. In the last issue of the season I review a summary of the weather, tree health, crop load, pest pressures and fruit quality which can all be useful information to reference in the future. With hopefully a little rest after harvest, consider November an opportunity to winterize orchards so you have a head start next season. Cheers to you all for wrapping up another harvest season!

Table of Contents:

2024 Growing Season Summary

• Degree Days
• Precipitation
• Tree Health
• Crop Load
• Review of Disease Pressure
• Harvest and Fruit Quality

Winterizing Orchards

• Fall herbicide application
• Fall soil pH adjustments
• Orchard rodent control

Diseases

• Reducing the risk of apple scab
• Peach leaf curl

Events and Notices

• Three Commodities to Create Climate Adaptation Strategies
• Upcoming Conferences

2024 Growing Season Summary

Degree Days

The growing degree day models indicated that this past season the base 5°C plant development and base 10°C insect development degree days were above the five- and ten-year averages. Jeff Franklin explains that although we have had some warmer than average days through the fall, they have been offset by periods of cooler than average temperatures. This year was the fifth warmest growing season on record in terms of base 5°C degree days. 

Figure 1: Heating degree day accumulations for plant (above 5°C) and insect (above 10°C) development from March 1st to Oct 31st for the past 17 seasons. Provided by Jeff Franklin (AAFC).

• Approximately 4% more plant development heat units compared to the 5-year average, and 4% more compared to the 10-year average.
• Approximately 3% more plant development heat units compared to 2023, and 1% less compared with 2022.
• Approximately 4% more insect development heat units compared to the 5-year average, and 5% more compared to the 10-year average.

Precipitation

The season was also dry except for a handful of heavy rain events. The total seasonal precipitation was about 100 mm less than the 25-year average. 

Table 1: Monthly precipitation totals for the Kentville Research and Development Centre in 2024 compared with the 10- and 25-year averages. Data provided by Jeff Franklin (AAFC).

Tree Health

There were some reports of bark peeling, bark cracks, tree decline, and occasional tree collapse that are suspected to be a sign of lingering effects from the polar vortex. A Cornell researcher Jason Londo is exploring similar damage in New York and is hearing of damage in the Northeastern US as well. He explains that, “Cold damage to the rootstock shank causes sublethal damage and while the tree can repair some, eventually the tree collapses as the canopy water requirements exceed what the old xylem can supply.” Susceptible trees may also exhibit less productivity for a time.

By turning our attention to tree health and graft unions, it was noticed that bark was peeling and shedding on rootstocks and in particular the Geneva rootstocks. Through exploring this concern, it was explained that many Geneva rootstocks have a genetic characteristic of the outer (dead) bark peeling off but the interior bark which contains the phloem and cambium is still alive. This explanation made sense where live tissue was found and the foliage was healthy even through warm and dry weather. In such situations, the bark peeling and cracking is not a concern.

Crop Load

In late April, soon after green tissue began to grow there were freezing temperatures recorded. Frost damage caused some crop loss on early apple varieties such as Gravenstein and in many cases damaged the king bloom of the main varieties. Then there was a snowball bloom with good pollination weather but early fruit set from flower fertilization was less than expected. The widespread variability in fruit set does not correlate with our typical cold pockets so it seems that other factors are at play. 

The reasons are unclear and may have included a combination of 1) sublethal injury from freezing temperatures in late April, 2) lack of sunlight in the later part of 2023, and 3) a heavy bloom resulting in heavy drop.

Furthermore, there were reports from AAFC of low populations of natural pollinators and this year the bee boxes were removed from orchards early to be placed in wild blueberry crops. By harvest time, there also seemed to be more parthenocarpic fruit (seedless) than usual indicating a possible role of pollination failure. It serves as a reminder to rethink pollination plans for next year including bringing in bees and having pollinator varieties nearby as insurance for pollination success.

The current year experienced a strong response to the standard thinning program resulting in near-target crop load as fruitlets thinned easily. It is believed that the trees were under a carbohydrate deficit based on weather observations and more information will be discussed this coming winter with regard to thinning models being trialed in our region. Later in the season as fruit sized, it was reportedly common to realize there were more fruit on the trees than originally anticipated.

The stone fruit crop was good for the first time in several years. Buds were initiated in the 2023 season during weak shoot growth from the polar vortex so some buds were weak and died, however, many buds survived.

Review of Disease Pressure

Apple Scab

Above-average temperatures in early spring led to early maturing ascospores and wetting periods produced infection events that occurred roughly every week. Of the spores that were released during infection events, a light to moderate amount were capable of causing infection. This season a total of 8-10 primary infection events were recorded, which is slightly less than has been occurred in recent years. The event on May 26/27 was notable because it released an incredible 74.5% of the total spore load.

Table 1: Summary of apple scab primary infection periods recorded in Kentville in 2024, based on the Modified Mills Table and assuming a green tip date of April 15.

Powdery Mildew

Wet weather diseases were less of a risk than usual but on the other hand the dry, warm and humid weather conditions were conducive to powdery mildew. Newly expanding leaves on terminal shoots were frequently at risk of infection in midsummer. Susceptible varieties like Cortland and Honeycrisp that were unprotected had plenty of infections on new leaf tissue. Buds are infected this year and will overwinter to cause infection pressure next year. More discussion about management options will occur this winter as we reflect on local trial results. 

Fire Blight

The first blossoms in the Valley opened around May 15 with early regions in full bloom by about a week later.  Above-average heat during the bloom period caused multiple successive high risk periods for fire blight blossom blight although the wetting requirement might not have always been realized. According to the Maryblyt model, high EIP values were first noted on May 17 and then there was an especially challenging high risk period from May 22 through to May 25. The EIP was again high on open blossoms in new plantings throughout most of the month of June and July. Wetting events including rainfall and dew during high EIP periods were conducive to bacterial infection, unless antibiotic protection was applied. New fire blight infections developed where protection was not achieved. In some cases the late season flush of terminal growth following a heavy rainfall in July was prone to shoot infections.

Harvest and Fruit Quality

Red colour progressed very well this past season. The excellent colour development is owing to a nighttime cooling trend in mid-August that continued to bring consistently cool nights followed by warm and sunny days. The weather was excellent for the red pigment anthocyanin to develop on the sun exposed sides of the fruit. Meanwhile, the sugar content of the fruit was optimal by harvest maturity and the flavour was excellent in my opinion!

However, the challenge during harvest was that the early season and cool temperatures hastened harvest maturity. Depending on the variety the window of maturity was either a few days advanced or similar to historically early harvest dates. The cool weather and hastened maturity may influence the prevalence of storage disorders like internal breakdown. In October, high winds coincided with the beginning of the harvest window for Ambrosia and resulted in some crop loss.

Winterizing Orchards

Fall Herbicide Application

Fall is prime germination time for winter annuals, and perennials are susceptible to treatment because they’re actively storing reserves in their roots. Those of you that attended the Growing Good Growers tailgate meeting this past summer about weed management with guest Sonny Murray heard discussion about treating weeds at the end of the season. End of season treatment approaches so here are some reminders.

To get out of the cycle of trying to manage large weeds with post-emergent herbicides:

• Think about residual/pre-emergent herbicides as filling windows of time. Most residual products will give about 4-6 weeks of weed control. Some products have longer-lasting control like Alion (trees >3 yrs old) and Sinbar.
• Use residual herbicides through periods of high weed germination (spring and early fall). 
• Early fall is when perennial and difficult winter annuals germinate. You may want to clean up what does germinate before they get too large by doing a late fall cleanup with a post-emergent herbicide. Consider targeting some tough perennials with glyphosate in mature plantings in late November to early December when trees are dormant and while the ground is not yet frozen. 
• If using glyphosate, set up the weed sprayer to minimize the amount getting on the bark and just spray two bands next to the tree and avoid the row middles.
• As long as the weeds aren’t frozen and you can travel without making a mess, glyphosate can be applied. Ideally apply it after a couple of relatively warm nighttime lows above 1.6C. Roundup will work slowly in cool temperatures but should take out the weeds by spring.
• Sencor and Sinbar give suppression of quackgrass and have some pre-emergent activity on bluegrass.
• Consider Prowl H2O and Dual II Magnum (pre-emergent) and Venture (post-emergent) options to improve your grass control spectrum. However, these products won't work for bluegrass species.
• Be aware that Chateau has activity on ragweed whereas Authority does not.
• Sinbar is a good option for fall application of a residual herbicide that is labelled in first year fruit trees. It will have good control of pre-emergent grasses. Next spring, consider Prowl H2O and Chateau in young plantings. Later in the program could include Ignite with Sandea.

Key points:

• Summer and winter annual species have populations that germinate in both fall and spring and therefore troublesome weeds may need to be managed at both times.
• After harvest, consider using a post-emerge herbicide to clean up weeds along with a residual product to save time early next season. Orchards without fall application of residual herbicides are expected to exceed weed thresholds in early spring before those treated with residuals.
• If planning to apply glyphosate, wait until trees are dormant (late November to early December) or late in spring to avoid translocation to fruit tree root systems.
• Even if you are not set up to perform weed control in the fall, now is a good opportunity to identify what weed species are present to inform herbicide choices for early next year.

Fall Soil pH Adjustments

Soils in the valley are naturally acidic, and nitrogen fertilizers will slowly acidify soils over time. As soils acidify, nutrients such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus are less available for uptake by fruit trees. Other nutrients such as manganese and aluminum become more available and uptake by fruit trees can become excessive.

The pH of orchard soil should be between 5.5 and 6.6 (target 6.0) because nutrient availability is best within this range. Fall is the ideal time to make soil pH adjustments because it gives time for limestone to neutralize the acidity before the next growing season. Also in the fall, the dust from limestone applications will not interfere with growth or bloom.

Recommendations:

• The results of a soil test will give a lime requirement based on your soil type and pH.
• Apply calcitic limestome unless magnesium is needed from dolomitic limestone.
• A surface application of no more than 3 tonnes/ha of limestone in any one year is recommended because higher volumes could be washed away and are ineffective.
• If the lime is being worked into soil then you can follow the recommended rate on your soil report. Incorporating lime into soil will show benefits sooner than a surface application. A surface application moves down at a rate of about 1 inch per year.
• If you have ongoing issues with lack of calcium in established plantings, consider banding gypsum at a rate of 4 tons per acre under trees. Annual applications have been shown to reduce bitter pit and senescent breakdown. Gypsum can also improve soil structure and improve water infiltration. Be aware that gypsum can reduce magnesium uptake. Gypsum will not replace the need for lime for pH adjustment.

Orchard Rodent Control

Rodents feed on tree bark in the fall and winter when other food supplies are scarce. The most common issue is when rodent feeding girdles the trunk of young trees at or near the ground surface or at the height of snow accumulation.

Recommendations:

• Mow ground cover and maintain a weed-free strip to expose mice to predators.
• Clean up drop apples from the tree row and alleyways to remove attractive food sources.
• Be aware that using straw mulch can harbour mice.
• If rodent activity is observed (mouse tunnels, droppings and chewed apples), consider the use of rodenticide. Bait stations manage the risk of poisoning other species and the control is long-lasting.
• Bait stations placed on the perimeter of the orchard target mice moving into the orchard from bordering fields, fence lines or ditches. Pay particular attention to orchard blocks that neighbour corn and soybean fields.
• Install tree guards, if feasible, on young trees. Remove after snow melt in spring to avoid fungal problems at the base of the trunks.

Diseases

Reducing the Risk of Apple Scab

Scab spores can be reduced for the next growing season by accelerating the decay of infected leaves in the fall of the current season. The benefit is less disease pressure next spring that can help to reduce the risk of primary scab infections. All efforts to reduce primary inoculum for next year will be helpful for scab control under recent fungicide restrictions.

Recommendations:

• Spraying urea (46-0-0) onto leaves on the ground can reduce spores by about 66%. The recommended rate is 50 kg/ha in 1000 L/ha of water. The solution can alternatively be applied to full trees as leaf fall begins. Urea should be dissolved in warm water before putting it in the tank. The 50 kg/ha rate will supply approximately 23 kg/ha of nitrogen to the ground, so nitrogen application next spring should be adjusted accordingly.
• Flail chopping all plant matter on the orchard floor in November can reduce the number of scab spores by as much as 85%. Flail chopping in only the alleyway can reduce scab spores by as much as 50%. Why does chopping work? Dr. Gordon Braun explained in a year 2000 publication that:
• "By chopping up leaves finely, they are more easily broken down by bacteria and molds to be consumed by earthworms."
• "The apple scab fungus needs to mate with the opposite mating type and smaller leaf pieces reduces the likelihood of the two meeting."
• "The smaller fragments also fall deeper into the grass and have a greater probability of resting in a position which is less than horizontal which reduces the ability of the ascosopres being successfully discharged into the air currents and carried to susceptible leaves."
• Using a combination of both shredding and urea applications can produce the best results.

Peach Leaf Curl

Peach leaf curl is a fungal disease of peaches and nectarines that is usually well-controlled by a fungicide application in spring or late fall. Infections occur in the spring at bud swell when overwintering spores are washed from the surfaces of the bark. Therefore, a fungicide application prior to bud swell in the spring is preferred. However, occasionally early warm temperatures combined with extended snow cover can make spring applications challenging.

Recommendations:

• The spores overwinter on the bark, so fall applications for peach leaf curl should be tailored to provide complete coverage of trunks and branches. Fall application should be made after 75-100% of leaf drop has occurred and when the temperature is above freezing.
• Unusually wet winter weather with heavy rain can wash off a protectant fungicide applied in fall. If residues are washed off, re-treatment in spring before buds swell is recommended. 
• Chlorothalonil (Bravo/Echo) has been the most effective fungicide in Nova Scotia. Only 1 spray of Bravo/Echo may be applied per year, meaning it cannot be applied in both spring and fall. Other products registered for control in the fall are fixed copper products.

Events

Upcoming Conferences

• Dec 10-12, 2025: Great Lakes EXPO, Grand Rapids, MI
• Jan 28-30, 2025: NSFGA Annual Convention, Old Orchard Inn
• Jan 28-30, 2025: Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA
• Feb 16-19, 2025: IFTA 2025 Annual Conference, Rochester, NY (Michelle will be there!)
• Feb 19-20, 2025: The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Niagara Falls, ON

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corp.

Edited by Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist

Ambrosia Fruit Maturity Report - Oct 15

This update on Ambrosia will be the final maturity report for the season. In the regions being monitored, Ambrosia is in the midst of harvest maturity. Situations of lower-than-target crop load encourage early ripening. After the start of harvest maturity there is a window of time before those fruit ripen beyond starch index 4.5 that is recommended for storage purposes. Using Harvista at one of the example sites may have helped to delay ripening as shown by the relatively slow rate of starch conversion (however we don't have an untreated comparison so this is speculation only). 

I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to the farms that have agreed to be the long-term monitoring sites for industry-wide updates on maturity. It is always my wish that you all have a good crop of quality fruit. You have all worked so hard and as harvest continues I just want to take a moment to say you're doing great work!!!

Important Note - The following information about maturity is for general industry purposes only. Growers are encouraged to use their own discretion to harvest trees that are exhibiting delayed colour development or exhibiting maturity indices that disagree with what is being reported here. Values were measured on an average of fruit that were representative of the block's crop load and tree vigour. Fruit representative of size and colour were taken from all sides of the tree. 

Ambrosia Fruit Maturity Report

Fruit were taken from throughout the trees to target a one-pick harvest to strip the trees.

Table 2: Maturity indices for Ambrosia fruit sampled in the current year on Tuesday, Oct 15 2024. Values are compared with the samples taken last week on Oct 7 to estimate a weekly rate of change. Please note that in Lakeville the bottoms of the trees were harvested so the values represent remaining fruit on tree tops.

Table 2 Discussion:

• Local research by John Delong et al. 2013 showed that optimal values of the starch index for long-term storage of Ambrosia are between 2.8 and 4.5. When harvested late, the fruit are at greater risk of developing greasiness, rot, core flush, and senescent breakdown in storage. 
• In the regions being monitored, the starch index values for Ambrosia are in the midst of the window of harvest maturity.
• The starch index value is showing a rate of change of +1.4/wk in fruit that had reached maturity the week prior, representing a faster rate of change than what was observed previously.
• The Lakeville region that was treated with Harvista at about 1 week before anticipated harvest was harvested in the tree bottoms prior to the wind. The treated fruit remaining in the treetops does appear to have a relatively slower rate of change of starch index, being only +0.5 over the last week. The Harvista was applied 11 days ago. It may have bought some time as anticipated.
• The DA value appears misaligned so starch index should be monitored.
• Soluble solids values in our region for Ambrosia tend to be 12% at around optimum harvest maturity but again it depends on crop load. The soluble solids are currently optimal or higher in the regions being monitored.
• Where there is advanced starch movement and above-average soluble solids representing sugar content in the regions being monitored, it is due in part to lower-than-target crop load.

More observations (data not shown):

• Red colour is very good on the sun exposed side and as is typical of Ambrosia the shade side is yellow.
• The fruit size in my samples averaged 226 g which is slightly larger than last week. The diameter is fairly similar to last week at an average of 79 mm/3.11 inches. However, this information is highly dependent on the crop load in a particular block.
  
• It appears as though a small percentage of Ambrosia fruit was lost to the windstorm on the weekend. Hopefully less than what was anticipated.

About each maturity measurement:

Starch Index - Starch is converted to sugars as ripening progresses. The starch-iodine test is used because iodine binds to starch molecules turning them blue/black, whereas sugars are not stained and remain clear. The Cornell chart on a scale of 1 to 8 was used above and values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

Soluble Solids - Approximates the percentage of sugar content of the fruit. Measured using a digital refractometer. Values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

DA Meter - The delta absorbance (DA) value is related to the chlorophyll content of the peel. AAFC researchers in Kentville developed a protocol for Honeycrisp and Ambrosia. 

• For Honeycrisp, values above 0.60 are immature, values 0.6 to 0.36 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.35 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. 
• For Ambrosia, values above 0.47 are immature, values 0.47 to 0.28 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.28 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. 
• Values shown above are the average of twenty fruit taken throughout a block, with readings taken on the transition area between the sun and shade exposed sides. DA values will be noticeably different between the most mature and least mature fruit on a tree. 

Notices

NSDA Programs 

Programs staff would like to inform clients that applications are being accepted at this time for the following 2024-2025 programs. Programs for the 2024-2025 year, along with their applications and guidelines can be found by clicking the following links:

• Market Opportunities and Diversification – Deadline October 24th
• Speaker Series Assistance Program 
• Plant your Roots
• Organic Certification Rebate Program
• Agriculture Skills Student Bursary Program

For more information on these programs please contact your local Ag Rep.

Nova Scotia Loyal Program

Did you know that as a local producer and/or retailer, you are eligible to apply to become an official partner in the government of Nova Scotia’s buy local program, Nova Scotia Loyal?

This program is helping build demand for and consumption of local products and putting more money directly into the hands of local producers. You can register to participate in the program by visiting www.nsloyal.ca.

Registration will provide you with access to program materials and marketing assets to make it easier for consumers to identify and find local products. Additionally, you have the option to participate in a retailer directory designed to connect producers and retailers to increase the number of Nova Scotia products on retailer shelves.

Should you have any questions about the program, please contact: novascotialoyal@novascotia.ca

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corp.
Edited by Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist

Honeycrisp and Ambrosia Fruit Maturity Report - Oct 7

Maturity updates are wrapping up for the remaining Honeycrisp fruit (treated with ReTain) and therefore the majority of this update focuses on Ambrosia fruit. In Ambrosia, harvest maturity approaches or may have begun depending on the crop load of a particular block. When harvest maturity begins there is a window of time before fruit are considered overmature for storage purposes (see the post for estimates on the rate of change of the starch index). The Ambrosia sugar content represented by soluble solids has reached optimal values. 

Important Note - The following information about maturity is for general industry purposes only. Growers are encouraged to use their own discretion to harvest trees that are exhibiting delayed colour development or exhibiting maturity indices that disagree with what is being reported here. Values were measured on an average of fruit that were representative of the block's crop load and tree vigour. Fruit representative of size and colour were taken from all sides of the tree. 

Honeycrisp Fruit Maturity Report

The following Honeycrisp information represents the remaining fruit where maturity is slightly delayed relative to first-pick fruit.

Table 1: Maturity indices for regular Honeycrisp fruit sampled in the current year on Monday, Oct 7 2024. Where possible, values are compared with the samples taken last week on Oct 1 to estimate a weekly rate of change.

Table 1 Discussion:

• Fruit treated with ReTain at 3 weeks prior to expected harvest that remain after the first-pick are still within optimal maturity. They are not overmature as they have not exceeded starch index value of 7.5. Late harvest beyond starch 7.5 results in fruit in storage with more soft scald.
• Soluble solids values in our region for Honeycrisp tend to be 11% at around optimum harvest maturity but it depends on crop load.

Ambrosia Fruit Maturity Report

Fruit were taken from throughout the trees to target a one-pick harvest to strip the trees.

Table 2: Maturity indices for Ambrosia fruit sampled in the current year on Monday, Oct 7 2024. Values are compared with the samples taken last week on Oct 1 to estimate a weekly rate of change.

Table 2 Discussion:

• Local research by John Delong et al. 2013 showed that optimal values of the starch index for long-term storage of Ambrosia are between 2.8 and 4.5. When harvested late, the fruit are at greater risk of developing greasiness, rot, core flush, and senescent breakdown in storage. 
• Starch index values are now within the window of harvest maturity in the example region in Rockland and are nearing the start in Lakeville and North Medford. 
• The starch index value is showing a rate of change of +0.7 wk in areas untreated with Harvista. There will be a window of opportunity before the fruit exceed starch index 4.5. According to the current rate of change, the harvest maturity window could be 2 weeks.
• The Lakeville region that was treated with Harvista at about 1 week before anticipated harvest does appear to have slowed down in the rate of change of starch index, being only +0.3 over the last week. It may have bought some time.
• Similar to the DA value in the context of Honeycrisp, there is a misalignment with Ambrosia so starch index should be monitored.
• Soluble solids values in our region for Ambrosia tend to be 12% at around optimum harvest maturity but again it depends on crop load. The soluble solids are currently optimal in all regions being monitored.
• Where there is advanced starch movement and above-average soluble solids representing sugar content in the regions being monitored, it is due in part to lower-than-target crop load.

More observations (data not shown):

• Red colour is averaging around 57% on the entire tree for a one-pick harvest.
• The fruit size in my samples averaged 220 g and is fairly similar to last week. The diameter was an average of 79 mm/3.11 inches and is similar to last week. However, this information is highly dependent on the crop load in a particular block.
  

Table 3: Maturity indices for Ambrosia fruit relative to samples taken last year on Oct 10, 2023.

Table 3 Discussion:

• Starch index is higher this year meaning that maturity is slightly ahead.
• Soluble solids vary, likely related to crop load.
• The DA meter values are lower this year meaning that the DA meter also predicts advanced maturity but note comments above about possible misalignment of actual DA values with actual fruit maturity.

About each maturity measurement:

Starch Index - Starch is converted to sugars as ripening progresses. The starch-iodine test is used because iodine binds to starch molecules turning them blue/black, whereas sugars are not stained and remain clear. The Cornell chart on a scale of 1 to 8 was used above and values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

Soluble Solids - Approximates the percentage of sugar content of the fruit. Measured using a digital refractometer. Values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

DA Meter - The delta absorbance (DA) value is related to the chlorophyll content of the peel. AAFC researchers in Kentville developed a protocol for Honeycrisp and Ambrosia. 

• For Honeycrisp, values above 0.60 are immature, values 0.6 to 0.36 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.35 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. 
• For Ambrosia, values above 0.47 are immature, values 0.47 to 0.28 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.28 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. 
• Values shown above are the average of twenty fruit taken throughout a block, with readings taken on the transition area between the sun and shade exposed sides. DA values will be noticeably different between the most mature and least mature fruit on a tree. 

Notices

NSDA Programs 

Programs staff would like to inform clients that applications are being accepted at this time for the following 2024-2025 programs. Programs for the 2024-2025 year, along with their applications and guidelines can be found by clicking the following links:

• Young Farmer Mentorship Program – Deadline October 8th
• Market Opportunities and Diversification – Deadline October 24th
• Speaker Series Assistance Program 
• Plant your Roots
• Organic Certification Rebate Program
• Agriculture Skills Student Bursary Program

For more information on these programs please contact your local Ag Rep.

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corp.
Edited by Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist

Honeycrisp and Ambrosia Fruit Maturity Report - Oct 2

Maturity updates continue for the remaining Honeycrisp fruit after the first-pick including those treated with ReTain or not, in the example regions. The remaining Honeycrisp fruit are relatively less mature than first-pick fruit but are still at or near maturity and may just require more red colour to develop. In Ambrosia, starch conversion to sugars continues and fruit approach the start of harvest maturity in some situations, especially in historically early blocks and those with low crop load.

Important Note - The following information about maturity is for general industry purposes only. Growers are encouraged to use their own discretion to harvest trees that are exhibiting delayed colour development or exhibiting maturity indices that disagree with what is being reported here. Values were measured on an average of fruit that were representative of the block's crop load and tree vigour. Fruit representative of size and colour were taken from all sides of the tree. 

Honeycrisp Fruit Maturity Report

The following Honeycrisp information represents the remaining fruit where maturity is slightly delayed relative to first-pick fruit. The rate of change is not stated where fruit were picked between this week and last week's measurements. The Lakeville rate of change represents the change in maturity of the remaining fruit because those same fruit were reported last week.

Table 1: Maturity indices for regular Honeycrisp fruit sampled in the current year on Tuesday, Oct 1 2024. Where possible, values are compared with the samples taken last week on Sept 23 to estimate a weekly rate of change. Please note that new factors are introduced this week including first pick in Rockland and North Medford.

Table 1 Discussion: There are many factors at play but here's what I can glean for general guidance...

• Fruit remaining after the first-pick of 60-75% in the example regions are not overmature as they have not exceeded starch index value of 7.5. 
• In the Lakeville example, the remaining fruit without ReTain may have only one more week until they become overmature for long-term storage.
• In Rockland, there is no untreated comparison but ReTain applied 1 week before anticipated harvest may have slightly delayed the maturity of the remaining fruit.
• Where ReTain was used 3 weeks before the anticipated harvest in North Medford, starch index values of the remaining fruit are relatively low near 4, seemingly offering some additional time to harvest.
• Local research by John Delong et al. 2013 showed that optimal values of the starch index for long-term storage for Honeycrisp are between 5.0 and 7.5. Early harvest of Honeycrisp before starch 5.0 can lead to more bitter pit in storage whereas late harvest beyond starch 7.5 results in more soft scald.
• DA meter values are not consistently aligned with starch so refer to starch comments above. The rate of change is different in ReTain-treated fruit so the standard DA meter values for optimum maturity do not apply to ReTain-treated fruit.
• Soluble solids values in our region for Honeycrisp tend to be 11% at around optimum harvest maturity but it depends on crop load. The soluble solids of the remaining fruit are near-optimal.
• Crop load always has an influence. More vegetation relative to less crop will result in more resources for colour and advanced maturity. The crop load in the blocks being monitored is slightly lower than target.
• It becomes increasingly difficult to make historical comparisons as harvest progresses because of the variable factors like ReTain and first pick dates/percentages. However, it appears as though starch index continues to be higher at this point in time when compared to 2023, meaning that maturity is ahead.

More observations (data not shown):

• Red blush colour on the fruit remaining after first-pick currently averages 45-50%. In Lakeville the fruit remaining after first pick increased in colour by 10% over the last week. Two sites were treated with ReTain so the product may influence colour if maturity is also delayed.
• The fruit size across my samples averaged 238 g and 81 mm/3.2 inches in diameter. In Lakeville, the remaining fruit grew at a rate of +11.5g/wk and +0.7 mm(0.03")/wk. However, this information is highly dependent on the crop load in a particular block.

Ambrosia Fruit Maturity Report

Fruit were taken from throughout the trees to target a one-pick harvest to strip the trees.

Table 2: Maturity indices for Ambrosia fruit sampled in the current year on Tuesday, Oct 1 2024. Values are compared with the samples taken last week on Sept 23 to estimate a weekly rate of change.

Table 2 Discussion:

• Local research by John Delong et al. 2013 showed that optimal values of the starch index for long-term storage of Ambrosia are between 2.8 and 4.5. When harvested late, the fruit are at greater risk of developing greasiness, rot, core flush, and senescent breakdown in storage. 
• Starch index values are nearing 2.8 in some of the example regions and there will be a window of opportunity before the fruit exceed starch index 4.5. 
• The starch index value is showing a rate of change of +0.5 to +1.0/wk. The fastest rate of +1.0/wk appears in conjunction with the fruit of advanced maturity. The current rate of change suggests a 2-week window and updates will be given next week.
• If labour issues are anticipated, Harvista may be an option on up to 3 days before harvest.
• Similar to the DA value in the context of Honeycrisp, there is a misalignment with Ambrosia so starch index should be monitored.
• Soluble solids values in our region for Ambrosia tend to be 12% at around optimum harvest maturity but again it depends on crop load. The soluble solids are currently optimal in the Rockland and Lakeville example regions.
• Where there is advanced starch movement and good sugar content in the regions being monitored, it is due in part to lower-than-target crop load.

More observations (data not shown):

• Red colour is averaging around 45% on the entire tree for a one-pick harvest.
• The fruit size in my samples averaged 223 g and growing at a rate of +16g/wk. The diameter was an average of 79 mm/3.11 inches and growing at a rate of +2 mm/+0.08 inches/wk. However, this information is highly dependent on the crop load in a particular block.
  

About each maturity measurement:

Starch Index - Starch is converted to sugars as ripening progresses. The starch-iodine test is used because iodine binds to starch molecules turning them blue/black, whereas sugars are not stained and remain clear. The Cornell chart on a scale of 1 to 8 was used above and values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

Soluble Solids - Approximates the percentage of sugar content of the fruit. Measured using a digital refractometer. Values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

DA Meter - The delta absorbance (DA) value is related to the chlorophyll content of the peel. AAFC researchers in Kentville developed a protocol for Honeycrisp and Ambrosia. 

• For Honeycrisp, values above 0.60 are immature, values 0.6 to 0.36 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.35 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. 
• For Ambrosia, values above 0.47 are immature, values 0.47 to 0.28 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.28 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. 
• Values shown above are the average of twenty fruit taken throughout a block, with readings taken on the transition area between the sun and shade exposed sides. DA values will be noticeably different between the most mature and least mature fruit on a tree. 

Notices

NSDA Programs 

Programs staff would like to inform clients that applications are being accepted at this time for the following 2024-2025 programs. Programs for the 2024-2025 year, along with their applications and guidelines can be found by clicking the following links:

• Market Opportunities and Diversification
• Speaker Series Assistance Program 
• Plant your Roots
• Organic Certification Rebate Program
• Agriculture Skills Student Bursary Program

For more information on these programs please contact your local Ag Rep.

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corp.
Edited by Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist

Honeycrisp and Ambrosia Fruit Maturity Report - Sept 24

This is the fifth maturity update for Honeycrisp and the first update for Ambrosia using the example regions. The Honeycrisp fruit being monitored are within the window of optimal maturity. Soluble solids that represent sugars are higher this year relative to last year. ReTain-treated fruit are delayed in maturity as expected. In Ambrosia, some minor starch movement and good sugar content is reported especially in cases of lower-than-target crop load. If labour issues are anticipated, ReTain or Harvista may be considered.

Important Note - The following information about maturity is for general industry purposes only. Growers are encouraged to use their own discretion to harvest trees that are exhibiting delayed colour development or exhibiting maturity indices that disagree with what is being reported here. Values were measured on an average of fruit that were representative of the block's crop load and tree vigour. Fruit representative of size and colour were taken from all sides of the tree. 

Honeycrisp Fruit Maturity Report

Only when the first-pick already occurred were second-pick fruit sampled from the interior of the canopy, where maturity is expected to be delayed.

Table 1: Maturity indices for regular Honeycrisp fruit sampled in the current year on Monday, Sept 23 2024. Values are compared with the samples taken last week on Sept 16 to estimate a weekly rate of change. Please note that new factors are introduced this week including ReTain at the Rockland site and first pick in Lakeville.

Table 1 Discussion:

• First-pick fruit are optimally mature for long term storage at starch index values that are now around 5.0 at the monitoring region in Rockland. 
• In Rockland, it is unlikely that the ReTain influenced the maturity of the first pick fruit but should influence later picks.
• Local research by John Delong et al. 2013 showed that optimal values of the starch index for long-term storage for Honeycrisp are between 5.0 and 7.5.
• Early harvest of Honeycrisp before starch 5.0 can lead to more bitter pit in storage whereas late harvest beyond starch 7.5 results in more soft scald.
• Where ReTain was used 3 weeks before the anticipated harvest in North Medford, starch index values are relatively low near 3 after a slow increase from last week.
• DA meter values have changed little over the last week and starch index values have caught up to align better with DA meter predictions for optimal maturity.
• However, the ReTain-treated fruit are not yet mature according to the starch index, meaning that the DA meter value is misaligned with ReTain treatments. The DA meter was developed as a tool based on the relationship between chlorophyll degradation and the rate of change of maturity indices. The rate of change is different in ReTain-treated fruit so the standard DA meter values for optimum maturity do not apply to ReTain-treated fruit.
• Soluble solids values in our region for Honeycrisp tend to be 11% at around optimum harvest maturity but it depends on crop load. The soluble solids are currently optimal.
• Crop load always has an influence. More vegetation relative to less crop will result in more resources for colour and advanced maturity. The crop load in the blocks being monitored is slightly lower than target.
• It becomes increasingly difficult to make historical comparisons as harvest progresses because of the variable factors like ReTain and first pick dates/percentages, but the following can be gleaned.
• Starch index continues to be higher at this point in time when compared to 2023, meaning that maturity is ahead. However, the North Medford block that was treated with ReTain last year and this year at 1/2 rate on Aug 29 is maturing at a very similar rate to 2023.
• All regions have fruit with higher sugar content this year relative to last year.
• Where labour issues are anticipated, Harvista may be applied to temporarily halt maturity progression on first or second picks (ideally when starch index is 4.0 to 6.0). At this time, ReTain should only be considered if the block is 1 week or more away from harvest maturity in order to delay maturity of the later picked fruit. The preharvest strategy table is available on our website.

More observations (data not shown):

• Red blush colour is progressing well this year overall, however, only a minor increase was recorded over the last week.
• Fruit treated with ReTain generally have less colour but are also correspondingly at an earlier stage of maturity.
• The fruit size across my samples averaged 220 g and growing at a rate of +5.5g/wk. The diameter was an average of 79 mm/3.11 inches and had stayed relatively constant over the last week. However, this information is highly dependent on the crop load in a particular block.

Ambrosia Fruit Maturity Report

Fruit were taken from throughout the trees to target a one-pick harvest to strip the trees.

Table 2: Maturity indices for Ambrosia fruit sampled in the current year on Monday, Sept 23 2024.

Table 2 Discussion:

• The starch has begun to convert to sugars so the starch index is higher than the base level of 1.0. Local research by John Delong et al. 2013 showed that optimal values of the starch index for long-term storage of Ambrosia are between 2.8 and 4.5. Starch index values are currently below 2.8. 
• When harvested late, the fruit are at greater risk of developing greasiness, rot, core flush, and senescent breakdown in storage. 
• ReTain may still be applied this week or next if labour issues are anticipated, and Harvista is an option on shorter-notice.
• Similar to the DA value in the context of Honeycrisp, there may be a misalignment with Ambrosia so starch index should be monitored. Updates will be provided next week.
• Soluble solids values in our region for Ambrosia tend to be 12% at around optimum harvest maturity but again it depends on crop load.
• Where there is already minor starch movement and good sugar content in the regions being monitored, it is due in part to lower-than-target crop load.

More observations (data not shown):

• Red colour is averaging around 20% on the entire tree for a one-pick harvest.
• Remember that if colour is progressing better than it has in recent years, just be cautious about harvest maturity. In some cases high colour encourages harvest of immature fruit. 
• The fruit size in my samples averaged 207 g. The diameter was an average of 77 mm/3.03 inches. However, this information is highly dependent on the crop load in a particular block.

About each maturity measurement:

Starch Index - Starch is converted to sugars as ripening progresses. The starch-iodine test is used because iodine binds to starch molecules turning them blue/black, whereas sugars are not stained and remain clear. The Cornell chart on a scale of 1 to 8 was used above and values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

Soluble Solids - Approximates the percentage of sugar content of the fruit. Measured using a digital refractometer. Values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

DA Meter - The delta absorbance (DA) value is related to the chlorophyll content of the peel. AAFC researchers in Kentville developed a protocol for Honeycrisp. For Honeycrisp, values above 0.60 are immature, values 0.6 to 0.36 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.35 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. For Ambrosia, values above 0.47 are immature, values 0.47 to 0.28 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.28 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. Values shown above are the average of twenty fruit taken throughout a block, with readings taken on the transition area between the sun and shade exposed sides. DA values will be noticeably different between the most mature and least mature fruit on a tree.

Notices

NSDA Programs 

Programs staff would like to inform clients that applications are being accepted at this time for the following 2024-2025 programs. Programs for the 2024-2025 year, along with their applications and guidelines can be found by clicking the following links:

• Market Opportunities and Diversification -*Newly Opened
• Limestone Trucking Assistance Program Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
• Get Growing Program - Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
• Young Farmer Mentorship Program *Extended Application Deadline: October 8, 2024, the website will reflect this change shortly*
• Speaker Series Assistance Program 
• Plant your Roots
• Organic Certification Rebate Program
• Agriculture Skills Student Bursary Program

For more information on these programs please contact your local Ag Rep.

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corp.
Edited by Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist

Honeycrisp Fruit Maturity Report - Sept 17

This is the fourth maturity update for Honeycrisp using the example regions. At the current rate of change, first pick fruit are expected to be optimally mature in a few days' time at the example regions being monitored. An update is shared on the rate of change of starch, sugars, colour, mass and diameter etc. Please note that the DA meter is misaligned with maturity indices this year and that the tool is predicting maturity prior to actual maturity. Please refer to the update for more details.

Weather

Degree Day Accumulations

Total degree day accumulations are still slightly warmer than average and the trend has not changed significantly in recent weeks. This year ranks in the top few years of heat accumulation in the historical record. Interestingly, even though the overall growing season has been above-average, August temperatures have been on average. In August, temperatures did not exceed 30°C and therefore did not impede colour development. Also, below average nighttime temperatures and many sunny days may be contributing to good fruit colouration.

Figure 1: Heating degree day accumulations for plant (above 5°C) and insect (above 10°C) development from March 1 to September 15 for the past 17 seasons. Provided by Jeff Franklin (AAFC).

• Approximately 4% more plant development heat units compared to the 5-year average, and 4% more compared to the 10-year average.
• Approximately 3% more plant development heat units compared to 2023, and 1% less compared with 2022.
• Approximately 4% more insect development heat units compared to the 5-year average, and 5% more compared to the 10-year average.

Seasonal Precipitation

The precipitation events have been erratic with a few large precipitation events contributing much of the total. The precipitation total is average but likely some of the rainfall was lost as runoff.

Figure 2: Monthly precipitation totals in 2024 compared with the 10-year average. Provided by Jeff Franklin (AAFC) using the Kentville weather station data.

Honeycrisp Fruit Maturity Report

Important Note - The following information is for general industry purposes only. Growers are encouraged to use their own discretion to harvest trees that are exhibiting delayed colour development or exhibiting maturity indices that disagree with what is being reported here. Values were measured on an average of fruit that were representative of the block's crop load and tree vigour. Fruit representative of size and colour were taken from all sides but not from the interior of the canopy where maturity is expected to be delayed and is most likely targeted for a second pick timing.

Table 1: Maturity indices for regular Honeycrisp fruit sampled in the current year on Sept 16, 2024. Values are compared with the samples taken last week on Sept 9 in Rockland and Lakeville, and Sept 10, 2024 in North Medford.

Table 1 Discussion:

• The rate of starch conversion to sugars increased over the last week leading to current starch index values near 4. At the current rate of change, first pick fruit are expected to be optimally mature in a few days' time and should be monitored.
• Local research by John Delong et al. 2013 showed that optimal values of the starch index for long-term storage for Honeycrisp are between 5.0 and 7.5. Starch index values are currently below but are approaching 5.0. When harvested early, the fruit are at greater risk of developing bitter pit in storage.
• Where ReTain was used, starch index values are relatively lower near 2-3.
• Please note that the DA meter values suggest that fruit are optimally mature right now BUT... we suspect a misalignment this year in using the predictive DA meter tool. The average DA value is currently reading 0.47 to 0.57 for tested fruit not treated with ReTain. The other maturity indices (starch, sugars etc.) show that maturity is not yet optimal. The DA meter was developed as a tool based on the relationship between chlorophyll degradation and the rate of change of maturity indices and in some years such as this with atypically warm weather the relationship may not align. I recommend relying on the starch-iodine test.
• Soluble solids values in our region for Honeycrisp tend to be 11% at around optimum harvest maturity but again it depends on crop load. The soluble solids are currently not yet optimal.

More observations (data not shown):

• Red blush colour is progressing well this year. Red colour on fruit not treated with ReTain is averaging around 60-70% in the outer canopy that would be targeted for a first pick, which is a 10-20% increase from last week. 
• See Figure 3 for an example of blush (top photos) and ground colour (bottom photos) progression over time on the indicated dates.
• This year if colour is progressing better than it has in recent years, just be cautious about harvest maturity. In some cases high colour encourages harvest of immature fruit. Use all maturity indices in your decision whether to begin harvest. There are always tradeoffs though, including labour resources. Just be aware that early harvest of Honeycrisp can lead to more bitter pit in storage whereas late harvest beyond starch 7.5 results in more soft scald.
• Fruit treated with ReTain generally have less colour (-10%) but are also correspondingly at an earlier stage of maturity.
• If you feel that fruit size is ahead of normal at this point, consider more bins in your bin estimate. The fruit size in my samples averaged 215 g and growing at a rate of +11.5g/wk. The diameter was an average of 79 mm/3.11 inches and growing at a rate of +2 mm/+0.08 inches/wk. However, this information is highly dependent on the crop load in a particular block.
• Side note: Some fruit have fewer or no seeds this year and it will be monitored. There is some speculation the lack of seeds may relate to cool April temperatures and possibly shed some light on the fruit drop this past season. It may be difficult to prove but is an interesting theory at this time.

Figure 3: Progression of red blush colour (top photos) and ground colour (bottom photos) change over time in 2024.

Table 2: Maturity indices for regular Honeycrisp fruit relative to the past 2-yr average (combined years 2022 and 2023) sampled on a similar calendar date.

Table 2 Discussion:

• Starch index continues to be higher this year meaning that maturity is slightly ahead.
• Soluble solids vary, likely related to crop load.
• The DA meter values are lower this year meaning that the DA meter also predicts advanced maturity but note comments above about possible misalignment with actual fruit maturity.

About each maturity measurement:

Starch Index - Starch is converted to sugars as ripening progresses. The starch-iodine test is used because iodine binds to starch molecules turning them blue/black, whereas sugars are not stained and remain clear. The Cornell chart on a scale of 1 to 8 was used above and values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

Soluble Solids - Approximates the percentage of sugar content of the fruit. Measured using a digital refractometer. Values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

DA Meter - The delta absorbance (DA) value is related to the chlorophyll content of the peel. AAFC researchers in Kentville developed a protocol for Honeycrisp. Values above 0.60 are immature, values 0.6 to 0.36 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.35 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. Values shown above are the average of twenty fruit taken throughout a block, with readings taken on the transition area between the sun and shade exposed sides. DA values will be noticeably different between the most mature and least mature fruit on a tree. 

New Resource - Video about Starch-Iodine Test

For those of you doing your own starch-iodine test, there is a short 3-minute video to guide you through the process. 

This Orchard Outlook has been published with the input of the Orchard Outlook Committee including this week's contributors: Jeff Franklin, Joan Hebb, Bob Prange, Harrison Wright, Heather Rand, and Kari Brown.

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corp.
Edited by Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist