New Fire Blight Monitoring Tool (PomeBlight) Now Available!
Friday, March 31, 2023
Reminder: Tutorial on New Fire Blight Tool (PomeBlight)
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
How does it work?
Updates are made in real-time by using the data from Davis Instruments weather stations. The model calculations are based on the familiar MaryblytTM model with significant upgrades to user experience.Say hello to the future.
- Access the model on any device from the web.
- Receive automatic weather and forecasts.
- On-demand predictions and editable forecast.
- Automated email and text alerts for infection risk, EIP value, and wind.
Introduction to PomeBlight: Registration Now Open!
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
How does it work?
Updates are made in real-time by using the data from Davis Instruments weather stations. The model calculations are based on the familiar MaryblytTM model with significant upgrades to user experience.Published: 2023 Management/Spray Guides
Friday, March 10, 2023
The 2023 Management/Spray Guides are now available for download.
For a summary of changes, visit the previous post on March 7 or refer to the red text within the documents.
2023 Updates to Management/Spray Guides
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
As soon as the tree fruit management guides are done being formatted they will be posted to our website and I will let you know when they are available. In the meantime, this article will highlight the key changes that you can expect to see in this year's guides.
When the guides become available, all modifications mentioned below will be coloured red directly in the text for easy reference. Discard old editions of the pesticide spray guide publication each year.
POME FRUIT GUIDE
Product(s) | Comments |
Manzate Max / Dithane Rainshield / Penncozeb | UPDATED: Do not make more than 4 applications/ha/year. New 35 day re-entry interval for hand thinning. PHI of 77 days. Newly amended labels are in effect on November 19, 2022. |
Imidan | UPDATED: All hand thinning activities must be completed prior to application. Do not make more than two applications per year. PHI of 22 days. Newly amended labels are in effect on October 30, 2022 |
Magister | NEW: Miticide that also controls powdery mildew. Do not make more than one application per year. |
ORGANIC APPLE GUIDE
Product(s) | Comments |
Purespray Green Oil | UPDATED: Labelled for control of codling moth, suppression of powdery mildew, and suppression of rosy apple aphid |
STONE FRUIT GUIDE
Product(s) | Comments |
Imidan | UPDATED: All hand thinning activities must be completed prior to application. Do not make more than one application per year. PHI of 17 days. Newly amended labels are in effect on October 30, 2022 |
ReTain | ADDED: Added use for promotion of fruit set in sweet cherry during bloom. |
THINNERS AND GROWTH REGULATORS GUIDE
Product(s) | Comments |
MaxCel | UPDATED: Now a 28-day PHI. |
WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDE
Product(s) | Comments |
Lorox herbicide | CANCELLED: Product cancelled in tree fruit. Last date of use was November 5, 2022. |
Serene herbicide (Acetic acid 20%) | NEW: May be an organic option. Do not apply after budbreak unless using a hooded or shielded application equipment and applicator can ensure spray drift will not come in contact with fruit or foliage. Controls annual weeds and suppresses perennial weeds. |
Resource: 2023 Fungicide Decision Table
Thursday, March 2, 2023
The new label for a mancozeb product states that apple trees:
- May be treated with a maximum of only 4 applications each year.
- Have a re-entry interval (REI) for hand thinning of 35 days.
- Have a pre-harvest interval (PHI) of 77 days.
NSFGA Spring Workshop Addresses Mancozeb
March 28th, 9:00am-12:00pm
Learning Session
Waterville Fire Hall
* virtual option available
Current topics include a presentation and panel on mancozeb label changes as well as a research update from Keith Fuller on replant disease.
March 29th, 9:00am-10:30am
Pruning demo: "Pruning for vigor: too much and too little"
CAP Farms, Grafton
Session will be held at CAP Farms in Grafton, and will be a demonstration on how to manage pruning in challenging blocks.
Resource: Summary of Nova Scotia Crop Load Management Studies
Friday, February 24, 2023
Local research is the best evidence to inform our decisions, and we have a rich history here in Nova Scotia! I have recently explored the local studies on crop load management to summarize and share. I do not recommend changing your thinning program if it already works. Your on-farm experiences are just as valuable. However, newer growers or growers looking to change their practices need a point of reference to make decisions.
Local testing of chemical thinning products is essential because thinning activity is sensitive to weather and tree factors that are unique to production regions. Much of our local research on crop load management as far back as 1951 is no longer relevant because products and varieties have changed. Thankfully we can still draw from studies done from 2002 to 2012.
I have compiled the results for Honeycrisp and Gala using registered products only. The summaries are described and shown below but for easy access to the large tables, download the document, "Summary of Nova Scotia Crop Load Management Studies".