Orchard Outlook Newsletter Vol. 25, No 6

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Bloom time has arrived and terminal shoots are extending! In today's newsletter, we discuss disease risk and note that fire blight blossom blight is currently a low risk under cool temperatures. Apple terminal shoots are at the early window for application of Apogee/Kudos but temperatures above 15°C for application are advised. Stone fruit should be treated for post bloom insects before shuck split and cool conditions are good for pyrethroid efficacy. Conditions are poor for apple blossom thinning strategies but join us to discuss thinning strategies at the Growing Good Growers tailgate meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at 11 AM. Note that some sap guttation has been observed this year in young trees and it can be confused with fire blight. Thanks to the ongoing commitment of the Orchard Outlook Committee members.


Table of Contents:


Weather
  • 2025 Degree Day Accumulations
  • Precipitation and Temperature Summaries
  • Critical Temperatures
  • Apple Buds
  • Pear and Stone Fruit Buds
  • Apple - Scab
  • Apple - Powdery Mildew
  • Fire Blight Prevention and Shoot Blight Management
  • Apple and Pear - Fire Blight Blossom Blight
  • Apple - Calyx/Blossom End Rot
  • Apple - Postbloom Insects
  • Stone Fruit Insects
  • Pear - Postbloom Insects

Thinning

  • Apple Blossom Thinning
  • Apple Fruitlet Thinning (Advance Notice)
  • Pear Fruitlet Thinning (Advance Notice)

  • Sap Guttation
  • Grafting
  • Mowing
  • Root Pruning
  • Pruning and Training
  • Weed Management
  • Fertilizing
  • Nursery Trees
  • Wild Apple Trees

Events and Notices

  • Growing Good Growers - May 21
  • Marbicon Pesticide Courses

Pest Management Guide



  

Weather


2025 Degree Day Accumulations

The cumulative degree days remain ahead of the 5- and 10-year averages (Figure 1). Development stages are several days ahead of last year. Of course, as you have noticed the rapid heat accumulation in a few short weeks has led to compressed management stages.


Figure 1: Heating degree day accumulations for plant (above 5°C) and insect (above 10°C) development from March 1 to May 20 for the past 17 seasons. Provided by Jeff Franklin (AAFC Plant Physiology).
  • Approximately 31% more plant development heat units compared to the 5-year average, and 33% more compared to the 10-year average.
  • Approximately 24% more plant development heat units compared to 2024, and 39% more compared with 2023.
  • Approximately 48% more insect development heat units compared to the 5-year average, and 42% more compared to the 10-year average.


Precipitation and Temperature Summaries

This week we're checking in on precipitation and temperature summaries in Table 1. Although the rain has been consistent, the accumulation in spring has been tracking similar to average. The overall average temperature in April and May has also been tracking similar to average. 

Table 1: Monthly precipitation and temperatures totals in 2025 compared with the 10-year average. Provided by Jeff Franklin (AAFC) using the Kentville weather station data.


Critical Temperatures

The Weather Canada forecast is currently predicting a low of -2°C in low lying areas on the early morning of Thursday May 22. This is an inversion event that would be short in duration and impact low lying areas. 

The critical temperatures are the lowest temperatures that can be endured for 30 minutes without causing damage. At the apple bloom stage, the critical temperature for 10% bud injury is at -2.2°C, and 90% injury at -3.9°C (see full chart). Minor injury is possible in stone fruit as well that have reached the postbloom stage if they are exposed to the critical temperature of -2.2°C. 

If assessments need to be made:
  • Wait for 24 hours after the freezing temperatures to begin assessment. Damaged tissues will oxidize.
  • Start by assessing buds in the lowest part of the canopy.
  • Using a sharp blade, perform a horizontal cross section all at once through all five flower buds. Buds should be entirely green inside. Any sign of browning is a damaged bud.
  • The central king buds are most prone to injury because the king bud is most developed. 
  • Bud damage varies based on microclimates and is more pronounced in the frost pockets where cold air accumulates (in low elevations or near obstructions to air flow).
Keep in mind that fruit trees usually set too many fruit so if the bud injury is minor then there will be plenty of buds for setting a crop.



Bud Development


Apple Buds

An early region on Middle Dyke Road in the Kentville area is monitored to guide this newsletter. Yesterday on May 19, the Idared buds were at the full bloom stage, Honeycrisp was at king bloom and Ambrosia was at king bloom (Figure 2). Terminal shoot growth has also progressed with Idared measuring about 6.0 cm, and Honeycrisp and Ambrosia at around 2.5 cm to the growing point (Figure 3).

Figure 2: Bud development in an early region on Middle Dyke Road in Kentville on May 19. Shown from left to right: Idared (full bloom), Honeycrisp (king bloom), Ambrosia (king bloom).

If you want to target the early timing for Apogee/Kudos of 2.5 cm, the stage has been reached in our example region. Please note that as soon as terminal growth begins it progresses quickly. Idared grew 4.5 cm within the last week. Shoot extension will occur soon for Honeycrisp and Ambrosia as well.

Figure 3: Terminal shoot growth in an early region on Middle Dyke Road in Kentville on May 19. Shown from left to right: Idared (6.0 cm), Honeycrisp (2.5 cm), Ambrosia (2.5 cm).

Pear and Stone Fruit Buds

Yesterday on May 19 at an early region in Greenwich, the pear buds were at full bloom, peach was at petal fall, European plum was at petal fall, and sweet cherry at KRDC was at petal fall (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Bud development in an early region in Greenwich on May 19. Shown from left to right: pear (full bloom), peach/nectarine (petal fall), and European plum (petal fall).



Diseases



Apple – Scab


Table 2: Apple scab infection events in Kentville from May 13 to May 20, based on the Modified Mills Table. 
1 For a high inoculum orchard, a significant number of spores can be released during darkness, so begin calculating leaf wetting regardless of the time of day when the wetting event started. An orchard is considered to have a high inoculum load if last season it had 100 or more scabby leaves observed over 600 shoots.
2 Assuming a green tip date of April 20. Please use this as a guide because microclimates will cause conditions to vary on individual farms.
Note: The environmental conditions for an infection are listed in the Modified Mills Table.

Recommendations:

  • Luckily, our constant rain events this year have not been heavy so rain removal has not depleted fungicide residues (cumulative 25-50 mm of rain). However, 5-7 days of growth exposes new unprotected tissue and covering new tissue has been the main limiting factor this year through consistent wetting periods. Fungicide residues lasted throughout the weekend wetting period if they had been applied within the last 5-7 days because rainfall amounts totalled only about 16.6 mm. However, reapplication is warranted before the next prolonged wetting period to protect the next new leaves.
  • On Friday and Saturday sporadic wetting occurred in some regions. If leaves were wet for longer than 10 hrs then an infection event likely would have occurred. On a positive note, sporadic wetting followed by drying could have released spores that would have died on dry leaves before causing infection.
  • According to the forecast, ascospores are maturing at a rate of 2-4% per day. An additional 10% of spores might mature by the next infection period on Friday.
  • Do not apply captan within 7-14 days of an oil such as Agral 90 (worse if applied after oil that preconditions leaves).
  • Folpan/Follow should NOT be applied between tight cluster and 30 days after petal fall to avoid fruit russeting.
  • Pears: For pear scab, Allegro and mancozeb are NOT registered uses. Captan may be used 2 times for low density and 10 times for high density. Note that for pears, Scala and Luna Tranquility have a 72 day preharvest interval.


Apple – Powdery Mildew


Typically, conidia are released around the tight cluster stage. Powdery mildew infections can be expected when conditions are warm (10-25°C), humid and dry.

Recommendations:

  • Conditions were ideal for powdery mildew infection of new leaves at the end of last week in the hot and dry weather of Thursday and Friday. 
  • Our research last year suggested that post bloom applications have protective value. If one of the typical pre bloom applications was missed, the powdery mildew products may be applied starting again at petal fall and 10-14 days later.
  • New products registered this year for apple powdery mildew with unique chemical groups include: 
    • Migiwa group 52, control of scab, short REI of 12 hrs, max 3 apps total.
    • Gatten group U13, no activity on scab, short REI of 12 hrs, max 4 apps total.
    • Property group 50, no activity on scab, short REI of 12 hrs, max 4 apps total.
  • Some notes about industry-standard products:
    • The chemical group 3 products Nova/Fullback are very effective. Fullback and Nova are systemic and given a long drying period of 24 hrs they should be well-absorbed into the plant. (Fullback and Nova will not provide scab protection due to industry-wide fungicide resistance.)
    • If you're using Luna Tranquility for powdery mildew, concurrent activity for scab control is only provided at the high rate.
    • There is no expected resistance to chemical group 3 and 7 products so the products are expected to be effective. 
    • There is industry resistance to group 11 products such as Flint so it should not be used for powdery mildew management. 
  • Do not use any products with powdery mildew activity more than two times consecutively to avoid resistance development. 
  • Remember to treat young plantings because severe infections can reduce shoot growth, which is most concerning for young, non-bearing orchards.
  • Pay particular attention to susceptible and high-value varieties such as Honeycrisp and Gala.

Figure 5: Signs of flag shoot symptoms that represent last year's infection are clearly visible on terminal shoot growth.


Fire Blight Prevention and Shoot Blight Management


Recommendations:

  • Pruning practices should be done on dry and sunny days, especially in high risk blocks. Wounds can take about 2 days to heal. Do not work in trees when they are wet from dew.
  • Even if bacterial EIP populations are low, do not pinch flowers in wet weather. Pinching causes open wounds like a trauma event and bacteria are transported to wounds in wet weather. 
  • Apogee/Kudos (prohexadione calcium) supress shoot blight. Apogee/Kudos is first applied at 2.5-7.5 cm of shoot growth which has been reached by now. Follow up with a second application applied around 14 days later. 
    • We don’t often consider temperature because it’s usually warm enough by the time we apply Apogee but apparently temperature is critical so it should be at least 15°C for 8 hrs after application.
    • The product takes 10 days to become active so for the maximum effect on fire blight suppression it should be applied before fire blight symptoms appear. Early application might even thicken cell walls of the flower pedicels giving some added protection from blossom blight.
    • When Apogee/Kudos are applied after 10 cm of new shoot growth, the vegetative growth reduction is less but the product will still slow fire blight progression.
    • The product is not systemic so good coverage with high water volume is required.
    • Include Agral 90 at 500 mL per 1000 L of water. Do not exceed this amount of surfactant. If applying Agral 90 there may be a risk of burn if using Captan.
    • Apogee should also be applied with spray grade ammonium sulphate (AMS) in an equal 1:1 ratio with the amount of Apogee used (e.g. 500 g Apogee = 500 g or 0.5 L of ammonium sulphate). This is not the blossom thinning product ammonium thiosulphate (ATS)!
    • Use low rates on young apple trees to avoid delaying growth too much.
    • Some disadvantages of using prohexadione calcium for consecutive years are shortened fruiting branches and when used repeatedly on Gala the retention of fruit set can contribute to smaller fruit size.

Apple and Pear – Fire Blight Blossom Blight

Blossom blight risk increases with warm temperatures between 23°C and 27°C, especially when occurring over consecutive days because this temperature range is ideal for bacterial reproduction. The Maryblyt model criteria is used to predict blossom blight infections. 

Blossoms that opened on May 13, 14, and 15 were exposed to the season's first blossom blight infection almost immediately on Friday, May 16 due to heat accumulation on May 15 and 16. The first alert emails were sent in advance of the event. If you would like to join the alert contact list, please let me know or sign up online. 

Blossom Blight Risk
  • Currently, the temperature is too cold for bacterial growth. Bacterial growth is nonexistent to low for the foreseeable future. Stay tuned as conditions can change.
  • Periods with high fire blight bacterial populations are defined by Maryblyt as having an Epiphytic Infection Potential (EIP) greater than 100. Notifications will be sent as soon as it is evident that the EIP will approach 100 for apples and pears. 
  • Ideally you will monitor your own farm-specific conditions and improve your management decisions using PomeBlight that was developed for Nova Scotia apple and pear growers. A Quickstart video is available here.


Apple – Calyx/Blossom End Rot


Recommendations:

  • Infections occur when weather conditions are warm (15 to 25°C) and moist during bloom and shortly after bloom. 
  • The only product with activity on calyx/blossom end rot is captan applied during full bloom. If applying Streptomycin with Agral 90 there is a risk of burn if using captan. Prioritize fire blight over blossom end rot.
  • Infections can occur in problem blocks as the pathogen can last in the soil for several years. The disease is most common on Paulared, Delicious, Cortland, Honeycrisp and McIntosh.
  • Keeping grass and dandelions mowed will allow the soil to dry and reduce the environmental conditions for spore ejection. Other broadleaf weeds are also a host of this disease so weed control prevents the build up of this pathogen.



Insects


BE RESPONSIBLE FOR POLLINATORS – DO NOT SPRAY INSECTICIDES DURING BLOOM!
  • Fungicide, antibiotic, and growth regulator sprays are best applied early morning or late evening when bees are not actively foraging. Be aware that dandelion blooms are open until about dusk.
  • I have been doing a few bee surveys to have pollination information available for our post bloom discussions.

Apple - Postbloom Insects

Choose post-bloom insecticides according to the pest complex on your scouting report. Insects might include the caterpillar complex, stinging bugs (mullein bug), European apple sawfly, green and rosy apple aphids, curculio, European red mite, and white apple leafhopper.

Refer to the Apple Efficacy Guide for product selection. You may begin by determining the product and rate for your most difficult to control pest and then note the other pests that will be managed by your product selection and whether or not additional products are required. Take note of the higher rate required for some pests.

Stone Fruit Insects

Plum curculio is a weevil that begins laying eggs in stone fruit at shuck fall. Mated females will deposit their eggs in the developing fruit leaving the characteristic crescent-shaped scar. Activity of PC is increased in temperatures above 16°C so low temperatures in the forecast might decrease their activity.


Recommendations:

  • Be aware of bee toxicity warnings on pesticide labels and take precautions while nearby crops are in bloom.
  • Note that pyrethroids are best used at moderate temperatures (20°C or less) and lose efficacy at around 25°C. Therefore, cool temperatures this week should offer good activity.
  • Plum Curculio
    • Treatment for PC should be applied at petal fall before shuck split to obtain optimal control. A second application is usually needed about 10 days later.
    • The insecticides available for managing plum curculio include Malathion, Pounce, Assail (Neonicotinoid) and Exirel (Diamide). The neonicotinoids kill plum curculio on contact, and they are also systemic so they deter egg laying and feeding. Their systemic activity will also kill eggs and larvae that are present in the fruit.
    • Plum curculio will target apples if stone fruit are nearby.
  • Monitor for green peach aphids and black cherry aphid.
  • Tarnished plant bug and stinging bugs cause catfacing of peaches. 
    • This stinging takes place around shuck split/fall and one to two insecticide applications may be required to reduce the incidence of catfacing if pressure is high. Apply one to two applications of one of the pyrethroids listed in the Online Pest Guide for peaches. Note that Matador is not registered. Repeat treatment in 5-7 days if additional stings are detected. 

Pear - Postbloom Insects

  • If you are planning to use Agri-Mek + Oil for pear psylla control, it is best to apply it at petal fall or ideally within 2 weeks. Agri-Mek has better residual control when applied to young tissues because of rapid penetration. 
    • Do not apply Agri-Mek with any bloom around as this product is highly toxic to bees. 
    • Do not use Captan/Maestro as a fungicide for pear scab within 14 days of Agri-Mek + Oil. 
    • Do not use MaxCel in close proximity to AgriMek because the oil will increase thinning activity.
    • Minecto Pro (Abamectin and Cyantraniliprole) is a new formulation that is registered for control of pear psylla with the same recommended application time.
  • Petal fall is the ideal treatment timing for winter moth and fruit worm in pear. Treatment should be based on need determined by monitoring. 
  • Apple curculio is difficult to monitor for and its presence often is not observed until damage on fruitlets shows up. Treatments for this pest should go on when pears have reached petal fall. Use of one of the products registered for plum curculio should also control apple curculio.



Thinning

See the Events section for information about the Growing Good Growers tailgate meeting on Wednesday, May 21 on the topic of thinning.

Apple Blossom Thinning

This year does not look like a great time to practice blossom thinning for the following reasons:
  • Wild bee activity is slow this year and pollination conditions with cold, wet, and windy weather are not ideal.
  • Cool conditions increase the time it takes for a pollinated flower to become successfully fertilized. A pollen grain that lands on the stigma germinates and a pollen tube grows toward the ovary at a rate determined by temperature. In currently forecast temperatures, it will theoretically take 7-8 days from pollination to fertilization. These conditions are atypical and could be unpredictable.
  • Consistent rain is making regular sprays challenging enough. Plus, slow drying conditions can increase the risk of foliar injury.
  • Low lying areas might experience temperatures below zero on May 21. 
Remember, ATS is NOT recommended for defruiting young trees. In order to eliminate all blossoms, the ATS would need to be applied multiple times to target flowers that open at successive times. The frequent number of applications would increase the risk of foliar spray injury. The leaves of young trees are also very tender.

Apple Fruitlet Thinning (Advance Notice)

General Comments:
  • The timing of chemical thinning is based on the average size of the king fruitlet. The size of the side fruitlets is irrelevant. After petal fall, fruitlets typically grow about 1 mm each day in average temperatures. Chemical thinning occurs when king fruit are 5 to 18 mm in diameter and is most effective from 7-12 mm. 
  • For those of you that have the Cornell ruler for trunk cross sectional area, please note that you might want to adjust how you interpret the information. The Honeycrisp recommendations are based on a crop load of 4 fruit/cm2 and Gala recommendations are based on 6 fruit/cm2. However, our ideal crop load for Honeycrisp based on local research is 6 fruit/cm2. Our ideal crop load for Gala is 6 fruit/cm2 or if you would like larger fruit then 4 fruit/cm2.

Product Overviews:

Sevin XLR
  • Does not overthin so it is mild and reliable.
  • Undissolved Sevin remains active. Damp and drizzly weather that keeps tissue wet but does not wash off product results in more thinning.
  • Often combined with Fruitone for a synergistic effect resulting in more thinning than either product used alone.
  • Temperatures at application should be above 17°C.
  • Note that the PHI for Sevin is 75 days and this may be challenging for early varieties like Paula Red. The REI is 0.5-17 days depending on the activity.
  • When using Sevin in high density orchard do not exceed 3.22 L of product/ha/year. In low density orchard do not exceed 2.15 L of product/ha/year. Sevin is a thinner but note that it is also an insecticide and care should be taken to avoid contact with bees.

Fruitone L
  • Strong thinner that is very effective in Nova Scotia and is rate-responsive. Higher rates thin more.
  • Unabsorbed residue on leaves is inactivated by sunlight. Slow drying conditions cause more absorption. Therefore, nighttime applications are usually more effective.
  • Temperatures at application should be above 16°C.

MaxCel/Cilis Plus
  • Product is most likely effective when weather conditions cause a carbohydrate deficit. The thinning effectiveness has been limited in Nova Scotia and it may be because in many years the trees are not stressed during chemical thinner application.
  • This product can be used to increase fruit size (20g/fruit) beyond the influence of thinning by stimulating cell division but the timing matters. When applied at 10-15 mm, it increases fruit weight 80% of the time. Earlier timings are less reliable.
  • Temperatures at application should be above 18°C.

Accede
  • Product has activity at up to 25 mm fruitlet diameter but should be targeted at 18 mm.
  • Do not apply if temperatures will exceed 30°C on the day of application and for the following three days due to inactivity.
  • Direct 80% of the spray into the upper 2/3 of the tree canopy.
  • Use the adjuvant Agral 90 at 0.125% v/v.


    Recommendations:

    • During the thinning window I will comment on the suspected carbohydrate status of the trees. (The consistent cloudy weather suggests trees are currently in a carbohydrate deficit.)
    • The optimal temperature for thinner activity is between 21-24°C. In cooler temperatures the thinning activity is less and in warmer temperatures the thinning activity is more. At thinning time, consider the weather and then you may adjust your usual rate +/- 20%. 
    • Have a block with trees on and off? Thin according to trees with the heaviest fruit set. Trees with less flowers are less likely to thin anyway because holding onto well-supplied fruitlets.
    • Varieties prone to biennial bearing that had a low crop load last year should be thinned adequately and early enough this year to enable bud initiation (for Honeycrisp this is within 45 days after bloom).

    Pear Fruitlet Thinning (Advance Notice)

    • The Maxcel thinning window is 8-14 mm and early treatments are most effective.



    Horticulture


    Sap Guttation

    There is a phenomenon when sap flow can leak out of pores on young trees known as guttation that has been observed again recently (Figure 6). The phenomenon has been observed locally several times in the past and it is believed to happen when the plant tries to restore balance in water content. Committee member Dr. Ian Willick contributes that, "If soil moisture is high and humidity is elevated at night or in the early morning, then this can cause the roots to absorb more water than the leaves can transpire. We then see this excess water exuded in the form of a water droplet. Generally, at the ends of the vascular system and/or at the margins of leaves through hydathodes." 

    The phenomenon can be easily confused for fire blight. In the case of guttation, the sap is watery unlike the sticky globs of fire blight but it seems that sometimes if the sap evaporates it can leave sap behind. The only way to be sure is to contact Michelle for a fire blight test. 

    Figure 6: Both photos are examples of sap guttation. Watery sap can run out of pores in the wood when sap flow seems to exceed transpiration. Photos taken May 15, 2025.

    Grafting

    • Bark is slipping and grafting has begun.
    • The local business Maple Grove Nursery made a video last year about top working young trees. The video is available on their website called, “Reworking Young Orchard Trees (slow motion)” https://www.maplegrovenursery.ca/grafting-supplies

    Mowing

    • Keeping the orchard floor cover mowed pre-bloom will minimize dandelion flowers that attract bees, which increases the safety of insecticide applications.

    Root Pruning

    • If you are considering root pruning to reduce excessive vigour, the window of timing is from bloom and up to two weeks later. An article from Michigan State was recommended by a local grower.

    Pruning and Training

    • Ensure that deer fencing is installed as soon as possible to protect new growth on young trees.
    • Newly planted trees should be pruned for tree structure and supported as early as possible after planting. Prioritize trees that are known to be brittle at the union, including many of the new Geneva rootstocks (G.11, G.41, G.16 etc).

    Weed Management

    • When burndown products are needed, consider that Reglone works in cool and cloudy conditions whereas Ignite requires warm and sunny conditions. Also, applying Ignite when leaves are wet is ineffective.
    • Glyphosate and 2,4-D require daytime highs of 10°C-15°C after a night above 3°C.
    • In young plantings, weed control is essential. Local research showed that by year 4, a weedy planting was 39% the trunk cross sectional area of a hoed comparison.

    Fertilizing

    • Foliar nutrients to correct nutrient deficiencies:
      • Nitrogen: Urea may be used from pre-pink to mid-June as a nitrogen supplement. Sprays near bloom give a boost of nitrogen when it is needed most. Urea used from tight cluster to mid-July can remedy a nitrogen shortage.
      • When foliar nutrients are applied in slow drying conditions, about 40% is absorbed in 6 hours. When applied in dry conditions, about 75% can be lost in 48 hours. Foliar nutrients are not well-absorbed at below 10°C.

    Nursery Trees

    • Treat for tarnished plant bug and green aphids.
    • Consider staking soon to prevent blowouts. Even if not tied, the rod acts as a physical barrier to mechanical injury.
    • Remove rootstock leaves when they are tender and before shoots become woody. 
    • For bench grafts, leave some shoots on the rootstock to feed the scion as the callus tissue develops. Locally, rootstock leaves have been stripped when the scion has 8-10 leaves. Early in the season, leave at least an extra scion leader for insurance.
    • Remember the importance of weed control in nurseries. Management practices now will impact the outcome of the final tree. Encourage the growing point to be successful!

    Wild Apple Trees

    • Wild apple trees harbour pests, in particular apple maggot, that can then spread to nearby orchards. Now that wild apple trees are in bloom, it’s a good time to flag trees on your own property so that you can find them later in the season for removal.


    Events and Notices


    Growing Good Growers

    We hope that you can join us for the next Growing Good Growers tailgate session hosted by NSFGA and Perennia. These pop-up sessions are meant to offer the space to discuss questions during the season and will offer learning opportunities from one another.

    The Growing Good Growers tailgate session will be held at Lutz Family Farm on Wednesday, May 21 @ 11am. The topic is blossom and fruitlet thinning. Have you blossom thinned or are you interested in trying it? Then thinking further ahead to fruitlet thinning there are three key timings at petal fall, small fruitlets, and rescue timing. What has been your experience with timings and products? Please bring your thoughts, experiences, and questions on thinning and join us for this discussion.

    Please meet us at the flat at 1023 Prospect Road, Rockland. There is parking on the main pad and beside the house.

    There is no need to RVSP, and we encourage you to bring your own coffee and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend! It’s a good chance to catch up with friends. 


    Marbicon Pesticide Courses

    In-person full-day pesticide applicator exam preparation courses will be offered in mid-June by Marbicon.
    • Jun 9 - Mon – Truro – Colchester Legion Stadium Lounge, 14 Lorne St.
    • Jun 11 - Weds – New Germany – Anglican Hall, 5311 Highway 10.
    • Jun 13 - Fri – Berwick – Berwick Legion Hall, 232 Main St.
    Email/call Jim ( marbicon@eastlink.ca ) or 902-538-7101 to pre-register.
    Pre-exam courses are $130 including HST.
    Instruction starts at 9:00. Expect to be done around 4:00-4:30.
    People sitting in for 5.0 recertification points pay $120 including HST.
    Points people can expect to be done around 3:15.
    Doors open at 8:30 am for registration & settling in.
    Pay at the door or by corporate/government purchase order.
    If paying by e-Transfer, please add for whom and for which date.
    Sorry, no Visa, MC, or Debit.
    HST is included in the above prices.
    Food & drink is on your own.
    A course manual will be provided. Bring a pen.

    NOTE: Pesticide exams are normally written online, NOT at this course.
    Contact NS Environment for further details on writing the exam.
    A course is not required before challenging the pesticide exam, but it usually helps.

    Cash or cheques (payable to Marbicon Inc.) or e-transfer to marbicon@eastlink.ca
    Contact Jim Jotcham at marbicon@eastlink.ca or at 902-538-7101 for more details and/or to pre-register. 



    Pest Management Guide

    We offer printable PDFs of the guides from our website:

    Online pest guides are also available without login (https://www.perennia.ca/pest-guides/) and with login on your Perennia account (https://www.farmdatatools.perennia.ca/).  Using the online tool you can filter for organic and conventional options, search for key information, and sort based on information of interest. 



    This Orchard Outlook has been published with the input of the Orchard Outlook Committee including this week's participants: Jeff Franklin, Danny Davison, Suzanne Blatt, Kari Brown, Joan Hebb, Heather Rand, Colin Hirtle, Ian Willick, Ariana Willick, Shawkat Ali, and Keith Fuller.

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

    By Michelle Cortens at May 20, 2025
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