SW Michigan Fruit Update
April 11, 2005
Weather
The dry weather continues with highs in the 70s and 80s and lows generally near 50 F. Fruit buds are moving quickly. A cold front should move through the area this evening and bring scattered rain and lower temperatures. There is a slight chance of frost Saturday morning. Temperatures below 28F will damage blooming fruit crops. Freezing temperatures will a risk for another month or more. Sandy soils are dry. Soil temperatures are in the upper 50s. Our Growing Degree Day accumulations are above average.
Southwest Michigan Growing Degree Day Totals March 1 through April 17, 2005 |
Grapes, April 1 |
|||
Location |
GDD 42 |
GDD 45 |
GDD 50 |
GDD 50 |
257 |
2005 |
135 |
113 |
|
269 |
217 |
145 |
122 |
|
Lawton: |
254 |
206 |
136 |
116 |
246 |
197 |
130 |
110 |
|
284 |
231 |
157 |
122 |
|
222 |
178 |
116 |
96 |
|
Tree fruit
Growers should be scouting for insect feeding in bud and flower clusters. No rain, and no disease infection periods. Growers should watch the weather and be prepared to apply protectant fungicides if rain seems likely. Tarnished plant bug adults are out. European red mite eggs should be hatching soon.
Apricot bloom is ending.
Peaches are in bloom. Winter fruit bud loss is easy to assess. Oriental fruit moth adults have emerged. First trap catch is biofix. Biofix for SWMREC was April 15 at 175 GDD base 45.
Cherries: Sweet Cherries were at full bloom this weekend. Tart Cherries are at white bud. Some flowers are opening in warm sandy sites.
Plum: Oriental plum bloom is ending. European plums are blooming.
Apples are at tight cluster. Early varieties are showing pink. Most growers have applied oil sprays. Few growers have applied scab sprays.
Pears are at white bud. Pear Psylla adults are out.
Small fruit
Blueberry fruit buds have burst and are at early pink bud. Vegetative buds are leaving out. Growers should be scouting for insect feeding in bud clusters. The dry weather is holding back mummyberry mushroom development.
Grape buds are swelling. Concord buds are at early pink bud and can probably withstand 26F. Chardonnay buds are swelling. Grape flea beetle damage has been reported. There is still time to apply dormant sprays or the first EDBC spray to burn out disease lesions could be applied.
Strawberry trusses are in the crowns and should emerge next week. Growers are applying grass herbicides.
Summer Raspberry leaves are emerging.
Cranberry buds are swelling.
Miscellaneous
Growers are finishing clearing brush and applying herbicides.
