CALENDAR OF EVENTS

5/13                   NW MI Groundwater Stewardship
                            Program Team Meeting
                            G.T. Co. MSU Extension

5/14                   Farm Pesticide Collection
                            Hamilton Farm Bureau

5/19-7/7            Fruit IPM Updates - Leelanau Co.
                            Wednesdays, Larry Esch Farm

5/19-8/25          Fruit IPM Updates - Old Mission
                            Every other Wednesday, Josh Wunsch Farm

5/22-23              Grafting Workshops
                            MSU

5/25                   Fruit IPM Update - Benzie Co.
                            Evans Bros' Farm - Frankfort

6/2,9,16,23       Tractor Safety Training Program
                            Classic Farm Equipment, Williamsburg

6/8                     Fruit IPM Update - Benzie Co.
                           Jack Gray Farm

6/21-22            IDFTA "Honeycrisp" Summer Tour
                          LaCross, WI

6/23                 MI Frozen Food Packers Assoc. Estimate

6/24                 CIAB Meeting
                          Crown Plaza, Grand Rapids

6/24                 USDA Cherry Estimate

7/5-9                NCF Cherry Connection
                          NWMHRS

7/15                Sweet Cherry Showcase

7/20-22           MSU Ag Expo

8/26                NWMHRS Open House & 25^th Anniversary Celebration
 

MSU PESTNET FORECAST
By Jim Nugent, District Horticulturist, MSUE

MSU PestNet provides fruit growers throughout Michigan with easy to access information on disease and insect development. The predictive models use information from the statewide Michigan Automated Weather Network (MAWN). Some models couple this real time data with weather prediction at the local site to better predict the timing of future pest development. Disease reports during wetting events will be produced twice per day through mid-June in 2004 (up from once per day in 2003), then once per day from mid June through August. Fireblight reports will be produced daily during bloom.

Insect development assist charts are a convenient way to predict pest development based on a single biofix for your farm, or they can handle multiple biofix dates from individual blocks. The insect assist reports and a 21-day weather summary are delivered twice per week.

In 2003 we received funding from some much-appreciated sponsors, which allowed us to provide this valuable service for free in electronic format. However, we received less than one half of the funds needed. A grower advisory group decided that for 2004 we would ask more agribusinesses to provide financial support, plus we are asking for voluntary contributions from growers. We are suggesting a contribution rate of $100 per farm, though no subscription fee is required. Hopefully, this voluntary system will generate the necessary funds. Thanks to everyone for your support! Please make checks payable to Michigan State University and earmarked for MSU PestNet. Send to NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station, 6686 S. Center Highway, Traverse City, MI 49684.

There are two options to receive the PestNet reports.

1. Via email – If you did not subscribe last year, then subscribe by contacting the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station at nwmihort@msue.msu.edu, or call 231/946-1510. In order to read the reports via email you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this software, you can download the Adobe Acrobat Reader for free at the following WEB address:

The following are the weather stations that you can choose from for the reports. You can choose more than one, but keep in mind that it does increase the number of documents that you receive.

Stations: Bainbridge (Coloma), Belding, Benzonia, Clarksville, East Lansing, East Leland, Eastport, Elk Rapids, Fennville, Fremont, Grand Junction, Hart, Kewadin, Manistee, Mason, Northport, NWMHRS (Traverse City), Old Mission, Petersburg, Sparta, SWMREC (Benton Harbor) and West Olive.

60 HOUR WEATHER FORECAST
By Jim Nugent

The 60 hour weather forecast predicts weather in three hour increments for a 60 hr period for the Grand Traverse area during the growing season. The forecast is given in 3 hr. increments for a 60 hr. period. It is available by e-mail and fax. The email version is free. There is a $30 subscription fee for the fax version. The Traverse City 60 hr. forecast is also available on the web at:

http://www.agweather.geo.msu.edu/agwx/forecasts/fcst.asp?fileid=fous14ktvc

The predictions are based on the Traverse City airport, so you will need to adjust temperature forecasts as appropriate to your site.

The computer program that generates these reports is run twice per day. Reports are based on 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. data that is available electronically every twelve hours between 12:00 and 2:00. E-mail subscribers will receive both reports. Fax subscribers will receive the afternoon report only. Reports will be sent daily from mid April through mid October.

This predictive information should complement the real-time (current) weather and pest scouting information that you are collecting to further improve your IPM implementation decisions!

To subscribe to the 60 Hour Weather Forecast (email or fax) contact Jackie Baase or Alison Heins at the NWMHRS by phone at 946-1510 or 888/749-3019, by fax 946-1404, or by e-mail at  nwmihort@msue.msu.edu. Make checks for the fax version payable to Michigan State University earmarked "60 hr. forecast", and mail to: NWMHRS, 6686 S. Center Highway, Traverse City, MI 49684.

FRUITNET

This weekly newsletter, written by area Extension agents, is sent out of the NWMHRS. It is available via e-mail (strongly encouraged) or via fax. Please let us know if you would like to switch from fax to e-mail. FruitNet will be published on Tuesdays or Wednesdays throughout the growing season. Funding for this is provided by the area horticultural organizations. Subscription is free in NW Michigan. Past subscribers will automatically remain on the list, unless you ask to be removed. New subscribers should contact the NWMHRS (946-1510).

CODE-A-PHONE MESSAGE

The Code-A-Phone provides regularly updated information of importance to fruit growers. It requires a touch tone phone to access the messages. To access, call:

947-3063 (Local to Traverse City)

1-877-763-3300 (Toll free statewide)

To begin this season, options include the following by pressing the corresponding number:

Stone Fruit Information: press 1

Pome Fruit Information: press 2

Disease and insect forecasts are no longer available via this system but are available through the PestNet system (see above article.) If you do not have access to a computer to retrieve PestNet information, please call our office (946-1510) to discuss other alternatives.

MSU CROP ADVISORY TEAM (CAT) ALERTS

The MSU CAT Alert newsletter has some valuable feature articles that we do not run in the FruitNet report. Read the reports for free on the Internet at: http://www.msue.msu.edu/ipm/aboutcat.htm, or request subscription information by calling 517/353-4951, or email catalert@msue.msu.edu.

NW MI GROUNDWATER STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM TEAM MEETING

A NW Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program team meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 13 from 11:30 - 2:00 at the Grand Traverse County MSU Extension office at 520 W. Front St. in downtown Traverse City. There will be a fish boil lunch (salmon) provided. Please call Dan Busby at 883-9962 to reserve your spot.

FARM PESTICIDE COLLECTION
By Dan Busby, MI Groundwater Stewardship Program

There is a special opportunity for you to dispose of your old and unusable pesticides at a Farm Pesticide Collection on Friday, May 14 from 1 – 4 pm at Hamilton Farm Bureau on M-72 West near Traverse City. The collection is by appointment only, so please call the Grand Traverse County Recycling Hotline at 231-941-5555 to schedule an appointment. If you don’t get Kelly Ignace in person, press 4 for Household Hazardous Waste Collection, and leave your name, your phone number and list of the pesticides and amounts you are planning to bring in and she will call you to schedule the appointment. This collection is sponsored by the Grand Traverse Conservation District, the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program, MSU Extension, Hamilton Farm Bureau and Grand Traverse County. For more information, call Dan Busby at 231-883-9962.

2004 FRUIT IPM MEETING SERIES
By Jim Bardenhagen, Leelanau County Extension Director
Duke Elsner, Grand Traverse Ag Agent
Jim Nugent, MSU District Hort Agent
Steve Fouch, Benzie County Extension Director

The dates are set for a series of fruit IPM meetings throughout the region. The meetings will last 1 hour. Growers are encouraged to bring samples of pests and/or problems that they have found on their farms.

One credit per meeting for private, commercial 1C pesticide applicator recertification has been requested from MDA.

Michigan Frozen Food Packers Association

The Michigan Frozen Food Packers Association will meet on June 23^rd at the Crown Plaza, Grand Rapids, MI at 3:00 pm to release the Processors guesstimate of various Michigan fruit crops.

Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB)

The CIAB will meet on June 24^th at the Crown Plaza, Grand Rapids, MI starting at 8:00 am. The CIAB will be determining whether there will need to be a tart cherry regulation for the 2004 tart cherry crop and what the preliminary set aside percentages will be.

USDA Cherry Forecast

The USDA tart and sweet cherry forecast will be released at 8:30 am on June 24^th at the Crown Plaza, Grand Rapids, MI during the CIAB meeting.

CORRECTIONS TO THE 2004 FRUIT MANAGEMENT GUIDE (Spray Calendar)

By John Wise, Larry Gut, and Rufus Isaacs, MSU Dept. of Entomology, Fruit Crop Advisory Team Alert, March 30, 2004

This is a summary of pesticide label additions and corrections to the 2004 MSU Fruit Management Guide. Agrichemical labels and regulations change quickly, so use this information within the context of each compound's actual label.

Corrections to Fruit Management Guide 2004 Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-154

Pg 20 – Guthion 50WP maximum rates per season are: apples-8 lbs, pears-6 lbs, peaches 4.5 lbs, cherries 3 lbs.; Guthion 50WP restricted to two applications per season in blueberry.

Page 21 – Capture 2EC not labeled for use in strawberry.

Pg 21 – Pyramite60WP is being renamed as Nexter

Pg 52 – Assail70WP has a PHI of 7 days, REI of 12 hours, and the EPA registration # is 264-609

Pg 53 – Calypso480 SC has a PHI of 30 days and REI of 12 hours.

Pgs 74 & 84 - Flint 50W is not registered for use on cherries before petal fall

NEW LABELED PESTICIDE DESCRIPTIONS
By John Wise, Larry Gut, Rufus Isaacs, George Sundin and Jim Nugent

Calypso (thiacloprid) belongs to a new class of insecticides called neonicotinoids. Calypso is registered for use in apples and pears. It targets aphids, leafhoppers, leafminers, psylla, plum curculio, apple maggot, Oriental fruit moth and codling moth. This material is translaminar (locally systemic) with an extended residual. Restrictions for use of Calypso in pome fruit include a Restricted Entry Interval (REI) of 12 hours, a Preharvest Interval (PHI) of 30 days, and a maximum usage of 16 fluid ounces per acre during a season.

Actara (thiamethoxam) is also a neonicotinoid. It is registered for control of several pests of stone fruits. The translaminar (locally systemic) nature of Actara provides for an extended residual inside the plant. It is effective against leafhoppers at rates of 2.0 to 2.75 ounces, aphids at moderate rates of 3.0 to 4.0 ounces per acre, and plum curculio and cherry fruit fly at rates of 4.5 to 5.5 ounces per acre. Because most of Actara's surface residue is quickly absorbed into the plant, negative impact on natural enemies is minimized. Restrictions in stone fruit include an REI of 12 hours, a PHI of 14 days and a maximum usage of 8 ounces per acre during a season.

Zeal (etoxazole) is a growth regulator miticide labeled for use in pome fruits and strawberries for the control of mites. Zeal is primarily active against spider mites and red mites in the egg and larval stages of growth, providing control ranging from eight weeks to full season depending on mite pressure, the extent of tree vegetative growth, and predator mite populations. Zeal controls susceptible mites by inhibiting the molting process, consequently, control may not be observable for several days. Zeal exhibits pronounced translaminar movement in plant leaves, enhancing activity when the pest is located on the undersides of leaves. Zeal is not known to have risk of cross-resistance with other currently registered miticides. Zeal is restricted to one application per season.

CYD-X (codling moth granulosis virus) CYD-X is a biological insecticide that is specific to codling moth. The active ingredient is a virus that is lethal to codling moth larvae when ingested. It may take several days to cause mortality. CYD-X should be applied in sufficient water for thorough coverage of the tree canopy. Do not tank mix with lime sulfur, copper, or Bt products. The REI is 4 hrs and the PHI is 0 days.

Capture 2EC (bifenthrin) is a synthetic pyrethroid now registered for use on grapes, along with pears and caneberry for the control of many insect and mite pests. For grapes, this includes grape leafhoppers, black vine weevil and spider mites.

Lorsban 75WG is a new formulation of the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos, intended to replace the older 50W. The 75WG is a unique formulation described as an encapsulated "dry EC." One unique characteristic of the 75WG formulation is the low odor, which could be of value when spraying in proximity to residential populations. In addition to replacing previous 50W uses in apples and stone fruits, it is also registered for use as a trunk spray on stone fruits for control of American plum borer and peachtree borers. Lorsban 75WG is also registered for use in grapes, cranberry and strawberries.

Guthion 50WP - New maximum seasonal use rates per acre are: cherries 3 lbs; peaches 4.5 lbs; pears 6 lbs; apples 8 lbs; raspberries and blueberries two applications per season.

Pristine, a fungicide that combines the active ingredients boscalid and pyraclostrobin, received a label for 2004 for disease control in both tart and sweet cherries, peach, plum, apricot and nectarine. Both of the active ingredients have been in use previously with boscalid sold as Endura and pyraclostrobin sold as Cabrio. Trials conducted on cherries at the NW Mich. Hort. Res. Station over the last several years have shown that Pristine has excellent activity against cherry leaf spot and powdery mildew and very good to excellent activity against brown rot when used at the highest recommended rate. Testing at lower rates was not conducted, so the maximum label rate is suggested. A maximum of five sprays are allowed in a season, however, it is not recommended to apply this fungicide (or any fungicide) more than two times consecutively. An excellent timing for Pristine use in tart cherry would be the first cover spray for leaf spot and powdery mildew control. In sweet cherry, the best fit may be closer to harvest when both leaf spot and brown rot are of concern. Restrictions in stone fruits includes a 12 hour REI and 0 day PHI.

GRAFTING WORKSHOPS

Two grafting workshops will be offered May 22 and 23 at Michigan State University, Plant & Soil Science Building, Head House. On May 22, a Basic Workshop will be offered and participants will learn from grafting experts, participate in hands-on grafting, watch top working done in the field and observe conifer grafting. The 8-hour workshop will cover standard grafting techniques using traditional grafting knives as well as the newer grafting and budding machines. Cost is $50/participant and includes lunch.

The Advanced Workshop on May 23 will be open to those who have taken the basic grafting workshop in the past 2 years or are a practiced grafter. Participants will learn additional grafting techniques including T- and chip-budding and top working trees outdoors. Cost is $50/participant and includes lunch. Grafting kits can be purchased for $25. For more information or to register, call 517/355-5191, ext. 9 or email:mgvp@msu.edu

TRACTOR SAFETY TRAINING – 2^ND PROGRAM
By Jim Bardenhagen

Included in this newsletter is a registration form for the second Tractor Safety Training Program for 2004, which will be held at Classic Farm Equipment in Williamsburg on Wednesdays, June 2,9,16,23. The written and driving tests will be held on June 26 at the Horticultural Research Station, 6686 Center Hwy, Traverse City. Tony Bugai and Ted Kalinowski of Classic Farm Equipment will be the instructors.

If you plan to hire 14 or 15 year olds to work on your farm this summer, please contact them to register for the Tractor Safety Program. It's very important for our 14 & 15 year olds to sign up for this program if they want the opportunity to work on farms this summer. Please make copies of the form as needed.

A reminder that farm family youth working on farms that are organized as partnerships or corporations must also have work permits from the local school if under 18.

Even though this training is not required for sons or daughters of farm families (sole proprietor only) working on your farm, I would still encourage you to use this training program to do comprehensive training for your own 14 & 15 year olds. If there is room in the program, they will try to accommodate training for farm family youth that are under age 14 since many start driving before age 14.

Please note that to be certified, youth must be 14 years of age by June 1, 2004. Registration deadline is Friday, May 28, 2004. Encourage the youth to register early!

This training program is jointly sponsored by MSU Extension and Classic Farm Equipment. If there are any questions, please feel free to call our office at 256-9888 or Tony Bugai at Classic Farm Equipment at 267-9400. We thank you for your help in promoting this program.

25th ANNIVERSARY FOR NWMHRS

This year marks the 25^th anniversary for the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station. A very special celebration will take place at the annual Open House on August 26. The event will feature tours, poster displays, dinner, and a special recognition program. Mark your calendars to set aside time in the late afternoon and evening to join in the fun. The event is being organized by the NW Mich Hort Research Foundation board of directors, Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, NWMHRS station staff and area Extension agents.

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE IN 2004

The Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Michigan Vegetable Council, Inc. announce the availability of scholarships for students who intend to pursue careers in the Midwest fruit or vegetable industry. The target amount per scholarship is $1,000. The award is not based on need or academic achievement, however, the selection committee may use these criteria.

To receive more information or an application, contact your local extension office or the NWMHRS at 231/946-1510. Applications should be mailed or faxed by September 30, 2004. The recipients will be selected in the fall and the awards presented during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo (December 7-9, 2004).

SPY APPLE TASK FORCE COMMITTEE

The Michigan Apple Committee, MACMA, Food Processors and MSU Extension are working together to look at preserving the future of Northern Spy. Northern Spy has been a premium processing apple for many years with a special market niche for Michigan growers. This apple enjoys a superior national reputation, but is price squeezed in the marketplace and directly threatened by Granny Smith and West Coast apples. As a processing apple, Spy still remains a high quality product. Our Spy task force has been formed to review the current position of Spy and assist in preserving this important niche market variety for Michigan. We need to gather information from you to help us prepare a plan for the Spy industry. To receive a copy of the survey, either contact Phil Schwallier, MSU Clarksville Station at 616/693-2193 or e-mail schwalli@msu.edu; your local Extension office or the NWMHRS at 231/946-1510. The survey needs to be completed and returned by July 15, 2004.

GRAPE GROWERS HAVE NEW ONLINE RESOURCE
Duke Elsner, MSU Ext. Ag Agent, Grand Traverse & Kalkaska Counties

A one-stop source for integrated vineyard management advice for Michigan juice and wine grape growers is now only a click of the mouse away, thanks to MAES researchers. A newly designed Web site, http://www.grapes.msu.edu/, features information for the state's grape growers on the latest research-based integrated pest management (IPM) and cultural practices. IPM, a sustainable approach to managing pests, helps growers use pesticides wisely in combination with other control tools in a cost-effective and environmentally sound manner. Effective IPM programs help to reduce the short-and long-term impacts of pest management on the vineyard, environment and society. The new grape Web site provides growers with pest identification information and links to current vineyard management advice from MAES researchers and MSUE specialists. The grape Web site was funded by the MSU IPM Program and Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Environmental and Economic Needs), the state's plant agriculture initiative at Michigan State University.

NEW DVD WILL HELP TEACH APPLE ORCHARD SCOUTING SKILLS

Apple growers and consultants have a convenient new resource for teaching, learning or updating their orchard scouting skills.

A Practical Guide for Scouting Apple Orchards is a new DVD produced by the Michigan State University (MSU) IPM Program. A team of MSU Extension specialists, growers and crop consultants from across the state worked together to produce the 90-minute presentation. The video provides growers and consultants with a comprehensive but easy to use learning and reference tool. It also offers new scouts an opportunity to experience the changes that occur in an orchard throughout a complete growing season before setting foot in the orchard. The DVD is divided into 21 modules. Featured topics include how to prepare a scouting program, how to choose a weather monitoring system, in-depth discussions of degree-day models, how to monitor for insect and disease pests at the various stages of the growing season. The DVD complements the apple pocket scouting guide produced by the MSU IPM Program in 2000.

A Practical Guide for Scouting Apple Orchards can be purchased for $29.95 from the MSU Extension Bulletin Office by calling (517) 353-7640 or ordering online at http://web2.msue.msu.edu/bulletins/. Request DVD-273. To order the pocket scouting guide, request E2720, A Pocket Guide for IPM Scouting in Michigan Apples. It costs $15.

Project GREEEN, the state’s plant agriculture initiative at Michigan State University, provided funding support for personnel directing production of the DVD. Other funding sources included the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU Extension, the MSU IPM Program, and the USDA-CSREEES-SARE grant program.

IDFTA HONEYCRISP SUMMER TOUR IN WISCONSIN AND MINNESOTA

The International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association (IDFTA) announces their summer tour for 2004 will be headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The annual summer tour will be held June 21-22 with a preparatory discussion on Sunday evening, June 20. The emphasis for the 2004 tour is ‘Honeycrisp,’ an explosively crisp apple that has attracted a huge customer following in an extremely short period of time.

The price of the tour includes motor coach transportation, lunches and breaks on Monday and Tuesday, and a group dinner on Monday evening at Drugan’s Castle Mound Restaurant in Holmen. The cost is US $250 for IDFTA members.

Program details and registration materials are available on the internet at http://www.idfta.org, or by contacting Charles Ax, 14 S. Main St., Middleburg, PA 17842, Phone: 570-837-1551, Fax: 570-837-0090, email: idfta@ptd.net.

Please send any comments or suggestions regarding this site to: 
Bill Klein, kleinw@msu.edu

Last Revised: 5-7-04