In this issue::

ENTOMOLOGY
- 2005 Workshop on New Approaches to Control Internal Fruit Feeders
- Carbaryl Red Available for Comment

PA APPLE MARKETING BOARD
- PA Crop Insurance News
- Eastern Apples

SMALL FRUITS
- The Organic Way - Preventative Disease Management for Highbush Blueberries

OTHER
- Pruning Demonstration for Growers and Employees
- Tree Fruit Disease Management Educational Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
- Invitation to Young Orchardists
- New Schedule for Fruit Times Starting January 2005

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ENTOMOLOGY
WINTER WORKSHOP ON NEW APPROACHES TO CONTROL INTERNAL FRUIT FEEDERS: Please mark your calendar for the 3rd bi-annual Pennsylvania State University workshop on monitoring and managing of internal fruit feeders (Oriental fruit moth and codling moth) to be held on March 02, 2005 in Gettysburg, PA. The PSU fruit entomology specialists together with guest speakers from Rutgers University and Michigan State University will discuss in depth the newest aspects of managing internal fruit feeders including the most current research conducted during last few seasons (i.e., mating disruption, pesticide resistance, new pesticides). The workshop will be open to growers, consultants and industry representatives from PA and other Mid-Atlantic States. The details of the program and registration forms will be distributed during the 2005 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Hershey, PA, during winter PA meetings and through the fruit industry media (i.e., Fruit Times Newsletter, Pennsylvania Fruit News). The deadline for registrations is February 14, 2005. The registration form will be also posted at the PSU FREC web site at: http://frec.cas.psu.edu/
If you need more information please contact Dr. Greg Krawczyk at PSU FREC: phone (717) 677-6116 ext.5 or e-mail gxk13@psu.edu.

CARBARYL RED AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT
On October 27, EPA published a Federal Register notice announcing the availability of the Carbaryl RED, opening a public docket (O.P.-2003-0376), and initiating a 60-day public comment period. EPA will be accepting comments on the Carbaryl RED until December 27, 2004. Recently, the Carbaryl RED has been slightly revised to incorporate error corrections, amendments, and clarifications identified after signature. All changes to the RED document are detailed in an errata memo included in the public docket. The docket also contains pharmacokinetic data recently submitted by the carbaryl registrant to refine risk estimates from residential lawn broadcast applications of carbaryl liquid formulations. These new data will be reviewed by the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel on December 2, 2004. For further information on the carbaryl IRED, please see the Federal Register notice (http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2004/October/Day-27/p24038.htm) or the carbaryl entry on the pesticide reregistration status page (www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm). For information on the Scientific Advisory Panel meeting see http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA- MEETINGS/2004/October/Day-19/m23397.htm or http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap/#december.

Submitted below is the full text of carbaryl IRED Notice of availability:

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OPP-2003-0376; FRL-7679-9] Carbaryl Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision; Notice of Availability

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision (IRED) for the N-methyl carbamate pesticide carbaryl, and opens a public comment period on this decision. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the Carbaryl Docket. Carbaryl is an insecticide registered for use on agricultural crops, ornamentals, and turf (sod farms). Carbaryl is used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for grasshopper control. Carbaryl is also registered for residential use for flea control on pets and for use in homes and gardens. EPA has reviewed carbaryl through the public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and safety standards.

DATES: Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number OPP-2003-0376, must be received on or before December 27, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Britten, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-8179; fax number: (703) 308-8005; e-mail address: britten.anthony@epa.gov .

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?
1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket ID number OPP-2003-0376. The official public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received, and other information related to this action. Although a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA Internet under the "Federal Register" listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/ .
An electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select "search," then key in the appropriate docket ID number.

Certain types of information will not be placed in the EPA Dockets. Information claimed as CBI and other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute, which is not included in the official public docket, will not be available for public viewing in EPA's electronic public docket. EPA's policy is that copyrighted material will not be placed in EPA's electronic public docket but will be available only in printed, paper form in the official public docket. To the extent feasible, publicly available docket materials will be made available in EPA's electronic public docket. When a document is selected from the index list in EPA Dockets, the system will identify whether the document is available for viewing in EPA's electronic public docket. Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. EPA intends to work towards providing electronic access to all of the publicly available docket materials through EPA's electronic public docket.

For public commenters, it is important to note that EPA's policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing in EPA's electronic public docket as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide a reference to that material in the version of the comment that is placed in EPA's electronic public docket. The entire printed comment, including the copyrighted material, will be available in the public docket.

Public comments submitted on computer disks that are mailed or delivered to the docket will be transferred to EPA's electronic public docket. Public comments that are mailed or delivered to the docket will be scanned and placed in EPA's electronic public docket. Where practical, physical objects will be photographed, and the photograph will be placed in EPA's electronic public docket along with a brief description written by the docket staff.

C. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments?
You may submit comments electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate docket ID number in the subject line on the first page of your comment. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the specified comment period. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked "late." EPA is not required to consider these late comments. If you wish to submit CBI or information that is otherwise protected by statute, please follow the instructions in Unit I.D. Do not use EPA Dockets or e-mail to submit CBI or information protected by statute.

1. Electronically. If you submit an electronic comment as prescribed in this unit, EPA recommends that you include your name, mailing address, and an e-mail address or other contact information in the body of your comment. Also include this contact information on the outside of any disk or CD ROM you submit, and in any cover letter accompanying the disk or CD ROM. This ensures that you can be identified as the submitter of the comment and allows EPA to contact you in case EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties or needs further information on the substance of your comment. EPA's policy is that EPA will not edit your comment, and any identifying or contact information provided in the body of a comment will be included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA's electronic public docket. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment.

2. By mail. Send your comments to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001, Attention: Docket ID Number OPP-2003-0376.

3. By hand delivery or courier. Deliver your comments to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, Attention: Docket ID Number OPP-2003-0376. Such deliveries are only accepted during the docket's normal hours of operation as identified in Unit I.B.1.

D. How Should I Submit CBI to the Agency?
Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI electronically through EPA's electronic public docket [[Page 62665]]or by e-mail. You may claim information that you submit to EPA as CBI by marking any part or all of that information as CBI (if you submit CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is CBI). Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes any information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket and EPA's electronic public docket. If you submit the copy that does not contain CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM clearly that it does not contain CBI. Information not marked as CBI will be included in the public docket and EPA's electronic public docket without prior notice. If you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, please consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

E. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

II. Background

A. What Action is the Agency Taking?

Under section 4 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is reevaluating existing pesticides to ensure that they meet current scientific and regulatory standards. EPA completed an IRED for the N-methyl carbamate pesticide carbaryl on June 30, 2003, and is now issuing this document for public comment. Carbaryl is an insecticide registered for use on agricultural crops, sod, and for residential use on pets and in homes and gardens. Carbaryl is also used by USDA for grasshopper control. The Carbaryl IRED presents the Agency's conclusions on the risks posed by exposure to carbaryl alone; however, section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) directs the Agency also to consider available information on the cumulative risk from substances sharing a common mechanism of toxicity. Because the N-methyl carbamate pesticides share a common mechanism of toxicity, cholinesterase inhibition, the Agency will evaluate the cumulative risk posed by this group before making final reregistration eligibility decisions on individual N-methyl carbamates.

During the pendency of the carbamate cumulative assessment, the Agency is proceeding with risk assessments and interim risk management for individual carbamate pesticides. EPA has determined that, but for the cumulative risk assessment, the data base to support carbaryl reregistration is substantially complete and that products containing carbaryl will be eligible for reregistration, provided the risks are mitigated in the manner described in the IRED. Upon submission of any required product specific data under section 4(g)(2)(B) of FIFRA and any necessary changes to the registration and labeling (either to address concerns identified in the IRED or as a result of product specific data), and after assessing N-methyl carbamate cumulative risks, EPA will make a final reregistration decision under section 4(g)(2)(C) of FIFRA for products containing carbaryl. When the Agency finalizes decisions for carbaryl and other N-methyl carbamate pesticides, further risk mitigation may be required for carbaryl.

Although the Carbaryl IRED was signed on June 30, 2003, certain components of the document, which did not affect the final regulatory decision, were undergoing final editing at that time. These components, including the list of additional generic data requirements, summary of labeling changes, appendices, and other relevant information, have been added to the Carbaryl IRED document. In addition, subsequent to signature, EPA identified several minor errors and ambiguities in the document. Therefore, for the sake of accuracy, EPA also has included the appropriate error corrections, amendments, and clarifications. All of these changes are described in detail in an errata memorandum which is included in the public docket for carbaryl.

Following signature of the IRED, EPA received new pharmacokinetic data from BayerCrop Science to refine the risk estimates from residential lawn broadcast applications of carbaryl liquid formulations. They also submitted a proposed method for using the data in a deterministic calculation of the risks. EPA is planning to seek independent scientific review of this information through a Scientific Advisory Panel meeting in December 2004. The new data and EPA's preliminary review of the data are included in the docket also.

The reregistration program is being conducted under Congressionally mandated time frames, and EPA recognizes the need both to make timely reregistration decisions and to involve the public in finding ways to effectively mitigate pesticide risks. Through the Agency's public participation process, EPA worked extensively with stakeholders and the public to reach the regulatory decisions for carbaryl. The Agency is issuing the carbaryl IRED for public comment. The comment period is intended to provide an additional opportunity for public input and a mechanism for initiating any necessary amendments to the IRED. All comments should be submitted using the methods in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, and must be received by EPA on or before the closing date. These comments will become part of the Agency docket for carbaryl. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked "late." EPA is not required to consider these late comments.

The Agency will carefully consider all comments received by the closing date. If any comment significantly affects the document, EPA will publish an amendment to the IRED in the Federal Register. In the absence of substantive comments requiring changes, the risk management decisions reflected in the carbaryl IRED will be implemented without further notice. These decisions may be supplemented by further risk mitigation measures when EPA considers its cumulative assessment of the N-methyl carbamate pesticides.

B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action?

Section 4(g)(2) of FIFRA, as amended in 1988 and 1996, directs that, after submission of all data concerning a pesticide active ingredient, "the Administrator shall determine whether pesticides containing such active ingredient are eligible for reregistration," before calling in product specific data on individual end-use products and either reregistering products or taking other "appropriate regulatory action." Section 408(q) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(q), requires EPA to review tolerances and exemptions for pesticide residues in effect as of August 2, 1996, to determine whether the tolerance or exemption meets the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2) of FFDCA. This review is to be completed by August 3, 2006.

List of Subjects
Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests.

Dated: October 21, 2004.
Peter Caulkins,Acting Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
[FR Doc. 04-24038 Filed 10-26-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S

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PA APPLE MARKETING BOARD
PA CROP INSURANCE NEWS - NOVEMBER 2004
New Apple Insurance Policy: The brand new policy includes many positive changes requested by growers including a broader definition of perils covered, higher grade standards for determining damaged production to count for claim calculations (for basic policy - U. S. #1 processing or better; fresh fruit quality option - U. S. fancy or better), new price elections and etc.

11/15 Wheat, Barley and Forage Production Acreage Reporting Deadline: Producers are reminded to report their acreage and related information accurately to FSA and their crop insurance agent before the deadline.

11/20 Sales Deadline for Fruit: Apple, Grape and Peach producers are reminded that this deadline affects new enrollments for protection or to make coverage changes to current policies for next year. Remember to that if programs are not approved for a certain county, protection may be available by a written agreement filed by 11/20 (requires a minimum of 3 years of individual production records).

11/30 Sales Deadline for GRP Forage Production: Producers have the option to insure forage production against widespread loss of product to the extent that the NASS\USDA county average yields fluctuate. Illustration: If producer insured at $400 per acre at 90% level of coverage and the county yield is only 80% of the normal, producer would be paid $40 per acre. This coverage requires minimal record keeping and can cover all classes of hay including rotational grazing. Coverage is available for acreage located in 29 PA counties of Adams, Armstrong, Bedford, Berks, Bradford, Butler, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Crawford, Cumberland, Erie, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Lancaster, Lycoming, Mercer, Perry, Somerset, Susquehanna, Tioga, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, and York.

Reminder to Report Notice of Damage or Loss: The policy requires notice within 72 hours of discovery of damage, before the destruction of the crop and within 15 days after the earlier of harvesting completion (by crop by farm unit) or the end of insurance period (12/10 for corn and soybeans). The purpose is to give a loss adjuster the opportunity to help producers document the yield, quality and causes of loss to support a claim. Remember too that with CRC (Crop Revenue Coverage) a loss payment can result with a near normal yield because of the decline in fall prices (see illustration in RAM). IF IN DOUBT - FILE NOTICE!

CONTACT A CROP INSURANCE AGENT FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ABOVE ITEMS.
Gene Gantz, RMA\USDA 717-497-6398
(Submitted by Diana Aguilar, PA Apple Marketing Board)

EASTERN APPLES: When I want to get a great marketing conversation going out in the field, this phrase will do it for me every time. The grower/ packer/shipper responses to this phrase have ranged from "Way to go, Idaho!" to "No way, you're dead wrong on this." Since the Eastern Apples marketing tactic defines all of our promotions this season, I thought it might be appropriate to expound on the logic behind using this as part of our identity.

Currently, if you ask an average consumer where apples are grown in this country, the response is almost always, "Washington." Apple marketers have known for a long time that Washington State owns the apple category in the produce department. In fact, we question why they continued for so long to spend funds "buying" a category they already owned when the funds would have been better spent promoting the category and increasing overall apple consumption in this country. Nonetheless, the average consumer is "unaware" that apples also come from the east, and that they usually taste much better from this region of the country.

Part of helping the consumer identify our apples is to establish the entire collection of eastern states as an apple-growing region. Using the word "Eastern" becomes critical, because by default, Eastern is the opposite of Western, and Eastern is anything that is not Western. In essence, what we're doing is using Washington's money and effort spent over the last couple of decades to establish our own identity almost free of charge, and within just a few years. If the consumer already recognizes "Western", then by default, the existence of "Eastern" is assumed, and logical. We just have to bring it to the surface. Thank you, Washington.

But the picture is even bigger than the one prescribed by the consumer when you look at the retailer. With the onslaught of technology and globalization came the need to consolidate for the sake of efficiency and cost effectiveness. Smaller retailers have been gobbled up by larger global conglomerates with millions of dollars to spend on software that allows them to purchase electronically, based on a demand that is tracked (you guessed it) electronically. But this technology is expensive, and few suppliers can afford to buy into the system. Nonetheless, many retailers require it before a supplier can be awarded a contract. For them, there are fewer suppliers involved, response time goes up, and cost goes down. As a result, the very stressed supplier now has a more secure relationship with the happy retailer. Not coincidentally, this software identifies Washington as one supplier category, and everyone else as another supplier category. So without any effort on our part, we are, in the eyes of the retailer, Eastern Apples, whether we agree and comply or not.

Finally, we have to affect consumer attitude so they actually pick up the apples and purchase them. How do marketers affect attitude? Do you know what the milk moustache is? Can you name the other white meat? How did the egg, which is rich in cholesterol, become the friend of the low-carb dieter? Marketers change the attitudes of the public by appealing to their emotions. Milk is cool, pork is healthy, and eggs are smart. What are apples? Nutritious and local. And the message is working. Our first promotion this year was themed, "What Can An Apple Do For You?" and it touted a list of eleven health and nutrition facts about apples. The second one was "Healthy To The Core" where elegant apple slices stood sentry around a perfect core. Where else could you buy apple slices this year? McDonald's. And why were they selling apple slices? Because apple slices are more nutritious than fries. The message was not lost on our consumers. One retailer I spoke with told me that of all the hits the produce department has taken over the last year from the low-carb message, the apple was the singular product that withstood the attack. Why? Because apples are the icon for healthy living, and consumers were not willing to give up common sense and what they knew to be true for the low-carb message. Yes, apple eaters have great attitudes, so how do we make the Eastern Apples message appeal to their emotions?

If you lived on the east coast, and you had a choice between an apple that was shipped all the way across the country and one that grew in the next state, which one seems fresher? The consumer believes that the local apple is fresher. Also, if you knew you were buying an apple that was grown on the east coast, how would you feel about your money staying within your economy? Consumers are willing to accept that an apple grown within a few states of their hometown is a local apple. They believe it's fresher, and they believe it's helping a local grower. Our Eastern Apples message is, "Grown in an orchard near you." And an apple that is fresher certainly must have more nutritive value, right?

This year, with this more generic approach to marketing, we doubled the retail demand for our point of sale materials. Bi-Lo, Wegman's, SuperValu East, Tops, and Wal-Mart, retailers who previously didn't have much interest in our state material, requested it this year because it fit their system and because the message was generic enough that it didn't limit their in-department promotions. Before when our logo was included in an ad, it usually sat right next to the Washington state logo. Now, our logo gets full position alone in these ads. Prior to the introduction of the Eastern Apples logo, the consumer would pick up a bag of apples with the company brand on it and search to figure out where the apples came from. Now, when the consumer enters the grocery store, they see the private brand labeled on one side of a bag of apples, and Eastern Apples proudly labeled on the other side. There's no doubt about where that apple came from, and you can take pride in that.

Each of you has worked hard to establish your identities within the apple industry. No one would ask you to sacrifice that for the sake of a different identity. But perhaps that identity can be enhanced by helping the retailer and the consumer identify where your apples are from. Just as a Regal is a Buick or a Kenmore is from Sears, perhaps your brand can be an Eastern Apple. For samples of our point-of-sale materials, call contact us at (717) 783-5418, or c-daguilar@state.pa.us.
(Submitted by Diana Aguilar, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program)

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SMALL FRUITS
THE ORGANIC WAY - PREVENTATIVE DISEASE MANAGEMENT FOR HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRIES:
The first step in preventative management of blueberry diseases is to become familiarized with the diseases that blueberry plants are susceptible to as well as the environmental factors that favor disease development. Management strategies can then be developed specifically for individual farms or fields within a farm. Selecting disease free sites and planting stock are first steps in preventative disease management. The primary symptoms of several diseases caused by fungi are described below along with preventative strategies for disease management.

Disease Symptoms: Symptoms first appear on 1-year-old twigs with flower buds at bud break. Infected twigs may die back or suddenly wilt. Infected stems may have reddish-brown lesions that are about 1 to 4 inches long. Brownish cankers 4 to 8 inches long may be observed initially during in the summer on 1-, 2- or 3-year-old canes and can result in the death of the entire canes. Reddish-brown, brittle, dead leaves will persist on dead canes. Development of this disease is favored by wet weather, especially in the early part of the growing season. Infective spores are spread by splashing rain.

Preventative Management Strategies: Plant resistant and/or tolerant cultivars. 'Bluetta' is a cultivar with resistance and 'Coville', 'Earliblue', 'Elliott', 'Nelson' and 'Rancocas' have tolerance. Remove infected canes to promote drying of the plant canopy. This also serves to remove possible sources of inoculum and therefore slow spread of the disease. Use irrigation and fertilization management that promote early hardening off (don't irrigate or fertilize too late in season) of the blueberry plants.

Disease Symptoms: Early symptoms of this disease include yellowing or reddening then dying of the leaves of one or more canes of 1- to 2-year-old plants. This will be followed by the death of infected branches with reddish-brown, brittle, necrotic leaves persisting. It is common to observe infected canes along side of seemingly healthy canes. Cutting a stem, with healthy and infected tissue, length-wise will reveal brown discoloration of the infected tissue while the healthy portion of the stem will have white or cream colored tissue. Plants can become infected anytime throughout the growing season. Development of this disease is favored by wet weather, especially in late spring. Infective spores are spread by wind.

Preventative Management Strategies: Remove infected plants to eliminate possible sources of inoculum and therefore further spread of the disease. Use good sanitation (clean tools and equipment) to avoid spreading the disease.

Disease Symptoms: In the fall, initial symptoms of this disease are tiny water-soaked lesions, on the lower third of 1- or 2-year-old canes, which turn red by December. The following spring and summer the lesions develop into cankers resembling a target. Each canker is generally centered on a leaf scar. During the summer, generally when fruit are present, leaves on stems with cankers will wilt, die and persist on the stem. Canes can be re-infected throughout the growing season. Disease development is favored by wet conditions.

Preventative Management Strategies: Plant cultivars with tolerance or resistance to this disease. For example, 'Rancocas' has resistance and 'Berkeley', 'Burlington' and 'Rubel' have tolerance. Prune out infected stems to promote good air circulation within the plant canopy and also to remove inoculum for further spread of the disease. Other methods that promote good air circulation within the planting include proper pruning and good weed management.

Disease Symptoms: Leaves of plants diseased with Phytophthora will yellow, turn red-brown, die and persist on the plant. Infected plants will stop producing new growth. Plants can die rapidly when conditions favoring disease development exist. This disease is caused by a soil borne, which requires free water for the spread of infective spores.

Preventative Management Strategies: Select a site with good drainage and avoid planting in low spots in the field to prevent soil water logging and the spread of this disease. Use good moisture management (for example, do not irrigate while it is raining) also to avoid spread of the disease.

Disease Symptoms: Botrytis blight can affect flowers, leaves, twigs and fruit. Generally the flowers are infected first. Infected flowers turn brownish in color and can be covered with gray mycelium that can have black spores. Leaves may become infected next, developing brown necrotic lesions. Ripening fruit can also be diseased with Botrytis Blight and can be identified by gray mycelium and spores growing on the fruit. Cool temperatures and high relative humidity favor disease development.

Preventative Management Strategies: Avoid using excess fertilizer in the spring because it stimulates excess growth of susceptible young tissues. Promote good air circulation within the planting to encourage low relative humidity within the plant canopy. For example, use good pruning techniques, weed management and plant spacing.

Disease Symptoms: In the early spring, leaves and young shoots infected with the fungus causing Mummy Berry droop, turn brown and die. Diseased fruit will shrivel or mummify turning from blue to tan in color. The fruit may also emit an odor similar to fermented dark tea. The berries that are mummified will fall off of the plant. The following spring the fungus causing Mummy Berry will produce cup-like spore-bearing structures called apothecia from the mummified berries on the ground.

Preventative Management Strategies: Plant cultivars having resistance or tolerance. 'Bluejay', 'Burlington', 'Darrow', 'Duke', 'Elliott', 'Lateblue', 'Northblue' and 'Northsky' have resistance to Mummy Berry and 'Bluecrop', 'Bluetta', 'Collins', 'Coville', 'Rancocas' and 'Spartan' have tolerance. Remove old berries from the plant and fallen leaves and berries from the planting because they can be infected and spread infective spores. Another option is to cover old berries on the ground with 2 inches of soil or mulch before flowering to prevent infective spores from being spread.

Disease Symptoms: Leaves will develop circular to irregular light brown to tan spots with a reddish border. Infection by the fungus that causes Alternaria Fruit Rot begins at the blossom end of the fruit. As the fruit ripen, black spores can be seen and the fruit will become watery or leaky. Disease development is favored by cool, wet weather in the spring.

Preventative Management Strategies: Promote good air circulation within the planting to encourage drying within the plant canopy. For example, use good pruning techniques, weed management and plant spacing. Cool berries immediately after harvesting to preserves fruit quality. Use good sanitation (clean tools and equipment) to avoid spreading the disease. Adjust harvesting schedules to avoid over ripe fruit on the plants that favors disease development.

Disease Symptoms: Signs and symptoms of Anthracnose are found primarily on the flowers and fruit. Infected flowers turn brownish to blackish in color. As the fruit ripen, sunken spots at the blossom end may develop. White to light pink mycelia may also be present. Disease development is favored by high moisture in the plant canopy.

Preventative Management Strategies: Plant cultivars with resistance, including 'Elliott' and 'Little Giant'. Promote good air circulation within the planting to encourage drying within the plant canopy. For example, use good pruning techniques, weed management and plant spacing.
(submitted by: Elsa Sánchez, Assistant Professor of Horticultural Systems Management and Kathy Demchak, Senior Extension Associate, Small Fruits

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OTHER
PRUNING DEMONSTRATION FOR FRUIT GROWERS AND EMPLOYEES: The Bream and Kuhn families will host a fruit tree pruning demonstration on Basic Pruning Principles and New Strategies to Improve Fruit Quality in High-Density Plantings, Thursday, December 16th, 1:00 to 3:30 PM. Dr. Jim Schupp will lead the program, and Bruce Hollabaugh has kindly agreed to interpret the presentation into Spanish.

There is no pre-registration or fee. Participants should meet at Bream Orchards packinghouse on 170 Bingaman Rd., Orrtanna. From Rt. 30, turn at Adams County National Bank/Franklin Township Office onto High St. Go .7 mile, then left onto Old Rt. 30, then an immediate right onto Orrtanna Rd. Go 1.1 mile to Bingaman Rd., and turn right.
(Submitted by Dr. Tara A. Baugher, Tree Fruit Extension Educator, Capital Region)

TREE FRUIT DISEASE MANAGEMENT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Apple scab, fire blight, cherry leaf spot and summer disease control are significant grower concerns following two rainy growing seasons. Two upcoming grower meetings will focus on tree fruit disease control strategies. A Penn State Extension workshop on January 19 will provide in-depth information on "Strategies to Manage Fire Blight, Apple Scab and Cherry Leaf Spot in 2005." Guest speakers are Dr. Jay Norelli, USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station and Dr. Keith Yoder, Virginia Tech. The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention on February 1-3 features presentations on "Field and Postharvest Strategies for Controlling Storage Diseases on Apples" and "Revising Apple Scab Controls to Compensate for High Inoculum and Failing Fungicides," by Dr. Dave Rosenberger, Cornell University; "A Pathology Perspective for Enhancing the Productive Life of Peach Trees" and "Bacterial Spot of Peaches" by Dr. Dave Ritchie, North Carolina State University; and "In Search of the Perfect Brown Rot Fungicide for Peaches," by Dr. Norman Lalancette, Rutgers University. For more information on the Fruit and Vegetable Convention, contact Maureen Irvin, 717-677-4184 or www.shaponline.org, and to obtain a Penn State disease workshop registration form, contact Dr. Tara Baugher, 717-334-6271 or tab36@psu.edu.
(Submitted by Dr. Tara Baugher, Tree Fruit Extension Educator, Capital Region)

UPCOMING EVENTS
2004-2005 Winter Tree Fruit Educational Programs

Thursday, December 16, 2004 1:00 - 3:30 PM
Pruning Demonstration For Fruitgrowers and Employees - Basic Pruning Principles and New Strategies to Improve Fruit Quality in High-Density Plantings
Bream Orchards and Kuhn Orchards (Meet at Bream Packinghouse on 170 Bingaman Rd., Orrtanna)
Contact Persons: Dr. Tara Baugher, tab36@psu.edu or 717-334-6271; Dr. Jim Schupp, jrs42@psu.edu or 717-677-6116

Wednesday, January 19, 2005 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Strategies to Manage Fire Blight, Apple Scab and Cherry Leaf Spot in 2005 - Penn State Extension In-Depth Fruit School
Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Center, Gettysburg, PA
Contact Person: Dr. Tara Baugher, tab36@psu.edu or 717-334-6271

February 1-3, 2005
Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention
Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey, PA
Contact Person: Maureen Irvin, shap@supernet.com or 717-677-4184

February 5-9, 2005
International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association 48th Annual Convention, Wenatchee, WA
Contact Person: Dr. Susan Pheasant, susan@pheasantprojects.net or 509-665-3812

Monday, February 21, 2005 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Adams County Fruit Growers Educational Meeting
Biglerville High School, Biglerville, PA
Contact Person: Dr. Tara Baugher, tab36@psu.edu or 717-334-6271

Tuesday, February 22, 2005 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Lancaster/York Fruit Growers Educational Meeting
Farm and Home Center, Lancaster, PA
Contact Persons: Tim Elkner, tee2@psu.edu or 717-394-6851; Dr. Tara Baugher, tab36@psu.edu or 717-334-6271

Wednesday, February 23, 2005 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Franklin County Fruit Growers Educational Meeting
Savoy Restaurant, Waynesboro, PA
Contact Person: Dr. Tara Baugher, tab36@psu.edu or 717-334-6271
Please note that the Lancaster/York and Franklin meetings have changed from the traditional dates.

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
2005 Workshop on Internal Fruit Worms
Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Center, Gettysburg, PA
Contact Person: Dr. Greg Krawczyk, gxk13@psu.edu or 717-677-6116
(Submitted by Dr. Tara A. Baugher, Tree Fruit Extension Educator, Adams Co. Extension)

INVITATION TO YOUNG ORCHARDISTS: If you have recently returned to the family orchard, consider signing up for a tour of the Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Kearneysville, WV to be held on Monday, December 13th. Tour highlights include opportunities to learn about projects on fire blight control, new apple cultivars, alternative methods of insect and mite control, alleviating heat stress, and breeding new stone fruit cultivars with upright and columnar tree forms and resistance to plum pox. The tour group will see the station laboratories and interact on a one-to-one basis with scientists and technical support staff.

Those interested in attending this event should pre-register by contacting Tara Baugher, tab36@psu.edu or Matt Harsh, rmh27@psu.edu; 717-334-6271, Penn State Cooperative Extension in Adams County, 670 Old Harrisburg Rd., Ste. 204, Gettysburg, PA 17325. The tour group will leave from the Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Center parking lot at 7:45 AM and return at 4:00 PM. Transportation and lunch will be provided (with a minimal charge to cover lunch expenses).
(Submitted by Dr. Tara A. Baugher, Tree Fruit Extension Educator, Capital Region)

NEW SCHEDULE FOR FRUIT TIMES STARTING JANUARY 2005: Starting in January 2005 we will be sending out the Fruit Times on the last Tuesday of each month. The dates are listed below:

Jan. 25, 2005 Feb. 22, 2005 Mar. 29, 2005 Apr. 26, 2005 May 24, 2005 (3rd Tues.) Jun. 28, 2005

Jul. 26, 2005 Aug. 30, 2005 Sep. 27, 2005 Oct. 25, 2005 Nov. 29, 2005