In this Issue:

FEATURED ARTICLE
- Replanting Orchard Sites Previously Affected by Plum Pox Virus - John Halbrendt, PSU, FREC

ENTOMOLOGY
- Workshop on New Approaches in Management of Internal Fruit Feeders
- Colony Collapse Disorder
- Phosmet Final Decision Released
- Phaseout of Azinphosmethyl

HORTICULTURE
- Spring Time in January? Will that Lead to Bloom in February?

ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Plum Pox Updates and Educational Programs
- Washington State Postharvest Newsletter
- Adams County Fruit Growers Meeting – February 19, 2007
- 2007 Winter Tree Fruit Educational Programs
- New Training DVD’s or VHS Tapes (English and Spanish)
- New IPM Web Site for Fruit Conservation Programs in PA

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Replanting Orchard Sites Previously Affected by Plum Pox Virus
John M. Halbrendt

Introduction :

Plum pox or “Sharka” is one of the most devastating and economically important diseases of stonefruit worldwide. The disease is caused by the Plum Pox Virus (PPV) which is spread by aphids and by the use of infected propagation material.

Previously PPV, was found only in the Old World and Chile but was discovered for the first time in North America on October 12, 1999, from a peach orchard in Adams County, PA. The virus was identified as Strain D, one that does not affect cherry. In Pennsylvania, peach, plum, nectarine, and apricot are the four commercial stone fruits susceptible to PPV, Strain D. In addition, certain native and ornamental Prunus and even some perennial weeds may also become infected by PPV.

After the discovery of PPV in Pennsylvania an extensive national PPV survey was initiated that targeted major stonefruit producing regions of the country. In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the USDA began an intensive survey of commercial stone fruit orchards and the tree fruit nursery industry in Pennsylvania. Results of these studies indicated that within the United States the virus was confined to a relatively small geographic area of Pennsylvania although recently the virus has also been discovered in New York and Michigan.

In Pennsylvania, mandatory destruction orders were given for all PPV infected orchards as well as for stonefruit grown within a 500 meter buffer zone of infected sites. The virus affected regions were placed under a quarantine which prohibited new plantings of susceptible stone fruit and as a consequence, the stonefruit acreage in Pennsylvania has declined by more than 20% over the past seven years that the quarantine has been in place.

The quarantine boundaries are subject to change and may be expanded to include new discoveries of PPV outside the existing quarantine. The criteria for rescinding a quarantine boundary is three consecutive years of PPV negative survey data. Over the past few years the quarantine restrictions were lifted from several small areas that met these requirements. In November, 2006 an analysis of survey data showed that a large portion of the quarantined area met the three-year requirement of no new positives including all of Franklin, Latimore, Huntington and Dickinson Townships (Fig. 1). Lifting the quarantine in these areas opens many acres for replanting Prunus. It is anticipated that a significant number of new stonefruit orchards will established in this region within the next few years.

Considerations for Replanting Prunus :

All new orchards offer the opportunity for a “fresh start” and growers must plan carefully to get the most from their investment. A previous feature article focused on replant issues and focused on the necessary steps for remediation of soil-borne problems including biotic and abiotic factors. Growers should refer to previous articles, the Penn State Tree Fruit Production Guide and Replant Workshop handouts for information on points to consider. Key points include:

• Evaluate the location for any site related problems such as air drainage, slope
• orientation or soil moisture issues.
• Evaluate the replant site for potential nematode / soil-borne disease problems.
• Evaluate the replant site for potential pH / fertility problems.
• Review the cropping history for indicators of previous production problems.

A soil test and a nematode assay are essential first steps in identifying potential soil-borne problems. The nematode assay will determine if damaging levels of plant-parasitic nematodes are present. If nematodes are a problem the grower needs to choose a management option that fits into the renovation plan. Nematode control options are typically soil fumigation, nematicides, or some combination of rotation / green manure crop. The choice of nematode control will be influenced by the specific nematode that needs to be managed, the future crop to be planted, the time frame for site renovation, efficacy and cost.

The results of a soil test will provide recommendations to correct any nutrient imbalances or pH problems. These corrective measures need to be started before the new orchard is planted so that fertilizers and lime can be incorporated into the soil for maximum benefit.

Once potential replant problems have been identified and corrective measures decided upon, it is beneficial to prepare a timetable that includes each major step in the renovation process. Among other things, the timetable helps to insure that an adequate amount of time is allocated to accomplish each task.

Special Considerations for Replanting Prunus with regard to PPV and other Virus and Virus-like Diseases :

Plum Pox and other plant viruses are difficult or impossible to control once they are in a field setting since the only way to eliminate the virus is to destroy the host. Therefore, disease prevention is the only practical management strategy to avoid virus problems.

Endemic virus diseases such as Tomato Ring Spot Virus (ToRSV) are widespread and have many alternate hosts that can serve as reservoirs. It would be impossible to eradicate ToRSV from the landscape and therefore, prophylactic measures to prevent virus spread is the only option for growers. However PPV which was introduced into Pennsylvania, offers a unique opportunity for eradication because of it’s limited distribution and limited host range. Eradication can only be accomplished if all PPV reservoirs are identified and destroyed.

The restriction on planting Prunus within the quarantine zone limits virus access to susceptible hosts and therefore is an invaluable tool in the eradication process. The decision to rescind the quarantine and allow replanting is made based on the results of several years of intensive surveys that indicate the area is free of PPV. Thus replanted orchards on previously quarantined sites should be at no greater risk of contracting PPV than sites that had never been under quarantine. Nevertheless, the possibility that some reservoir plant escaped detection can not be completely dismissed and PPV surveys will continue even though the land is no longer under quarantine.

Whether the goal is to prevent PPV or another common virus such as ToRSV, there are several precautions that growers can take to avoid infection and prevent spread. Perhaps the single most important consideration is to purchase certified virus-free trees from a reputable nursery. It is important to inquire which viruses are included in the virus certification since each virus requires it’s own test. Any virus that is not included can escape detection. Plum Pox and common viruses such as Prune Dwarf (PDV), Prunus Necrotic Ring Spot (PNRSV and ToRSV can easily be spread in the nursery by propagating infected tissue. Infected nursery plants have been responsible for the introduction of virus diseases into new countries and regions.

Another virus management consideration is the control of potential reservoir hosts. The natural host range and the role of weeds, in PPV survival and spread is not fully known especially in locations where the virus has recently been introduced such as Pennsylvania. However, in Europe wild Prunus can function as a symptomless PPV reservoir making eradication of the virus impossible in many areas. There have also been reports of PPV infections in herbaceous plants. Although no PPV infected weeds have been detected in the field in Pennsylvania, successful aphid transmission has occurred under experimental conditions and the possibility of weed reservoirs can not be ruled out. Broad-leaf weed management is known to be beneficial in the control of certain plant viruses such as ToRSV. Therefore, while the destruction of potential reservoir hosts is not a proven strategy, the elimination of wild Prunus and broad-leaf weeds in and near Prunus orchards may be of some value in preventing the reintroduction of PPV to previously quarantined areas.

Another tool for virus control is vector management. This strategy works best for virus vectors that are not highly mobile such as nematodes and aphid management for the prevention of PPV is problematic. This approach is probably only of limited value in some situations. Horticultural spray oil is known to inhibit virus transmission by aphids and could be used to protect young, non-bearing trees but since oil can have a negative effect on fruit production this may not be practical on older trees.

Summary :

The appearance of PPV in Pennsylvania highlights the ever-present risks posed by virus diseases and serves to raise the level of awareness that all growers need to possess. Orchard sanitation and good cultural practices are key issues in the prevention of virus problems. Start with a clean orchard site, purchase clean planting material and be conscientious about keeping virus reservoirs and vectors under control.

State and federal agencies have initiated clean plant programs to prevent the introduction and spread of foreign pathogens. However, as our experience with PPV illustrates, pathogens sometimes are introduced to new regions either by illegal or unwitting use of infected propagation material or by natural means. Good management practices require growers to be familiar with common disease problems and their control. It is also important for growers to remain vigilant for anything unusual and bring it to the attention of experts who can identify the problem.

Figure 1: Plum Pox Virus Quarantine Area for 2007.

 

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ENTOMOLOGY

WORKSHOP ON NEW APPROACHES TO CONTROL INTERNAL FRUIT FEEDERS: Please mark your calendar for the 4th 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 07, 2007 in Gettysburg, PA. The PSU fruit entomology specialists together with guest speaker from 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., advances in mating disruption, area-wide /whole farm mating disruption, pesticide resistance, new pesticides and bio-rational pesticides). The workshop is 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 2007 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 23, 2007. The registration form is 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.

COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER: During 2006, an alarming number of honey bee colonies began to die across the continental United States. Subsequent investigations suggest these outbreaks of unexplained colony collapse were experienced by beekeepers for at least the last two years. Reports of similar die offs are documented in beekeeping literature, with outbreaks possibly occurring as long ago as 1896. The current phenomenon, without a recognizable underlying cause, has been tentatively termed “Colony Collapse Disorder” (CCD), and threatens the pollination industry and production of commercial honey in the United States. Initial studies on bee colonies experiencing the die offs has revealed a large number of disease organisms present in the dying colonies, with most being “stress related” diseases and without any one disease being supported as the “culprit” underlying the deaths. The magnitude of detected infectious agents in the adult bees suggests some type of immunosuppression. Case studies and questionnaires related to management practices and environmental factors have identified a few common factors shared by those beekeepers experiencing the CCD; but no common environmental agents or chemicals were easily identified by these surveys. The search for underlying causes has been narrowed by the preliminary studies, but several questions remain to be answered.

To better understand the cause(s) of this disease and with the hope of eventually identifying strategies to prevent further losses, a group of researchers, extension agents, and regulatory officials was formed. This group represents a diverse number of institutions including Bee Alert Technology, Inc. (a bee technology transfer company affiliated with the University of Montana), The Pennsylvania State University, the USDA/ARS, the Florida Department of Agriculture, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Broadly this group has identified its mandate as: “Exploring the cause or causes of honey bee colony collapse and finding appropriate strategies to reduce colony loss in the future”.

"If you have an existing contract or relationship with a beekeeper, you should contact that beekeeper as soon as possible to ascertain if the colonies you are counting on will be available. If you do not have an existing arrangement with a beekeeper but are counting on the availability of honey bees in spring, you should not delay but make contact with a beekeeper and arrange for pollination services NOW. However it should be noted that beekeepers overwintering in the north many not know the status of their colonies until they are able to make early spring inspections. This should occur in late February or early March but is dependent on weather conditions. There is little doubt that honey bees are going to be in short supply this spring and possibly into the summer."
(submitted by Maryann Frazier, Penn State University, Department of Entomology and Dr. Rob Crassweller, Department of Horticulture)

PHOSMET FINAL DECISION RELEASED (The following information is reprinted from EPA Pesticide Program Updates, EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs 01/19/07, http://www.epa.gov/pesticides)

EPA is issuing its final decision on the restricted-entry intervals for nine uses of the organophosphate pesticide phosmet. Consistent with EPA’s June 2006 proposal, most restricted entry intervals will be lengthened and additional mitigation will be implemented to protect workers and bystanders. This risk mitigation will be included on labels of phosmet products sold or distributed by the registrant after June 2008. The nine uses include: apples (including crabapples), apricots, highbush blueberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, and prunes.

Additional mitigation includes lower seasonal maximum application rates, prohibition of phosmet application until after certain high-exposure activities have occurred, a 25-foot buffer zone around occupied dwellings for ground applications, a 50-foot buffer zone around occupied dwellings for aerial applications, and health protective entry restrictions for pick-your-own operations. Additional biomonitoring or other data is also required to address remaining uncertainties in the existing database.

After evaluating the risks and benefits of phosmet use, EPA found in its 2001 Phosmet Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision (IRED) that 36 uses were eligible for reregistration, three uses would be canceled, and nine uses would be available on a time-limited basis for a period of five years, contingent on the submission of biomonitoring and other data by Gowan Company, the sole technical registrant. EPA announced in the IRED that it would revaluate these uses in 2006 and today’s decision completes that process.

Phosmet is an alternative to the organophosphate pesticide azinphos-methyl on several major crops including apples, blueberries, and pears. Azinphos methyl is being phased out over a six-year period due to occupational and ecological concerns.

EPA’s phosmet decision document and other information about this pesticide are available on the Agency’s website at http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/op/phosmet.htm. Additional information may be found in phosmet docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2002-0354 at http://www.regulations.gov

PHASEOUT OF AZINPHOS-METHYL MARKS MILESTONE IN PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT (NEWS BRIEF) (The following information is reprinted from EPA Pesticide Program Updates, EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs 11/17/06, http://www.epa.gov/pesticides)

Achieving another important human health and environmental protection milestone, EPA has issued its decision to phase-out the remaining uses of the organophosphate (OP) insecticide azinphos-methyl (AZM) over the next several years. This action will increase protections for agricultural workers and the environment. This phase-out will encourage and facilitate transition to safer alternatives and reduce risks to farm workers, pesticide applicators, and aquatic ecosystems. Under the agreement,

* Brussels sprouts and nursery stock will be phased out by September 30, 2007;
* Almonds, pistachios and walnuts by October 30, 2009;
* Apples, blueberries, cherries, parsley, and pears by September 30, 2012.

All other uses of AZM have been voluntarily cancelled by the registrants. EPA consulted extensively with stakeholders and carefully considered both the risks and benefits of AZM in developing this plan. During the phase-out, additional use restrictions will help minimize risks. For example, reduced annual application rates will be phased in, buffers for water bodies will be increased, and buffers for occupied dwellings will be added. The Agency expects growers to successfully adapt and make the transition to available safer alternative pesticides, including acetamiprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, methoxyfenozide, novaluron, tebufenozide, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam.

The registrants will develop training materials in both English and Spanish that are designed to educate workers regarding (1) work practices that can reduce exposure to AZM; (2) the recognition of symptoms associated with cholinesterase inhibition; and (3) how to seek medical attention in the event that workers experience such symptoms. These materials will include a description of how, and by whom, the training will be conducted.

To facilitate the transition to safer alternatives, growers, registrants, and other stakeholders will meet with EPA periodically during the phase out to discuss alternatives to AZM, as well as newer pesticides in the pipeline to replace AZM. This workgroup will be headed by EPA and USDA, and will be discussed at a future Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) meeting.

AZM is a member of the organophosphate class of pesticides that has undergone EPA reevaluation through the pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment programs. These efforts ensure that safe and effective pesticides are available in this country to support the production of an abundant, healthy food supply and to safely meet other pest control needs.

For additional information: about the AZM phaseout:
http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/op/azm/phaseout_fs.htm
http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/op/azm.htm
http://www.regulations.gov -- AZM docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0061.

Following are some of the details of this approved azinphos-methyl phase-out decision specifically related to apple (as presented in memorandum from USApple):

The final decision included the following terms:

1. Annual per acre maximum applications will be reduced as follows:
   
   

   2007		8 lbs. total formulated maximum per acre
   2008 and 2009		6 lbs. total formulated maximum per acre
   2010		4 lbs. total formulated maximum per acre
   2011 and 2012		3 lbs. total formulated maximum per acre

   
   
2. Growers must observe a 60 foot buffer from permanent bodies of water.
3. Growers must observe a 60 foot buffer from occupied dwellings, which do not include farm buildings and barns.
4. Pick-Your-Own growers must observe a preharvest interval of 44 days when applying between 2.02 lbs. per acre and 3 lbs. per acre of formulated product, 39 days when applying 1.2 lbs. per acre and 2 lbs. per acre of formulated product and 33 days when applying 1.2 lbs. per acre or less.
   (submitted by Dr. Greg Krawczyk, Department of Entomology, FREC)

HORTICULTURE

SPRING TIME IN JANUARY? WILL THAT LEAD TO BLOOM IN FEBRUARY?
SPRING TIME IN JANUARY? WILL THAT LEAD TO BLOOM IN FEBRUARY?
It is hard to say, but certainly until the temperatures dropped back to near normal on Tuesday of last week we had a lot of people wondering. Fortunately, fruit trees have a built in defense mechanism from blooming too early. Over the centuries trees have evolved to favor the need for a certain amount of cold exposure before they can bloom. This requirement is partly due to the trees center of origin and to the conditions in the areas in which the cultivated varieties have been selected.

In summer and early autumn buds are kept from growing primarily by naturally occurring hormones in the plant. The buds can be forced if the source of those inhibitors is removed. However, in the late autumn through early winter buds require an exposure to cold temperatures. The buds are said to be in deep dormancy. During that time they are normally exposed to low temperatures or chilling hours. Chilling hours or units are the hours the buds are exposed to temperatures between 30 to 58oF, with the maximum accumulation of units occurring at temperatures of 43 to 45oF. There are various models developed in different parts of the country that can be used to estimate chill units. One is shown below in the figure. This one is based on hourly temperatures and an appropriate chill value for a particular temperature is summed. Most models have a negation of chill units when temperatures exceed an upper threshold, approximately 59°F.

The general rule of thumb is that chilling requirement in tree fruit varies by species with apple having a requirement somewhere around 1200 hours or units. Apricots have the lowest chilling requirement of the tree fruits commonly grown in Pennsylvania. The range of chilling hours depends upon the cultivar. For example the apple cultivars Anna and Ein Sheimer, developed in Israel have a lower chilling requirement. The different chilling requirements are shown in the diagram below:

Based on Sky Bit reports for Biglerville it appears that up until January 21 we have had approximately 705 chilling hours since November 15. This means we are slightly over half way to achieving the minimum level needed for our most common cultivars. There were a few days when we experienced a negative or decrease in chill units on several days. We did hear of some species in Virginia starting to show a little tissue but we suspect it may be some early California-bred peach cultivars

It is extremely rare when we have inadequate chilling levels. However, as I noted in the first part chilling requirement is also affected by the area in which the cultivar was developed. Dr. Wayne Sherman at the University of Florida was able to develop a nice industry in northern Florida for fresh market peaches by breeding for low chill requirement. Some of these cultivars can require as little as 100 hours of chilling. Trees not receiving enough cold hours may exhibit delayed and poor bud break, prolonged bloom, a low percent of spurs blooming and poor lateral bud development.

Once sufficient chilling has been reached then under prolonged warm spells we could begin to see early development. Like the chill units there are also heat units called growing degree days or hours (GDD or GDH) that buds need to experience to reach certain stages of development. Like chill units, the amount of GDD needed to reach any given stage will depend in part on the species, the cultivar, vigor, previous crop load and quite possibly the rootstock. Hopefully, our temperatures will return to normal and we can relax.

Should you be pruning when it is in the 50’s and 60’s?
The warm weather was sure tempting to try and get a leg up on your dormant pruning. However, unless you can tell me what the next several weeks of temperatures will do I think you might be better off spending the time on the golf course or tennis court.

In the fall trees go through a process known as hardening, i.e. they acclimate to the cooler temperatures. The hardening process begins at the tips of the outer branches and then moves slowly down and inward. The last portion of the tree to harden off is the base of the trunk and the roots. Sudden sharp swings in temperature can cause rupturing of cells, death of the cambium and dieback. Delaying pruning until the tree can harden off helps prevent damage to the tissues. Every time you make a cut you open an exposed portion of the tree that may not be as hardy as the rest of the limb or shoot.

If temperatures go down to normal levels gradually then the tree usually can reacclimatize. However if you are out pruning in the nice warm weather and a sudden artic air system moves in and temperatures drop 30 to 40 degrees overnight or within a day or two you may see some damage to the trees and flower buds.

All that said, we still are not very accurate in predicting long term temperatures and we often need to be ahead of the “work-curve” in case we have an early spring. Below are some of my rules of thumb that I have been following in regards to pruning in unsettled weather.

Rules of Thumb if you Must Prune

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PLUM POX VIRUS UPDATES AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
Plum Pox Quarantine Lifted in Some Areas
Quarantines have been lifted in parts of Adams, Cumberland and York counties for Plum Pox Virus (PPV, Sharka). Huntington and Latimore townships and the borough of York Springs in Adams County, Dickenson Township in Cumberland County and Franklin Township in York County were released late last year from the three-year quarantine following sampling of commercial and residential fruit trees. Also in Adams County, the area of Tyrone Township between State Highway 234 and Cranberry Road has been released from quarantine.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ON REPLANTING ORNAMENTALS AND PEACHES AND AVOIDING THE INTRODUCTION OF ANOTHER EXOTIC PEST: A Plum Pox Virus educational web site can now be accessed at the FREC Home Page (http://frec.cas.psu. edu/). Educational information for garden centers and home owners will include topics such as “Introduce New Plants—Not New Pests to Your Landscape.” Information for orchardists will include “Important Orchard Replant Considerations.” A special session on replanting peaches will be held at the Adams County Fruit Growers Educational Meeting on Monday, February 19. The session title is Re-Inventing Our Peach Industry—A Chance to Do Everything Right and Jerry Frecon, Rutgers Extension Tree Fruit Educator, is the featured speaker. A program for this workshop is included in this newsletter.

WASHINGTON STATE POSTHARVEST NEWSLETTER: Gene Kupferman’s January 2007 Postharvest Newsletter is available on line at http://postharvest.tfrec.wsu.edu/. To sign up to receive the newsletter, contact Chris Sater at csater@wsu.edu.

Adams County Fruit Growers Educational Meeting
February 19, 2007 - 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Morning:
(8:00 Registration; Moderator – John Wenk)

8:15 - ACFGA Business and Elections
John Wenk, President

8:20 - Fruit Industry Task Force Update
Tom Oyler, PDA Regional Director

8:30 - Management Alternatives for Bacterial Spot of Peaches and Nectarines
Dr. Henry Ngugi, PSU Plant Pathologist
1 Category Credit

Special Session – Re-inventing Our Peach
Industry – A Chance to Do Everything Right

8:50 - Managing Risks in New Peach Plantings
Dr. Jim Schupp, PSU Pomologist

9:00 - Avoiding the Introduction of Exotic Pests Through Proper Site Preparation
Dr. John Halbrendt, PSU Nematologist
1 Category Credit (2, 18 Fumigation)

9:45 - Best Peach Orchard Planning and Management Practices
Jerome Frecon, Tree Fruit Educator and Department Head, Rutgers Extension

10:30 - Break/Show and Tell

10:45 - What You Don’t Know About Apple Scab
Dr. Jim Travis, PSU Plant Pathologist
1 Category Credit

11:30 - Group A – Lunch/Group B - Auditorium

12:15 - Group B – Lunch/Group A – Auditorium

Nitrogen Fertilizers in Orchards
Dr. Rob Crassweller, PSU Pomologist

Afternoon:

1:00 - Use of Bio-Rational Options for Internal Worm Control
Dr. Larry Hull, PSU Entomologist
1 Category Credit

1:30 - Honeycrisp Cropload and Maturity Management
Dr. Jim Schupp, PSU Pomologist

1:50 - Whole Farm/Area-Wide Mating Disruption Program for the Control of CM and OFM
Dr. Greg Krawczyk, PSU Entomologist

2:20 - Break/Show and Tell

2:30 - Farm Worker Protection
Jim Harvey, Rural Health Safety Specialist
2 Core Credits

CONCURENT SESSIONS (In School Library)

11:30 - B

12:15 - Orchard Benchmarking – A New Tool for Fruit Growers
Ben Wenk, PSU Ag Econ Program Assistant

2:30 - Wildlife Conservation Initiatives
PA Game Commission, National Wild Turkey Federation, Natural ResourcesConservation Service

 

Adams County Fruit Growers Educational Meeting
Registration Form

Name _______________________________________

Address ____________________________________

City ________________________________________

State ________________ Zip ________________

County _____________________________________

Daytime Phone _______________________________

Email _______________________________________

Registration Fee: $10.00 per person
(Registration fee covers lunch)

Adults: $10.00 X _____ = ______ Total Enclosed

List additional persons attending:

_____________________________________________

Please make checks payable to:

Adams County Fruit Growers Association

Please return registration form and payment by
Feb. 10 to:

Sandra Spence, ACFGA
33 Musselmam Ave., Biglerville, PA 17307
(717-677-7444); acfga@comcast.net

_____________________________________________

2007 Winter Tree Fruit Educational Programs

Tuesday, January 30 to Thursday, February 1
Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention
Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey, PA
Contact Person: Maureen Irvin, shap@supernet.com or 717-677-4184

Monday, February 19, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Adams County Fruit Growers Educational Meeting
Biglerville High School, Biglerville, PA
Contact Person: Tara Baugher, tab36@psu.edu or 717-334-6271

Tuesday, February 20, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Lancaster/York Fruit Growers Educational Meeting
Lancaster County Extension Office, Lancaster, PA
Contact Person: Tim Elkner, tee2@psu.edu or 717-394-6851

Wednesday, February 21, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Franklin County Fruit Growers Educational Meeting
Savoy Restaurant, Waynesboro, PA
Contact Person: Tara Baugher, tab36@psu.edu or 717-334-6271

Wednesday, March 7, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fourth Biennial Workshop on Monitoring and Managing Internal Fruit Feeders
Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Center
Contact Person: Greg Krawczyk, gxk13@psu.edu or 717-677-6116

NEW TRAINING DVD'S OR VHS TAPES (ENGLISH AND SPANISH)

Purchase one for $35.00 or both for a reduced rate of $55.00
Make checks payable to: PSCE Program Fund

Order Form

Name_______________________________________ Orchard Name:______________________________
Address________________________________________________________________________________
City_________________________________________ State________________ Zip_________________
Daytime Phone ______________________________ E-mail________________________________

Please make checks payable to: PSCE Program
Fund Total Enclosed: $___________________

Check (x) appropriate items:

__ Apple Harvest DVD
__ Pruning & Training Apple Trees DVD
__ Apple Harvest VHS
__ Pruning & Training Apple Trees VHS

Please return with payment to:
Penn State Cooperative Extension-Adams County
670 Old Harrisburg Rd
Ste 204, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-334-6271
Fax: 717-334-0166

To charge your Visa or MasterCard, fill in the information below and sign. (Please make sure your credit card billing address and address above match.)
_____________________________________________________________________
Account Number
_____________________________________________________________________
Exp. Date
______________________________________________________________________
Signature
_____________________________________________________________________
Print Cardholder's Name

NEW IPM WEB SITE FOR FRUIT CONSERVATION PROGRAMS IN PA: A new web site has created a one-stop-shop for Pennsylvania growers interested in financial assistance for IPM practices from federal conservation programs. According to Barry Frantz, assistant state conservationist for programs with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Pennsylvania, the web site at hppt://paipm.cas.psu.edu/nrcs.html contains descriptions of the various conservation programs available from NRCS and instructions about applying for IPM financial assistance.

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NOTE FROM THE FTN COORDINATOR

Based on the request from the county-based extension educators, during the 2007 season the Fruit Times Newsletter will be available only once per month (last Tuesday of each month except for special exceptions, see below). Ms. Karen Weaver will be compiling the FTN and distributing it to our electronic subscribers. Karen can be contacted by phone (717) 677-6116 ext. 0 or by e-mail: ksw5@psu.edu.

Listed below are the dates remaining for the year 2007 FTN schedule:

February 27, 2007
March 27, 2007
April 24, 2007
May 30, 2007 (day later because of Memorial Day)
June 26, 2007
July 31, 2007
August 28, 2007
September 25, 2007
October 30, 2007
November 27, 2007

Please send all materials to be included in the newsletter to Karen no later than the day of publication at 10:00 AM. Your assistance in meeting this deadline is highly appreciated.

If you have any questions or suggestions for the newsletter please feel free to contact me.
Thank you.
Greg Krawczyk, Fruit Times Coordinator