In the Hudson Valley, we have also had a number of nights of
temperatures of 20-23 degrees here in our research orchards, and we
tend to have a warmer location than many growers. However, apples
are still mostly at silver tip, although a bit of green is showing on
early varieties and early locations. I'm assuming that apples here
will come through even though there may be some damage.
Stone fruits are certainly more questionable. Our apricots
were not yet at pink, but the buds were pretty swollen and I'm
certain they will take a hit. Peaches and sweet cherries: who
knows? Since cold weather is predicted to continue for another 7-10
days, I figure there is no rush to make any assessments because the
cold is not over yet in this area.
A week ago we were setting record highs in the mid 70s and apricots were in
full bloom. Frigid weather arrived on Wednesday with snow and highs near
freezing for the next four days. We had low temps in lower 20's with a wind
for 6, 8 and 12 hours on successive days. Lows near 20 occurred on Friday
and Saturday mornings. Low temperatures were a few degrees higher close to
Lake Michigan and the extreme cold did not last as long so they fared better
but away from the Lake we got hit hard. We are not wiped out but many fruit
crops were damaged by the freeze. It seems obvious to me that the entire
eastern half of the nation has been hit hard and that fruit crops here in
the east will be scarce, and a lot of growers will be looking to supplement
their income.
Does anyone south of Michigan have any fruit left?
How are things in New York and New Jersey?
The MSU Fruit Crop Alert Letter was posted today with initial reports from
Michigan
http://www.ipm.msu.edu/cat07fruit/f04-10-07.htm
-----------------------------------------
Mark Longstroth
SW Michigan District Fruit Educator
Van Buren County MSU Extension
801 Hazen Street, Suite A
Paw Paw, MI 49079
Bus (269) 657-7745
Fax (269) 657-6678
Email - [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Check Out My Webpages
http://web1.msue.msu.edu/vanburen/disthort.htm
-----------------------------------------
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--
**************************************************************
Dave Rosenberger
Professor of Plant Pathology Office: 845-691-7231
Cornell University's Hudson Valley Lab Fax: 845-691-2719
P.O. Box 727, Highland, NY 12528 Cell: 845-594-3060
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pp/faculty/rosenberger/
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