Author Archives: Greg Peck

Winchester-Area Fruit Tour, July 16

Final call for registration. If you’re interested in attending, please contact Mark Sutphin as soon as possible!


 

From Mark Sutphin:

We have a fantastic day tour of several Winchester area fruit operations scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2015.  The tour will include orchards, vineyards, high tunnel fruit and vegetable production, a retail market, a packing operation, a cidery, a catered lunch, and an evening meal at Marker-Miller Farm Market.  We plan to arrange a coach for participants (coach to begin and end at National Fruit:  550 Fairmont Ave., Winchester, VA 22601).  There will also be other transportation and carpooling options planned as the need dictates.  If you are interested in this day tour, please complete the registration on the attached brochure and send in the registration fee of $30.00/each by July 8, 2015.

 

We continue to thank our Tree Fruit Program Sponsors for making this educational tour possible.  Please see the attached flyer listing our many faithful industry partners.

 

REGISTRATION FLYER: <Winchester VA Day Tour>

Mark Sutphin
Associate Extension Agent | Agriculture and Natural Resources, Horticulture | Unit Coordinator (Frederick)
 
Serving the counties of Frederick, Clarke, Page, Shenandoah, & Warren
 
Virginia Cooperative Extension – Frederick County Office | 107 North Kent Street | Winchester, VA 22601
Phone – 540.665.5699 | Fax – 540.722.8380 | Cell – 540.398.8148 | Email – mark.sutphin@vt.edu

9:30 am Stop 1: White House Foods (National Fruit Product Company)

David & Paige Gum

Glaize Packing House

12:00 pm Stop 2: Winchester Cider Works (catered lunch)

Diane Kearns & Stephen Schuurman

2:00 pm Stop 3: Glaize Raspberry High Tunnels

Philip Glaize, Jr. & Philip Glaize

 

3:30 pm Stop 4: Marker-Miller Orchards, Farm Market & Bakery

(includes: Benevino Vineyard) John Marker & Family

Joe Snapp & Family

Woodbine Farms

Harman Brumback & Family

 

6:00 pm Marker-Miller Orchards, Farm Market & Bakery (catered supper)

MaluSim models for 11 May 2015

For both Winchester and Central Virginia, the Malusim model is predicting a mild to no carbohydrate stress over the next week. Although temperatures at the time of application, are less important then the carbohydrate running average (2+4 Running Average), expect chemical thinners applied Sunday (10 May) or Monday (11 May) to cause more thinning than applications made late last week or for the rest of this week. Expect a “typical” response from chemical thinners applied Tuesday (12 May) through the rest of this coming week.

Peck Winchester MaluSim 5_11_15Peck Central VA MaluSim 5_11_15

The National Weather Service is predicting sunny weather later this week, as well as daytime temperatures in the 70s. This should result in ideal conditions for plant growth, and thus less carbohydrate stress in the apple trees.

One of the weaknesses of weather-based models, is the need to use forecast data to make decisions about future events. When I ran the MaluSim models for both Winchester and Central Virginia last Thursday, the forecast was for hot, cloudy weather. Although it was in the mid-80s in most of Virginia over the weekend, there was also a lot more sunlight than predicted. Temperatures are generally a lot more reliable than cloud cover predictions, but both seemed to be less severe than originally forecasted.

Cloudy weather predicted for later in the week is causing wild swings in the MaluSim model output. My expectation is that actual carbohydrate levels will be more moderate and that running average values will remain in the 20 to -20 g CHO/day range.

Full model output:

Peck Winchester MaluSim 5_11_15.pptx

Peck Central VA MaluSim 5_11_15.pptx

MaluSim Model Data for 7 May 2015

Due to warm days (>80F) and intermittent cloud cover, the MaluSim carbohydrate model is showing a strong carbohydrate deficit for both Winchester and Central Virginia over the next four to five days. Expect an aggressive to very aggressive response to chemical thinners applied today through early next week. Reduce rates, and/or do not include oil or other surfactants if overthinning is a concern.Peck Winchester MaluSim 5_7_15

Peck Central VA MaluSim 5_7_15

Pay close attention to the weather forecasts. If actual temperatures are closer to 90F and/or there are prolonged periods of cloud cover, then overthinning will likely occur.

The greatest amount of thinning occurs when fruitlets are on average between 8-12 mm in diameter. Thinning when fruitlets are slightly smaller or larger will result in less thinning, which may be desirable if there is a severe carbohydrate deficit.

Cooler temperatures forecasted for the middle to end of next week should result in less carbohydrate stress and reduced chances of overthinning. However, fruitlets that are greater than 15 mm in diameter are more difficult to thin with NAA or 6-BA.

During these warm days, expect the average fruitlet size to increase by at least 0.5 mm per day.

Full MaluSim model output:

Peck Winchester MaluSim 5_7_15.pptx

Peck Central VA MaluSim 5_7_15.pptx

Central Virginia MaluSim for 4 May 2015

Warmer temperatures and cloud cover from some rainstorms later in the week will cause a moderately stronger carbohydrate deficit for Central Virginia.

Peck Central VA MaluSim 5_4_15

Thinning applications made Tuesday through Thursday will result in the strongest response this week. Long term weather forecasts predict days in the 80’s and nights in the 60’s for the next 10 days. Carbohydrate levels will likely remain in the 0 to -40 range during that period.  To get the strongest response possible, make your applications when average fruit size is 8-12 mm in diameter.

Due to a technical glitch, I was unable to run the MaluSim model for Winchester. I hope to have the problem resolved Tuesday morning. I will post an update for Winchester as soon as possible.

Full MaluSim report:

Peck Central VA MaluSim 5_4_15.pptx

Central Virginia MaluSim for May 1

Moderate temperatures and adequate sunlight are resulting in slight carbohydrate deficits according to the MaluSim model.

Peck Central VA MaluSim 5_1_15

 

This means that chemical thinners applied today through the first part of next week should cause an “average” response. Warmer temperatures are forecast for the middle of next week, which should result in greater carbohydrate deficits. I will run another simulation for Central Virginia, as well as the first Winchester run on Monday.

Central Virginia MaluSim for 1 May 2015:

Peck Central VA MaluSim 5_1_15.pptx

MaluSim Model for Central Virginia, 27 April 2015

Today, I ran the first Central Virginia MaluSim model for 2015. I will start the Winchester models later this week.

For Central Virginia, I use data from a weather station set up at Silver Creek Orchards and managed by my colleague, Dr. Mizuho Nita. A big thank you to Dr. Nita for allowing me to install the necessary instrumentation and for maintaining the station and associated software.

This year, I will be using forecast data from the National Weather Service. In past years, I used Intellicast.com data because they provided 10-day forecasts with cloud cover predictions. Intellicast no longer provides the cloud cover data in an easy to use format, so I am switching to the National Weather Service’s forecasts. Note that these forecasts only project five days into the future.

We will discuss the details of the model at Tuesday’s meeting at Saunders Brother. Peck Central VA MaluSim 4_27_15

However, this first model run suggests that the relatively cool weather, and mostly sunny weather that has occurred since bud break has resulted in a moderate carbohydrate deficit in apple trees. Growers can expect average results from chemical thinners applied the last couple-few days through to the weekend. In blocks where significant thinning is needed, growers should apply carbaryl at petal fall and then look to the warmer weather that is predicted for the weekend and early next week for their 10 mm application.

Central Virginia weather data, MaluSim data, and an interpretation chart are in the pdf linked to below:

Peck Central VA MaluSim 4_27_15

Possible Tax Credits Available for Purchases of Precision Spray Equipment

By Mark Sutphin, Associate Extension Agent

I received a recent inquiry that I thought I would share so that all may know of the possible tax credit opportunity. Through Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost Share and Tax Credit Programs, tree fruit and grape growers who purchase precision spray equipment might be eligible for a tax credit. The specific question I received was regarding a Durand Wayland Smart Spray system, but other equipment manufacturers have systems that may be eligible for tax credits as well. Please reach out to Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) or your local Soil and Water Conservation office for specifics on the tax credit program and to file for approval of a tax credit claim.

The exact wording regarding precision agricultural equipment from the Program Year 2015 Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share (VACS) BMP Manual can be found below as well as the link to the entire document. Tax Credit for Purchase of Precision Agricultural Equipment (page IV – 13) § 58.1-337.

Tax credit for purchase of advanced technology pesticide and fertilizer application equipment.

A. Any individual engaged in agricultural production for market who has in place a nutrient management plan approved by the local Soil and Water Conservation District by the required tax return filing date of the individual shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed by § 58.1-320 of an amount equaling twenty-five percent of all expenditures made by such individual for the purchase of equipment certified by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board as providing more precise pesticide and fertilizer application. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia State University shall provide at the request of the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board technical assistance in determining appropriate specifications for certified equipment, which would provide for more precise pesticide and fertilizer application to reduce the potential for adverse environmental impacts. The equipment shall be divided into the following categories:

  1. Sprayers for pesticides and liquid fertilizers;
  2. Pneumatic fertilizer applicators;
  3. Monitors, computer regulators, and height adjustable booms for sprayers and liquid fertilizer applicators;
  4. Manure applicators;
  5. Tramline adapters; and
  6. Starter fertilizer banding attachments for planters.

B. The amount of such credit shall not exceed $3,750 or the total amount of the tax imposed by this chapter, whichever is less, in the year of purchase. If the amount of such credit exceeds the taxpayer’s tax liability for such taxable year, the amount which exceeds the tax liability may be carried over for credit against the income taxes of such individual in the next five taxable years until the total amount of the tax credit has been taken.

C. For purposes of this section, the amount of any credit attributable to the purchase of equipment certified by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board as providing more precise pesticide and fertilizer application by a partnership or electing small business corporation (S corporation) shall be allocated to the individual partners or shareholders in proportion to their ownership or interest in the partnership or S corporation.

http://dswcapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/csmanual.pdf

Additional information regarding the Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost Share and Tax Credit Programs can be found at the following link:

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil_and_water/costshar.shtml

Mark Sutphin Associate Extension Agent | Agriculture and Natural Resources, Horticulture | Unit Coordinator (Frederick) Virginia Cooperative Extension – Frederick County Office | 107 North Kent Street | Winchester, VA 22601 Phone – 540.665.5699 | Fax – 540.722.8380 | Cell – 540.398.8148 | Email – mark.sutphin@vt.edu | http://offices.ext.vt.edu/frederick/ | http://vacoopext.blogspot.com/

Serving the counties of Frederick, Clarke, Page, Shenandoah, & Warren VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments.

Impromptu Pruning Discussion, Monday February 23

I will be meeting with Bennett Saunders and a few other growers at Saunders Brothers’ Cub Creek Orchard this coming Monday to discuss pruning strategies for tall spindle and other high density orchards.

This will be a fairly informal meeting oriented towards group discussion and demonstrations.

For those who can make it, we will meet at 10AM just inside the gate near the entrance of Cub Creek Orchard located off of Carter Hill Lane, Roseland, VA.

Click here for Google Map directions.

It looks like it’ll be decent weather, but the ground might be a bit wet. Bring your own lunch, loopers, boots, etc.

UPDATE (Sunday Feb. 22): This meeting is still scheduled to proceed as planned. However, only four wheel-drive vehicles will be able to drive further than the orchard entrance. We will coordinate carpools at 10AM.

________________________
Gregory Michael Peck, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Horticulture • Virginia Tech
Alson H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center
595 Laurel Grove Road • Winchester, VA 22602 • USA
540.869.2560 X19 greg.peck@vt.edu
Tree Fruit Homepage: www.anr.ext.vt.edu/tree-fruit/
Research Homepage: www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/alson-h-smith/treefruit/horticulture/

2015 Winter Fruit School Hard Cider and Tall Spindle Presentations

In response to requests for more information about my talks at the 2015 Winter Fruit Schools, I have linked condensed versions of my presentations to this blog post.

In addition, more information about hard cider can be found at:

More information about tall spindle orchards can be found at:

Gregory Michael Peck, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Horticulture • Virginia Tech
Alson H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center
595 Laurel Grove Road • Winchester, VA 22602 • USA
540.869.2560 X19       greg.peck@vt.edu
Tree Fruit Homepage: www.anr.ext.vt.edu/tree-fruit/

2015 Winter Fruit Schools

The 2015 Winter Fruit School dates, times, and locations have been set. These in-depth meetings focus on commercial tree-fruit production. The schedule will be similar to the 2014 schedule, with the Carroll-Patrick meeting occurring on Tuesday morning and the Central Virginia meeting occurring on Wednesday evening. The full list of locations is below, as well as the local contact for each meeting. NOTE: There is a new location for the Carroll-Patrick Fruit School meeting this year.

Presentations by will include the following topics: brown marmorated stink bug update, tall spindle systems, hard cider resources, neonicotinoid impacts on pollinators, spotted winged drosophila and spotted lanternfly updates, and summer disease management updates with a focus on Glomerella leaf spot. Additional programing is still being developed at each location and more details are forthcoming. Pesticide recertification credits are usually available, check with the local contact for more information.

Date Location Registration opens Local Contact Contact’s phone
number
Tuesday
February 10
<Program>
Hungry Farmer Cafe
15297 Fancy Gap Highway (US 52)
Cana, VA 24317
9:00AM Steve Pottorff 276-730-3113
Wednesday
February 11
<Program>
Brambleton Center
3738 Brambleton Avenue SW 
Roanoke, VA 24018
8:15AM Kate Lawrence 540-473-8260
Wednesday
February 11
<Program TBD>
The Nelson Center
8445 Thomas Nelson Highway
Lovingston, VA 22949
4:30PM Michael Lachance 434-263-4035
Thursday
February 12
<Program>
Grave’s Mountain Lodge
Rte. 670
Syria, VA 22743
8:15AM Kenner Love 540-675-3619
Friday
February 13
<Program &
Registration Form
>
Best Western-
Lee Jackson Banquet Hall

711 Millwood Ave.
 
Winchester, VA 22601
8:00AM Mark Sutphin
&
Marsha Wright
540-665-5699