Northeast
Pest update: Efforts continue to control SWD, SLF
In 2022, Fruit Growers News highlighted research in California and other states related to imported wasps to control the spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) fruit fly. Kent Daane, Extension specialist with UC-Berkeley and stationed at the Kearney... more »
Powerful grapevine gene fights downy mildew
Downy mildew has been a concern for grape growers for generations, particularly in the Eastern U.S., where moisture allows the fungal disease to defoliate vineyards if untreated. “It can cause nearly 100% yield loss if... more »
Vive Crop Protection makes appointments
Vive Crop Protection has named a new Eastern U.S. sales manager, director of sustainability and stakeholder relations, and vice president of finance. With more than 25 years of experience in agriculture, Greg Esco brings a... more »
USHBC seeks nominations for members
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is seeking nominations to fill member and alternate positions for the USHBC Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information Order. These positions, along with alternates for each, are being filled for... more »
Harvest stars: Berries set the pace in New Jersey
Production trends for blueberries and cranberries were highlighted during the North American Strawberry Growers Association’s 2023 Summer Tour in New Jersey. Peter Oudemans, director of Rutgers University’s Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry... more »
Frecon Farms: 8 decades of Pennsylvania apples
Sustaining soil health is a key ingredient in Frecon Farms’ success. The third-generation farming operation, which grows apples and peaches, began in 1944 in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, 37 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Frecon Farms, which celebrates... more »
Rice Fruit’s Lemonade apples offer splash of yellow
Rice Fruit Co., Gardeners, Pennsylvania, is kicking off Lemonade apple packing this season with increased volume due to recent plantings coming into production. “We’re super excited to offer an apple that’s fresh and bright, but... more »
UGA leads effort to tackle emerging threat to watermelons
Growers of cucurbits — which include melons, pumpkin, squash and cucumbers — face numerous challenges in production, leading to decreased profitability and less produce on grocery shelves. Weeds, insect pests and plant diseases are prominent... more »