Northeast
Northeast orchards launch 2019 season with Eco certification
A network of farmers dedicated to finding the most ecological way to grow top quality fruit in the Northeast have certified over 1,400 acres of apples and stone fruit for the 2019 season. The partnership,... more »
USDA-ARS offers public tour of its grape, apple and cherry collection
The public is invited to get an insider’s view of the USDA-ARS germplasm repository at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, New York, on Sept. 21 from 9-11 a.m. Attendees will be guided by experts from the... more »
New England apple crop expected to be at least average
New England expects an average to above-average 2019 apple crop in most locations. The season has been running a little behind schedule at many orchards due to the long, hot summer, but the recent arrival... more »
Bacteria within grapevine-killing crown gall tumors eyed
Scientists have mapped the DNA of bacteria found within a chronic disease affecting grapevines, a feat they hope will ultimately help protect the multibillion-dollar grape industry that produces juice, jelly, wine and other important products.... more »
Rotating cross-arm trellis lowers blackberry costs
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) horticulturist Fumiomi Takeda of the Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, West Virginia, developed arotating cross-arm (RCA) trellis and cane-training system for floricane-fruiting blackberry—blackberry plants that produce harvestable fruit after the... more »
Be sure to properly manage tree fruit rots in the 2019 season
Depending on your location, significant rainfall has occurred recently in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, these rainy, humid conditions are quite favorable for rot, both in establishment and spread. Vigilance is needed in the orchard, especially if brown... more »
New Jersey blueberry industry responds to food safety claims
On Aug. 8, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher issued the following statement in response to an article published Aug. 8 on www.Inquirer.com, out of Philadelphia, about labor housing conditions at some New... more »
APHIS provides an update on spotted lanternfly activities
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provides this update of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) locations in Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. This invasive pest feeds on more than 70 types... more »