Crop Management

Hard cider: Big block could place orchard ahead of the curve

Ridgeview Orchards decided to take the plunge and plant 20 acres of hard cider apples. Dan Dietrich, who runs the Conklin, Michigan, orchard with his father, uncle and cousin, planted the block this spring. Despite... more »

Handheld meters, testers introduced by Dosatron

Dosatron International has introduced HM Digital handheld meters and testers to the Dilution Solutions product line. These handheld meters and testers, in both professional and economy lines, will increase the efficiency of mineral nutrient water... more »

Timing of mechanical pruning impacts labor, fruit quality

When it comes to mechanical pruning, or hedging, Stefano Musacchi puts an emphasis on improving the size of the fruit, as well as its flavor. Musacchi, associate professor of horticulture at Washington State University, is... more »

The orchard of the future: Higher tree densities, more automation

If asked what commercial fruit orchards might look like in the future – even up to a century from now – those who’ve studied orchards closely will give you a wide range of answers. The... more »

Ag Connections to be wholly-owned subsidiary of Syngenta

After a 14-year relationship, Syngenta is making Ag Connections a wholly-owned subsidiary to accelerate growth of digital solutions and enhance whole-farm management. Ag Connections provides farm management software solutions and works extensively with Syngenta on... more »

Why are my apples blooming in fall?

Some homeowners and commercial growers have reported apple trees blooming this fall instead of the normal time in spring. Michigan State University Extension educators hypothesize a transient drought stress occurred this summer, causing some tree growth... more »

Tests in California show low pesticide levels on produce

Tests on produce collected by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation indicate the vast majority of fruits and vegetables available for sale in California meet stringent federal pesticide safety standards. During its 2014 survey, DPR... more »

Few spots remain for UC Davis produce safety workshop

The UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center announced their popular Produce Safety: A Science-based Framework Workshop has a few spots left. The workshop, organized by Trevor Suslow, will be held November 3-5 on the UC Davis... more »