Apples
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 »
Minnesota company recalls Granny Smith apples
Northstar Produce of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, is recalling 33 cases of Granny Smith Size 175 ct. apples, because a test performed on a sample of the apples indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, salmonella, and/or Enterohemorrhagic... more »
Penn State Extension has videos for apple growers
The Penn State Extension Horticulture, Start Farming, and Pesticide Education Teams have produced three new videos on integrated pest management practices for sustainable establishment and management of apple orchards. If you are making plans to... more »
Get a jump on disease management this fall
While the fruit harvest may be winding down, vigilance is still needed for managing tree fruit diseases, especially in preparation for 2016. Below is a review of what to have on your radar as you’re... more »
Penn State: New weapon in weed control arsenal
Zeus Prime XC is a new product from FMC Corp. with a new active ingredient that has not been used in tree fruit before. Currently it has a supplemental label for use in apples that... more »
Environmental group: Wendy’s has no plans to buy Arctic apples
Wendy's, one of the nation’s top restaurant chains, has confirmed the company does not plan to sell or use the genetically modified Arctic apple, according to an environmental group called Friends of the Earth (FOE). Earlier this... 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 »
Picking your own apples can be expensive – for orchards
At first glance, u-pick seems like a great deal for growers. Instead of paying people to pick your apples, they pay you? That's a no-brainer, right? Well, according to the Wall Street Journal, the deal... more »