Special Notes:
• Grower co-operators in various areas of the province monitor flower bud development, apothecial cup development, as well as keep track of temperature and flower bud wetness.
• The decision to control Monilinia Blight is dependent on past history of the disease in a particular field.
• Flower buds become susceptible to Monilinia Blight at the F2 stage (bud scales separating).
• Once fields reach 40-50% F2 and beyond, a fungicide is required within 72 hours of the start of an infection period.
• This application will provide 7-10 days protection.
• Refer to Monilinia factsheets for pictures of the F2 stage and temperature and wetness requirements for an infection period.
Growers in late areas of the province should be checking their fields for flower bud development.
Most fields in mainland Nova Scotia are now over the 40-50% F2 threshold and are therefore susceptible to monilinia infection, if an infection period occurs. Late areas like Parrsboro, Diligent River and Glasgow Mountain have not reached the 40-50% F2 threshold.
Counts taken on May 4th were as follows:
Parrsboro Town - 27% F2
Diligent River - 29% F2
Glasgow Mountain - 36% F2
Counts in Cape Breton were as follows:
Keppoch - 51%
Skye Mt. - 41%
I believe there are still apothecial cups present in NS, except for the western part of the province where cup numbers should be greatly diminished. These areas would includse Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens, Digby, and Annapolis counties.
Environment Canada's long range forecast, from May 4th to May 10th, is for sun and cloud plus showers on various days, depending on the location. Day time highs range from 11-16 degrees Celcius. Growers should be monitoring weather forecasts daily to determine potential infection periods.
Take Note:
Next forecast will be on the afternoon of Tuesday, May the 8th.
Any questions, please contact Rick Delbridge at 902-678-5329.
