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. 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 include Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens, Digby and Annapolis counties.
Bud counts from the Parrsboro area on May 7th were as follows:
Parrsboro Town - 31% F2
Glasgow Mountain - 56% F2
Diligent River - 46% F2
Environment Canada's long range forecast, from May 8th to May 12th, is not good with showers and periods of rain. Day time highs range from 9-18 degrees Celcius. Growers should be monitoring weather forecasts daily to determine potential infection periods.
Take Note:
Next forecast will be on the afternoon of Friday, May the 11th.
Any questions, please contact Rick Delbridge at 902-678-5329.
