2021 Preliminary Keeping Quality Forecast

The forecast is for FAIR preliminary keeping quality. As of April 1, there are 3 points out of a possible 10 that favor keeping quality for the 2021 Massachusetts cranberry crop. The 3 points were awarded for sunshine hours in February which was less than 143 hours (1 point) and favorable sunshine hours in March which were greater than 179 hours (2 points). The final keeping quality forecast (issued after June 1) could be upgraded if we have a cool and dry April and May. Based on the preliminary forecast, fruit rot fungicide applications and the rate of fungicides applied should not be reduced. As for the holding of late water, there are no definitive indicators pro or con. Some growers have indicated that vines are showing stress, this could be partly due to the prolonged drought of 2020 or winter injury among other possibilities. Growers should determine whether to hold late water based on specific bed conditions. Please check the table below and the section on late water in the Chart Book for advice regarding the implementation of this cultural practice. If you have any questions, please contact Leela Uppala at suppala@umass.edu or 508-295-2212 x18. 

Late Water is Advised:

  • Once in three years for 4 weeks from Mid-April to Mid-May.
  • If the scale and/or fruit rot incidences were high in 2020.
  • If your bog looks healthy and not showing any signs of stress.
  • If your bed was properly flooded at the periods of coldest temperatures.
  • If you have access to good quality water supplies.

Late Water is Not Advised:

  • If you held late water in the past two years.
  • If your bog produced a heavy crop in 2020.
  • If the bed was sanded the previous year.
  • If the bog is stressed and shows signs of winter injury.
  • If your bog is severely out of grade.

 

Peter Jeranyama and Leela Uppala