Keeping Quality Forecast

For more information on the Keeping Quality Forecast, please contact the Plant Physiologist, Dr. Peter Jeranyama at (508) 295-2212, extension 29.

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2018 Final Keeping Quality Forecast

The final forecast is POOR keeping quality.

We calculated 3 points out of a possible 16 to arrive at this keeping quality forecast for the 2018 Massachusetts cranberry crop. This score makes the final keeping quality poor.

The final keeping quality score of 3 was based on (i) the favorable sunshine hours for February (124 hr.) which were less than the 50-year average for that month (143 hr.), (ii) the total precipitation for April 2018 which was less than the average of East Wareham and Middleboro precipitation of 6.70 inches and (iii) the total precipitation for May 2018 which was less than the average of East Wareham and Middleboro precipitation of 3.20 inches. However, the average temperature for April and May for Middleboro were both above the required values to gain additional points.  

Based on previous recommendations by Frank Caruso, this is a year that you probably should not reduce your fungicide rates and/or the number of fungicide applications. However, if you have a bed that had late water held this spring, you can reduce your fungicide inputs in that situation.

Peter Jeranyama, Plant Physiology

2018 Preliminary Keeping Quality Forecast

The preliminary keeping quality forecast is POOR.

As of April 1, there is only 1 point out of a possible 10 that favor keeping quality for the 2018 Massachusetts cranberry crop. The sole point was awarded for favorable sunshine hours for February (124 hr) which were less than the 50-year average for that month (143 hr). Consequently, the forecast is for poor keeping quality.

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 present forecast, fungicide applications and the rate of fungicides applied should NOT be reduced, and close attention should be paid where fruit rot has been a major or regular concern.

According to Carolyn DeMoranville, former Station Director, a poor keeping quality forecast would be reason to hold late water this year.  However, if you see winter damage from not being under water in December and January, you should not use later water and now is the time to inspect for possible damage.  Based on the current weather, you should not have to start late water particularly early. Late water floods should be applied prior to the breaking of bud dormancy. Generally, the 30-day LW flood will be applied between April 15th and 20th. Do not apply the flood if the buds have broken dormancy.  See Chart Book for more information on late water floods.

Peter Jeranyama, Plant Physiology

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