UMass Extension Fruit Program
The UMass Extension Fruit Program's mission is to assist fruit growers with all aspects of horticultural and pest management. It is part of the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment within the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Massachusetts.
Current bud stages - April 11, 2021. At the UMass Orchard, Belchertown, MA. Apples are generally in early tight cluste. Peache are very bud swell with some pink starting to show. Apricots are in bloom. This is 7-10 days ahead of "average." All current bud stages for April 11, 2021: https://ag.umass.edu/fruit/bud-stages/current-bud-stages-april-11-2021
Current bud stages, 5-April, 2021. At the UMass Orchard in Belchertown, MA. Apples are generally at green tip plus.
Apples are at green tip. Time for copper and oil sprays, continue chopping leaves, and fertilizer and herbicide applications can begin anytime...and set your green tip biofix if using NEWA or RIMpro.
Connecticut has established Spotted Lanternfly populations in both West Haven and Greenwich. Both locations are close to Long Island NY, which announced its own established SLF population on August 14, 2020.
Good news: MA does not, as of September 23, 2020, have a known established population of SLF.
Bad news: both CT populations are located at or near main highway routes that lead directly to MA.
What you can do: Remain vigilant! If you spot SLF please report it with as clear a picture(s) as you can manage. Report findings using the fact sheet found at this link: Spotted Lanternfly Fact Sheet and Reporting
There are currently no upcoming events.
