Bud Phenology Predictions 

Mike Basedow and Jenn Stanton, CCE ENYCHP, Eastern NY 

Some silver tip is showing in portions of Saratoga county, along with the occasional silver bud on early varieties within the Champlain Valley. Cooler temperatures should allow for a slower progression of degree days this week, which should also slow down bud development. We are still anticipating a roughly “average” green tip date for the Saratoga area and Champlain Valley. Please keep in mind this is all some rough modelling, and long-term forecasts aren’t very reliable, so take it all with a grain of salt. The best thing to do is to have a close look at your buds.  

Early Season Tasks for Northern NY Orchards

Mike Basedow, CCE-ENYCHP, Northern NY

Silver tip can now be seen in portions of the Saratoga Region, and on just a few buds on early season varieties in southern portions of the Champlain Valley. With the cool down this week, things shouldn’t be pushing very much, and there is still some time to focus on final orchard sanitation tasks when the weather allows for it.   

Spray grade urea can be applied at 40lbs per 100 gallons of water per acre. This should be directed to the orchard floor to aid in the decay of last year’s leaf litter. Alternatively, or in addition, leaf litter can be finely chopped with a flail mower. This will help reduce the scab inoculum load heading into this growing season.

Copper applications generally commence around silver tip, but can be applied until about ¼ inch green. Copper applications will help to suppress fire blight inoculum, along with early scab infections if applied closer to green tip. Do not make these applications when temps will be below 32°F within 2 days on either side of the application once green tissues are showing, as damage is likely to result, so keep an eye on your weather and your buds before making this application. Copper fungicides are also a good option for peach leaf curl. These applications can be made up to bud swell on peach. 

Silver tip is also when oil applications generally commence, usually at about 2 gallons per 100 gallons of water, but oil should also not be applied under cold temperatures, and the window for oil applications is much longer. Reduced rates of oil can be applied up to pink in apple to control scales, mites, and aphids.  

Food Safety Updates: Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water (Subpart E) Update Webinar with Q&AMarch 21, 2025 12:00 - 1:30 PM

Webinar via Zoom 

Join CCE Cornell Vegetable Program's Robert Hadad and CCE Lake Ontario Fruit Program's Craig Kahlke as they give you the critical updates on The FSMA Produce Safety Rule's (PSR) new Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water (subpart E) requirements. This section of the PSR was updated in July 2024 and there are new requirements for growers to be in compliance when they receive a FSMA inspection during this season's harvest. In this free Zoom webinar, Craig and Robert will cover the requirements and pertinent background to make sure you understand and are able to implement the new section of the rule. A summary "cheat sheet" and template will be provided. In addition, there will be ample time for Q&A both pertaining to the new rule and for any other food safety questions you may have. 

Cost: FREE!

Register: https://cvp.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=2051

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety should consider attending this course. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’ After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. To receive an AFDO certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course. Learn more about Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Courses here.

PSA Grower Training Course

March 25, 2025 | 8 am – 5 pm

2319 North Road, Oriskany Falls, NY 13425

Cost: $20 in-state, $145 out-of-state

For more information:

Contact Laurie George at ljg233@cornell.edu or 607-882-1500

PSA Grower Training Course with Farm Food Safety Plan Workshop

April 1-2, 2025 | 8 am – 5 pm

75 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie, NY 13317

Cost: $20 in-state, $145 out-of-state

For more information:

Contact Laurie George at ljg233@cornell.edu or 607-882-1500