What's HOT in Pear Production and Research

(Updated 6 February 2024)


2024 Revisions to Fruit Pest Management recommendations:

The guides are available free online in PDF, and will also be available for purchase.

2024 Tree Fruit Schools
This year's orchard fruit schools will be held the week of Feb 12-15 Note different arrangement of dates from the past. Details are provided below: Mon, Feb 12, 8:30 AM - The Winchester School, Alson H. Smith AREC, Winchester (contact Mark Sutphin, mark.sutphin@vt.edu). Tues, Feb 13, 8:30 AM - The Rappahannock-Madison school, Graves Mt Lodge, Syria (contact Kenner Love, klove@vt.edu). Wed, Feb 14, 8:30 AM - The Nelson-Albemarle (Central Virginia) school, Lovingston Fire Hall, Lovingston (contact Grace Monger, gimonger@vt.edu). Thur, Feb 15, 8:15 AM - Carroll-Patrick school, Lambsburg Community Center, Lambsburg (contact Ashley Edwards, aledwards@vt.edu).

2023 In-Orchard Meetings
This year's orchard meetings are posted here. Meetings start at 11:00AM, unless noted. March 28: Crown Orchard, 837 Red House Rd, Rustburg. April 4: Woodbine Farms, 452 Barley Lane, Winchester. April 11: F.T. Valley Farm, 513 F.T. Valley Rd, Sperryille. April 25: Silver Creek Orchard, 5529 Crabtree Falls Highway, Tyro. May 2: Alson H Smith Jr AREC, 595 Laural Grove Rd, Winchester. May 9: Jenkins Orchard, 355 Yancey Rd., Woodville. May 23 Dickie Brothers Orchard, 2685 Dickie Rd, Roseland. June 6: Carroll County Orchard Meeting, 9AM. TBA. June 20: Spring Valley Orchard, Hampshire Co WV. 5PM. TBA: USDA ARS 2217 Wilshire Rd, Kearneysville WV. August 15: Cider Production Meeting. 5PM TBA.

Spotted lanternfly a new invasive concern: Update on range expansion

Spotted lanternfly egg first hatch for 2022 was reported on 21 April. First adult emergence for 2022 was noted on 11 July. This new invasive pest of vineyards and other small fruit crops moved into eastern Pennsylvania in 2014, and has been spreading.  During the 2018 season, the infestation zone in Virginia expanded from approximately 1 square mile block in Winchester, Frederick County, to about 18 square miles, and 40 square miles in fall of 2019. By the end of the 2020 season, the zone encompassed 140 square miles. On May 28, 2019, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced the establishment of a quarantine to limit the spread of SLF; this zone was significantly expanded in July 2022. As of 2022, in addition to the original counties of Frederick, Clarke and Warren, SLF is established in Albemarle, Augusta, Carroll, Page, Prince William, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Shenandoah and Wythe Counties, plus the cities of Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Staunton and Waynesboroor a map of the current Virginia distribution. This includes the entire Shenandoah Valley, with spread further into the Virginia Piedmont.

Links to the quarantine map and quarantine protocol may be found here. One of the requirements of the protocol is one person at each operation becoming certified to insect produces and conveyances leaving the quaranine zone. The certification program may be found here. This pest poses an important risk for grape, orchard and tree crops.  Click here for a recorded talk on this species.  A fact sheet is available from Virginia Tech (a USDA fact sheet is available in Spanish).  In addition, there is a Virginia Tech Pest Alert, with additional information on recognition and reporting (this is also available in Spanish).  Specific fact sheets for vineyards and residential areas have been posted.  Now that spotted lanternfly has been found in Virginia, it will be important to follow its spread through the state.   For a current Virginia map, click here.    To report a suspected find, please follow this link:  https://ask2.extension.org/widget.html?team_id=1981?default_location=VA?default_county=All.

 

2021 Orchard Meetings

April 7, 2021 In-Orchard Meeting - Silver Creek Orchard – 160 Massie Lane, Tyro, VA 22976. From Rt 29 south of Lovingston, turn right on Rt 56/ Tye Brook Hwy, go 1.1 miles turn right onto Roseland Rd, 3.9 miles turn left onto Rt 151/Patrick Henry Hwy, take an immediate right onto Rt 56West/Crabtree Falls Hwy, 4.2 miles turn left onto Pharsalia Rd, 1.3 miles turn right onto Massie Lane-Orchard will be located on the right.

April 14 - Zoom Meeting 11:30am - Seasonal Updates with extension specialist. Dr. Bergh, Dr. Sherif and Dr. Acimovic https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/83225190429

Week of April 19, 2021 Frederick County- TBD

April 21 - In-Orchard Meeting - Saunders Brothers Orchard- Harewood Stop- 199 Harewood Lane – Roseland, VA 22967

April 28 - Zoom Meeting 11:30am - Seasonal Updates with extension specialist. Dr. Bergh, Dr. Acimovic and Horticulture in-depth lecture by Dr. Sherif https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/83225190429

May 5 - In-Orchard Meeting - Jenkins Orchard, James Jenkins - from Woodville VA, turn left on to Rt. 621, go about 2 miles. The orchard is on the left by the packing shed. (355 Yancey Rd, Woodville, VA 22749

May 12 - Zoom Meeting 11:30am - Seasonal Updates with extension specialist. Dr. Bergh, Dr. Sherif and Dr. Acimovic https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/83225190429

May 26 - Zoom Meeting 11:30am - Seasonal Updates with extension specialist. Dr. Sherif, Dr. Acimovic and Entomology in-depth lecture by Dr. Bergh
https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/83225190429

June 2 - In-Orchard Meeting - Williams Orchard, Tommy and Eddie Williams, Flint Hill Rt. 211 east to Ben Venue. At the crossroads, turn north on to Rt. 729 and go approximately 2½ miles. Orchard is on the left. (3 Williams Farm Lane, Flint Hill, VA
22627)

June 9 - In-Orchard Meeting- Carroll County- CANCELLED = Contact Ashley Edwards
aledwards@vt.edu


Checking for public comment periods of proposed pesticide rule changes:

EPA has a challenging task in modifying pesticide regulations to meet the needs of all stakeholders. When a change in rules is proposed, there is a public comment period. This is chance to let regulators know how the proposed changes will affect you. Here is a link of notices of open public commment dockets. It will be helpful to check this regularly to make sure you don't miss an opportunity to provide input to decision-making.

Spotted lanternfly a new invasive concern: Update on range expansion

Spotted lanternfly egg first hatch for 2021 was reported on 28 April.  First adult emergence for 2021 was noted on 9 July.  This new invasive pest of small fruit crops and vineyards moved into eastern Pennsylvania in 2014, and has been spreading.  The Pennsylvania quarantine zone for 2020 added 12 new counties, bringing the total to 24 counties in that state.  This infestation now reaches the Ohio border.  In 2017, the range increased from 6 to 13 Pennsylvania counties, and also into Delaware, New York and northern Virginia.  Specimens of dead adults and egg masses were found in Winchester in January 2018 (actually 2017 individuals).  In 2020, the Winchester infestation became more intense, and spread to Gore in the western part of Frederick County, and into central Clarke County in November.   This included the first collection at a commercial vineyard.  There is a reproducing population in Augusta County, with individual insects found in Warren and Page counties.  The quarantine has been expanded to include Frederick, Clarke and Warren counties. Spotted lanternfly is now found in Albemarle, Augusta, Fauquier, Madison, Page, Prince William, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren counties, plus the City of Lynchurg. Spotted lantern fly is now established in New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware and Maryland, and has been reported from two counties in West Virginia.  This pest poses an important risk for grape, orchard and tree crops.  Click here for a recorded talk on this species.  A fact sheet is available from Virginia Tech (a USDA fact sheet is available in Spanish).  In addition, there is a Virginia Tech Pest Alert, with additional information on recognition and reporting (this is also available in Spanish).  Specific fact sheets for vineyards and residential areas have been posted.  Now that spotted lanternfly has been found in Virginia, it will be important to follow its spread through the state.   For a current Virginia map, click here.    To report a suspected find, please follow this link:  https://ask2.extension.org/widget.html?team_id=1981?default_location=VA?default_county=All.

 Periodical cicada broods active in 2020 and 2021

There are 15 broods of periodical cicada.  Two of these will be affecting Virginia fruit growers this year (Brood 9) and next Brood 10).  Emergence of adults is expected in early-mid May.  Adults first started appearing in Patrick County apple orchards on 17 May.  The egg-laying behavior of females will lead to death of pencil-diameter branches, and can be devastating to young orchard and vineyard blocks.  In addition to the web page linked in the title, check out this recorded 20-minute presentation.

Corteva to cease production and sale of chlorypyrifos:
On Feb 6, Coreteva announced it will cease production and sale of chlorpyrifos, the active ingredient in Lorsban.  The statement cited economic factors.  This material has been in the news lately, for human health and regulatory concerns.  In November 2015, EPA announced its plan to revoke all tolerances because of neurodevelopmental problems resulting from neonatal exposure.  However, the plan was subsequently reversed following a call for more comments in November 2016, finalized in July 2019.


 VDACS establishes quarantine for spotted lanternfly

Late Tuesday afternoon (5/28), Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced the establishment of a quarantine for spotted lanternfly (SLF), an invasive pest insect that was found in Winchester in January 2018 (ext.vt.edu/spotted-lanternfly).  This insect threatens to be a major pest of fruit crops, forest trees, and other plants in Virginia.  Despite an eradication effort in 2018, SLF increased its distribution from about 1 square mile to 16 square miles.  This year, the overwintering eggs began their hatch on April 27, earlier than last spring.  They are now in the second instar, or second nymphal stage.

The press release on the SLF quarantine linked here.  A direct link to the quarantine document is linked here as well.  The regulated area includes the City of Winchester and Frederick County.  Some of the key provisions of the quarantine are:

1) Regulated articles (plants, outdoor industrial materials, shipping containers, outdoor household articles, and others) may be moved from the quarantine area if they have been inspected, and are accompanied by a permit;

2) Regulated articles may be moved within the quarantine area following an inspection; a certificate is not required.

3) From April 1-Dec 31, regulated articles may be moved through the regulated are without stopping, or stopping only for fuel or traffic conditions.

4) To obtain a permit to move regulated articles, a person doing business must complete a VDACS-approved training (see below) and agree to train employees on identification of SLF.

The training needed to obtain a SLF permit is available online.  There is a $6.00 fee.
For questions on the quarantine and related issues:
For questions about the quarantine or movement of material or trucks, or the compliance agreement, call VDACS.  Call the Richmond number (804-786-5525) even if its a question about the Winchester area.
For questions about the training for the SLF Detection Credentials, go to:  ext.vt.edu/spotted-lanternfly.  Look for a purple button the right side of the page to start the process.

For suspected finds of SLF, go to either the detection portal:

which is also linked through the SLF page:  ext.vt.edu/spotted-lanternfly
or contact their local extension office: https://ext.vt.edu/offices.html
For questions about the training modules, contact Eric Day or Tree Dellinger, 540-231-4899 or idlab@vt.edu
If a caller's web page will not load, direct them to VT 4Help: https://vt4help.service-now.com

I'll be posting more on this later.


 2019 Orchard Meetings
This year's orchard meetings will be listed here when available:
Nelson-Albemarle: April 9 - Hosted by Henry Chiles and everyone at Crown Orchard.  Meet at the Johnson Purvis orchard block with is located just south of the village of Covesville.  Directions from Charlottesville: Travel on Rt 29 south for 15 miles (about 20 min). Approx. 1 mile south of Covesville turn left on Rt 632 (Faber Rd).  From Lynchburg: Travel on Rt 29 north.  Approx. 1 mi north of Nelson County line, at the top of the hill, turn right on Rt 32 (Faber Rd).  The orchard entrance is less than a quarter mile down the road.  Turn left and cross the wooded railway trestle.  The orchard is on the other side. April 23 - Saunders Brothers, we will be meeting at the Harewood Shop Location which is located 199 Harewood Lane, Roseland, VA 22967.   May 7 - Silver Creek Orchard, we will be meeting at the 160 Massie Lane, Tyro VA 22976.  DIRECTIONS:  From Charlottesville: Travel on Route 29S south to Arrington. Turn right onto VA 56W. Turn right onto State Rte 65.  Follow VA-56 W to State Rte 680.  Follow State Rte 680 to Massie Ln in Tyro. From Lynchburg: Travel north on Route 29.  Merge left onto VA-151N.  Turn left onto VA-56 W.   Turn left onto State Rte 680 .  Turn right to stay on State Rte 680.  Turn left at Massie Ln .  Turn right onto Massie Ln

Rappahannock-Madison: April 17:  Williams Orchard, Tommy and Eddie Williams, Flint Hill Rt. 211 east to Ben Venue.  At the crossroads, turn north on to Rt. 729 and go approximately 2½ miles.  Orchard is on the left. (3 Williams Farm Lane, Flint Hill, VA 22627).  May 15:  Jenkins Orchard, James Jenkins, Woodville, From Rt. 231, turn right on to Rt. 621, go about 2 miles.  The orchard is on the left by the packing shed. (355 Yancey Rd, Woodville, VA 22749).  Jun 12:  F.T. Valley Orchard, Alan Clark, Sperryville, From Rt. 231, south to orchard on right. (403 F.T. Valley Road Sperryville, VA 22740.  July 24: Graves' Mountain Farm, Jimmy Graves, Syria.  Rt. 231 to Rt 670.  Meet at the picnic shelter on left just past Syria (3626 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria VA  2243).


 Spotted lanternfly a new invasive concern:  A new invasive pest of small fruit crops and vineyards moved into eastern Pennsylvania in 2014, and has been spreading.  In 2017, the range increased from 6 to 13 Pennsylvania counties, and also into Delaware, New York and northern Virginia.  Specimens of dead adults and egg masses were found in January 2018 (actually 2017 individuals).  This pest poses an important risk for grape, orchard and tree crops.  Click here for an Adobe Presenter talk on this species.  A fact sheet is available from Virginia Tech (a USDA fact sheet is available in Spanish).  In addition, there is a Virginia Tech Pest Alert, with additional information on recognition and reporting (this is also available in Spanish).  Now that spotted lanternfly has been found in Virginia, it will be important to follow its spread through the state.  To report a suspected find, please follow this link:  https://ext.vt.edu/spotted-lanternfly.


Fruit Insect Blog for current information of fruit insects! 
Visit https://virginiafruitinsectupdates.blogspot.com/.


Newly approved materials for BMSB on pome and stone fruits: 
For 2012: Two commercial formulations of bifenthrin have received Section 18 registration for control of brown marmorated stink bug for 2012 on apples, peaches and nectarines (bifenthrin was already labeled for pear).  The label will be in effect from July 20 to October 15, 2012.  The rate for Brigade WS

 Brown marmorated stink bug and Virginia fruit: See StopBMSB.org web site!    A new addition to the stink bug complex is brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål).  Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) has recently been introduced from Asia into the northeastern U.S.  It was first detected in 1998 in Allentown, Pennsylvania (see NAPIS map; this map underrepresents the situation in Virginia).  It was later found in New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware, and in October 2004 it was found in Montgomery County, Virginia, and in Tennessee in 2008.  Injury in tree fruits can be severe, exceeding 25% (individual blocks have been estimated to have much higher levels of fruit injury).  Externally, fruit may have multiple reddish dents at feeding sites, resembling hail strikes.  Upon cutting into fruit, corky areas are seen in the flesh of the fruit.  In vineyards, a unique problem is posed.  Stink bugs may be harvested along with clusters and be transported to the winery in lugs or bins, where the wine can be imparted with a "stink bug taint".  Research is underway to test short-residual insecticides to knock down BMSB from clusters at harvest.  For further information and images, see the Brown marmorated stink bug page.  A working group on organic management of BMSB has been established, with their own web site.  There is opportunity to participate in grower forums.

New!  The College of Agriculture and Life Science at Virginia Tech has established a new on-line Master's in Agriculture and Life Sciences.   This curriculum has been approved by the State Council of Higher Education and is now accepting applications for Fall semester 2007.  In this program, you can earn a master's degree in agriculture while working in your current job - emphasis is on education for place-bound learners, and all courses are taken on-line.  In addition to a core area, there are courses offered in five areas of concentration: (1) Biosecurity, Bioregulations and Public Health, (2) Education, (3) Environmental Science, (4) Food Safety, and (5) Plant Science and Pest Management.  In addition to course work, the student completes a project decided upon in consultation with your major advisor.  Lists of courses within each concentration may be found in the web site linked above.  This program was recently the subject of an interview by Jeff Ishee with Virginia Public Televsion's Virginia Farming.  For more information, contact Doug Pfeiffer (dgpfeiff at vt.edu) or Sharon Proffitt (sproffit at vt.edu) (see 2008-2009 Extended Campus tuition rates).


Importation of Chinese ya pears:
The Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) section of APHIS has approved imports of Chinese ya pears after shipments were barred in 2003 following detection of postharvest disease.

Importation of Chinese fragrant pears:
The Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) section of APHIS has proposed allowing importation of fragrant pears from China in the Federal Register. Further information on the proposed program is presented in a memo posted by PPQ.  Fragrant pears are a type of Pyrus ussuriensis, and are grown only in a small part of northwestern China, the region around Korla.  Importation would be allowed only from certified production areas.  APHIS feels this will pose no competition with domestic producers of pears, at least at initial levels.  Potential phytosanitary risk is currently being assessed.  The program would entail pre- and postharvest fruit inspections.  (i) If oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is found, APHIS could prohibit importation of Chinese fragrant pears until investigated and remedial action agreed upon.  (ii) If any of the following are found at a site, pears from that site could be prohibited (if found at more than one site, Chinese fragrant pears could be prohibited): peach fruit borer (Carposina sasaki), yellow peach moth (Conogethes punctiferalis), apple fruit moth (Cydia inopinata), hawthorn spider mite (Tetranychus viennensis), red plum maggot (Cydia funebrana), brown rot (Munilinia fructigena) (prob should be Monilinia), Asian pear scab (Venturia nashicola), pear trellis rust (Gymnosporangium fuscum), Asian pear black spot (Alternaria spp.).  (iii) An individual lot or consignment can be rejected if any of the following are found (post harvest inspection only): large pear borer (Numonia pivivorella) (prob should be pirivorella), pear curculio (Rhynchites fovepessin (prob should be foveipennis), Japanese apple curculio (Rhynchites heros).  These are pests that not only are of quarantine significance, but are most likely to enter the importation pathway.  There is concern that insufficient information is provided on inspection methods, and what requirements exist to become a certified production area.

This program was announced in the Federal Register of Friday, May 23, 2003 (Fed. Reg. 68 (100): 28161-28166), docket no. 02-049-1.  The comment period expired July 22, 2003.

Mating disruption and Organic certification:
The National Organic Standards Board has recently amended organic guidelines so that many pheromone dispensers for mating disruption will now be allowed in organically certified orchards.  Most hand-placed dispensers are now considered to emit negligible amounts of inerts, and will be allowed.  Sprayables and puffers will not be allowed.  More information will be posted when available.

Mating disruption tools:

For several years, researchers at Virginia Tech have been involved in developing mating disruption as a control tactic for codling moth and the leafroller complex, including tufted apple bud moth, variegated leafroller, and redbanded leafrollers. Control of codling moth has been very good, even in processing blocks (where CM control is more critical). Several commercial sources of codling moth mating disruption are now available. Several sources of products for oriental fruit moth are also available, including a sprayable product. Mating disruption for leafrollers is available as a sprayable formulation, but check the label carefully. At present it is only available for leafrollers using (Z-11-14:Ac as the primary component. Such species include obliquebanded lefroller and redbanded leafroller. The main species in the mid-Atlantic region, tufted apple bud moth and variegated leafroller will not be affected.

Archived Orchard Fruit Schools
2020 Tree Fruit Schools
This year's orchard fruit schools will be held the week of Feb 10-14. Details are provided below: Mon, Feb 10, 8:45 AM - Patrick-Carroll school, Sky View Baptist Church, Fancy Gap VA.  Tues, Feb 11, 8:30 AM - The Botetourt-Roanoke school, Brambleton Center, Roanoke.  Wed, Feb 12, 9:00 AM - The Nelson-Albemarle (Central Virginia) school, Nelson Center, Lovingston.  Thur, Feb 13, 8:15 AM - The Madison-Rappahannock school, Graves Mt Lodge, Syria.  Fri, Feb 14, 8:00 AM -  The Winchester School, Fox Meadow Barn, 350 Old Firehouse Lane, Winchester.
2019 Tree Fruit Schools

This year's orchard fruit schools will be held the week of Feb 11-15. Details are provided below: Mon, Feb 11 - Patrick-Carroll school,  Golden Corral Restaurant, Mt Airy NC.Tues, Feb 12, 8:00 AM - The Botetourt-Roanoke school, Brambleton Center, Roanoke.Tues, Feb 12, 1:30 PM - The Southside school (see registration information), SPAREC, Blackstone.Wed, Feb 13, 8:30 AM - The Nelson-Albemarle (Central Virginia) school, Nelson Center, Lovingston.Thur, Feb 14, 8:15 AM - The Madison-Rappahannock school, Graves Mt Lodge, Syria.  Fri, Feb 15, 8:00 AM -  The Winchester School, West Oaks Farm Market and Event Ctr., Winchester.
2018 Tree Fruit Schools
The Patrick-Carroll school will be held on Monday, Feb 12.  The Botetourt-Roanoke school will be held on the morning of Wednesday, Feb 13, starting at 8:00 AM. A recently added fruit school, the Southside school in the lineup again this year, and will be held on the morning of Feb 14.  The Nelson-Albemarle (Central Virginia) school  will be held in the late afternoon-evening of that Wednesday, Feb 14, starting at 3:00 PM.  The Madison-Rappahannock school will beheld on Thursday, Feb 15, and the Winchester school will be held on Friday, Feb 16.  Additional details on the agendas will be posted when available.

2017 Tree Fruit Schools
The Patrick-Carroll school will be held on Monday, Feb 13.  The Botetourt-Roanoke school will be held on the morning of Wednesday, Feb 14, starting at 8:00 AM. A recently added fruit school, the Southside school in the lineup again this year, and will be held on the morning of Feb 15.  The Nelson-Albemarle (Central Virginia) school (see Registration) will be held in the late afternoon-evening of that Wednesday, Feb 15, starting at 3:00 PM.  The Madison-Rappahannock school will beheld on Thursday, Feb 16, and the Winchester school will be held on Friday, Feb 17.  Additional details on the agendas will be posted when available. 

2016 Tree Fruit Schools
The Patrick-Carroll school will be held on Monday, Feb 8.  The Botetourt-Roanoke school will be held on the morning of Wednesday, Feb 9, starting at 8:00 AM. A new fruit school, the Southside school (brochure and agenda) in the lineup this year, and will be held this year, morning of Feb 10.  The Nelson-Albemarle (Central Virginia) school will be held in the late afternoon-evening of that Wednesday, Feb 10, starting at 3:00 PM.  The Madison-Rappahannock school will beheld on Thursday, Feb 11, and the Winchester school will be held on Friday, Feb 12.  Additional details on the agendas will be posted when available.

The agendas of the 2015 fruit schools are linked here:  The Patrick-Carroll school (Mt. Airy) was held on Tuesday, Feb 10.  The Botetourt-Roanoke school was held on the morning of Wednesday, Feb 11, starting at 8:00 AM.  The Nelson-Albemarle (Central Virginia) school was held in the late afternoon-evening of that Wednesday, starting at 4:00 PM.  The Madison-Rappahannock school was held on Thursday, Feb 12, and the Winchester school was held on Friday, Feb 13.

Send comments by e-mail to: Douglas G. Pfeiffer