Volume 8 Issue 2

A Wisconsin Perspective Participating Organizations

Wisconsin Apple Wisconsin Berry Growers Association Growers Association

A Wisconsin Perspective

3 New Recommendations for Marketing Local Produce in Wisconsin Visit us online at Visit us online at 19 Update on Brown Marmorated Stink Bug waga.org wiberries.org 21 Streptomycin and the Apple Microbiome 23 Members in the News 24 Grape Grower Survey Results 28 Is Aronia Susceptible to Spotted Wing Drosophila 30 Buy/Sell Ads Wisconsin Fresh Wisconsin Grape 31 News Briefs Market Vegetable Growers Association Growers Association Fresh and Dried Table Grapes in Wisconsin See page 6

Wisconsin Pollinators Visit us online at Visit us online at See page 9 wisconsinfresh wigrapes.org produce.org Deceptive Symptoms of Cucurbit Downy Mildew Wisconsin Winery See page 13 Association Maximizing Wine Flavor in FRESH the Vineyard and Winery 211 Canal Road See page 16 Waterloo, WI 53594 920.478.4277 fresh: Visit us online at Anna Maenner, Editor wiswine.org Reindl Printing Inc. - Design & Layout The views and opinions expressed in fresh are those of the respective authors and not necessarily those of the Editor, contributing organizations, their Board of Directors or individual members.

2 | A Wisconsin Perspective New Recommendations for Marketing Local Produce in Wisconsin

BY LAURA WITZLING, DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON BRET SHAW, DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON AND UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EXTENSION DAVID TRECHTER, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-RIVER FALLS AND UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EXTENSION

esearch from the University consumers think the benefits of local one-hour drive) from them was also of Wisconsin-Extension produce are? To answer these questions, local. But with 100 miles, agreement Roffers new strategies for direct the researchers (based at UW-Madison dropped to 56% (younger age groups market farmers to try this spring. The and UW-River Falls) conducted a were more accepting of this definition, strategies aren’t related to growing statewide survey of a random sample of however). Additionally, consumers crops, though—the research was about Wisconsin households in the summer do not consider food from Michigan, marketing local food to Wisconsin of 20151. The survey was administered Illinois, Iowa, or Minnesota to be local. customers. This article details some through the UW-River Falls Survey Even when examining only responses of the key findings and offers some Research Center. from consumers in a particular practical marketing recommendations region of Wisconsin near one of those One of the findings from the study based on the survey results. Some of neighboring states, this holds true. The is about the definition of “local.” the questions examined were: How exception is Northwest Wisconsin, Produce being grown in “Wisconsin” do Wisconsin consumers define local where more than half the sample did was a universally popular definition food? Will they pay a premium for local agree food from Minnesota is local. of local. Most consumers also agreed produce? Does buying local food differ Therefore, one recommendation that food grown within 50 miles (or a based on political affiliation? What do for farmers selling local produce is

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 3 Key Findings & Marketing Recommendations Most consumers will pay • Emphasize the word “Wisconsin” on signs and a premium for Wisconsin packaging as this is the most commonly agreed produce. upon definition of “local food” 4% 6% • The most universal messages about local produce are that it is fresher, tastier, and helps local farmers more • The words “chemical free” might resonate with 29% a wider base of consumers than “organic” 61% • Conservative, moderate, and liberal shoppers all buy the same amount of local produce, buy the same amount of local non-produce items, and visit farmers’ markets with equal frequency • Most consumers will pay a premium for Pay more Pay the same local produce Pay less No response Popularity of venues for buying local food direct to emphasize the word “Wisconsin” on signs and • Farmers’ market: 33% buy food here packaging given this is the most commonly agreed “sometimes,” with 15% of the sample doing upon definition. so “often” or “always” A second recommendation based on the data is that • Roadside stand: 25% buy food here the most universal messages about local produce “sometimes,” with 6% doing so “often” appear to be that it is fresher, tastier, and helps or “always” local farmers more. Those benefits of local produce • Community supported agriculture: 6% said were rated highest. That is great news for local, as that they, or someone in their household, has a respondents also rated the most important attributes

share. The size of the share (or splitting shares for produce purchasing in general to be that the between households) was not taken produce is fresh and tasty. There was less agreement into account about other benefits of local, such as that it is safer, healthier, or better for the environment. When it comes to political ideology, liberals tended to see more benefits to local produce. But, despite some differences in such attitudes, the data revealed that conservatives, liberals, and moderates buy the same amounts of local produce and other local products (such as meat or dairy) and visit farmers’ markets as frequently as each other, suggesting that buying local food is not an ideological issue. An additional finding about messages was that being grown in Wisconsin was rated as more important than being “grown without chemicals,” which was

4 | A Wisconsin Perspective rated as more important than “organic Another way to think about the they buy less local produce). While certification.” While this doesn’t mean survey data is to examine particular this is encouraging news, would even farmers with organic certification consumer segments. One group more consumers be inclined to pay a should not advertise that fact, it does farmers have expressed interest in is premium given the right marketing suggest that emphasizing the words families. Responses of people with messages? “chemical free” might resonate with children in their home reported more Indeed, the researchers hope to test a wider base of consumers. It might supportive attitudes when it comes specific marketing messages in future be that some consumers do not know to local food on some points (e.g., work. They also hope to hear from what organic certification means, or that local produce reduces pollution farmers interested in trying out the that “chemicals” is a more impactful and helps farmers more) and more recommendations. With market word. And for an important segment willingness to pay a premium for season on the horizon, it’s the perfect of customers, frequent farmers’ market local, but they actually reported time to tell customers how fresh and shoppers, produce being grown buying slightly less local produce. tasty Wisconsin produce is. without chemicals was a relatively A reason for this may be that they more important attribute. feel more challenged when it comes The project was funded through a to local—they said they had less UW-Consortium for Extension and Another major finding was that knowledge about local food and rated Research in Agriculture and Natural the belief that others buy local local produce as more expensive and Resources grant. A four-page brief produce was strongly associated time-consuming to buy. A notable about the project is available, as is a with purchasing local produce, more communication difference for the longer, more detailed report. These so than believing local produce has group with children was that they pay will be available online this spring, benefits over non-local produce. less attention to information about but in the meantime, farmers are Developing means to support this food in the news, but more attention encouraged to email Laura Witzling belief, via social media, word of to information about food in for a PDF. Her email address is mouth, or other strategies, could be social media. [email protected]. critical to expanding sales of local produce. However, the data showed One last notable finding was that 1 Responses from people who do not do at least half of that most shoppers do not currently over half the sample said they would the food shopping for their homes were filtered out, talk much about local food with pay a premium for local produce. leaving 642 questionnaires to examine. The sample was checked to see if it aligned well with the adult others. Over 80% of the sample said The survey question used potatoes as population of Wisconsin. In general, the sample they never or rarely (i.e., a few times an example, and of the people who matched well. The sample did trend older, however. Additionally, this sample size is sufficient given the per year) talk about local food with would pay a premium, on average number of adults in Wisconsin. The Pew Research family, talk about local food with they would pay $1 more for Wisconsin Center, for example, typically polls about 1,500 for the nation. They offer a good explanation of friends, write about local food on potatoes than USA potatoes. Younger polling and sample sizes, available here: http://www. social media, or mention local food consumers reported willingness pewresearch.org/methodology/u-s-survey-research/ sampling/ in an email. to pay more of a premium (though

ANNOUNCING 2017 WISCONSIN FRESH FRUIT & VEGETABLE CONFERENCE WISCONSIN DELLS January 22 - 24, 2017

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 5 SUR la TABLE: Fresh and Dried Table Grapes in Wisconsin

BY JEAN RIESTERER-LOPER, SARA PATTERSON AND AMAYA ATUCHA

eedless table grapes, also known producing seedless table grapes in any other breeders have also promoted as eating or dessert grapes, are temperate climate has been the ability several of the varieties that were Sbecoming more than a backyard of the vines to survive the harsh winter developed by Elmer Swenson of Osceola hobby in Wisconsin as growers seek temperatures of northern regions, WI, from hybrids of wild Wisconsin to expand their fresh-market crop as well as spring frosts. Preliminary grapes. portfolio. Currently in Wisconsin, research is being conducted at UW- Current research at UW-Madison the majority of the products offered Madison to screen varieties that have has shown that there are a number of at fresh-markets are vegetables; and consistent winter survival, early to late these new varieties that can survive incorporating a range of seedless table harvest time, and outstanding flavor Wisconsin winters, particularly grape varieties would provide a more and aroma. southern Wisconsin; however, diverse offer of products and certainly In the past several decades, breeding only a subset of these varieties has increase sales. In addition, table grape programs across the country, including survived the extremely cold winters varieties with different ripening times University of Minnesota (MN), of 2014 and 2015. Twenty varieties can extend the harvest window enabling University of Arkansas, University were initially planted at UW West markets to supply fresh locally grown of Guelph (Ontario), and Cornell Madison Agricultural Research Station table grapes for several months during University (Geneva, NY) have released (WMARS) Verona, WI in 2007, and the fall. new winter-hardy selections of seedless only seven varieties have survived: One of the major limiting factors in table grapes. University of MN and ‘Einset’, ‘Himrod’, ‘Mars’, ‘Montreal

6 | A Wisconsin Perspective Blue’, ‘Reliance’, ‘Somerset Seedless’, Einset was Mars was and ‘Trollhaugen’. At UW-Peninsular developed developed Agricultural Research Station (PARS) at Cornell by the in Sturgeon Bay, WI winters were University, University even more challenging and only three NY, and of Arkansas varieties survived: ‘Einset’, ‘Mars’, and released by crossing ‘Reliance’. Additional varieties tested in 1985. ‘Island Belle’ at both research stations that suffered Genetically, it and ‘Arkansas significant cold damage included the is composed 1339’, and following: ‘Buffalo’, ‘Canadice’, ‘Concord of V. labrusca has been Seedless’, ‘Glenora’, ‘Jupiter’, ‘Lakemont’, and V. vinifera, and derived from a cross available to the public since 1985. It is ‘Interlaken’, ‘Marquis’, ‘Saturn’, ‘St Pepin’, between ‘Fredonia’ and ‘Canner’. Growth very vigorous and hardy in Wisconsin: ‘Suffolk Red’, ‘Thomcord’, and ‘Vanessa’. habit is semi-upright and the vines have attributed to its complex mix of Despite the large losses, these especially moderate hardiness and vigor. The genetics including V. vinifera and V. cold-hardy seedless grapes that remain berries can be two-tone on the early labrusca. The large dark blue berries have quite an array of unique flavors side of the harvest window, with a are slip skin, meaning they have a and colors. Berry and cluster size also rose-green color, becoming a deeper tough skin that separates readily varies considerably, as well as storage rose as they ripen further. Berry and from the pulpy flesh. The clusters are Fresh and Dried Table properties, depending upon variety. cluster size are medium to large. It medium-large. The flavor is mildly In addition, some varieties are more is a mid-season grape, and flavors labrusca (Concord). Bud break is vigorous; and thus require additional are described as foxy and fruity and mid-season and Mars is the latest pruning and vine management. Bud similar to strawberries. It is somewhat maturing variety grown at the West break also varies slightly; but in general susceptible to powdery mildew but Madison research station, ripening Grapes in Wisconsin resistant to botrytis bunch rot. several weeks after others. The vines begins late April with most varieties breaking in early May. Last, these are resistant to several major diseases, varieties ripen at different times and Himrod again probably due to its V. labrusca thus a varied selection can provide is the oldest heritage. continual harvest for all of September. introduction that is grown Montreal A subset of these table grapes was in the UW Blue was surveyed in the fall of 2015 to evaluate trials, and developed flavor, texture, and color qualities. a cross by Elmer Sweetness, acidity, sourness, and between Swenson astringency were evaluated for both ‘Ontario’ x from a cross fresh and dried grapes (raisins). ‘Thompson between Comments were also welcome in these Seedless‘ was developed at the ‘Kandiyohi’ surveys and some described these University of Cornell, NY, and released and ‘ES varieties as spicy, herbal, strawberry- in 1952. It is an interspecific cross 24-52’. It flavored, or even having grapefruit between V. labrusca and V. vinifera. is especially cold hardy and despite tones. Fruits were also described as While the least hardy of these seven harsh winters, we observed very little musky or fruity. The flavor complexity varieties that were included in our winter kill. It produces deep blue and texture of raisins generated trials, it offers a colorful and flavorful medium-large berries on fairly large considerable enthusiasm and interest. option. It is considered a white grape, tight clusters. Montreal Blue breaks Taste tests will be conducted again this (it is green to golden in color). The buds relatively early, but matures late fall and survey results released. flavor is regarded as excellent, and in the season. The berries are high A brief description of the seven cold some say it is a honey-like flavor, with sugar content; but the flavor is often hardy varieties currently growing at a juicy texture. It is a mid-maturing considered slightly tart. Although WMARS is provided at right: variety, with medium berries on large vines are quite vigorous with trailing clusters.

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 7 habit, they are quite susceptible to multiple diseases. It is on medium sized clusters. also sometimes sold under the name ‘St Theresa’. Strawberry-like flavors are common, and the berries can Reliance is a relatively old be harvested early at the pink variety developed at the University stage. It can be susceptible to of Arkansas in the 1960s and downy mildew, but in general is released to the public in 1983. considered quite disease resistant. It was selected from crosses Somerset is also somewhat between ‘Ontario’ and ‘Suffolk susceptible to shattering and Red’ and genetically includes sour rot; and although sweetness V. labrusca and V. vinifera; thus and colors will intensify in mid- conferring both cold hardiness September, delayed harvest can be risky. and moderately vigorous growth. Medium sized berries are rose colored, turning deep red Trollhaugen is another late in the season and borne on medium to large clusters Elmer Swenson variety; released throughout September. Flavors can be described as sweet, in 2000. It a cross between fruity, concord-like and “melting”. Although there are ‘MN#78’ and ‘Venus’ and has reports on berry drop, this grape holds well after harvest V. labrusca and V. riparia back- and can be kept up to three months. It generally has a mid ground. It is one of our most to late season harvest window. Unfortunately, Reliance cold-tolerant varieties and vines is fairly susceptible to anthracnose and downy mildew; are moderately vigorous. The however, has moderate resistance to powdery mildew, medium-sized clusters have Phomopsis, Botrytis and crown gall. small, blue slip skin berries, with concord-like flavor. This is one of the earliest maturing Somerset Seedless was also developed by Elmer varieties, and stores well for weeks on the cluster with Swenson using Wisconsin grapes and released to the refrigeration. However, delayed harvest after heavy rains public in 2002. Genetically it is composed of V. labrusca, sometimes results in cracking. ‘Trollhaugen’ was quite V. riparia, V. vinifera and small amounts of other wild popular among those partaking in taste evaluations. Vitis species. It has a vigorous vine and has performed consistently despite harsh Wisconsin winters. It is one This article was written with help from Janet Hedtcke at West Madison of the earliest to ripen, in late August or early September Agricultural Research Station and Andrew Maule Department of and has small to medium rose-colored berries borne Horticulture – UW Madison. Funding was provided by Wisconsin Specialty Crop Block Grant on Table Grapes.

Varieties tested Maturity Color Berry size Flavor Other Einset (NY) Mid Red Med Strawberry Himrod (NY) Mid White Small Honey like Mars (AK) Late Blue Large Concord like Tart Montreal Blue Late Blue Med Mild and fruity Tart Reliance (AK) Late Red Med Concord like Somerset (WI) Early Red Med Strawberry Trollhaugen (WI) Early Blue Small Concord like A favorite

8 | A Wisconsin Perspective Wisconsin

NARRATIVE BY SARAPollinators ECKER, WAGA PRESIDENT Dear Growers, One thing I love about farming is the ability to start fresh each growing season. We can research new best practices and review our tried-and-true strategies for their effectiveness and impacts on our crops and our environment. Protecting pollinators has become quite the “buzz phrase.” While I thoroughly believe growers across the Fresh magazine readership are taking steps to protect pollinators, please review the resources available to further develop pollinator protection strategies on your own farms. Liz Meils, the WI State Apiarist, has written the following press release to introduce growers, bee-keepers and the rest of the public, to Wisconsin’s new Pollinator Protection Plan:

Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Plan Now Available In late 2014, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) applied for and received a Specialty Crop Block Grant to develop the Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Plan. The Wisconsin plan, which was finalized in March 2016, was developed in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) Department of Entomology, bringing together DATCP’s expertise in our apiary and pesticide programs with access to the latest research in pollinator health through UW. The plan is an opportunity to support Wisconsin’s agriculture, beekeeping and other industries by developing

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 9 voluntary actions all residents can take to protect managed on pollinator friendly practices. The plan is divided into four and wild pollinators. brief documents that can each stand on their own to provide management guidelines in different contexts: This plan was developed in partnership with a diverse stakeholder group including growers, beekeepers, scientists, • BMPs for Improving Pollinator Habitat in Gardens and and representatives from industry, governmental agencies Lawns and non-governmental organizations. A draft of the plan was • BMPs for Beekeeping to Maximize Pollinator Health made available online for public comment from Jan 19 – Feb • BMPs for Maximizing Pollinator Health and Pollination 19. Comments were reviewed and incorporated into a final Services on Farms working document which is now available for distribution • BMPs for Improving Pollinator Habitat in Prairies, through our website: http://datcp.wi.gov > Farms > Bees & Roadsides and Open Spaces Honey > Pollinator Protection There are many actions land managers, gardeners, growers, pesticide applicators, and beekeepers can take that make a Please take a look at the BMPs and consider how you can positive difference locally and collectively. This plan outlines incorporate some of them into your current operation. best management practices (BMPs) that can benefit both Implementing the plan is not something any one person, people and pollinators by: expanding the quality and quantity organization or industry can do alone. Our collective actions of habitat for managed and wild pollinators, minimizing will determine how successfully the plan’s concepts are stressors on managed and wild pollinators, increasing realized, and ultimately contribute to the health of managed managed bee hive health and survival and spreading the word and wild pollinators.

Peter Werts, of the IPM Institute of North America, wrote the following article to highlight the issues affecting pollinators:

Wisconsin State Pollinator Protection Plan Opportunities for Wisconsin Orchards to Protect and Conserve Pollinators IPM Institute of North America

Photos by Peter Werts

Apple production depends on healthy populations of pollinators, along with many of our other fruit and vegetable crops. Habitat loss, poor husbandry of managed pollinators, and exposure to parasites, pathogens and pesticides are leading threats that have contributed to recent declines in managed and wild pollinator health. Wisconsin is home to over 400 species of wild bees. There are many things apple growers can do to help ensure we have bountiful populations of both wild and managed bees to pollinate our orchards each spring.

10 | A Wisconsin Perspective Bee nutrition and diseases Orchardists who maintain their own hives can learn more about hive health in the “Beekeeping to Maximize Pollinator Health” section of the Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Plan. If commercial honey bees or bumble bees are brought in, growers should communicate with their beekeepers to agree upon a date for hive arrival and removal, and discuss any concerns relating to pesticide use before and during bloom. Colony density and distribution in the orchard also needs to be discussed. Too many hives placed in one location can lead to inadequate forage resources and an increased likelihood of disease and parasite spread. Pollinator habitat Orchardists have good opportunities to enhance foraging habitat and nesting sites for pollinators. Diverse and abundant pollinator communities can be maintained long- than the individual pesticides. Exposure to pollinator-toxic term if adequate nesting habitat is located near forage. pesticides can result in mortality and changes in behavior, On the farm we can protect existing nesting habitat by navigation, colony weight and/or reproductive rates. While leaving dead wood, brush piles and bare patches of soil in there is still much to learn about pesticide impacts on surrounding forests and fields. To improve foraging habitat, pollinators and considerable new research is being reported we can add wildflower strips or flowering hedgerows in areas or underway, there are a number of practices orchardists can not likely to be subject to pesticide drift. follow now to protect pollinators from pesticide exposure: The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 1. Use the EPA bee-advisory box to identify pesticides toxic offers financial and technical assistance to farmers and to pollinators and look for statements on labels that landowners through a variety of conservation programs. read, “highly toxic to bees”, “toxic to bees” or “extended Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program residual toxicity.” Avoid using these products when bees (EQIP), orchardists can install pollinator habitat on the edge are present, and always follow label instructions. of fields through the 327 Conservation Cover and 386 Field Border Conservation Practice Standards. Additional options 2. Do not apply insecticides highly toxic to pollinators include establishing or enhancing larger pollinator foraging until after apple bloom. Historically it was common for and nesting sites in areas not in agricultural production. For apple growers to apply an insecticide at the pink stage of more information, contact your local NRCS office using the blossom development for tarnished plant bug, spotted USDA service-center locator, http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/ tentiform leafminer, aphids and leafrollers. Research locator/app. suggests that these pests rarely cause economic injury, and delaying the first insecticide application until petal Pesticide exposure fall can reduce exposure to pollinators. Some fungicides Pollinators can be exposed to pesticides through direct can also be toxic to pollinators. During bloom, apply contact with residues on treated plants or adjacent areas these when bees are not actively foraging, whenever contaminated by drift. Pollinators can also be exposed possible. directly, when they are active in areas, while pesticide applications are being made. In addition, pesticide residues 3. Apply pesticides toxic to pollinators when bees are less have accumulated in colonies of native and managed bees active, e.g., evening, nighttime or early morning. when pollen and nectar contaminated with pesticides is 4. Manage orchard groundcover to reduce blooming brought back to the hive. weeds and the likelihood that pollinators will be actively Pesticides vary greatly in their toxicity to pollinators, and foraging on weeds during pesticide applications or some combinations, including adjuvants, can be more toxic within the period of residual activity for the products applied. This can be accomplished by mowing,

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 11 planting competitive orchard grasses during orchard establishment and/or through selective herbicide applications. Each year at Ecker’s Apple Farm we keep 15 bee hives. Last fall we winterized 14 hives, fed them 5. Identify and protect nesting and foraging sites from through the winter and sheltered them behind a pesticide drift by making sure your sprayer is properly calibrated, and adjust spray schedules and application windbreak. This spring 2 hives remain. In speaking procedures when wind speed and wind direction could with Liz Meils, she directed me to beeinformed. result in pesticide drift to these sites. org and their article “Why did my honey bees Pollinator protection resources for Wisconsin orchards die?” Armed with this resource, part of our farm’s The Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Plan addresses protection plan in the fall of 2016 will be to pollinator protection across urban, rural, agricultural and thoroughly test for and treat varroa mites if non-agricultural areas. The complete plan is available online need be. at http://datcp.wi.gov/uploads/Farms/pdf/PPPComplete. pdf. Additional orchard-specific guidelines can be found in As for this spring, I will be reviewing Wisconsin’s the publication, Wild Pollinators of Eastern Apple Orchards Pollinator Protection Plan to better implement & How to Conserve Them. This publication includes Best Management Practices (BMPs) in our orchard, useful facts and photos of pollinators commonly found in our non-cropland, and in our hives. I have also orchards and discusses toxicity of common insecticides and fungicides registered for use on apples, http://www.xerces. downloaded a FREE app based on Oregon State’s org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/WildPollinatorsEastern “How to Reduce Pee Poisoning From Pesticides” AppleOrchards_2ndEd_Aug2015_web.pdf. available at: https://catalog.extension. The Xerces Society for invertebrate conservation maintains oregonstate.edu/pnw591 a webpage tailored to pollinator conservation needs within This app and the online publication allow for the Great Lakes Region, www.xerces.org/pollinators-great- easy reference to bee toxicity levels in specific lakes-region. This webpage includes a comprehensive list of recommended pollinator plants appropriate for chemistries frequently used to treat specialty crops. Wisconsin; conservation guidelines including USDA-NRCS I urge you to use these resources and share Conservation Practice Standards for pollinator habitat; and a directory of nurseries and companies across the region Wisconsin’s Pollinator Protection Plan with other which produce native plant seed appropriate for pollinator growers and as importantly, with your customer plantings. Ten of these companies are located here in base. It takes all of us to: Give BEES a chance! Wisconsin. Best to you, your crops, and your pollinators, Sara Ecker Wisconsin Apple Grower Association President

12 | A Wisconsin Perspective Deceptive Symptoms of Cucurbit Downy Mildew

BY AMANDA J. GEVENS, VEGETABLE PLANT PATHOLOGIST, UW-MADISON, DEPT. OF PLANT PATHOLOGY, 608-890-3072 (OFFICE), EMAIL: [email protected] VEGETABLE PATHOLOGY WEBPAGE: http://www.plantpath.wisc.edu/wivegdis/

ucurbit downy mildew caused leaving fruit at risk for sunscald and (65-85°F) and wet field conditions. The by the “water mold” plant secondary infection. Foliar symptoms pathogen cannot overwinter in the soil Cpathogen Pseudoperonospora include pale green to yellow angular on its own, as production of persistent cubensis has become more prevalent in (squared off within veins) lesions on soilborne spores (oospores) have not the Great Lakes region and throughout leaf surfaces with corresponding and been found here in Wisconsin. the U.S. over the past 10 years. Growers distinctive fuzzy brown growth on Since 2005, the Great Lakes region has of cucurbits (cucumber, squash, leaf undersides. The fuzzy growth is typically seen cucumber as the first melon, pumpkin) in Wisconsin may the pathogen producing thousands of and primary cucurbit crop infected recall rare occurrences of late season new sporangia, or spores, which can with downy mildew with symptoms downy mildew over the previous four become airborne and further spread the detected as early as mid-June. In the last decades. However, changes in the pathogen within field and beyond at a few years, pumpkin, butternut squash, pathogen population have resulted in rate of approximately 6 miles per day. cantaloupe, watermelon, and yellow differences in cucurbit host preference, Early infections can be tricky to identify, summer squash were also infected in timing of disease arrival, and reaction as they may mimic a nitrogen deficiency, several states, but symptoms were not of the downy mildew pathogen to some angular leaf spot, or even virus detected until later in the summer and current fungicides. symptoms. The pathogen is an obligate symptoms were, in many cases, harder parasite, requiring living cucurbit plants While downy mildew does not cause to diagnose on these “non-cucumber” to remain viable. Disease is especially direct fruit infection on cucurbits, the cucurbits. favored by warm temperatures pathogen can rapidly defoliate plants

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 13 Symptoms on cucumber include pale acorn squash, symptoms can be much resistance in cucurbits, fungicide green to yellow angular lesions on leaf more general with larger masses of applications are essential for protection surfaces. The angularity results from blighted or dead tissue on leaves without of yield and quality. The selection of the lesion being limited by the vein unique defined lesions. Butternut fungicides, timing of application, and structure of the leaf. On leaf undersides, squash lesions tend to look more thoroughness of application are critical masses of gray to black spores may be consistent with cucumbers with well- for effective disease control. evident in places where the leaf surface defined and vein-limited lesions on Fungicides should be applied prior to or was discolored. Downy mildew on leaf surfaces and spore masses on leaf at first sign of infection to best control cucumber can progress very rapidly undersides. cucurbit downy mildew. Based on field from early symptoms of pale green to Cucurbit crops in Wisconsin have research in multiple states including dead leaf tissue within about 7-10 days historically not needed routine Michigan and North Carolina, effective if the weather is ideal. application of fungicides for downy fungicides for downy mildew control On other cucurbit hosts, the disease can mildew control. For approximately 40 include zoxamide+mancozeb (Gavel also be very crop destructive in a short years, varietal resistance in commercial 75WG), cyazofamid (Ranman 3.6SC), amount of time. However, symptoms cucumber and some melon varieties, famoxadone+cymoxanil (Tanos 50WG), can be much trickier to confirm and conferred by the recessive dm1 downy ametoctradin+dimethomorph (Zampro growers may attribute the rapid vine mildew resistance gene, was effective in 4.4SC), and oxathiapiprolin (Orondis decline to some other factor such as controlling disease. Pumpkin, squash, Opti, newly registered in 2015). drought stress, spider mite damage, and watermelon crops were without It should be noted that this list omits nutrient deficiency, phytotoxicity, heat this resistance and would sporadically propamocarb hydrochloride (Previcur damage, or frost damage depending become infected with downy mildew Flex 6SC), fluopicolide (Presidio 4FL), upon the prevailing condition. late in the production season. It had mandipropamid (Revus), mefenoxam been standard recommendation that On cantaloupe and watermelon, downy (Ridomil), and strobilurins (ie: pumpkins in northern states were to be mildew lesions often remain relatively Quadris, Cabrio) because significant planted and harvested early to avoid risk small and do not appear as clearly vein resistance has been detected in the of downy mildew because the pathogen limited as on cucumber. Yellow haloes downy mildew pathogen populations in could make its way north on late season often surround brown lesions and leaf Michigan in recent years. air currents. The strain(s) of the downy undersides may not clearly show large mildew pathogen that have recently The effective control program for masses of pathogen sporulation. On made their way to the Great Lakes region cucumber established at Michigan are not adequately State University by Dr. Mary Hausbeck, controlled by which I recommend to producers in dm1 resistance Wisconsin, specifies a 7-day spray that held up for interval of the previously listed decades. And, materials tank-mixed with either arrival of the mancozeb or chlorothalonil when pathogen seems to initiated before downy mildew is found be more variable in the field. Fungicides should be in time. alternated so as to manage the potential development of fungicide resistance. Currently, with Sprays are tightened up to a 5-day mid-season risk of interval when initiated after disease is spore movement found in the field. For cucurbits other and lack of than cucumber, the program above is commercially modified to expand the spray intervals available and from 7 to 10-day before disease, and Cucurbit downy mildew disease cycle. Created by Rosemary Clark, formerly durable varietal of UW-Vegetable Pathology.

14 | A Wisconsin Perspective 7-day after disease is found in the field. Downy mildew can be well controlled in cucurbit crops with use of effective fungicides, however, this adds a significant increase to the cost of production and success is contingent upon careful attention to regional extension vegetable disease reports and careful field scouting to appropriately time fungicide application. To aid in tracking cucurbit downy mildew in your county and beyond, Mature downy mildew lesions on cucumber leaf. Signs of downy mildew on cucumber leaf Angular lesions have turned necrotic. Pathogen underside. Note dark brown, fuzzy pathogen the website: http://cdm.ipmpipe. sporulation begins to shut down on leaf once sporulation in angular patches which correlate to org/ offers forecasting of the disease necrosis sets in. Depending upon weather and yellowing on surface. based on confirmed reports across use of fungicides, lesions can produce more spores and create new lesions. the U.S. The ipmPIPE (or integrated pest management Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education) cucurbit downy mildew website provides a publicly accessible site for sharing of cucurbit downy mildew detections, as well as symptom descriptions and management recommendations by region. The site is maintained by researchers at North Carolina State University with collaboration from researchers across the U.S., including Wisconsin. With Downy mildew lesions on cantaloupe leaf. Note Downy mildew lesions on cantaloupe leaf the multitude of tasks that growers irregularly shaped and placed lesions on leaf underside. Note limited spore mass (Photo have to manage in the field, office, and surface with yellow halo surrounding brown courtesy: G. Holmes). marketplace, I recommend use of the lesion (Photo courtesy: G. Holmes). CDM ipmPIPE Alert System (link on left side bar of website) which sends you an email or text message when downy mildew is reported within a selected geographic radius around your farm. Also, be sure you are receiving the UWEX Vegetable Crop Update newsletter each week through the growing season for downy mildew status reports. Newsletters may be sent out by your grower association or can be directly accessed each week at our UW-Vegetable Pathology website: Small, brown downy mildew lesions on Downy mildew infection on acorn squash foliage. http://www.plantpath.wisc.edu/ watermelon leaves (Photo courtesy: G. Holmes). Note non-specific lesions and no limitation of lesion by veins (Photo courtesy: G. Holmes). wivegdis/.

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 15 BY NICK SMITH, UW FOOD SCIENCE

inemakers often state that wine is made in the vineyard or that great wine can only come Wfrom great grapes. While these sentiments are common, vineyard practices do not always receive the proper attention when it comes to producing quality wine. The link between how grapes are grown and the final wine quality is substantial. Research at UW-Madison explores the relationship between vineyard practices and wine quality. Key aroma compounds found in wine are discussed in this article. Understanding the aromas in wine and their sources helps guide viticulture and enology practices to improve wine quality. Key Aroma Compounds Wine contains hundreds of different aroma compounds. Aromas can originate from the grape, fermentation, cooperage, and aging. This article will focus on wine aromas and aroma precursors that are formed in the fruit. This important class of wine aroma compounds include: • Terpenes • Norisoprenoids • Volatile Thiols • Pyrazines • Esters

16 | A Wisconsin Perspective Terpenes expression, certain enzymes can be to the production of norisoprenoids. used post-fermentation. This allows While increases in sun exposure Terpenes are responsible for many the winemaker to conduct bench trials may increase some norisoprenoid of the floral and spicy aromas in to determine their preferred level of concentration, damascenone wine. Riesling and Muscat owe their terpene expression. These enzymes concentration may increase with varietal distinctiveness to terpenes. are of little use however if the terpene shade1. Low soil moisture, shade, and Common terpenes include linalool, compounds are not present in the cold soaking increase damascenone nerol and geraniol. These compounds grapes. Varietals with distinct terpene concentration. Damascenone have aromas of coriander, citrus, levels that could be impacted with contributes honey, floral, and dark spice and floral. Terpenes, primarily these treatments include Riesling, fruit aromas. In the winery, use a yeast monoterpenes, are one of the few wine Gewürztraminer, Muscat, and La with high norisoprenoid expression, flavors that can be fully present and Crescent. As a word of caution, not such as Elixir, available from Scott tasted in the fruit. That being said, all aroma compounds released using Laboratories. terpenes can form glycosides with a enzymes and special yeast strains will sugar molecule, which renders them be desirable. Knowledge of aromatic Volatile Thiols flavorless. Terpenes therefore can qualities of many cold climate grapes is Sauvignon blanc is one of the most either be volatile and aromatically limited. It is always wise to experiment noted varietals for volatile thiols, with active, or non-volatile1. with small volumes instead of applying aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit, Typically these are desirable aroma techniques and fermentation products and guava. Volatile thiols can compounds in wine. Research to the full production lot of wine. Skin originate from the berry, but also from BY NICK SMITH, UW FOOD SCIENCE has shown that increasing sun maceration further increases phenolic fermentation. Fermentation based exposure on the fruit may increase compounds into the wine, which may thiols include hydrogen sulfide and the production of terpenes in the increase bitterness. mercaptans. Trace amounts of volatile berries2. As mentioned previously, thiols are present in the fruit1. The some of the terpenes will be bound to Norisoprenoids formation of volatile thiols is complex a sugar molecule and be non-volatile. Norisoprenoids give wine strong floral and under study. Yeast strain and Certain yeast strains (Uvaferm 228) notes, a characteristic of varietals like grape maturity may have significant and commercial enzymes produce or Riesling. Common norisoprenoids impact on volatile thiol concentration contain beta glucosidase. This enzyme include damascenone and ionone. in wine. Peak volatile thiol can cleave the glycosidic bond and These compounds have aromas of concentration has been found in fruit allow the terpene to be volatile. roses and violets. Unlike terpenes, picked before full maturity1. Further norisoprenoids are not aromatically research needs to be conducted on the To maximize terpenes in the final active in the berry1. Consequently, you impact of volatile thiols in cold climate wine, ensure proper sun exposure in can not readily use berry tasting as an grapes. the vineyard and employ appropriate indicator of their development. The yeast and enzymes in the winery. compounds are either bound to sugar Pyrazines Terpenes are primarily located in molecules or require fermentation The green bell pepper aroma of the exocarp or skin of the berry. and aging. Norisoprenoids arise from under ripe Cabernet Sauvignon is Extending the contact time the juice fragments of carotenoid compounds, due to a pyrazine compound. These has with the skins may increase such as beta-carotene. Sun exposure compounds have very low odor terpene content. A maceration on the fruit during berry development thresholds. They are associated enzyme, such as Lallzyme Cuvee Blanc, increases carotenoid production, with green and herbaceous flavors during a cold soak or at pressing presumably as a way to protect the in wine and grapes. This is a fruit can also increase the amount of fruit from UV light. As the fruit sourced compound and can be terpenes pre-fermentation. For those ripens, the carotenoids are broken tasted in the vineyard. Research and seeking greater control over terpene down into smaller units that can lead empirical evidence from traditional

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 17 growing regions demonstrates that prominent aroma. Methyl anthranilate methods to identify aroma differences berry maturity and sun exposure is found in many V. labrusca based between the exposed and shaded fruit. play an important role in the final cultivars and give the fruit and wine The varieties under study include: concentration of pyrazines in wine3. the grapey flavor and aroma typically Frontenac, Marquette, La Crescent, Winemakers and growers will taste referred to as “foxy”. Berry tasting Petite Pearl, and Brianna. The goal the fruit during ripening looking for during maturity will indicate when of this research is to identify key decreases in green flavors. If necessary to pick. The amount of the character aroma differences impacted by sun they may make vineyard changes to desired in wine is subjective, with exposure and provide information increase sun exposure, or reduce crop winemakers either embracing or for vineyard owners. The ultimate loads in attempt to improve berry avoiding the flavor. goal of the research performed by the maturity. Fermentation Sciences program is Research at UW-Madison to identify the positive and negative Esters and West Madison aroma compounds in cold climate Esters result from a reaction of an Agricultural Research grapes and then develop methods to acid with an alcohol. Commonly enhance or diminish those compounds they are formed during and after Station in the vineyard and winery. fermentation and are responsible for The Department of Horticulture and many of the fruit aromas found in Agricultural Research Stations are References: young wine. Common esters resulting working on a variety of grape related 1. Waterhouse Laboratory, University of California at Davis. from fermentation include ethyl projects. The Fermentation Sciences http://waterhouse.ucdavis.edu/whats-in-wine acetate (fruity or nail polish remover) 2. Macaulay, L.E and J.R. Morris. (1993) Influence of Cluster project has begun working with Dr. Exposure and Winemaking Processes on Monoterpenes and and isoamyl acetate (banana). Esters Atucha’s team. Together we hope to Quality of Golden Muscat. Proceedings 3rd International Symposium on Cool Climate Viticulture and Enology, are not very stable and will diminish identify differences in selected cold 187-190. quickly during aging1. One important climate varieties when the fruit is 3. Roujou de Boubee, Dominique. Research on 2-methoxy- 3-isobutylpyrazine in grapes and wine. School of Oenology, ester for cold climate growers is subjected to different sun exposure. University of Bordeaux II. https://www.burgundy-report. produced in the grape and has a very com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/12CabSauvGreenChar I have started to develop analytical acter.pdf

18 | A Wisconsin Perspective Update on Brown Marmorated Stink Bug BY JANET VAN ZOEREN AND CHRISTELLE GUÉDOT, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY

rown Marmorated Stink Bug crops and cause crop damage in (BMSB; Halyomorpha halys; Wisconsin over the next few summers. In BHemiptera: Pentatomidae) is fact, Michigan, which also first reported an invasive insect pest which was first sightings in 2010, reported BMSB as detected in Wisconsin in 2010 and has an “agricultural nuisance” in 2015. For been increasingly found in Wisconsin. these reasons, it is important to increase It is likely to become more and more our monitoring of BMSB and learn evident in coming years, not only as a management practices for how to control nuisance when adults aggregate and BMSB in Wisconsin crops. overwinter in our houses, but also as an The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is economically-important agricultural highly polyphagous, with the potential pest. If you think you may have seen to feed on many crops, including these insects in your house or on your fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. crops, you can identify BMSB based In particular, it has been shown to on the white spots on their abdomen, cause high levels of damage in apples, white bands on their antennae, smooth in 42 states, and has been reported as a tomatoes, and sweet corn, and shows shoulder, and brown-grey underside. “severe agricultural pest and nuisance” particular preference for trees with However, many native stink bugs look in nine of those. reproductive structures. For this reason, similar to BMSB, so if you are unsure In Wisconsin, BMSB was first detected apple is especially likely to show BMSB you should send a picture or a specimen in 2010, and by 2015 was spotted damage in the coming years. Reports in alcohol to PJ Liesch at the UW in 11 counties. At present, BMSB is from the eastern states have shown on Insect Diagnostic Lab, 1630 Linden Dr., primarily regarded as a mild nuisance average 25% of apples in infected blocks Madison, WI 53706. in Wisconsin, due to their tendency to show BMSB damage, amounting to an In its native range, in Southeast aggregate and overwinter in homes. estimated $37 million profit decrease due Asia, BMSB is an occasional pest on Trends in other states suggest that to apple crop loss in the mid-Atlantic ornamental and crop plants. When they BMSB detection begins in urban areas, region in 2010. BMSB feeds by piercing were accidentally brought over to North with populations slowly building up the fruit and sucking juices, which America in the late 1990s, they quickly and, after about five years, bugs begin can directly damage apples, causing a became established in the eastern states, to appear as agricultural pests in the disfigurement commonly called “cat- and began expanding their range to the summer. Accordingly, it is likely that facing”. In addition, damage from these west. Currently, BMSB has been found BMSB will soon move into agricultural bugs open the fruit up to secondary

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 19 three BMSB trap distribution, abundance, and phenology and pheromone- of this new pest. We will provide this based lures, and information through a variety of sources, will set out traps such as through oral presentations at to monitor weekly field days and grower meetings, on the for BMSB from “Wisconsin Fruit” website at www.fruit. May until October. wisc.edu, and in the “Wisconsin Fruit A student intern News” newsletters. These sources will let hired through the you know about our research findings, Guédot Lab will help along with how to identify, monitor, and with identification, manage the pest on your own. provide support Finally, all this work would not be to collaborators, possible without our many collaborators, and compile our including the Wisconsin Department results to send out infections and necrosis, which cause the of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer updated information in the upcoming fruit to be unmarketable. Protection, The IPM Institute, our UW “Wisconsin Fruit News”. This real-time County Extension agents, and grower This pest presents a real risk to early warning system will let growers collaborators. We would especially like Wisconsin’s apple growers, and we know which farms are likely to be at to thank the Wisconsin Apple Growers will be working to reduce the risk of risk, when BMSB is first present in Association for financial support. damage through a combination of orchards, and when control measures Additionally, we are looking for grower monitoring, research, and education. should take place. collaborators for this summer, so please In collaboration with Krista Hamilton With this knowledge, we will be able to see the box below if you would like more from DATCP, Peter Werts at IPM provide apple growers with information information about how to collaborate on Institute, and an outstanding group of regarding when and how to begin this project! grower collaborators (please see the box monitoring their own orchards, and at the end of this article if you would be how to control this pest if it becomes interested in joining our team!), we will problematic. Future work across the Are you an apple grower who is be working to determine where in the United States is looking at management interested in collaborating with us state BMSB provides the greatest threat practices for BMSB, in order to this summer? to apple production, when in the season provide growers with a variety of IPM they first appear in apple orchards, The work we do would not be possible techniques. Some management tactics and to show the yearly phenology of without a stellar team of grower currently being assessed for BMSB this pest. Each collaborator will receive collaborators, and we would love your help include the use of physical barriers, monitoring for BMSB this summer! We such as row covers, repellents, biological would provide you with three traps and lures control agents, and biopesticides, for the summer, along with identification along with more traditional chemical support, and would provide email or phone controls. Along with updates regarding support throughout the season. We simply ask Wisconsin-specific BMSB distribution that you set up the traps, check them weekly, and phenology, we will also keep you and inform our student intern coordinator of informed of the most up-to-date your weekly trap-catch. management recommendations. If you would like more information about So, what does all of this mean for you? being a BMSB grower collaborator, please If you are growing apples or other contact Christelle Guédot by email at susceptible fruit crops in Wisconsin, [email protected] or by phone at you will want to watch for our updates 608-262-0899. this summer in order to learn about the

20 | A Wisconsin Perspective Streptomycin and the Apple Microbiome

BY PATTY MCMANUS, UW-MADISON AND UW-EXTENSION

ore and more reports of Yale University, to determine the effects the practice of adding antibiotics the importance of the of streptomycin on the microbiome to animal feed, because many of M“microbiome” to human (specifically bacteria and archaea) in the antibiotics used as growth health are showing up in the popular apple orchards that had been sprayed supplements for animals are also press. The microbiome is roughly with streptomycin for fire blight important in the treatment of human defined as all the microbes inhabiting control. disease. Nevertheless, concerns arise an ecological niche. In humans, the with spraying apple and pear, because Streptomycin has been used since most commonly studied niches are antibiotics are applied in the open the 1950s to control fire blight the gut and the skin. Most studies environment where they might affect of apple and pear. However, the indicate that a diverse microbiome is the non-target microbiome that use of antibiotics in agriculture is an indicator of good health in people. inhabits plants, soil, and water. controversial because of the risk So what about plant health and of selecting for antibiotic resistant These potential environmental and microbiomes? During 2006 to 2011, bacteria in orchards and possible human health risks prompted the my research group collaborated transfer of resistance genes to European Union to tighten restrictions with microbiologist Jo Handelsman, bacteria that cause disease in humans. on the use of streptomycin on plants formerly of UW-Madison and now at Most scrutiny has been directed at over a decade ago. In the U.S., the

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 21 National Organic Standards Board streptomycin-resistance genes in What It Means no longer allows use of streptomycin non-pathogenic bacteria and and oxytetracycline in organic tree determined if they were located on We conclude that springtime use fruit production. Even in conventional mobile DNA, also called “jumping of streptomycin in apple orchards, agriculture, the safety of using genes,” that would allow them to as is done for fire blight control, antibiotics on crops is debated more readily spread among bacteria, does not increase the frequency whenever these pesticides come up for including pathogens of humans. of resistant bacteria or disrupt the review. Unfortunately, there is little bacterial microbiome on apple research-based information to draw What We Found leaves, flowers, or in orchard soil. on, and the debate has been based Our findings contribute to a growing The key findings: largely on opinions and not data. body of literature that indicates using 1. Spraying streptomycin did streptomycin to control fire blight has The lack of data prompted our not increase the percentage of low environmental impact. However, research, which addressed two streptomycin-resistant bacteria our conclusion does not absolve main questions: (i) Does use of in soil or on leaves (we did not streptomycin of all risk associated with streptomycin for control of fire blight test this for flowers). Surprisingly, its use. For example, it is possible that increase the level of streptomycin- leaves from orchards with no streptomycin could select for novel resistant bacteria in orchards; and history of streptomycin exposure resistance genes in apple orchards, (ii) Does use of streptomycin disrupt actually had a statistically higher even if the overall frequency of the non-target bacterial community level of streptomycin-resistant resistant bacteria is not increased. (i.e., the microbiome)? In brief, our bacteria than did sprayed orchards. research showed that the answer to In Wisconsin, many apple growers We initially thought that perhaps both questions is “no.” do not use streptomycin on a regular species of bacteria that are basis, and some have never applied naturally resistant to streptomycin What We Did it. However, it is the most effective were more abundant in non- pesticide registered for preventing We sampled apple flowers and orchard sprayed orchards, but upon further fire blight blossom infection, soil just before and just after spring examination, this was not the case. and it may have some benefit in streptomycin application. Leaves were We don’t have a good explanation minimizing infection of shoots after sampled in middle to late summer at for this unexpected result. hail or windstorms. We hope that orchards where streptomycin had been 2. Spraying streptomycin did not the knowledge resulting from our sprayed regularly for at least a decade affect the bacterial “microbiome,” research will be used by the U.S. EPA and where it had never, or very rarely, i.e., the species of bacteria present and other regulators to objectively been applied. We washed bacteria or bacterial diversity on leaves assess the risks associated with using from the samples and determined the or in soil. However, bacterial streptomycin in apple orchards. percentage that grew in the presence diversity was slightly lower on of streptomycin. We also used DNA- sprayed compared to non-sprayed We thank the apple growers who let us based methods to identify bacteria that flowers. This is not surprising, into their orchards to collect samples did not readily grow in culture. This since flowers are directly exposed and who shared their spray records with was important because many studies to streptomycin in the spring, us. This research was funded by USDA show that most bacteria in fact do not whereas soil receives only the spray projects WIS04828 and WIS01425 readily grow in the laboratory. Several that settles on the ground. and the Vaughan-Bascom fund of statistical tests were done to determine the Department of Plant Pathology, if the bacterial species present, the 3. While we did find streptomycin- University of Wisconsin-Madison. diversity of bacterial communities, and resistance genes in common, the incidence of streptomycin-resistant non-pathogenic bacteria, they were bacteria, differed between sprayed and not located on jumping genes, and not sprayed trees. We also identified therefore would not be expected to spread readily among bacteria.

22 | A Wisconsin Perspective Members in the News

Heritage Orchard Continues Tradition Ryan Prellwitz Named 2016 Industry of “Excellence in Cider Production” Person of the Year by the Wisconsin

Placing first in the annual fresh cider contest at the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Conference has become a “tradition” “It takes more than ideas to build an industry, it takes the for Heritage Orchard, Chilton. Vern Gasch and son Adam have commitment to follow through and make things happen.” says become familiar faces at the award presentation having won 4 Anna Maenner, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Grape out of the last 5 years! Growers Association . “Ryan Prellwitz has done just that for Competition for the coveted top prize has been stiff as other Wisconsin’s grape industry.” orchards try to find the elusive combination of apple cultivars that A vision of what Wisconsin’s grape and wine industry could be, is win over the hearts and taste buds of the judging public. This what has driven Prellwitz to make such an impact on the state’s competition is truly one for the consumer as over 200 conference industry. He was instrumental in forming the Wisconsin Grape attendees taste and judge the cider entries, picking their top 3 Growers Association in 2008 and served as its first President choices in flavor, clarity, color, aroma and uniqueness. for two terms. He played a key role in getting funding for a Gasch’s winning combination of McIntosh, Empire, Spartan, Red Marketing Specialist to help build awareness of Wisconsin’s grape Delicious and Ida Red was what took home the gold. industry and followed up by uniting industry segments to gain Second place in the 2016 competition went to Seth Tully of initial and subsequent funding for the UW-Madison, Department Northwoods Orchard in Mauston and third place went to Theresa of Food Science, Fermentation Specialist, Nick Smith. Quednow, Quednow’s Heirloom Apple Orchard, Elkhorn. As owner of Vines & Rushes Winery located in Ripon, Prellwitz Overlooking Lake Winnebago’s east shore Erickson’s Orchard was has served as a Regional Director for the Fox Valley Region of the renamed Heritage Orchard when Vern and Ann Gasch purchased Wisconsin Winery Association and was recently elected to the Vice the farm in 1976. Although the farm was never previously owned President position of that organization. He recently participated by the Gasch family, their roots ran deep with three generations in a 2-day retreat for the WWA to brainstorm how to propel the involved in planting, care and operation of the orchard over the industry forward over the next 5 years. years. The original farm house was Vern’s first home in 1947, the He and his wife Megan currently grow five acres of Marquette, St same year that the first trees were planted. Pepin and Petite Pearl grapes as well as run the winery. They have The Wisconsin Apple Cider Contest is held annually and is been very supportive of grower and winery owner education, sponsored by the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association which opening their facility to numerous educational initiatives aimed at represents 175 commercial orchards from across the state. improving Wisconsin’s wine industry. Congratulations Ryan on a job well done… the sky’s the limit!

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 23 Grape Grower Survey Results

BY ANNIE DEUTSCH, UW-EXTENSION

On January 26, 2016, attendees of the Grape Track at the reported that their vineyard is not organic. Currently no 2016 Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference held growers are growing only table grapes, 30% are growing wine in the Wisconsin Dells had the opportunity to participate and table grapes, and the remaining 70% are only growing in an interactive survey using Turning Point 5 (Turning wine grapes (n=37). The grape varieties grown and the major point Technologies LLC) software and clicker hardware. The concerns in the vineyard are listed below. software could also be accessed through a computer/tablet

or smartphone. The advantages of using a clicker are that the survey results are live and anonymous. The information from this session allows growers to see what practices or problems others are experiencing, as well as informing researchers what research topics should be their priority. At this session, of the 40 registered devices, there was an average of 33 responses per question. The following report summarizes the survey results broken into sections of farm demographics and management practices then followed by horticultural, insect, and disease- specific topics. In the tables, the “count” column indicates the number of respondents and the “percent” column indicates the % of respondents.

FARM DEMOGRAPHICS The attending growers were from farms spread fairly evenly throughout the state, although there were only 3 growers who identified themselves as coming from farms in the south eastern part of the state (n=36). The acres of grapes grown in each vineyard was also evenly distributed: 21% grow less than 0.5 ac, 28% grow 1-2 ac, 28% grow 3-4 ac and 23% grow 5 or more acres (n=39). In the next two years, those numbers may be shifting upwards, because 62% reported plans to increase their vineyards by at least 1 ac in the next two years, with 3 growers indicating that they are planning on expanding by over 5 acres in that time period (n=37). One vineyard is certified organic, 3 people responded that they would like to transition to organic, and the remaining 33 responders

24 | A Wisconsin Perspective MANAGEMENT PRACTICES HORTICULTURAL PRACTICES Vineyard owners and their families make up 80% of the Producing high quality fruit is critical whether growing reported labor force, and only 4 of the 35 responders table grapes or growing grapes for wine. Currently, growers reported that the majority of their labor is hired. Of that responded that 71% were very rarely asked to improve the labor, it is almost all done by hand. Of typical vineyard quality of their fruit by their buyers, however 19% were asked management practices (e.g. pruning, leaf thinning, vine to improve the quality some of the time and 10% were asked to combing, harvest, etc.), 94% reported that 0-25% of the improve the quality most of the time (n=21). The majority of work is not mechanized, and the remaining 6% reported growers (85%) reported using canopy management practices to that approximately 25-50% of their management tasks improve fruit quality (e.g. initial shoot thinning, leaf thinning, are mechanized (n=36). Vineyard inputs remained lateral shoot thinning, and fruit thinning; n=34). Of the relatively consistent from 2014 to 2015, and the shifts can remaining 15% that did not use canopy management practices be seen in the table below. to improve fruit quality, half reported that they didn’t have the time, while the other half would like to but don’t know how

(n=4); but all 4 growers were still concerned about fruit quality. The timing for leaf thinning varied and is in the table below. There was also a variety of answers regarding how growers determine when to harvest their grapes and that information is below as well. Of growers that grow La Crescent, 67% reported that they are concerned about berry shelling (i.e. berries falling off the clusters; n=21), and of those who were concerned, 64%

estimated that they lost 10% of their crop to berry shelling, 27% lost 20% of the crop, and 9% lost more than 30% of the crop (n=11). Nutrient management is always a challenge and

the main nutrient of concern for each growers’ vines is below. At this time however, only 28% are annually taking petiole The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) appears samples to assess the nutrient status of their vines (n=32). to be a topic of interest to the Wisconsin grape growers. Despite the difficult and time consuming labor needed for vine 69% reported that they are currently using IPM in their management, 84% feel like the quality of their harvest reflects vineyards (n=32), but regardless if the grower was using the amount of time and work that they put into their vineyard IPM or not, the responders reported that 50% feel that (n=31). the major road-block for implementing IPM in their vineyard is that it requires more IPM knowledge than they currently have (n=28). Concurrently, 78% would be interested in more IPM training (n=37). Regardless of their knowledge, the grape growers are still getting out and scouting for pests: only 9% reported that they are not scouting for pests (n=34). As for spraying for those pests, 32% reported that they spray pesticides based on a calendar spray schedule, while the remaining 68% do not (n=37). The question of how many growers are tracking degree days using any weather data available was not asked, but 31% stated that they are tracking degree days using temperature data from their own weather station/ thermometer (n=35).

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 25 A handful of questions were asked regarding spotted wing drosophila (SWD), due to the significant damage it is causing in other fruit crops. 38% of the growers reported that they could identify both male and female SWD, 3% could only identify the males, and the remaining 59% could not identify either (n=32). While the majority of growers didn’t check for the flies in fruit (53%), 39% did check and did not find

them, and the remaining 8% found them but with non- significant damage (n=36). All of the growers reported that there was no grape loss due to SWD in their vineyard in 2015

(n=34). Regardless of not seeing damage after harvest, some INSECT MANAGEMENT growers did monitor or provide some treatment for SWD as Overall, there was a variety of insect problems and resulting summarized in the table below. Overall, the general feeling management practices amongst the growers. When amongst the growers is that they are not very concerned controlling for insects, 50% of the growers used insecticides about SWD (46% not concerned; 49% slightly concerned; in multiple classes, 6% did not use insecticides, and the 6% moderately concerned; 0% very concerned; n=35). remaining 44% used either organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, organic compounds, or others (n=32). The most damaging insects, the number of insecticide sprays used in 2015, and the change in insect pressure from the previous season are in the tables below.

A second set of entomological questions focused on wasp and hornet management. Due to a previous survey, problems with wasps was identified as a major concern, so

Dr. Christelle Guédot’s lab at UW-Madison has conducted research to identify the social wasps in vineyards and their seasonal phenology and is looking to continue research on management into the future. The first question of importance was whether growers could identify social wasps from other flying insects like bees, flies, and parasitoid wasps. 66% of the growers reported being able to identify wasps from bees, 31% could identify wasps and bees from other flying insects but not from each other, and only 3% could not identify wasps (n=35). In this clicker session, 50% of the growers reported having problems with wasps and hornets in their vineyard, while 24% only had problems in some years and the remaining 26% did not have problems with wasps and hornets (n=34). Despite the large percentage of growers that at least occasionally have problems with them, only 26% reported managing for wasps/hornets (n=35). Of those who reported managing for wasps/hornets, there was a variety of methods employed and they are described in the table

26 | A Wisconsin Perspective below. Additionally, there was not a consensus amongst the 22% did not use any fungicide in 2015 (n=32). This survey growers as to what type of grapes are most affected, but all found that copper or sulfur are not commonly used for agreed that the damage is happening mid to late season (see disease control (74% did not use either one), however, 7% tables below). When asked if the growers would like more used copper only, 11% used sulfur only, and 7% used both information on the different species of wasps in Wisconsin, copper and sulfur for disease control (n=27). Lime-sulfur 48% said they would like more information since wasps was used slightly more frequently with 24% of growers are an issue and damage their grapes, 36% wanted more reporting that they use it every year, 12% use it some years, information, but do not feel like wasps are an issue and and the remaining 64% do not apply lime-sulfur (n=33). The causing damage, and 16% said that they did not want more growers’ practices of timing of the fungicide sprays and the information and wasps are not a concern (n=31). most damaging diseases are listed below. Additionally, 52% of the growers have noticed that one grape variety seems to have

more disease problems than the rest (n=31) and the varieties that they identified are listed below.

DISEASE MANAGEMENT As mentioned above in a previous question, the growers identified disease issues as the most commonly cited concern in their vineyard. When asked about the frequency of fungicide applications, half the growers reported spraying 0-3 times, 44% sprayed 4-6 times, 3% sprayed 7-9 times and 3% sprayed more than 9 times (n=36). The chemicals being used were primarily a mixture of modes of action (47%), but 31% sprayed only a single type of fungicide, and the remaining

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 27 Is aronia

Apart from using fungicides, many growers reported that they are using susceptible to integrated practices to control the level of disease in their vineyard. 85% reported that they consider the level of disease resistance when choosing what spotted wing grape variety to plant (n=33). 63% used cultural control methods (e.g. sanitation) in 2015 to control disease pressure (n=35). Lastly, while only drosophila? 9% reported using disease prediction models, 81% said that they keep an eye BY KATIE HIETALA-HENSCHELL, EMMA PELTON AND on the weather to guide their sprays CHRISTELLE GUÉDOT, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON, DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY (n=32). Thank you to everyone who participated in this live survey! potted wing drosophila (SWD) is a major invasive pest of soft skinned fruit worldwide. This pest has been reported to infest several cultivated fruit crops including blackberry, raspberry, Report prepared by Annie Deutsch S (UW-Extension, Door County). Survey blueberry, cherry, peach, grape, and strawberry and many native conducted by Annie Deutsch, Dr. Amaya and non-native wild hosts including buckthorn, currant, elderberry, Atucha (UW Department of Horticulture), honeysuckle, mulberry, bittersweet nightshade, and autumn olive. Dr. Christelle Guédot (UW-Department Since SWD is a generalist of soft skinned fruits there is a need to of Entomology), Dr. Patty McManus (UW Department of Plant Pathology), Janet van identify all susceptible fruit species. The susceptibility of aronia Zoeren (UW Department of Entomology), (Aronia melanocarpa), a growing specialty crop, is unclear. Aronia Katie Hietala-Henschell (UW Department of is a woody shrub native to the U.S. that produces dark purple Entomology), and Anna Maenner (Wisconsin fruits (Figure 1). Aronia is expanding as a new specialty crop in the Grape Growers Association). Midwest due to its potential as a high value crop, low pest pressure, cold hardiness and low cultivation requirements. It is currently marketed in specialty health food products and the health benefits are associated with prevention of hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Currently, little information is available on the susceptibility of aronia crops to SWD. Identifying all hosts that meet SWD requirements will provide information to better understand population dynamics (e.g. at risk crops, early/late season activity,

28 | A Wisconsin Perspective Our data suggests that aronia is a lesser quality host than raspberry. SWD completed its life cycle (from egg to adult) faster on raspberry, averaging around 13 days, than aronia, which averaged around 18 days. No larva was found in undamaged aronia compared to almost 50 larvae per fruit in raspberry. Furthermore, SWD adults emerging from raspberry were larger than SWD adults that emerged from previously damaged aronia. The slower development of adults and the emergence of smaller adults suggest that aronia is a suboptimal host to SWD. During our adult field trapping, the first detection in aronia occurred the first week of July with a total of six flies. SWD was present at all three farms from July 6th through September Figure 1. Ripening aronia berries in Wisconsin 21st, 2015. Peak trap catch was the last week of trapping on population peaks) and improve management. In 2014 and September 21st (Figure 3) after aronia was machine harvested. 2015 we conducted a research study aimed at determining The high trap catch numbers post-harvest are possibly due to the susceptibility of aronia berries to SWD in the laboratory, the presence of damaged aronia which would increase access to monitor adult SWD field populations using yeast-sugar for oviposition. High trap catch, post-harvest, could also be traps (Figure 2), and to assess field larval infestation. due to the presence of ripening hosts nearby. Surrounding crops can influence trap catch as SWD is a mobile insect No-choice tests conducted in the lab suggest that SWD can that utilizes different hosts based on availability. Alternative utilize aronia as a host if the berry is damaged or destemmed host use was further supported when we randomly collected but not if the berry is intact. In these tests, more SWD larvae aronia fruit to assess larval infestations over three separate were present and more adults emerged per fruit in raspberry weeks. A total of three drosophila larvae were collected. The than aronia. Aronia is a firm fruit which may provide a drosophila larvae were detected from fruit collected on August physical deterrent to SWD, making oviposition unlikely 31st (Figure 3). The small numbers of spotted wing drosophila in healthy intact fruit. In several other crop hosts, lower larvae found suggests that aronia serves as a low-risk SWD oviposition rates were observed on more firm fruits. susceptible crop and that the number of adults caught in traps However if fruit is damaged, physical characteristics such as is not a predictor of larval infestations. firmness might not affect oviposition. Fruit damage from other pests and cracked berry skin are often present in the Collectively our data suggests that intact unwounded aronia field which may in turn increase SWD infestations. berries are unsuitable hosts for SWD; however SWD can complete its life cycle within aronia berries. This successful use of aronia potentially provides a source for late season build up or serves as an in-between host until more preferable hosts are available, increasing their risk of infestation.

Figure 3. Mean number of SWD adults caught per trap and mean number of Figure 2. Yeast-sugar trap hanging in fruiting area of aronia shrub to larvae/fruit sample from June-September 2015 in aronia crops in Southern monitor spotted wing drosophila populations. Wisconsin.

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 29 Buy/Sell

For Sale: Successful Strawberry Farm near For Sale: Mayville in Dodge County, Wisconsin Tews Vegetable Washer 24” across, 12 rows. In working Nice location at W2364 County Road Y and with approximately 1 condition, needs paint. $350. 2 Row Potato Hiller, 3 pt. $200. mile of frontage on Rock River. Farm is 50 acres total with 7 acres Call 1-262-306-9588 presently in Irrigated Strawberries. Complete farm available with recently updated Farm House which has 3 car attached garage, 5 bed/ 2 bath. Other buildings include Barn, Cooler/Sorting Shed Wanted: and Machine Shed. Also 2 Hoop Houses, one planted with fall 3-point, 2-row transplanter. Call John Heider, 815-482-0171. Raspberries. In addition, all associated equipment for U-Pick and Ready-Pick Strawberries is available. We still plan on doing the Strawberries sales in 2016. Great opportunity to get going in For Sale: Strawberries or do your own thing. Land $8,500 per acre. House and buildings appraised at $240,000. Used equipment price negotiable. Custom made wood produce sales display table, double sided, measures 4’ x 8’ with 3’ end caps, on casters. $300. Very attractive, For more info or to have some pictures e-mailed to you, contact call for photos. 608-751-8363. Wayne or Cindy Zastrow at [email protected].

For Sale: Univerco Eco Weeder for Sale: • Small 3pt hitch Bean air blast sprayer, $900 Essentially new, less than 1 acre use. Always shedded. $3,450 Contact David at [email protected] or 608-767-3860. • 1 row plastic retriever, $800 Located 25 miles west of Madison. • 4 row Ellis strawberry transplanter $2000 • 1000’ 8” aluminum irrigation pipe, make offer Complete Cider Press Operation for Sale: • 20 acres 3” aluminum irrigation pipe, make offer • 2010 4 passenger, with dump box, Kubota RTV 1140 1100 hrs, Everything you need for your own medium-sized cider operation. Dry $9000 bin dump, elevator conveyor, hydraulic rack and cloth press (approx. 42” racks), and separate pulp conveyor and spreader. Also included • 50 gal UTV sprayer 15’ boom, $450 are 3 - 200 gallon and 1 - 500 gallon stainless holding tanks with • 2 row plastic layer for covering 36” strawberry beds in winter coolers and agitators. Stainless bottle filler with 5 heads. Bin dump, Wanted to buy: conveyor and press are older but in fine condition, tanks and bottle filler are like new. Located in Chippewa Falls, WI. Prefer to sell as • 2” aluminum irrigation pipe, looking for 7000’ but would complete package, $11,500 obo. Contact Andy Ferguson, Ferguson’s consider any amount. Orchards 612-296-3793. Call or email Jeff Thompson for pictures or more information 262-620-8203 • [email protected] 14000 75th St • Bristol, Wi 53104

For Sale: 1,000 used Treessentials 30” grow tubes available for sale. They have been used for one to three seasons and are priced at .25 each – you pick up in Baldwin, Wisconsin. Display Glass 9-Door Walk-In Cooler: For more information call 612-703-6848 or email L-shaped glass 9-door, walk-in cooler, complete. Asking $3,995. Call [email protected]. 920-323-7830.

30 | A Wisconsin Perspective News Briefs

UWM Startup out to Prevent Disease in Fruit Plant Identification Service Trees Without Antibiotics For most of us spring is here or just around the corner. This is the best time of T3BioScience LLC has obtained a patent for compounds and methods year to collect and submit samples to our plant identification service. to safely reduce virulence in the bacteria that cause fire blight The Plant Identification Lab at Foundation Plant Services, UC Davis offers disease in fruit. The company is developing a product that effectively DNA-based variety identification and profiling for: Grape, Almond, Apricot, blocks the genetic ability of pathogen, E. amylovora, to infect the Apple, Cherry, Peach, Plum, Strawberry and Walnut. We can identify scion fruit trees, eliminating the need for antibiotic treatment. and rootstock varieties. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research Foundation licensed Our typical samples are small, actively growing leaves. Once collected, the the patent exclusively to T3Bioscience and is also a shareholder in leaves are dried to preserve the DNA and to facilitate shipping. We provide the company. all the material and information necessary to submit samples. We are also able to test using any part of a plant including the fruit. This is the Milwaukee-based company’s first product and the goal is to have it market-ready within two to three years, said CEO Daniel All the information you need to get started, including the ever-present Burgin. The company’s method of disabling bacteria was developed paperwork, is available on our website at: by Ching-Hong Yang, a UWM professor of biological sciences and http://fpms.ucdavis.edu/IDTesting.html T3BioScience’s chief scientific officer. Ultimately, it could potentially be used to treat human infections. “Our immediate objective is to help reduce excessive use of antibiotics in agriculture, a treatment that contributes to antibiotic Introducing the Wisconsin Fruit Website and resistance in humans,” Burgin said. Newsletter! T3Bioscience’s product also will fill a gap created in the next few We are very excited to announce that we launched the updated years when use of two commercially available antibiotics to control Wisconsin Fruit website, which you can find at http://fruit.wisc.edu! the disease will be prohibited in the United States. This site provides a one-stop spot where commercial fruit growers and home gardeners can access links to the most recent management “Our product is synthetic and not an antibiotic,” Burgin said. “This recommendations, pest alerts, and research findings from UW faculties, offers farmers the means to fight the devastating fire blight diseases as well as viewing other newsletters and publications of interest. We with an effective product that is not at risk of being banned.” hope the website will be a great resource for you, and will provide you Fire blight is one of the most destructive diseases of apple and pear with an excellent first step toward finding the answer to any question trees in theUnited States, according to the Department of Agriculture. you may have about fruit production. In order to make the website more convenient for you to use, we’re working on making it easily accessible T3Bioscience is conducting the last field test on apples and pears through your mobile devices. Over the next couple of months, we will be this spring. The past two field tests have proven that the product is making the website friendlier to view on smartphones and tablets. comparable with current commercialized antibiotics used by farmers across the U.S. Along with the Wisconsin Fruit website, we are also starting up the Wisconsin Fruit News, a newsletter on fruit production, with the first issue T3 Bioscience is one of several startups in the portfolio of the UWM to come out on April 18th. The Wisconsin Fruit News will be issued every Research Foundation. other week during the summer, and will contain scouting reports, plant “Dr. Yang’s innovative research is creating new products for fighting development reports, pest and disease management research updates, and infectious diseases in both agriculture and humans, addressing other information pertaining to Wisconsin fruit production. Each issue will some of the 21st century’s current biggest concerns,” said Brian D. be divided into six sections: General Information, Berry Crops, Cranberries, Thompson, UWM Research Foundation president. Grapes, Tree Fruits, and an Upcoming Events Calendar. If you would like a pdf of the newsletter to be delivered directly to your email inbox every other A scientific article with contributions by Yang on this topic will appear week, you can subscribe on our website! Simply go to http://fruit.wisc. later in 2016 in the journal Molecular Plant Pathology. edu, scroll down, and enter your email address on the right hand bar where it says “Get Updates.” In addition, you are now able to link the Wisconsin About T3Bioscience: Fruit updates and newsletters to the IPM Toolkit application, which was T3Bioscience LLC specializes in developing antivirulence drugs for fighting created through the University of Wisconsin’s Integrated Pest and Crop the gram-negative bacterial pathogens in humans and crops by targeting the type 3 secretion system of bacterial virulence. Established in 2013, the Management program (http://ipcm.wisc.edu/apps/ipmtoolkit/). Simply company’s shareholders include the UWM Research Foundation and Duke download the app, then enter our RSS newsfeed URL (http://fruit.wisc. Philanthropies. Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Ching-Hong Yang, is applying edu/feed), and you will be able to immediately see our most recent posts more than 15 years of microbiological research to treating bacterial infection and access the newsletters on your phone. Happy reading and think Spring! without increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics.

2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | 31 PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Merrill WI A Wisconsin Perspective 54452 Permit No 24

211 Canal Road Waterloo, WI 53594

Business Directory

AgSource Laboratories Swihart Sales Co. End of the Trail Candy Shoppe, LLC 106 N Cecil Street, PO Box 7 Roger Swihart Steve Guth, Proprietor 7240 Cty Rd AA 928 East Main Street Bonduel, WI 54107 Quinter, KS 67752 Waupun, WI 53963 715-758-2178 Ph: 920-324-3331 or 800-236-3331 800-864-4595 Fax: 920-324-4322 Email: [email protected] www.swihart-sales.com Email: [email protected] www.agsource.com We offer a complete line low-volume Bulk Caramel, Canned Caramel, Caramel Soil, plant tissue & fruit analysis. mist sprayers. Excellent for vegetables, Apples, Caramel Corn, Cheese Corn, Caramel Apple Corn. Nutrient Management Plan Writing vineyards, orchards, nurseries, Christmas trees, etc. Call for Samples

Krohne Plant Farms, Inc. TH Agri-Chemicals, Inc. William Krohne Robert L. Zimpel 65295 CR 342 Plainfield, WI 54966 Hartford, MI 49047 866-666-THAG 269-424-5423 [email protected] Email: [email protected] A full line of chemicals for apples, www.krohneplantfarms.com Growers of quality strawberry and strawberries and specialty crops. asparagus plants.

N15721 Schubert Rd Nourse Farms, Inc. Galesville, WI 54630 To Advertise: Nate Nourse, Sales Director 800-551-5707 41 River Road, 608-539-2093-Fax www.cpsagu.com South Deerfield, MA 01373 •Crop Protection To advertise in Ph: 413-665-2658 Fx: 413-665-7888 Chemicals EMail: [email protected] •All Major Brands of Seed Contact any of •Orchard Supplies and Fresh Magazine, call www.noursefarms.com the staff at CPS Packaging Brian Nelson The Best Berry Plants. •Pruning Equipment Bob Howe (920) 478-4277 Free Catalog and Plasticulture Guide •Berry Containers Kim Ziegler

Putnam Plastics Inc. Spectrum Technologies, Inc. Gary Spacht Mike Thurow 255 So Alex Rd 12360 S Industrial Dr. E, Plainfield, IL 60585 West Carrollton, OH 45449 Ph: 815-436-4440 Toll-free: 800-248-8873 Fax: 815-436-4460 www.specmeters.com 800-457-3099 Email: [email protected] 937-866-9365 Fax Affordable devices to detect frost, measure Email: [email protected] nutrient levels, soil qualities, light, weather, www.putnamfarm.com and other factors affecting plant growth. Over 15,000 customers count on Spectrum’s Packaging Solutions for any season. Call for technology for their growing needs. a free catalog.