Scaffolds Digest: 22 July 2025

Posted on by mrb254

Scaffolds Digest: 22 July 2025

Note: this summary was generated with ChatGPT, and reviewed and edited by Mike Basedow.

Monique Rivera 

  • Introduced guest Dr. Andres Antolinez from the Hudson Valley Research Lab.
  • Discussed visit to Hudson Valley and aimed to recap current insect pressure and scouting practices.
  • Noted overlapping pest management issues and challenges with bloom restrictions.
  • Observed woolly apple aphid population beginning to spike across regions.
  • Warned about increasing brown marmorated stink bug activity and spotted lanternfly sightings.
  • Emphasized scouting, pest migration patterns, and trap recommendations.

Dr. Andres Antolinez 

  • Biggest Challenge: Unpredictable weather disrupting insect development and insecticide reapplication timing.
    • Prolonged plum curculio season due to rain and stretched DD accumulation.
    • Reapplication issues complicated spray timing and IRAC rotation.
  • Plum Curculio: No solid evidence of a second generation in the Hudson Valley, but genetic potential exists.
  • Woolly Apple Aphid: Low early-season pressure; colonies small and slow-growing; now beginning to spike.
    • Scouting tip: Begin at the trunk and move up canopy over season.
  • Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: Slow start; rain may delay population spikes; black pyramid traps more effective than sticky cards.
  • Coddling Moth: Lower-than-normal pressure and trap captures this year.
  • Spotted Lanternfly: Population is growing rapidly, but not currently causing apple damage.
    • Likely to cause concern due to visibility, not economic harm.

Kerik Cox 

  • Fire Blight Update:
    • Most strikes are dry and inactive; trees growing normally.
    • Midrib necrosis helps distinguish from Nectria.
    • Management: Apply prohexadione calcium and low MCE copper; avoid pruning to prevent new growth.
  • Nectria Identification:
    • Fruiting bodies (pycnidia/parathecia) signal Nectria, not fire blight.
    • Differentiated via lack of black necrosis and presence of cankers.
  • Streptomycin Resistance:
    • Continues to be found in NY; primarily due to one dominant strain (pattern 412338).
    • Spread through infected tissue, not wind.
    • Resistance often managed by switching MOAs; no need to spray now.
    • Submission encouraged via Cox Lab website; ooze samples useful even if dry.
  • Resistance Testing:
    • Uses CRISPR profiling and whole genome sequencing.
    • Funding from NY Apple Growers and NY Farm Viability supports tracking new resistances (e.g., kasugamycin).
    • No kasugamycin resistance found yet.
    • Goal: Provide tailored management plans next spring.

Anna Wallis 

  • Weather Recap:
    • Brief cool-down followed by return to high heat and storms.
    • Low rainfall except isolated events; irrigation necessary in dry sites.
  • Crop Update:
    • Apples sizing well; hand thinning and summer pruning underway.
    • Peaches and early plums starting harvest.
  • Pest & Disease Summary:
    • Fire blight slowing but still active statewide.
    • White rot, black rot, bitter rot, flyspeck, and sooty blotch present.
    • Powdery mildew active on terminal shoots.
    • Insects: Apple maggot, woolly apple aphid, mites (European red, 2-spotted), OBLR, codling moth, oriental fruit moth, and stink bugs.
    • Monitoring thresholds and IRAC group rotations emphasized.
  • Trap Capture Tips:
    • Use pyramid traps for stink bugs near hedgerows.
    • Red sticky spheres for apple maggot.
  • Event Reminders:
    • Recapped past and upcoming field days and cider tours.