Fruit Research & Extension Center
Fruit Research and Extension Center
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The Fruit Research and Extension Center (FREC) in Biglerville is situated on 180 acres of fertile land in south-central Pennsylvania, in the heart of the major tree fruit production area of the state. In addition to providing site-specific conditions for research, the facility increases opportunities for growers, consultants, consumers, and students to observe experiments and to consult with scientists. Extension specialists apply experimental findings to local conditions, and, in turn, make suggestions to scientists about new research needs.
FREC News
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Disease Infection Status
May 16, 2012The primary scab infection period is almost over. Mature spore release is now down to less than 2% from the 100% peak on April 17.
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Carbon Balance Model Tables for May 5 to 19
May 16, 2012This will be the last posting of the Cornell MaluSim carbon balance tables. Most areas of the state are now beyond the effective thinning fruit size. As you can see all areas are in a carbon surplus meaning fruit is being adequately supplied with carbon and should not respond to thinners. As mentioned yesterday by Jim Schupp, there seems to be a heavy fruit drop in south-central and southeastern PA in response to a carbon deficit back the first week of May.
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Apple Re-Thinning Advisory for May 15, 2012
May 15, 2012Growers are advised to carefully check their orchards prior to making another thinning application. In Adams County, it is ten days since a stress event caused by three days of cloudy weather and we are beginning to see a new wave of fruit drop.
