The Small Fruit Update

I thought the heatwave a couple weeks ago might slow it down some and maybe it did, but not enough unfortunately. So alas, it’s time to talk about Spotted Wing Drosophila.

Not to jinx it but it sounds like there is a good stretch of moderate weather ahead. It’s too soon to gauge fruit quality just yet but I am hearing initial reports of first red raspberry picks in the Willamette Valley showing sunburn. I think every crop other than strawberry will be unaffected but it’s been too soon to gauge that just yet.

The weather is heating up – it’s June after all. Watch the weather forecast in your area but for now, water up.

We have been collecting scorch samples through the Oregon Virus testing program (similar initiatives exist in BC and WA). While some fields display the usual signs, others do not (such as yellowing or weak plants).

I’m drawing your attention to some final decisions being made before the full season starts. The Red Raspberry breeding program geneticist position is currently in the interview process.

Patchy rain finally made its way through Oregon and while I don’t like the thought of what it’s doing for the early, early strawberries that will be coming off this weekend it’s been so, so dry and much needed.

If you are an Oregon strawberry grower, you would have received notice recently of a proposed rule change to remove the organic exemption from the Oregon Strawberry Commission assessment collection.

It is important to observe plants for recurring virus symptoms, especially in fields that have seen a steady decline in production over the past few years, as signs of virus symptoms are starting to emerge. Additionally, we want to remind everyone that BC, WA, and OR have virus surveillance and testing programs available, all sponsored by their respective blueberry councils and commissions.

The lack of temperature spikes and abundance of sunshine hours in a day creates ideal conditions for bees to pollinate effectively. However, there is some concern about excessive bloom overlap, not allowing the bees to keep up. I think it’s fine but time will tell.