2004 Season Review: Small Fruits

Bruce Bordelon, Associate Professor, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University

The winter of 2003-2004 was fairly normal. The winter was colder than we have experienced in recent years, but not much below normal. The coldest temperatures of the season occurred January 31 - February 1 and the coldest area was a band from Terre Haut through Columbus to Richmond. Temperatures reached the high teens below zero and a few -20s were reported. Just as in 2003, the coldest report was from Crawfordsville at -27°, and the warmest was from Tell City at 7°F. The cold temperatures caused some cold damage on grapes, brambles, and peaches, especially across the band mentioned above.

Scattered frosts occurred in late April and early May, which caused some damage in certain areas. Grapes and apples were hardest hit.

Overall, temperatures were relatively warm during the April and May. April was one of the driest and windiest months on record.

Rainfall was plentiful May through July and fairly well distributed in most areas. Parts of Indiana had very heavy rainfall in mid-June, causing extensive flooding, but not adversely affecting fruit crops. (Some vegetables and row crops were flooded out.) Very dry conditions have occurred from August until mid-October. In general, crops matured about a week earlier than normal.

Small Fruit and Grapes:

The winter temperatures caused damage to grapes and brambles this year. The frosts in May had mixed results. Some sites were severely damaged, especially on early budding varieties. Other plantings escaped significant injury.

Grapes
Because of the excellent growing season in 2003, grape yield potential was very high and most varieties set a very large crop despite some winter injury. Growers had to thin aggressively to avoid overcropping.

Grape phylloxera (foliar form) was widespread in 2003, but back to lowl levels in 2004. Similarly, Japanese beetle numbers seemed to be down in 2004 though they continue to be a problem in vineyards in many parts of the state. The Multi-colored Asian Lady Beetle (MALB) was a significant problem in 2003, but a complete no-show this year. This is similar to the pattern we've seen in the past, with a heavy infestation year followed by a year with few, if any, beetles. No one is complaining, but I think we are all bracing for a huge onslaught next year.

This was the year of the emergence of the Brood X 17 year cicadas. Millions of these insects emerged in some areas, especially central Indiana. We suffered some damage on young grape vines in our research plots near Butlerville, and saw fairly extensive damage in some commercial plantings, but overall, the effect on grapes was not too severe.

Disease problems were not widespread, but there were some reports of heavy powdery mildew incidence. Heavy rains during August caused significant loss of fruit quality in some areas where fruit ripening coincided with the heavy rains. This was especially true in southern and central areas. Later ripening varieties, and northern and central areas had fewer problems as there was very little rain in September, and very mild conditions, perfect fruit ripening weather.

Blueberries
Overall the crop was at or below average but better than 2003 when winter injury was severe. The Jersey variety, which had a lot of winter kill two seasons ago look like they will be back to normal next season. The berry size was average above average and the quality overall was good. The season was 7 to 10 days early. Japanese beetles were less of a problem than in past years.

Brambles
Blackberries and raspberries both suffered from the winter injury in northern areas. Good yields were obtained only where freeze damage was not severe. Japanese beetles continue to be the worst insect problem, though tarnished plant bug has been noted on fall-bearing types. Asian Lady Beetles also have been noted on overripe fruit.

Strawberries
The strawberry crop was good across the state this year. Timely rainfall kept plants in good condition. Fruit size and quality were excellent in most areas. Black root rot complex continues to be a major limiting factor to longevity in matted row plantings.

Tree Fruit:

Overall, this wasn't much of a insect year due to the cool temperatures. Periodical cicada was the big story for tree fruit growers. Most applied Danitol and it worked great. Colding moth damage was spotty this year.

Disease problems were more prevalent. Frequent rains in May and June lead to heavy incidence of apple scab.