Carbon Balance Model Tables for May 5 to 19

This has truly been a trying thinning season with numerous frost or near frost events. Damaged spur leaves undoubtedly also affected tree response to thinners. In my orchards I observed spur leaves that were “crinkled” by frost exposure and even some spur leaves with black and brown necrotic tissue. New growth also showed discoloration due to frosts. As Michigan growers observed, we saw secondary and now even tertiary bloom on trees. In some parts of the state, peaches which had set fruit in early April were completely wiped out from the April 28 – 29^th frost.

Orchard blocks without a crop this year can expect a heavy bloom next year which will make thinning again a challenge. While we had some problems running the carbon balance model this year due to inexperience we hope to be able to repeat the procedure next spring under more normal situations. Due to the frosty conditions and early spring, this year was a learning experience and next year will hopefully be a smoother operation.

Northern Allegheny County

Southwestern Adams County

Juniata County

Southeast Berks County

Erie County