Keeping Quality Forecast

For more information on Keeping Quality Forecast, contact Debbie Cannon or Frank Caruso Plant Pathologist.

Historical Keeping Quality Forecasts

2012 PRELIMINARY KEEPING QUALITY FORECAST

As of April 1, there is only 1 point out of a possible 10
that favor keeping quality for the 2012 Massachusetts
cranberry crop. The sole point was awarded for
favorable rainfall in March. Consequently, the forecast
is for POOR keeping quality. The final keeping quality
forecast (issued after June 1) could be upgraded if we
have a cool and dry April and May. Based on the present
forecast, fungicide applications and the rate of fungicides
applied should NOT be reduced, and close attention
should be paid where fruit rot has been a major or regular
concern.
Carolyn did not recommend holding late water because
of the earliness of the season – we are running about
23-25 days ahead of a normal schedule. At this point it is
too late to start late water. There are several factors that
could also help contribute to higher levels of fruit rot in
2012. Minimal sanding was done this winter due to a
lack of ice. Sanding is one of the best cultural control
strategies, as it covers overwintering inoculum. The mild
temperatures probably resulted in a reduced mortality of
a certain percentage of this overwintering inoculum as
well. Should this drought pattern continue (we are
currently 7 inches below normal for precipitation for
the year), this will be another stress on the plants, possibly
contributing to higher levels of fungal infection during
bloom. Warmer than average temperatures will only
continue this trend of increased susceptibility of the
cranberry vines. At any rate, expect the worst regarding
fruit rot in what appears to be a very odd growing season.
If you have any questions, please contact me (extension
18) or Carolyn (extension 25).

Frank Caruso, Plant Pathology

2012 FINAL KEEPING QUALITY FORECAST