Keeping Quality Forecast

For more information on the Keeping Quality Forecast, please contact the Plant Physiologist, Peter Jeranyama at peterj[at]umass[dot]edu or Cranberry Pathologist, Leela Uppala at suppala[at]umass[dot]edu.

2025 Preliminary Keep Quality Forecast

PRELIMINARY KEEPING QUALITY FORECAST

by Peter Jeranyama and Leela Uppala

The forecast is for FAIR preliminary keeping quality. 

As of April 1, 2025, Massachusetts cranberry crop has earned 3 out of a possible 10 points for keeping quality.  The 3 points were awarded for sunshine hours in March which were greater than 179 hours (2 points) and the total precipitation for March is less than the average of East Wareham and Middleboro mean of 4.39 inches (1 point). The final keeping quality forecast, which will be issued after June 1, could be upgraded if April and May remain cool and dry.

At this time, growers should not reduce the number of fruit rot fungicide applications, or the rates used, based on the preliminary forecast. Regarding the practice of holding late water, there are currently no strong indicators either for or against it. Growers should make this decision based on individual bed conditions. Please refer to the table below and the “Late Water” section in the Chart Book for guidance on implementing this cultural practice. For further assistance, contact Leela Uppala at suppala[at]umass[dot]edu.

Late Water is Advised:

  • Once in three years for 4 weeks from Mid-April to Mid-May.
  • If your bog looks healthy and not showing signs of stress.
  • If your bed was properly flooded at the periods of coldest temperatures.
  • If the scale and/or fruit rot incidences were high in 2024.
  • If you have access to good quality water supplies.

Late Water is Not Advised:

  • If you held late water in the past two years.
  • If your bog produced a heavy crop in 2024.
  • If the bed was sanded the previous year.
  • If the bog is stressed and shows signs of winter injury.
  • If your bog is severely out of grade.