Entering this month of June, things in the orchards look good. Fruit development is good, trees look healthy, insects and fungus are under control. Perhaps the only factors out of control are the weeds and grasses and this is due somewhat to the wetter than normal weather.
Good rainfall, lots of sunshine and warmer weather promote the growth of grasses and weeds. Without the use of herbicides the only other method to maintain control of grasses and weeds from getting out of control is mowing the aisle ways and weedeating under the trees. Thus, we’ve spent most of the last several days getting the weed eaters out and putting them to daily use. We’ve been mowing aisle ways for several weeks.
Why be concerned about grasses and weeds? Our purpose in controlling weeds, especially under the trees, is to stop the growth of unwanted spores and fungi that grow on these plants. If weeds grow out of control and get too tall, our applications of the fungicides can not reach the fruit on the trees and the fruit becomes covered with diseases such as sooty apple blotch, fly speck and brown rot. Blemished fruit is unattractive to the eyes of the consumers and does not sell well at markets.
We haven’t noticed too much fireblight in the trees this season. Fireblight is the nemesis of any orchard, especially pears, as it is very destructive to the actual tree itself. Fireblight is caused by a bacterium that is carried by rains, bees, aphids or other insects. Once infected, new tree growth, especially the tips, begin to wither and blacken as if scorched by fire. Thus, the name, “fireblight.” Pruning off affected branches and applying antibiotic sprays assist in the control of this disease. Heat destroys the bacterium as well and as we enter this month of June, we should see hotter temperatures so we anticipate Mother Nature taking control of any more fireblight issues.
We are well aware of the dangers caused by overuse of chemicals in our orchards. We use all chemicals minimally and follow all directions that the manufacturer provides for proper and safe application and use. There are more and more studies providing data regarding the effects of chemical usage, especially herbicides. Please, please always read and follow label directions. Individuals can never be too careful when using chemicals in their gardens or flower beds.