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UMass IPM Fruit Loop

UMass IPM Fruit Loop

By Hawkeye

Welcome to The UMass IPM Fruit Loop! While Hawkeye does most of the talking, this is a co-creation of weekly contributions from Fruit Team Extension Educators Jon, Elizabeth and Matthew. Extension and Stockbridge School of Agriculture's Dr. Jamie Piñero contributes weekly insect updates and integrated pest management strategies. Stockbridge School of Agriculture's Dr. Daniel Cooley is the team's resident plant pathologist and Dr. Duane Greene gives us the skinny on all things thinning and growth regulated. When we are extra lucky, we get a guest to join us. The possibilities are endless!
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Winter Special Edition- Dr. Jason Londo, Rootstock and Scion Cold Hardiness

UMass IPM Fruit LoopFeb 12, 2024

00:00
49:35
Winter Special Edition- Dr. Jason Londo, Rootstock and Scion Cold Hardiness
Feb 12, 202449:35
A Bitter Battle- Unpacking the Colletotrichum Complexes Causing Bitter Rot in the Northeast U.S.

A Bitter Battle- Unpacking the Colletotrichum Complexes Causing Bitter Rot in the Northeast U.S.

The UMass IPM Fruit Loop, led by the apple enthusiast Hawkeye, has returned with a focus on the bitter and intricate world of apple bitter rot. While bitter rot historically occurred sporadically in Massachusetts, it has become increasingly problematic. The pathogens responsible, part of the Colletotrichum complex, have a long history but were only recently identified as causal agents. In the Northeast, particularly in Massachusetts, C. fioriniae is the most commonly identified species causing fruit disease, alongside other pathogens affecting various plants. Understanding the appearance and progression of bitter rot lesions is crucial for accurate diagnosis, especially distinguishing them from other leaf spots.


Differentiating between Colletotrichum complexes is essential due to their varied climatic preferences and disease manifestations. The complexity extends to fungicide resistance, with some species showing resistance to certain chemicals. Despite efforts to manage bitter rot, challenges persist, including the lack of fully resistant cultivars and the evolving nature of pathogen knowledge. Strategies like orchard sanitation and targeted fungicide applications are recommended, but the increasing frequency of extreme rain events adds another layer of complexity to disease management. As the understanding of bitter rot evolves, continuous research and adaptation in orchard practices are necessary for effective disease control.


Music lisence and credit: Inhale by Beat Mekanik is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License, Free Music Archive.

Changes to the original track include removing the opening portion of the song to use at the end of the podcast.

Jan 25, 202419:45
UMass IPM Fruit Loop Volume 30 Episode 1
Apr 07, 202216:33
UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 18
Dec 17, 202110:54
UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 16 & 17
Dec 17, 202112:14
UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 16- All About Retain
Dec 17, 202110:39
UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 15

UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 15

Diseases take a rest while insects steal the spot light and ReTain continues to be of interest. This one's short and sweet... or not sweet, depending upon how you look at things.

Nov 23, 202110:33
UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 14
Nov 23, 202116:51
It's gettin' hot in here; UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 13
Jul 27, 202116:51
Short, sweet and behind schedule; UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 12
Jul 27, 202113:26
Borers, not Boring; UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 11
Jun 25, 202124:39
Burnout, not fade away; UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 10
Jun 09, 202123:15
Tail end Trials; UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 9
Jun 02, 202121:09
Pestilence, disease and... well, thinning; UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 8
May 28, 202126:30
Under pressure; UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 7
May 19, 202126:55
Cool hand Curc; UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol. 29 Episode 6
May 12, 202125:11
Buzz, buzz, baby; UMass IPM Fruit Loop, Vol. 29 Episode 5
May 05, 202136:11
Scab, Stem Mothers and other Grotesqueries; Vol. 29, Episode 4

Scab, Stem Mothers and other Grotesqueries; Vol. 29, Episode 4

Who doesn't love a good aphid love story? Everyone, or... no-one. Either way, worst love story ever. Good thing we are not in the love story business. Tune in to hear the latest insect and disease monitoring and management news, straight from the aphids tailpipes.  

Apr 28, 202117:54
Buds, Borers and Growth Control; Vol. 29, Episode 3
Apr 27, 202119:20
Droughts, Fungicides and Freezes; Vol. 29. Episode 2
Apr 14, 202128:51
2021 Fruit Growing Season Kick-off! Volume 29 Episode 1
Apr 07, 202121:22
Off Season Fruit Loop No. 4: Winter Meeting Series, Blueberry Twig Blight Q & A With MSU's Mark Longstroth
Jan 28, 202127:40
Off Season Fruitloop- Forecast Models and Decision Support Systems- Part 3

Off Season Fruitloop- Forecast Models and Decision Support Systems- Part 3

Short and action packed. This episode of the UMass IPM Fruit Loop takes you through a super duper quick review of just what it is we are talking about (erm... it decision support systems, y'all) and then a fairly comprehensive description of how to interpret apple scab risk forecast output from both RIMpro (https://www.rimpro.eu/) and NEWA (http://newa.cornell.edu/), two DSS currently available to use in the Northeast and Midwest U.S. Feel free to open up the NEWA link and follow along! Likewise, if you have a RIMpro account, this would be a good time to get a refresher. Side note, while NEWA is only available in the U.S, RIMpro is available for subscription services around the world.

Dec 07, 202010:20
Off Season Fruitloop- Forecast Models and Decision Support Systems- Part 2

Off Season Fruitloop- Forecast Models and Decision Support Systems- Part 2

'20-'21 Off Season Release Episode 1

In this episode, Hawkeye discusses degree days, forecast model development and implementation of climatic variable within those two structures. Just about everything you have ever wanted to know about decision support systems and forecast models, plus maybe a little extra. ;-)

Nov 30, 202015:26
Off Season Fruitloop- Forecast Models and Decision Support Systems- Part 1

Off Season Fruitloop- Forecast Models and Decision Support Systems- Part 1

'20-'21 Off Season Release Episode 1 

In this episode, Hawkeye dives deep on key pathogen and insect pest life cycles to lay the groundwork for a larger discussion about what forecast models are, how they work and how models, and the decision support systems that implement them fit into an IPM program. This is the first in a multi part series. How many parts you get depends on just how long winded Hawkeye gets... 

Nov 20, 202015:08
Flashback Fruitloop- Fun With Forecasts Healthy Fruit Vol. 28 No. 6

Flashback Fruitloop- Fun With Forecasts Healthy Fruit Vol. 28 No. 6

Flashback with Hawkeye to April 28, 2020 when rain was abundant and temperatures were... unpredictable. This episode discusses the (then) current state of the primary apple scab season for 2020, foliar nutrient applications, increasing insect pest captures and a brief update on small fruit concerns. 

Oct 08, 202014:55
Happy Harvest, Healthy Fruit; Healthy Fruit Vol. 28 No.22

Happy Harvest, Healthy Fruit; Healthy Fruit Vol. 28 No.22

Tune in to hear Hawkeye and Lens cover the final issue of Healthy Fruit for the 2020 season. Dr. Jaime Piñero covers results of his team's pest surveys, Jon Clements guest spots to go over apple maturity and Hawkeye delivers a warning for next year. But wait! Just because Healthy Fruit has been put up for the winter doesn't mean that the IPM Fruit Loop is ready for hibernation. Stay tuned... Hawkeye and Lens have more tricks up their sleeves...

Oct 02, 202014:49
A Fruit Loop Flashback; Insects, Ascospores, Action! Vol. 28 No. 5

A Fruit Loop Flashback; Insects, Ascospores, Action! Vol. 28 No. 5

This Flashback Fruit Loop takes you back to April 21, 2020. This episode of the IPM Fruit Loop covers early season apple scab and fireblight (courtesy of Dr. Duane Greene) considerations, and more insect trapping and monitoring hot topics. Even as a flashback, this episode contains valuable IPM information you can use again and again. Tune in! 

Oct 01, 202018:14
A Fruit Loop Flashback; ascospores, bud break and branching. Episode 3

A Fruit Loop Flashback; ascospores, bud break and branching. Episode 3

In this episode of the IPM Fruit Loop, Hawkeye takes you back in time to April 7, 2020. Ahh, the days when buds were just emerging from dormancy ascospores were just beginning to mature and it seemed like there might still might be a chance that summer could be something like normal. Refresh your memory on increased branching methods, pheromone and sticky card insect thresholds and other early season pest IPM.

Sep 30, 202019:33
APPLEJACKED ROLLER-COASTER LOOP, Healthy Fruit Vol.28 Issue 21

APPLEJACKED ROLLER-COASTER LOOP, Healthy Fruit Vol.28 Issue 21

Step right up folks!  It's a short Roller-Coaster ride with Lens... If you dare. Hijacked by apples (and wine grapes by the way, more on that in upcoming episodes), we are at the mercy of harvest season!!  Hang on to your noggin, stay in the Loop, and get Jon's fourth Apple Maturity Report!  

Sep 17, 202009:42
WIND BLOWN CONTENTIONS, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 20

WIND BLOWN CONTENTIONS, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 20

Tune in to hear Jon's Apple Maturity Report,  get a "second opinion" on some other apple news, and wish Extension Expert- Sonia Schloemann "Happy Trails."  A special shout out to her for all her time, knowledge, and effort she shared with us!   It's all sweet as pie in the end.

Sep 09, 202034:46
(Im)Maturity, Droughts and Spots Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 19

(Im)Maturity, Droughts and Spots Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 19

Lens has gone back to classes (virtually) and was not able to join me this week. SO, Lucky you! (hahaha) This is an all Hawkeye episode, new music, same goofy me. A new invasive insect pest breaks onto the scene, setting up shop in New Jersey and Staten Island NY. Jon's first official (official 'cause I said so) apple maturity report is rolled out and the drought marches on. 

Aug 27, 202015:47
FLASH IN THE PAN - A FLASHBACK EPISODE!! Healthy Fruit Vol.28 Issue 2

FLASH IN THE PAN - A FLASHBACK EPISODE!! Healthy Fruit Vol.28 Issue 2

Taking it back in time again, Hawkeye & Lens rewind to the end of March 2020.  Covid-19 had begun to make it's mark, chances of freezing were still in play, and we were talking bud stages!!!

Aug 07, 202014:49
AFTER THE STORM, Healthy Fruit Vol.28 Issue 18

AFTER THE STORM, Healthy Fruit Vol.28 Issue 18

It's a bit of a challenge to record a podcast without electricity, but lights are back on after Tropical Storm Isaias got done throwing it's fit in New England.... and Hawkeye and Lens got to it!!  A bit punchy perhaps, they deliver insect, disease, and other fruitful news in between picking up tree branches and salvaging food!  Tune in and get a few laughs too!!!

Aug 07, 202026:14
MEET HAWKEYE & LENS!

MEET HAWKEYE & LENS!

Just a small introduction to your UMass IPM Fruit Loop hosts, Hawkeye & Lens.  We appreciate your time and will do the best to keep you in the loop!

Jul 29, 202001:59
A FRUITFUL FLASHBACK!, Healthy Fruit Vol.28 Issue 1

A FRUITFUL FLASHBACK!, Healthy Fruit Vol.28 Issue 1

Hawkeye and Lens travel back in time.  The destination?, The beginning of the growing season with a touch of March Madness!! Although the time has passed, this rewind is not in vain.  Climb aboard the time machine, and recall what pests, diseases, and other important twists were thrown our way in Spring 2020.  It may just give you tips as to what 2021 has in store!  

Jul 28, 202018:13
SOLO FLYING LENS, UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol.28 Issue 17

SOLO FLYING LENS, UMass IPM Fruit Loop Vol.28 Issue 17

As Hawkeye prepared for the Annual Summer Meeting online, Lens flew solo on this one... if you don't count there roaring thunder and motorcycles driving by!  

Jul 23, 202024:56
DRUGS FOR BUGS, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, issue 16 (Take 2)

DRUGS FOR BUGS, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, issue 16 (Take 2)

Moving into mid-summer, Hawkeye and Lens talk shop.  The pests seem to  take center stage.  So it's good to have those drugs for the "bugs"  (more accurately, insects) on hand!  Irrigation is still key while  dosing those destroyers and there's more fun stuff on the horizon.  Tune  in to stay in the loop!!  A special preview into some Cold-Hardy Grape projects in the works and perhaps, a "teaser" to future podcasts that will keep you "On the Vine" as well as in the loop!!  Thank you for the update on on the trunk disease project Dr. Barry Goodell and Dr. Elsa Petit!!

Jul 09, 202027:51
THE LOWDOWN ON SWD, A SPECIAL EDITION

THE LOWDOWN ON SWD, A SPECIAL EDITION

As an extension of this week's episode, Hawkeye and Lens deliver the lowdown on Spotted Wing Drosophila and salty magic tricks to help you find those maggots!  

Jul 08, 202005:32
DRUGS FOR BUGS, Healthy Fruit Vol. 28, Issue 16 (Take 1)

DRUGS FOR BUGS, Healthy Fruit Vol. 28, Issue 16 (Take 1)

Moving into mid-summer, Hawkeye and Lens talk shop.  The pests seem to take center stage.  So it's good to have those drugs for the "bugs" (more accurately, insects) on hand!  Irrigation is still key while dosing those destroyers and there's more fun stuff on the horizon.  Tune in to stay in the loop!!

Our production manager, Lens (me) forgot to include some audio regarding some fantastic cold-hardy grape projects happening.  See the updated version of this episode (Take 2) for the complete experience!  

Jul 08, 202025:31
BETWEEN THE RAINDROPS, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 15

BETWEEN THE RAINDROPS, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 15

Short and Sweet, this episode keeps you in the loop between the long overdue raindrops.  Hawkeye and Lens recorded this one on the fly in the midst of a busy week when Spotted Winged Drosophila makes their mark, the Apple scab saga wraps up, and cherry harvest comes into full swing!

Jul 01, 202021:40
ENTER THE IRRI-GATE, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 14

ENTER THE IRRI-GATE, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 14

On this week's episode, Entomologist Dr. Jaime Pinero joins Hawkeye & Lens.  You get the "Entomology Psychology" from the expert himself!  Of course, Hawkeye and Lens keep you in the loop with current degree days, upcoming meetings, lab re-openings, diseases, and small fruit! As dry conditions continue in the region, be sure to tune into all things WATER!  Water your crops and water yourselves too!  

Jun 25, 202028:45
 PREDATORS, PREY, AND IRRIGATION!, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 13

PREDATORS, PREY, AND IRRIGATION!, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 13

It's just Hawkeye and Lens on this one!  As much of the region remains "abnormally dry," irrigation is the conversation.  Join us to get a gauge of how deep you need to take it,  learn to discern between good mites and bad mites,  and stay in the Healthy Fruit Loop.   


Jun 17, 202017:35
WATER, FLIGHT, & FRUIT!, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 12

WATER, FLIGHT, & FRUIT!, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 12

This episode is long like the week.. full of ups and downs, all fruitful if you chose to take a bite.   Hawkeye and Lens talk about near drought conditions and keep you in the loop with upcoming pests and diseases.  Extension Expert Sonia Schloemann sat down with Lens, virtually to talk about all things small fruit!  With PYO strawberries happening this weekend, you won't want to miss it!!

Jun 12, 202037:44
THE THIRSTY TREES, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 11

THE THIRSTY TREES, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 11

Water, and the circus seem to be this week's theme!  A special Thanks to Tree Fruit Expert, Jon Clements for joining Lens to chat about apple measuring, thinning, and irrigation.  (Clarification: When Lens refers to backyard pools, she is specifically referring to above-ground pools.)  Tune in to see things "Jon's Way."  Hawkeye and Lens also keep you in the loop by covering degree days, pests, diseases, and all Healthy Fruit matters.  

Jun 03, 202031:34
HOWLING AT ASCOSPORES, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 10

HOWLING AT ASCOSPORES, Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 10

This week's scheduled guest speaker was unable to join Hawkeye and Lens. But Thrush, the rescue pup (AKA Trash Panda - he was rescued from a trash can. Hawkeye and family were lucky enough to get to adopt him) was kind enough to chip in his feeling on degree days, insect activity disease and small fruit. Tune in to hear what Thrush, Hawkeye and Lens have to say! 

May 27, 202021:07
KEEPING IT COOLEY , Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 9

KEEPING IT COOLEY , Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 9

Dr. Daniel Cooley from the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture joins Hawkeye and Lens to discuss current disease updates. Plus, we will cover all the usual Healthy Fruit news!


May 20, 202025:45
THE THINNING SKINNY - Healthy Fruit Vol. 28, Issue 8

THE THINNING SKINNY - Healthy Fruit Vol. 28, Issue 8

Hawkeye and Lens may have had too much fun making this episode but they still deliver timely horticultural and pest management strategies for your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) needs. This week; more plum curculio, diseases by Dr. Cooley and the skinny on thinning from Dr. Greene. 

May 15, 202024:27
CINCO DE MAYO- Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 7

CINCO DE MAYO- Healthy Fruit Vol.28, Issue 7

This week in apples, Hawkeye and Lens talk plum curculio and apple scab. Notes from the field is back and small fruit updates are covered. 

May 11, 202025:50
IN THE LOOP, Pilot Episode- Healthy Fruit Vol. 28, No.4

IN THE LOOP, Pilot Episode- Healthy Fruit Vol. 28, No.4

This podcast is the audio version of the UMass Extension Fruit Team's Healthy Fruit Newsletter.  In this week's episode our production manager, Lyndsey leads us into a new way to deliver the most up to date crop information to YOU! After all, you are why we all at Extension do what we do. Adapted from the Healthy Fruit newsletter published on April 14, 2020.

May 05, 202019:21