25 March 2024 - We're back!

We're back with a new look and sound for Season 2 of Scaffolds! If you've been following along, welcome back. And if you're new here, Scaffolds is a a weekly roundup of the timely updates on insect and disease management as well as phenological developments across New York State for apple growers.

We also have a new co-host, Dr. Kelsey Tobin, postdoctoral researcher in the Rivera Lab. Kelsey will take over for Anna Wallis, bringing us phenological, degree day, and pest event updates. Don't fret, Anna will still join us from time to time to share her expertise and news from around the state.

Our regular hosts include Monique Rivera, Assistant Professor of Entomology at Cornell AgriTech; Kerik Cox, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology at Cornell AgriTech; and Anna Wallis, Fruit IPM Coordinator at NYSIPM.

In this episode, we talk about what to expect and how to manage risk after a mild winter and warm temperatures in February and March. Monique talks about scouting and action thresholds for European red mites, and when to apply dormant oils. Kerik shares how to select a biofix, reducing early season inoculum, and the current apple scab forecast. Anna tells us about some exciting statewide scouting initiatives and events this season. Lastly, Kelsey brings us current degree day and phenology around the state.

All segments recorded March 25 and published March 26, 2024.

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Links and resources:

• Monique Rivera's email: monique.rivera@cornell.edu
• Climate Smart Farming tool: http://climatesmartfarming.org/tools/csf-growing-degree-day-calculator/
• Virtual IPM Scout Training registration link: https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvf-6hqT0oHdSmFaOUnA0OGBG8TXwpNt5L
• To contribute to the new statewide insect pest monitoring network, contact Anna Wallis: aew232@cornell.edu⁠

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McIntosh Phenology and DDs (43F) (avg +/- std)

• Silver tip || 58-106

• Green tip || 99-144

• Half-Inch Green || 150-201

• Tight Cluster || 206-257

• Pink || 267-316

• Bloom || 344-415

• Petal Fall || 439-523

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Phenology and DDs (43F) for NY NEWA Stations from 1/1-3/25

• Geneva || 74 || projected 83 by EOW || Silver tip

• Highland HVRL || 94 || projected 102 by EOW || Green tip

• Clifton Park || 48 || projected 51 by EOW || entering silver tip

• Peru (Forrence) || 12 || projected 16 by EOW || dormant

• Medina - Inland || 88 || projected 92 by EOW || green tip

• Appleton North - Lake || 66 || projected 69 by EOW || silver tip

• Williamson (Mason) - Inland || 67 || projected 75 by EOW || silver tip

• Williamson (DeMarree) - Lake || 83 || projected 89 by EOW || silver tip nearing green