Summer in the Orchard
Summer in the orchard is a time when you can find a lot of action if you look closely. Aphids have been feeding on tender leaves near the tips of rapidly growing shoots. But these aphids are not alone. Predators show up soon after the aphids, eating so many that just as you might think we need to do something to control these pests, they seemingly disappear.
- These hungry orange Cecidomyiidae gobble up unsuspecting aphids on an apple leaf in a New Hampshire orchard recently. Photo: W.Lord
Apples are growing rapidly – all the rain that has made disease management a bear and waterlogged home gardens is helping insure our apples will be large. Early varieties like Ginger Gold and Paulared offer the promise of large, flavorful fruits as September rolls in.
Early peaches are ready. Enough said!
Bill Lord, July 21, 2009
Posted: July 21st, 2009 under Fruit Growers Journal.