June 6, 2025


    By Becky Wiepz and Dan Kielar

    Station Updates

    • Mulching of orchards and vineyards is in progress.
    • Orchard planting was completed this week.

    UW Madison/Extension Updates


    Historic Growing Degree Day Comparison

    Date 6/52021202220232024202520-year avg.
    Base 50395.5309430.5433321360
    GDD50 has fallen behind the 20-year average by about 3 days.

    Recent Weather at Peninsular Ag Research Station

    DateMax Temp(℉)Min Temp(℉)Max Wind Gust(mph)Daily Rain Total(in)
    5/2970.051.116.80.09
    5/3068.948.419.50.0
    5/3163.741.715.70.0
    6/164.238.513.40.0
    6/277.549.320.60.0
    6/373.655.921.00.07
    6/470.355.816.10.13
    6/574.548.411.60.0
    Upcoming forecast may result in infection periods for fungal and bacterial pathogens due to rain events predicted for Saturday to Monday.
    If you’d like to see weather data for your area, visit https://wisconet.wisc.edu/

    Apples

    Growth Stage: Petal Fall
    Seasonal Update: Avoid Insecticide Application when blooms are open to protect pollinators. Lime sulfur sprays need to be applied during bloom to impact crop load. After petal fall, plant growth regulators can be used to remove additional fruitlets.

    PestSouthern DoorCentral DoorNorthern DoorNotes
    Tarnished Plant BugNone Caught1 CaughtAppears to be a break
    in movement
    Spotted Tentiform LeafminerPresentPresentPresentFlight continues
    Codling MothAdults CaughtNone CaughtAdults CaughtFlight continues
    *see caption below
    Blossom Feeders/LepidopteraLow PressureLow PressureLow Pressure
    Oriental Fruit MothAdults CaughtAdults CaughtNo CatchStart of Flight
    Biofix for codling moth is the first sustained catch, so is achieved in blocks that have catches more than one week in a row. For more information visit this article or the NEWA Codling Moth Model.
    DiseaseSouthern DoorCentral DoorNorthern DoorNotes
    Apple ScabMedium RiskMedium RiskMedium RiskIncreased risk with increased leaf
    surface and rain. Check Apple Scab models
    on NEWA to time spray applications.
    Fire BlightMedium to High RiskLow RiskLow RiskInfection only possible while blossoms are open.

    Cherries

    Growth Stage: Approaching Shuck Split
    Seasonal Update: Fungicide should be applied before rain events now that bract leaves are open. Once fruit is out of the shuck, insecticide should be applied for Plum Curculio.

    PestSouthern DoorCentral DoorNorthern DoorNotes
    Plum CurculioFruit is not at risk of PC damage until after shuck split
    DiseaseSouthern DoorCentral DoorNorthern DoorNotes
    Cherry Leaf SpotLow RiskLow RiskLow RiskRisk increases with leaf area
    expansion and rain events

    GRAPES

    Growth Stage: E-L Growth Stage 12-13
    Seasonal Update: Pre-Bloom fungicide should be applied soon, as appropriate for your cultivar. Shoots should be thinned to ~2 per spur while shoots are still short.

    PestSouthern DoorCentral DoorNorthern DoorNotes
    Flea BeetlesLow riskLow riskLow riskSpring damage on swelling buds is the
    only feeding that poses economic risk.
    DiseaseStationNotes
    Grape PhomopsisNone observed
    PhylloxeraNone observedmonitor plants for galls
    on leaf undersides

    Additional Resources