Apple Ag-Radar Assists in Orchard Management
The University of Maine Apple IPM Program Ag-Radar website translates weather data into guidance to help apple growers identify the need and timing for management activities such as pest monitoring, pesticide application, thinning and harvest.
For each site, there are 48 tables and charts of weather data, crop and pest development models, and pesticide application dates. The tables and charts are automatically updated each morning and afternoon with the latest observed and forecast weather. The website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are currently 17 sites for orchards in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, and New Brunswick, Canada.
Because of variations in rain and temperature each growing season is different. Having access to tools that show how changing weather effects crops and pests helps growers adjust their management to improve crop yield and quality with minimum expense.
