Fruit and Vegetable News

Dormant pruning of various fruit crops is often done after the coldest parts of winter have passed, and before bud break begins, allowing enough time to finish the total acreage. However, from now until the time you start pruning, it can be a good time to take inventory of your current pruning tools to take note of what tools you have and their condition.  In this article, we’ll discuss various tools that can be used for pruning dormant perennial fruit crops, how to best care for them, and what to do if serious corrosion happens.  Pruning tools  Hand shears and loppers: Hand shears/pruners : Also referred to as secateurs in some parts of the world, this tool can be used to cut smaller diameter branches up to 3/4-1 inch. For shrubs and vines, hand shears can be the primary tool used in pruning. Hand shears come in a variety of options: manual, ratcheting, electric, and pneumatic.  Loppers : Loppers look similar to hand shears, but they have very long handles with a bl...

You might have been aware of a looming reporting deadline of January 1, 2025, for the Corporate Transparency Act, which required companies doing business in the United States report their beneficial ownership information to the U.S. Department of Treasury bureau called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). On December 3, 2024, the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas granted a nationwide preliminary injunction so that reporting requirements for businesses has been suspended on a nationwide basis. Even though reporting is not required at this time, farm businesses who have filed a form with the secretary of state or similar office in their state to create a business and all foreign companies doing business in any U.S. state or tribal jurisdiction were to be included in this act. This would have affected agricultural producers because many farms have created companies and use business entities such as limited liability companies (LLC) or a corporation to ow...

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is an invasive fruit fly that targets soft-skinned fruits, including berry crops, by laying eggs in ripening fruit. This pest can cause significant crop damage, making it a critical concern for fruit growers. Join Madeline Wimmer- UMN Extension educator for an insightful session on spotted wing drosophila (SWD), tailored to Minnesota organic and conventional fruit growers. In this webinar, we’ll discuss SWD biology and lifecycle, including information about the SWD winter morph and its potential to survive in cold climates. We’ll also explore the latest research and innovative approaches for management. Image: Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is an invasive insect pest that impacts fruit production, especially for soft-skinned fruit crops like raspberries. SWD males can be distinguished by their signature wing spots, while female adults advantageously have a serrated, saw-like ovipositor that enables them to lay eggs in ripening fruits. Note: This photo is no...