Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/497437
www.goodfruit.com Good Fruit Grower MAY 1, 2015 39 Attract kestrels, scare birds B en Dover of Orchard Guard, based in Yakima, Washington, supplies kestrel nest boxes for growers wanting to deter pest birds from visiting their orchards. Dover, a former cherry grower, tried putting out kestrel boxes in his own orchard about eight years ago and found that it reduced crop damage caused by birds. According to Dover, kestrels are able to kill or injure smaller birds in the air, which makes birds fearful enough to change their flight patterns. Customers say they no longer have to use bird guns to scare away starlings. Kestrels also prey on mice, voles, grasshoppers, spiders, and snakes as well as small birds. Dover supplies kestrel boxes with a slide system that works with a 4-by-4-inch post. The box slides up and down the post so there's no need to climb a ladder to clean it out. For more information, check the web site at www.orchardguard.com or email bsdover@msn.com. Plant growth regulator registered by EPA R efine, a plant growth regulator containing the active ingredient naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) has been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use on apples, pears, citrus, and olives. It is used in apples and pears as a chemical thinner for reducing fruit set, and can also be applied 7 to 14 days before harvest to prevent fruit drop. The product is made and sold by Fine Americas, based in Walnut Creek, California. Cider trees available H eritage Cider Supply is a new com- mercial nursery based in Quincy, Washington, that specializes in cider apple trees. The nursery Heritage cider sold its first trees last summer, harvested 3,200 trees in November 2014, and will have 31,000 trees ready to harvest by November 2015 for planting in 2016. Nursery co-founder Phil Smith says he spent months researching the varieties of apples that cider makers are looking for. This year, Heritage Cider offered Dabinett, Kingston Black, Roxbury Russet, and Yarlington Mill varieties. For planting in spring 2016, it will also have Ashmead's Kernel, Bulmer's Norman, Chisel Jersey, Ellis Bitter, Golden Russet, Harrison, and Herefordshire Redstreak. The nursery also will supply apples, juice, and concentrate for commercial cider making. Go to www.heritagecidersupply.com or email sales@heritagecidersupply.com for more information. Good Stuff A selection of the latest products and services for tree fruit and grape growers HERITAGE CIDER SUPPLY Kingston Black apple May May 27-28: Pear Bureau Annual Meetings, Portland, Oregon. For details, call (503) 652-9720, usapears.org. June June 3-4: Maximum Residue Levels Harmonization Conference, San Francisco, California, specialtycrops.org. June 23-24: Center for Produce Safety's annual produce research symposium, Atlanta, Georgia, www.centerforproducesafety.org. For information, email info@ centerforproducesafety.org, call (530) 757-5777. Good to Go For a complete listing of upcoming events, check the Calendar at www.goodfruit.com There are many good reasons for growers to use NU FILM ® NU FILM has been used as a sticker- spreader on apples and tree fruits for over 45 years. During this period, it has demonstrated one very important thing: Consistent & Reliable Performance NU FILM is the best value insurance you can buy to protect expensive pesticides and help them perform properly under various weather conditions. Since it is gentle to the crop, NU FILM has not caused russet or other problems. Others may say they have similar products, but put your trust in those company consultants that recommend NU FILM. They are watching out for your bottom line. For additional information or for the phone number of your local Miller representative, call: 800-233-2040 Miller Chemical & Fertilizer, LLC Hanover, PA 17331 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS NU FILM SAFE FOR HONEY BEES 360.333.4044 Casey Schoenberger Mount Vernon, WA Dramm Corporation Manitowoc, WI • U.S.A. www.FishFertilizer.com Extremely high levels of available Calcium & Phosphorus Natural Fish Fertilizers for Organic & Sustainable Crop Production BERRIES VINEYARDS ORCHARDS