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On May 23, 2018

To Control Powdery Mildew and Apple Scab

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Many areas are in the tight cluster stage of bud development on apples. Extension Horticulture Specialist Kari Peter explains now is the time to begin powdery mildew control. Powdery mildew is considered a “dry weather” disease. The fungus does not like prolonged leaf wetness (i.e., apple scab conditions); high humidity and temperatures ranging from 55 – 70°F are enough for the spores to germinate. Be mindful of the dry weather days occurring from tight cluster until the shoots harden off (approximately second cover spray), which is the most susceptible time for infection since the powdery mildew fungus likes young tissue. As tissue begins to grow, the fungus will colonize young, green tissue as it emerges. Symptoms of primary infection include “flag shoots,” which may have stunted growth or die back. On very susceptible varieties, severe blossom infections can occur and fail to produce fruit.

We have the challenge of controlling for powdery mildew and scab combined with practicing fungicide resistance management during these mixed days of dry and wet conditions. During the current period of green tip through tight cluster bud development, when scab spores are on the lower side, consider using fungicides from FRAC Groups 3 or 9, such as Rally, Indar, Inspire Super, Procure/Trionic, Scala, or Vangard. Syllit, which is FRAC Group M7 can also be included; however, include sulfur for powdery mildew control since Syllit is ineffective for controlling powdery mildew. Alternative management options include sulfur or lime sulfur only (both will manage scab and powdery mildew). Be sure to rotate FRAC Groups and tank mix with a broad spectrum fungicide (mancozeb, ferbam, metiram, ziram) for fungicide resistance management.

 

There are many products available with the FRAC Group 7 mode action. Several of these products are excellent for both scab and powdery mildew control. Growers are highly encouraged to wait to use the FRAC Group 7 fungicides during pink through petal fall; these fungicides are best saved for peak apple scab pressure, which is from pink through petal fall. Even if dry conditions persist during late pink through petal fall, the FRAC Group 7 products will control for powdery mildew control during this time period.

 

To Participate In MMP Question And Answer Webinars Do you have questions about MPP? Want to learn more about MPP and if it’s right for your dairy farm? Join in on a Question and Answer Webinar to learn more. Topics will include a review of the MPP (Margin Protection Program) for Dairy, an update the MPP Margin numbers, a question and Answer session followed by general discussion. These webinars will be held Thursdays from 1 PM – 2 PM on April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17, May 24, and May 31, 2018. In addition on May 10 there will be an in-person viewing at Schuylkill County Extension Office and Dairy Educator, Mat Haan, will be available after to help use the MPP on-line tool if interested. Also on May 17 there will be an in-person viewing at Lebanon County Extension Office and Dairy Educator, Mat Haan, will be available after to help use the MPP on-line tool if interested.  On May 24, there will be an in-person viewing at Berks County Extension Office and Dairy Educator, Mat Haan, will be available after to help use the MPP on-line tool if interested. If you have questions about the in-person events on May 10, 17, and 24 please contact Mat Haan at mmh29@psu.edu To register go to : https://extension.psu.edu/mpp-dairy or join when the session starts by clicking this link: https://psu.zoom.us/j/855782275 Or Telephone: Dial:+1 669 900 6833 (US Toll), or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) or+1 646 876 9923 (US Toll). Use Meeting ID: 855 782 275 For more information regarding the Question and Answer Session Webinars, please contact Craig Williams (jcw17@psu.edu)

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To Update Spring Vaccines for Your Horse

 

As the days get longer, many horse owners and horse enthusiasts are eager to begin training for the show season or to get out on the trails. But before you load up your horse and haul them to a fun event, you should ask yourself, “Is my horse up to date on their vaccines?”

 

Have you ever stopped to consider why we vaccinate our horses – or ourselves, or our dogs and cats? Equine Extension Specialist Danielle Smarsh explains vaccines are meant to create and maintain immunity against specific diseases. In other words, vaccines are meant to reduce an animal’s risk of getting sick, and if they do get sick after vaccination, then the severity of the disease should be lessened and they may be less contagious. The vaccine is usually a modified, weaker version of the disease you are trying to prevent. When the vaccine is given to your horse, their body creates antibodies to fight this “mock disease”, and these antibodies will stay in the body for a period of time after the vaccination. Now your horse is armed with a defense system ready to go if they do encounter the actual disease!

Vaccines are created for specific diseases for a few different reasons. A disease might have a high fatality rate, such as tetanus. Or a disease might be highly contagious and easily spread from horse to horse, such as influenza or strangles. Finally, a disease may have the possibility to spread across different species (these are called zoonotic diseases), such as West Nile Virus or rabies.

 

Equine vaccines are categorized by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) as either core vaccines or risk-based vaccines. Core vaccines are vaccines that every single horse should receive, every year. Risk-based vaccines are vaccines that you may or may not administer to your horse, depending on a variety of factors (location, travel expectations, odds of exposure, etc).

 

So which vaccines does my horse need this spring? The short but frustrating answer to this is: it depends! Keep in mind that for previously-vaccinated, adult horses, the vaccines listed above need to be given on either an annual or semi-annual basis in order to be most effective. For example, if your horse received their rabies vaccine in the fall, then they do not need to receive the rabies vaccine the following spring, since the rabies vaccine is given on an annual basis.

 

The vaccines that should be given in the spring are the ones that prevent against diseases spread by insects such as mosquitoes. As the weather warms up, insects reemerge, and the risk of being infected by diseases that they carry will increase. West Nile Virus and EEE/WEE are both transmitted by mosquitoes, so these vaccines should be given prior to the start of “mosquito season”.

 

If you are planning on showing your horse or taking them off the farm to public places, then you should consider some of the risk-based vaccines. Strangles, equine influenza, and equine herpesvirus (EHV) are respiratory diseases that are easily spread from horse to horse and are diseases that are routinely seen where there is a high density of horses, like showgrounds. These diseases are also seen at barns where horses routinely come and go, so even if your horse is not leaving the grounds, other horses could contract diseases and bring them back home, where they could potentially infect their stablemates.

 

You should always consult with your veterinarian to develop a vaccine plan for your horse. Again, ALL horses should receive the core vaccines (rabies, EEE/WEE, tetanus, and West Nile Virus). The risk-based vaccines will depend on if your horse travels, your geographic location, breeding status, and other considerations. Talk with your vet to determine your horse’s risk level for each disease; do not simply give your horse every vaccine available, since this could be costly and unnecessary.

 

Vaccines guidelines do vary slightly between adult horses, broodmares, and foals, as well as for horses that have never been vaccinated. Be sure to follow the AAEP guidelines for your horse’s vaccination schedule. Remember that it can take several weeks after giving a vaccine for your horse to be protected, so plan accordingly based on the weather and your travel plans.

 

Quote Of The Week: “Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction.” Margaret Thatcher