GROWER ACTION ALERT!
The European Grapevine Moth
Please go to our NEWS AND EVENTS PAGE
to find out how you can help.
Newsletter May/June 2010
Bunches and Vines
The result of the RBA Bunch Count for 2010 was 38 bunches per vine. This is a 10% increase from last year, and 7% above our ten-year average. Remember that this is just the first sign of what our crop might be. With a higher bunch count, we tend to expect a more bountiful crop. We are actually tracking slightly behind last year in the development of the crop, even though our bud break was about the same. The degree-day models show the bloom prediction at May 17th to May 21st, which is about a week behind last year.
The same spring rains that may have helped our vines look good to this point could pose future powdery mildew and/or rot problems, so pay close attention to your protection programs. If you would like to check the nutritional status of your vines, the bloom period is the best time to do that.
You may have noticed all the red traps set out to detect a possible presence of the European Grapevine Moth (EGVM). A few have been found! As a result, county, state, and federal officials are establishing a quarantine area to prevent its movement. Treatment for EGVM is similar to OLR treatment. It includes traditional and organic ovicides and larvicides, as well as mating disruption. This pest is just another nasty insect knocking at our door and hopefully will not establish itself in our area. As you know, we have enough to battle already.
Good luck with the growing season ~ Steve
RBA Individual Agreements
Our signatory packers have been actively contacting RBA members to contract your raisin production for the 2010 crop year. The RBA encourages a positive working relationship between our members and our packers. You are able to work directly with the RBA packer of your choice.
Please be aware that there is a standard “RBA Individual Agreement” that the Association recognizes as the official contract between our growers and our signatory packers. In order for us to protect your rights as a member, we need your cooperation in making certain that you sign an “RBA Individual Agreement” when you agree to sell your 2010 raisins. All RBA packers have copies of this contract, but if you need a copy or have any further questions, please call the RBA office.
Packer Change Forms
According to our Master Contract with the RBA signatory packers, we provide them a list of potential growers for the coming season. In order for the list to be accurate, we recommend that members who wish to make a change to their packer preferences on file, do so before June 30th. After that date, a change will only be approved with a signed release from your existing packer. Please call the RBA office if you wish to make a packer change and we will send you the proper form.
Allowable Burning
The RBA has been working with other Ag groups to gather backup information for the request to extend allowable burning of both raisin tray paper and vineyard removal. The current burn authorization was set to expire in June 2010, which would require you to take alternative measures to dispose of paper and vines. We encourage you to consider other means of disposal while we are working to get the burn authorization extended and provide you with a choice. We will keep you informed about this important issue.