Do not submit insects in water. Place the dead specimens between layers of tissue or cotton in a pill box or other small container. Like a detective's case, the clues and answers to the problem are often found in the details around the plant or pest. Crucial information, such as the planting date, previous cropping history, soil type, fertilizers or chemicals applied, size of area affected, severity of the problem, number of insects found, and many other considerations often are the keys to unlocking the secret to a plant problem. Sample submission forms are available from your local Cooperative Extension Office or from our office.
Trees are still dormant, but the time remaining for collecting good scion wood is short.
Remember that scion wood should be stored at 32 F and wrapped in moist cloth and plastic film. Do not store with apples. If growth has been strong and foliage heavy, then nitrogen should probably not be applied this year. Severely pruned trees should not be heavily fertilized with nitrogen, since excessive vegetative growth will be produced. Calcium sprays for bitter pit control should be a standard practice beginning at petal fall or first cover, since a high quality crop of fruit is most important.