Our Pipfruit Knowledge

Our Growers | Rockit Apples

Rockit apples are like other apples in that they’re grown on trees but then the team at the Hawke’s Bay company behind the miniature apples have taken their own path. 
A little larger than a golf ball, Rockit apples are marketed globally as healthy snacks and sold in recyclable plastic tubes. In some markets, a tube of five perfectly formed Rockit apples sells for $US10...

Our Growers | Birdhurst Ltd

Growing 300 ha of apples and 50 ha of gold kiwifruit in Motueka, Richard Clarkson appreciates the advice and support he receives from the Fruitfed Horticulture team. With the company assisting the Birdhurst family for over 35 years, Richard says he appreciates being able to ring his rep and seek advice on product choice, along with having an extra set of eyes on the crops.  

• Peak black spot ascospore release occurs between mid/late September and late October/early November. As little as 0.2 mm of rain is sufficient to stimulate the release of ascospores. During this primary infection period, ensure your black spot protectant programme is robust to protect new, emerging leaves and fruitlets. If significant weather events are predicted, utilise a good protectant fungicide such as Polyram® and add an SDHI (group 7) fungicide such as Aptivis® or Sercadis ® prior to the event
• SDHI fungicides provide excellent control of black spot and powdery mildew due to their translaminar and localised systemic activity. If an extended wet period occurs, fungicides with post-infection reach-back for black spot may be necessary. Apply DMIs, such as Belanty® or Score (Group 3), as soon as possible and always mixed with Polyram®.

• With increases in mealybug populations in pipfruit over the past few seasons, elevated populations may occupy the tree structure. Mealybugs, along with other cryptic pests, begin to emerge and multiply in spring, so early spring is the best time to target them when you can achieve good coverage and control the young crawlers. Make two to three applications of Mortar® or Ovation® pre-flower, the first of which can be made with early season oil applications.
• If woolly apple aphid was a problem last season, apply Pirimor® in combination with oil at late dormant or green tip to help reduce seasonal population buildup.