Cherry growers are spending a lot of time and effort managing issues to do with Covid-19 and dealing with labour shortages—that is why it is so important not to forget about the orchard.
Have someone keep a close eye on the trees so you are not overwhelmed if there is a sudden pest or disease outbreak.
Some cherry growing regions may experience prolonged humid conditions this season. Higher humidity increases the risk of infestation by Qld fruit fly and fungal rots. As a result, your spray program may require adjustment to better manage those risks.
Observe and act quickly
The cherry growing season is much shorter than other stone fruit, which is why time management of planned actions is critical.
A planned orchard activity must be completed within the short window allowed, otherwise there is a risk that some important actions will be left out or happen too late, which could adversely affect fruit quality or quantity at harvest.
Train staff as scouts
Train staff to look out for anything 'different' in the cherry trees: have them note the block and tree number in the row, so you can investigate.
Timely action key to success
Timely action like this can save a small issue from becoming a big problem, such as an outbreak of aphis, or an infestation of plague thrip.
Vignerons have long used roses planted at the end of a row, as early indicators of insect incursion or fungal disease.
This is all about identifying a small issue before it becomes a big problem. Timely action not only is an efficient use of time, it can save time and reduce possible damage, protecting the crop and your financial bottom line.
See this article in Tree Fruit Oct 2021
