Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory

09/30/2026

https://www.morningagclips.com/reminder-november-20-crop-insurance-deadline-for-perennial-fruit-crops/

CORTLAND, N.Y. — Northeast fruit growers have until November 20, 2026, to purchase or update crop insurance coverage for the 2027 crop year. Growers are encouraged...

09/16/2026

Be safe this harvest season! 🚜🍇

PORTLAND, N.Y. — September is Farm Safety Awareness Month as well as the beginning of grape harvest in the area. The Lake Erie Regional Grape...

09/09/2026

A sample collected last Wednesday has tested positive for late blight in Chautauqua County.

If you grow tomatoes or potatoes, now is the time to inspect plants regularly and take appropriate preventative measures. Due to its ability to travel long distances and destroy entire fields, growers need to know how to diagnose and manage the disease. Early action can help limit the spread of this destructive disease.

For more information on identifying Late Blight and management practices please visit: https://www.vegetables.cornell.edu/crops/tomatoes/late-blight/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6DaNWHecEE

09/08/2026

To Spray or Not to Spray?
Managing Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, and Botrytis Late in the Season

As harvest approaches, deciding whether another fungicide application is needed can be challenging, especially since every farm is different.
While clusters have developed ontogenic resistance to most diseases by this point in the
season, leaves are often still susceptible. Disease pressure, variety susceptibility, crop load, weather, cost, and fungicide resistance all need to be considered.

More sprays are not always better. The benefit achieved from healthier leaves must be weighed against the cost of an additional spray. When disease pressure is moderate to low, aggressive early season cultural practices and possibly biological products may help reduce the need for
additional conventional fungicides. When disease is already established, however, choosing an effective product—and avoiding products to which resistance has developed—is critical.

To read the full article, written by Jessica Clippinger, please click here: https://lergp.com/news-updates/2026/9/8/to-spray-or-not-to-spray-managing-downy-mildew-powdery-mildew-and-botrytis-late-in-the-season

09/08/2026

‼️ New Podcast Alert ‼️

Jennifer Phillips Russo and Andrew Holden discuss recent developments in the grape-growing region, focusing on harvest updates, weather impacts, and new programs. Jennifer shared that the harvest of some cultivars is already being picked, and noted concerns about berry splitting in Concords due to heavy rain, which could lead to yield loss and disease issues. She welcomed Jessica Clippinger to the team and highlighted her recent article on managing late-season diseases. Andrew announced a new grant program from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for fruit growers affected by spring frost damage. They also discussed the Concord Berry Curve and the effects of recent rainfall on berry maturity. The conversation included reminders about the Northeast W**e Grape Classifieds for buying and selling grapes and equipment, and the importance of inspecting vehicles for spotted lanternfly to prevent its spread. Jennifer and Andrew emphasized the need for safety during harvest season, especially on roads, and mentioned ongoing research related to spotted lanternfly management.

➡️ To watch the podcast: https://youtu.be/D6QPpe7tx_o

➡️ To listen to the podcast, click the link below or listen on your favorite streaming service: https://extension.psu.edu/between-the-vines

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08/26/2026

There is a faint smell in the air at CLEREL... 👃🍇

The Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory research
team officially called Concord Veraison on August 17, 2026.

This is three days earlier than last year (8/20/25), and five days earlier than the historical average of 8/22.
This year, veraison hit at 69 days after bloom, which is spot on with our historical dataset! You can find our current and historical phenological data on our website, lergp.com

As the season progresses, the familiar scent of veraison will become full-blown across the grape belt, and harvest will be fast on its heels! We wish all of our growers a safe and bountiful harvest! 🚜🍇

08/06/2026

‼️New Podcast Alert‼️

Jennifer Phillips Russo, Andrew Holden, and Megan Luke discuss the upcoming sprayer technology demo day organized by the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program team. The day will feature presentations from experts in sprayer technology, including drone applications and autonomous spray units, as well as equipment demonstrations. Megan shares insights from her work on sprayer calibrations and water quality, emphasizing the importance of regular testing and maintenance for effective pesticide application. The team highlights the event's educational value, which will include classroom sessions, field demonstrations, opportunities for growers to earn pesticide credits, and lunch! They also mention other recent activities, such as grower meetings and upcoming travel plans, and encourage listeners to register for the demo day on August 12, 2026.

Time is running out to register for this event! Click the link below to register now: https://extension.psu.edu/lake-erie-regional-grape-program-sprayer-technology-field-day

➡️To watch the podcast: https://youtu.be/XWGhREmpVdM?si=6q2AvDSLD063mbae

➡️To listen to the podcast, click the link below or listen on your favorite streaming service: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1750130/episode_players/19580967-between-the-vines-s6e8-sprayer-tech-demo-day-coming-august-12th?client_source=large_player&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzzsprout.com%2F1750130.js%3Fcontainer_id%3Dbuzzsprout-large-player-1750130

Jennifer, Andrew and Megan come together to talk about the upcoming...

07/29/2026

We have an exciting event coming up at CLEREL! 🚜🍇

Our Sprayer Technology Demonstration Day will provide growers with an opportunity to see current and in-development spray technology with guest experts from Cornell, Michigan State, and Washington State Universities.

Explore the latest advances in spray technology during this all-day meeting and demonstration event designed for grape growers and industry professionals. Through presentations and field demonstrations, attendees will gain practical insights into innovations that can improve application efficiency, crop protection, and vineyard and orchard management.

🗓 Wednesday, August 12, from 9am - 4pm
📍The Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory (CLEREL) located at 6592 W Main St, Portland, NY 14769

General Registration is $30 and includes lunch, printed proceedings, equipment demos, classroom session, and NY and PA Pesticide Applicator credits.

Make sure to register by August 11, 2026, by visiting https://lnkd.in/gvuXRfTX

Agenda can be found here: https://lergp.com/events/

07/21/2026

Our Sprayer Technology Demo Day will be here before you know it! 🚜🍇

Explore the latest advances in spray technology during this all-day meeting and demonstration event designed for grape growers and industry professionals. Participants will have the opportunity to see current and emerging spray technologies in action while learning from guest experts representing Cornell University, Michigan State University, and Washington State University. Through presentations and field demonstrations, attendees will gain practical insights into innovations that can improve application efficiency, crop protection, and vineyard and orchard management.

🗓 Wednesday, August 12, from 9am - 4pm
📍The Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory (CLEREL) located at 6592 W Main St, Portland, NY 14769

General Registration is $30 and includes lunch, printed proceedings, equipment demos, classroom session, and NY and PA Pesticide Applicator credits.

Make sure to register by August 11, 2026, by visiting https://extension.psu.edu/lake-erie-regional-grape-program-sprayer-technology-field-day

Explore advances in spray technology at this all-day meeting and field demo for grape and fruit growers, featuring expert insights on precision spraying, drones, and sprayer optimization.

07/21/2026

Have you spotted a Japanese beetle with small white spots on its back? If so, it's your lucky day!

Those white spots are actually the eggs of the winsome fly, a beneficial insect that parasitizes adult Japanese beetles. Once the eggs hatch, the developing fly larvae feed inside the beetle, and the beetle will die within a few days.

Nature has its own way of helping manage pests, and the winsome fly is one of the many beneficial insects that can help keep Japanese beetle populations in check.

Learn more about winsome flies: https://blogs.cornell.edu/biocontrolbytes/2026/07/15/got-japanese-beetles-got-winsome-flies/