April 12, 2002

Stage of Bud:   Approaching Green Tip at UVM HRC   

Apple Scab Ascospore Maturity:   Upon examining 15 pseudothecia dissected out of about five scabby, overwintered leaves from underneath non-sprayed McIntosh trees at the UVM HRC, I did not see any mature ascospores and saw no discharged asci (sacs).    What I did see were many robust looking asci   per pseudothecia .   Only in one pseudothecium did I start to see the outlines of ascospores within the sacs.

It must be remembered that this is a very, very small sample.  However,  based on what I saw I would say that the fungus overwintered well.

Remember -- pseudothecia  from orchards in warmer locations than the UVM Hort. Res. Center are probably further along.  UMass and the Hudson Valley Lab are reporting 5% mature.