Between Two Rows

In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy look at what "moisture" really drives apple scab infection and when hedging is worth the effort with these two questions: 

1) What is more important in the apple scab infection cycle - rain, humidity or leaf wetness?

2) When should I hedge my apple trees?

First, Kristy dives into the role moisture plays throughout the apple scab infection cycle, exploring how rain, humidity and leaf wetness contribute. Is one more important than the others? Then, Erika tackles one difficult decision: to hedge or not to hedge? She explores the benefits and risks of hedging, timing decisions, and how your management goals should guide the decision.

Because better decisions start with understanding the "why" behind your management practices.

Featured cider this episode: Cider Keg Farm Market (Red Tuque Strawberry Crush Hard Cider), Vittoria ON

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. 

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy are talking pollination - what drives it, what disrupts it, and who's doing the work in the orchard with these two questions: 

1) Can damaged blossoms impact pollination?

2) Do I actually need to bring in honeybees?

First, Erika breaks down the key factors behind successful pollination (and fertilization), including weather, bloom conditions, and how frost or cold injury can impact fruit set. Then, Kristy shares the buzz on orchard pollinators and compares honeybee foraging behaviour with some the orchard's common native pollinators. Is one better than another?

From bloom to bee activity, this episode digs into what it takes to set the crop.

Featured cider this episode: Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery (Purple Rain), Thedford ON

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. 

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy dig into two common spring questions: 

1) How late is too late for dormant oil?

2) How can I mitigate blind wood?

First, Kristy starts with dormant oil timing, breaking down what "dormant" and "delayed dormant" really mean, and how that timing impacts control of scale and mite pests. Then, Erika shifts to blind wood, unpacking the drivers behind those canopy gaps - from bud development to pruning and light - and what can be done to reduce these blank spots.

If you've ever second-guessed your dormant spray timing or wondered why the wood stayed bare, this one's for you.

Featured cider this episode: Ramblers Supply Co (Happy Camper), Niagara-On-The-Lake ON

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. 

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

In the Season 2 premiere of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy tackle two orchard questions that just won't drop:

1) Why are there still leaves on the tree?

2) How do intervals on pest control product labels get set?

First, Erika investigates why some trees hold onto their leaves longer than expected, breaking down the physiology of leaf drop, the role of the abscission layer, and whether marcescence really applies to apples. Then we shift gears to the regulatory world where Kristy explains how restricted entry intervals (REIs) and preharvest intervals (PHIs) are determined on pest control product labels - and why those numbers don't always line up the way you might expect.

Featured cider this episode: Spy Cider House & Distillery (Spy Estate), The Blue Mountains ON

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. 

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy dig into the N factor - how nitrogen shapes tree growth, fruit quality and orchard health, tackling two grower questions: 

1. What is the nitrogen demand in an orchard? 
2. How can urea be used as a disease management tool? 

First, we explore orchard floor management and supporting sanitation strategies to breakdown overwintering apple scab. We walk through how urea works, when to use it, and how it fits alongside your regular fertility program. Then we shift gears to how trees actually use nitrogen, and what happens when they get too much... or not quite enough. Whether you're planning nutrient budgets, thinking about fruit set, or looking for tools to reduce disease pressure, this episode connects the dots between nutrition, disease management, and timing - all in one conversation between two rows.

Featured cider this episode: Archibald's Estate Winery (Hard Ginger), Bowmanville ON

Looking to enter the 2026 Ontario Cider Competition? Registration now open for the Ontario Craft Cider Competition (February 17) and Ontario Sweet Cider Competition (February 18).

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. 

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

In this Halloween episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy get spooky and dig into two grower-submitted questions: 

1. Why do I like bugs... especially the creepy, crawly ones? 
2. What is a chimera - a magical mutation or an orchard trick? 

First, we explore why some bugs are downright fascinating - from parasitoids that hijack their hosts to fungi that turn insects into 'zombies'. Then we switch gears to the orchard to uncover the mystery of apple chimeras - nature's very own Frankenstein fruits. Tune in for science with a spooky twist, all between two rows.

Featured cider this episode: Wellesley (Sweet Apple Cider), Wellesley ON

Looking to enter the 2026 Ontario Cider Competition? Registration now open for the Ontario Craft Cider Competition (February 17) and Ontario Sweet Cider Competition (February 18).

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. 

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

Sound Effect by DRAGON-STUDIO from Pixabay.

In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy dig into two grower-submitted questions: 

1. What is calcium's role in bitter pit? 
2. Is there an ideal time to manage fire blight? 

First, we explore the calcium pathway - how calcium moves through the tree, why fruit is often the last to receive it, and the role this plays in the development of bitter pit. Then we shift gears to fire blight, tackling the question of whether there really is an "ideal" time to manage this devastating disease, or if timing depends on orchard conditions and seasonal risk. Join us as we break down the science and share practical insights - all in one conversation between two rows.

Featured cider this episode: Loch Mor Cider Co. (Untamed Dry Cider), Hillier ON

Looking to enter the 2026 Ontario Cider Competition? Registration now open for the Ontario Craft Cider Competition (February 17) and Ontario Sweet Cider Competition (February 18).

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. 

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy dig into two grower-submitted questions: 

1. What is this fluff on my tree? 
2. Does timing of nutrient application affect next year's fruit set? 

First, we break down woolly apple aphid ID, damage and what their life cycle means for management. Then we dig into how the timing of your nutrient applications can influence next year's fruit set, with insights to help you plan ahead. Practical, research-based, and grower-focused - all in one conversation between two rows.

Featured cider this episode: Heritage Estate Winery & Cidery (Strawberry Eden's Apple Cider), Barrie ON

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. 

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy dig into two grower-submitted questions: 

1. What exactly is flower induction and what hormones are involved? 
2. What are the impacts of weather on orchard pest development? 

First, we break down the hormonal and physiological processes behind setting next year's buds. Then we shift gears to the insect world and tackle how temperature influences pest development - including a dive into degree days and why they matter for managing orchard pests.

Featured cider this episode: Thornbury Craft Co. (Premium Apple Cider), Thornbury ON

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. In particular for this episode, read:

• Bountiful Buds for Next Season
• Induction Junction

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.