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.