Sweet success

A new series of scab-resistant apples called “Sweet Resistants” developed by the Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti (CIV) in Italy was among the ten finalists for the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award during the Fruit Logistica trade fair in February. The five varieties in the series are Gaia, Gemini, Renoir, Smeralda, and Fujion. The priorities of the CIV breeding program were to develop apples with pleasant but distinctive flavors, that are disease resistant and environmentally friendly, and require less energy and expense to produce. Fruit Logistica was held in Berlin, Germany.

Sun World licenses California companies

Three California stone fruit growers and packers have been licensed to grow and market designated quantities of new plum, peach, nectarine, and apricot varieties developed by Sun World International, LLC, of Bakersfield, California. They are: Wawona Packing Company, Inc., of Cutler; Enns Packing Company-Wespak Sales of Dinuba, and Sunwest Fruit Company of Parlier.

They are also licensed to use Sun World’s trademarks, including the Black Diamond and Black Giant plum brands, the Honeycot apricot brand, and the Amber Crest peach brand.

The three new licensees join 11 other marketers in Chile, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Italy that distribute plums, apricots, peaches, and nectarines grown by Sun World producers under a global-managed planting system, Sun World’s Senior Vice ­President David Maruleas said in a press release.

Herbicide label expanded

The herbicide Sandea (halosulfuron-methyl) has received an expanded Section 3 federal registration for control of broadleaf weeds and nutsedge in a number of additional crops: apples, blueberries, rhubarb, and okra. It has been used on other crops for the past eight years, according to the registrant Gowan Company, LLC. State labels are pending in Arizona, California, Florida, and New York. The product can be used pre- or post­emergence and is designed to provide extended residual control of many common broadleaf weeds.

Tree and vine protectors

Pak West Packing Systems of Boise, Idaho, supplies tree protectors for young trees and vines. Each protector creates a greenhouse effect for the individual tree or vine that maintains moisture to encourage faster, healthier growth, according to the company. The tree protectors are made from bleached paper board that is poly coated on two sides and will last from 12 to 18 months in the field, depending on field and weather conditions. They are 96 percent biodegradable.

For information, call Hans Brant at (208) 340-9723.

Biocontrol for fireblight

Northwest Agri Products of Pasco, Washington, developed Bloomtime, a biological control for fireblight, through an exclusive license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The beneficial bacterium Pantoea ­agglomerans strain E325 was isolated from Gala apple blossoms in Washington State.

The Bloomtime organisms grow on blossoms, where they out-compete and inhibit the fireblight bacteria, according to information from the company. For more information, call (877) 357-4461 or check the Web site at www.nap-chem.com.

Compliant chemical storage

RentMe Storage, East Wenatchee, Washington, sells chemical storage buildings designed to meet ­GlobalGAP requirements relating to fire rating, ventilation, lockable door, and liquid chemical containment. RentMe Storage can supply new buildings or refurbished rental buildings ranging in size from 8 by 8 feet to 10 by 20 feet. For additional ­information, phone (509) 884-0555.