Fire Blight Sampling
![Fire Blight Sampling](https://rvpadmin.cce.cornell.edu/images/submission/image374.jpg)
It is only possible to isolate the bacteria (Erwinia amylovora) from fresh, active lesions, where healthy tissue meets the diseased tissue - the lesion margin.
It is impossible to isolate fire blight bacteria from dead, dried out tissue.
The Lesion Margin
Collect samples that include about 3 inches of healthy tissue beyond the infected tissue, and include about 3 inches of infected tissue. Do not submit all the dead branch of the strike, this is often too long and can be cut back, as described, to 3 inches of infected tissue above 3 inches of healthy tissue.
If possible, refrigerate infected trees and strikes.
Protect samples from drying out prior to submitting them.
Do not collect entire branches or trees unless symptoms are unusual.
Please see the attached form for more information.
Fire Blight Sample Form (pdf; 226KB)
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![more crops](images/more_crops_right_sm,.gif)
Upcoming Events
Remote Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course
February 17 - February 18, 2025
REMOTE Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course
Monday, Feb. 17 and Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025
8 am - 12:30 PM
Held remotely via Zoom (online)
Registration: $10 per person, open to NY state participants only
Includes printed course manual ($60 value), certificate of course completion ($35 value) and online food safety resources.
All produce growers are encouraged to attend this course to learn more about food safety practices recommended for all farms. This course contains NEW information contained in the finalized Subpart E rule on agricultural water. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires 'At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.' If you've already earned your PSA certificate, retaking this course is a great way to refresh your memory and learn about the new water requirements!
After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course.
From Seed to Success: Turn Your Idea into an Actionable Plan
January 7, 2025
January 14, 2025
January 21, 2025
January 28, 2025
February 4, 2025
February 11, 2025
February 18, 2025
February 25, 2025
March 4, 2025
: From Seed to Success: Turn Your Idea into an Actionable Plan
Do you need a business plan for your farm? Do you have an idea for a new venture, but aren't sure if it will work? This program is for you!
This course is designed for existing farm businesses or those planning to undertake a new farm business venture. Students will work with their farm's data, and the goal of the class is for participants to have a draft of a written business plan for a specific business venture.
During the course, you will learn to:
- Assess whether or not a business idea is a good fit for you.
- Develop a marketing strategy to make a profit
- Use financial tools to evaluate if your business has the potential to be profitable
This online course meets from January 7-March 4, 2025. All course content is available online so you can work on it at your own pace. There will be weekly webinars where you can meet other students and interact directly with the instructor on the content. These webinars will be recorded.
2025 Eastern New York Fruit and Vegetable Conference
![Event Offers DEC Credits](../images/dec_credits.gif)
February 19 - February 20, 2025 : 2025 Eastern NY Fruit and Vegetable Conference: February 19 - 20, 2025
Albany, NY
Join us for our Annual Eastern NY Fruit and Vegetable Conference with two days filled with informative sessions on Tree Fruit, Vegetables, Small Fruit, Grapes, Bedding Plants and other related topics and visit with more than 50 vendors!