Major Jump in Prune and Plum Estimates

WASHINGTON - Aug 11/06 - SNS -- Prune and plum production in Idaho, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 24,000 tons, up 164% from last year's weather reduced, record low production but 4% below 2004, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

The Oregon forecast, at 13,000 tons, is well above last season's record low production, but is equal to the production in 2004. Oregon growers report this year's crop will be many times larger than last year's record low production but fruit set is uneven. The set on Brooks variety looks better than on some other varieties.

Washington's forecast, at 5,000 tons, is up 39% from the record low production in 2005 but is 9% below 2004. Eastern growing regions experienced a later spring this year than during the past two seasons. Conditions in the Yakima Valley have been favorable with only scattered reports of frost and hail damage.

The Idaho forecast is 3,000 tons, 50% above last year but 25% less than 2004. Irrigation water supplies are adequate but some unirrigated orchards are showing heat damage from July's hot, dry weather. Late frosts and poor pollination may affect production but no major insect or disease problems are reported.

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