Apple Infection Risk High at Tight Cluster

Kari Peter, an Associate Professor of Tree Fruit Pathology at Penn State University says Northeastern apple growers need to keep an eye out for disease infection risks this week, especially as trees near tight cluster. Dry weather leading to tight cluster creates a higher risk for powdery mildew infection.

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While wet weather can create a greater risk for apple scab infection.

“There is the challenge of controlling for powdery mildew and scab combined with practicing fungicide resistance management during these mixed days of dry and wet conditions,” Peter writes.

Peter suggests growers use fungicides from FRAC Group 3 or 9 during this stage in the growing season. Peter also gives alternative management options, found here, as well.

“Growers are highly encouraged to wait to use the FRAC Group 7 fungicides during pink through petal fall; these fungicides are best saved for peak apple scab pressure, which is from pink through petal fall,” she writes.

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