Rhode Island Apple IPM
June 17, 2011: Recorded Apple Pest Message in Print

June 17, 2011
Hi Fruit Growers,
This is usually a quiet time in apple orchards. Hopefully apple scab is controlled and you can switch to a summer fungicide program of Captan or Captan plus Topsin M. New York is recommending not spraying Captan alone since it is not extremely effective against fly speck and sooty blotch. We are limited to using no more than 4 pounds of Topsin M per acre per season. So, if you feel you need to improve your fly speck/sooty blotch control, you can add one of the Phosphite fungicides to Captan. Several Phosphite fungicides are labeled for apples: Fosphite, Fungi-Phite, Prophyt, Phorcephite, and Phostrol. There are probably others too.

The strobies (Sovran, Flint, Pristine) control summer diseases well, but they are expensive and you are limited to a total of 4 applications per year. If you are using strobies, it is probably best to use one for your final spray for the season.

Regardless of the fungicide, you need to reapply after 2-2.5 inches of rain. Check Orchard Radar to see when you need to reapply fungicides to control fly speck and sooty blotch. Topsin M and the strobies will give some kick back and control fly speck and sooty blotch - which means these fungicides can be applied after an unprotected wet period. Orchard Radar will tell you when you need to spray by to get effective control. From the Apple IPM website choose the July-August Orchard Radar for either Greenville or Newport County http://www.uri.edu/research/ipm/
Let me know if you need assistance! I can help you understand Orchard Radar! It’s a great tool!

Green apple aphids tend to build up in June, but these are generally adequately controlled by natural predators such as ladybugs, syrphid fly larvae and orange cecidomyid larvae. If you see aphids building, wait a week and then reassess.

Oriental fruit moth is primarily a problem in stone fruit. If you’ve found small caterpillars in your stone fruit during previous harvest, plan on using an insecticide targeting Oriental fruit moth in early July. See the pest management guide for insecticide choices. Peaches are attacked by so many insects, it is best to keep them protected with an insecticide all season long! There are many plant bugs and stink bugs as well as Oriental fruit moths.

If you run into trouble don’t hesitate to call! I can usually stop by within a day or two of your call or email.