My apples have brown spots - Ask Extension
I have a new apple tree (Stayman), that just produced a couple of applies in its first year. They are full-sized, but they have brown blotches all ov...
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My apples have brown spots #596110
Asked September 11, 2019, 2:39 PM EDT
I have a new apple tree (Stayman), that just produced a couple of applies in its first year. They are full-sized, but they have brown blotches all over them. I started noticing this about late July or so.
What should I do so that this doesn't happen again next year?
I've attached a couple of pictures.
Thanks!
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi- the brown blotches are sooty blotch and the small black spots are flyspeck. They are two fungal diseases that hit apples mid-season. The good news is that the symptoms don't extend beyond the peel.
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/apple-pear-diseases (number 5)
You can help prevent or limit many fruit diseases by maximizing air circulation through the canopy and around fruits and removing and disposing of all diseased leaves and fruits. Preventative fungicides can be sprayed next year but this takes persistence (multiple sprays on a schedule) and good spray coverage (upper and lower leaf surfaces). Also, it's best not to let new trees fruit for 2-3 years to help establish a strong root system.
VA Tech home fruit spray schedule: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/456/456-018/ENTO-289C.pdf
Jon
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/apple-pear-diseases (number 5)
You can help prevent or limit many fruit diseases by maximizing air circulation through the canopy and around fruits and removing and disposing of all diseased leaves and fruits. Preventative fungicides can be sprayed next year but this takes persistence (multiple sprays on a schedule) and good spray coverage (upper and lower leaf surfaces). Also, it's best not to let new trees fruit for 2-3 years to help establish a strong root system.
VA Tech home fruit spray schedule: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/456/456-018/ENTO-289C.pdf
Jon
Thank you Jon ! Now, a follow-up: Looking at the charts, it appers that Mancozeb Flowable would be my best bet to control the sooty blotch, as well as the rust that my tree has. How toxic is this stuff? Is there a more "organic" spray that I should try first? Any particular fungicide that you would recommend?
-Dave
-Dave
Hi, this product carries a "caution" signal word (low toxicity) compared to products that carry the "warning" and "danger" signal words.
Here is the safety data sheet:
https://www.bonide.com/products/insect-and-disease-control/view/2011/fruit-tree-and-plant-guard-conc
Label: https://www.bonide.com/assets/Products/Labels/l861.pdf
Sulfur (considered an organic fungicide) is rated as "fair" in controlling these diseases. Sulfur can burn foliage, especially on warm days, so care must be used (always follow all label instructions).
Other effective synthetic fungicides: Captan (fungicide) carries a "Danger" signal word because of potential to cause eye damage.
https://www.bonide.com/assets/Products/Labels/l171.pdf
Bonide's "Fruit Tree & Plant Guard" contains a synthetic insecticide and two synthetic fungicides, and carries a "Caution" signal word.
https://www.bonide.com/products/insect-and-disease-control/view/2011/fruit-tree-and-plant-guard-conc
Jon
Here is the safety data sheet:
https://www.bonide.com/products/insect-and-disease-control/view/2011/fruit-tree-and-plant-guard-conc
Label: https://www.bonide.com/assets/Products/Labels/l861.pdf
Sulfur (considered an organic fungicide) is rated as "fair" in controlling these diseases. Sulfur can burn foliage, especially on warm days, so care must be used (always follow all label instructions).
Other effective synthetic fungicides: Captan (fungicide) carries a "Danger" signal word because of potential to cause eye damage.
https://www.bonide.com/assets/Products/Labels/l171.pdf
Bonide's "Fruit Tree & Plant Guard" contains a synthetic insecticide and two synthetic fungicides, and carries a "Caution" signal word.
https://www.bonide.com/products/insect-and-disease-control/view/2011/fruit-tree-and-plant-guard-conc
Jon
Thanks a log Jon. This is all very helpful. -dave
