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Pear and Apple Sprays #754331

Asked June 06, 2021, 3:30 PM EDT

I live in Southeastern lower Michigan (Canton Mi). What fruit tree spray is recommended for Apple, Plum, and Pear trees? I use to use the Ortho fruit tree spray and was very effective. The Bonide fruit tree spray is not very effective.

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Which spray you use depends on the pest you're trying to control. For each of those trees, there are typically several recommended fungicide or bacterial control recommendations prior to or just after bloom. Purdue University has a resource showing the products labeled for home orchards.

For insects, it will also depend on the type of insect you're trying to manage. This is another good resource with insecticide recommendations for apple trees. For management of codling moth or apple maggot, there are also pheromone monitoring traps that can be used to determine if a spray is necessary and, if yes, to better time the application when the pests are active. 

David Lowenstein Replied June 07, 2021, 4:53 PM EDT
Neither resource gives a brand name for home gardeners.  Bonide is the only fruit tree spray available in South Eastern Michigan.  Is there another fruit tree spray available?
On Mon, Jun 7, 2021 at 4:53 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2021, 10:51 PM EDT

Extension is not able to recommend particular brands, only the active ingredient in an insecticide or herbicide. You'll need to review the active ingredients on the resources and find a brand that contains one of them. The number of products registered for use in home fruit gardens does tend to be lower compared to commercial producers.

David Lowenstein Replied June 08, 2021, 10:06 PM EDT

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