Home Orchards: Table 4.9. Pesticide Recommendations for Scab-resistant Apples

Apply sprays only if disease and insects have been a problem as determined by scouting procedures. These varieties can tolerate some disease and insect pressure without adversely affecting tree health and fruit quality. Varieties differ in their susceptibility to pests, and young trees are more susceptible to all pests. Due to a wide array of various products containing the same active ingredient, for insecticide recommendations, when appropriate the active ingredient is listed instead of the name of formulated product. Always consult the label before making pesticide applications. Labels vary greatly between commercial products of the same material. It is important to refer to the label for the best timing and application rates when applying pesticides. Also read the text for information on cultural practices to minimize the application of pesticides. To avoid harming bees, do not use an insecticide in sprays applied during the bloom period.

Caution: Broad-spectrum insecticides (those with a large number of pests listed on the label) have significant potential to be harmful to non-target organisms such as bees and other beneficial or predatory insects.

a. If larvae numbers are high and if trees are young, two spray applications might be necessary.
b. Plum curculio and codling moth can severely damage fruit. If the amount of fruit damage was severe the previous season, a second application 7 to 10 days after petal fall might be necessary.
c. A total of two to four fungicide applications per season might be needed to protect fruit surfaces, depending on the amount of disease in the orchard.