NJ Apple Profile
NJ Apple Profile
Production Practices and Costs: For mature bearing trees, it costs just over $3,157 per acre per
year to produce apple s in New Jersey (3). Production is found on sandy loam, well-drained soils
in the southern coastal plain, to higher silt and organic matter soils in northern counties. Trees
are hand pruned throughout the winter with bud break occurring from early to mid April. Starting
at bud break 12 to 13 applications of plant protectants are made for approximately two dozen
arthropod and disease pests (4). Pest scouting is often done throughout the growing season, and
pesticide applications made according to scouting results. Plant growth regulators for fruit
thinning, return bloom and pre-harvest drop control are applied 3 to 4 times per season (5). Trees
are fertilized once or twice in the early spring with fertilizer rates as dictated by soil and leaf
tissue tests. Orchards are typically maintained with weed free herbicide strips in the tree row and
either fescue sod or wild vegetative strips in the drive rows or aisles. Herbicides are applied in
late April to early May, and sometimes again in the fall. While apple trees benefit from
irrigation, older full size trees are seldom irrigated in New Jersey, while younger dwarf trees are
often irrigated to maintain yield.
1. Aphids – Rosy apple aphid (RAA), Dysaphis plantaginea (Passerini); Spirea aphid (SA),
   Aphis spiraecola Patch; Apple aphid (AA), Aphis pomi DeGeer; Apple grain aphid (AGA),
   Rhopalosiphum fitchii (Sanderson); Woolly apple aphid (WAA), Eriosoma lanigerum
   (Hausmann):
Aphids occur annually, and overwinter as eggs on the trees (except WAA). RAA is the most
serious pest of the 5 species, occurring during the prebloom period and shortly thereafter,
causing both indirect and direct fruit damage in the form of reduced size, deformed fruit, and
fruit drop. Treatments are usually applied at the 1/2 inch to tight cluster bud stage. Other aphid
species are later season pests and can cause reduced plant vigor at high populations, or leave
deposits and cause sooty mold on the fruit. Treatments are usually applied as population density
dictates. Tolerance for RAA is low with a maximum of 1 colony allowed per tree before
treatments are recommended. Populations of AA and SA are tolerated to just over 50% of
terminals infested before insecticides are used. WAA is rare and treated on an as needed basis.
Chemical control - Prebloom insecticides target newly emerged aphids, while later season
applications target established populations.
ERM is an indirect foliage feeder, and an annual pest of New Jersey apples. It is often difficult to
control since populations can easily become tolerant to miticides. Populations can reduce fruit
size and color, and reduce the fruit set for the following season. Late season populations can
result in eggs being deposited on the fruit, which downgrade fresh market value. ERM
overwinters on the tree in the egg stage, hatches around petal fall, and can increase rapidly in hot
weather when injury is most severe, especially during periods of drought. There are differences
in varietal susceptibility, with Red Delicious and Staymen being the most sensitive to injury.
Chemical control -
Alternatives - There are a number of naturally occurring predators, which can control ERM
populations either alone or in combination with low rates of miticides. The most common
predators are the small black ladybeetle, Stethorus punctum (Leconte), and the predatory mite,
Amblyseius fallacis (Garman). Minimal rates of acaricides are often used in combination with
predators in order to properly 'balance' the predator:prey ratio and achieve full season biological
control.
TSM has a slightly different like cycle that ERM in that it overwinters on the ground as an adult
feeding on various weeds. Populations move into the trees as spring temperatures rise. Damage is
similar to that caused by ERM, as are chemical and biological controls.
This is a small, teardrop shaped, eriophyid mite that overwinters under bud scales and loose bark.
High populations of up to 300 to 400 mites per leaf cause a rusting or silvering of the foliage.
Populations can also feed directly on the fruit, causing a fruit russet. Populations seldom become
very high, and low populations are often beneficial since they function as an alternative food
source that helps increase populations of predatory mites.
SJS has been a pest of NJ apples for many years. It is an annual pest that overwinters as partially
grown immatures on the bark. Crawlers first emerge in early June with two more generations
usually occurring in mid to late summer. After settling down on either fruit or wood surfaces, a
protective waxy layer is secreted which remains on the insect for the rest of its life. Fruit damage
will be marked by red spots with small gray centers. High populations can debilitate a tree, kill
branches or entire trees. They have been controlle d with annual use of oil in combination with
organophosphate insecticides during the dormant to delayed dormant period, and
organophosphate applications during the growing season.
Chemical Control -
STLM has been a sporadic pest of New Jersey apples for the past 18 years. Pupae overwinter in
fallen leaves with adults emerging when the first green tissue appears. There are three to four
generations per season. The damage is the same for each generation in that mines are made in the
leaves, but the damage is cumulative with each mine reducing leaf surface by about 5%. Loss of
leaf surface with about 3 or more mines per leaf can lead to reduced fruit size and premature fruit
drop. Damage is augmented during periods of drought, or in combination with other indirect
pests such as ERM and leafhoppers.
Chemical Control -
Alternatives - STLM is potentially the most highly parasitized insect in apple orchards.
However, most parasites are killed by the use of broad spectrum insecticides, augmenting the
problem with STLM. Three Hymenopteran species in particular are important, two Eulophids
7. White Apple Leafhopper (WALH), Typhlocyba pomaria McAtee; Rose Leafhopper (RLH),
   Edwardsianna rosae (Linnaeus):
Both species overwinter in the egg stage. WALH is the most common leafhopper in apple
orchards. Eggs hatch around bloom time, with the first generation in May, and a second
generation in August. RAA overwinters on multiflora rose and brambles. While there are three
generations per year, only two are on apples, with the first generation appearing in late June to
early July, and the second appearing in August and overlapping with second generation WALH.
Leafhoppers feed with piercing sucking mouthparts, and cause a white stippling on the leaves,
and can cause complete chlorisis. High populations of late season leafhoppers cause a dark
speckling on the fruit resulting from honeydew deposits, and can be a nuisance for pickers,
particularly in pick-your-own operations.
Chemical Control -
Alternatives - Several parasites and predators can attack both species. Predatory Mirid bugs can
be common in August during the second generation. Under heavy populations, natural enemies
are not sufficient to achieve control. Orchard monitoring, and adhering to a treatment threshold
of three nymphs per leaf will minimize insecticide use.
Adult beetles overwinter in hedgerows, woods and underbrush. They first emerge on warm
spring days near bloom time. Most damage occurs just after petal fall and shortly thereafter on
young fruit. Females chew an area on the fruit surface and deposit an egg in a crescent shaped
egg scar. Larvae feed inside the fruit causing large cavities. While there is usually one generation
per season, recent evidence has shown there to be a southern race in NJ which can reproduce and
damage fruit in late July to early August.
Chemical Control -
               Pesticide                    Typical Form.              Timing          No. of
                                            Rate per Acre                            Applications
Actara 25WDG (thiamethoxam)               4.5 - 5.5 oz          Covers                  2-3
Ambush 2EC (permethrin)                   8 - 12 oz             Early Covers            2-3
Ambush 25WP (permethrin)                  8 - 12 oz             Early Covers            2-3
Asana XL.66EC (esfenvalerate)             4.8 - 8 oz            Early Covers            2-3
Avaunt 30WDG (indoxacarb)                 5 - 6 oz              Covers                  2-3
Danitol 2.4EC (fenpropathrin)             11 - 21 oz            Covers                  2-3
Diazinon 50WP (diazinon)                  2-3 lb                Covers                  2-3
Guthion 50WP (azinphos-methyl)            1.5 - 2 lb            Covers                  2-4
Imidan 70WP (phosmet)                     2 - 3 lb              Covers                  2-4
Lannate 90SP (methomyl)                   .5 - 1 lb             Covers                  2-3
Lannate 2.4L (methomyl)                   1.5 - 3 pt            Covers                  2-3
Pounce 3.2EC (permethrin)                 5 - 8 oz              Early Covers            2-3
Pounce 25WP (permethrin)                  8 - 12 oz             Early Covers            2-3
Sevin 50WP (carbaryl)                     2 - 3 lb              Covers                  1-3
Apple maggot regularly occurs in NJ orchards but is seldom a pest, owing to the traditional use
of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. The insect overwinters as a pupa in the soil, and
emerges as an adult in early June through early August. Eggs are laid just under the fruit skin,
and larvae develop inside the fruit. Multiple maggot larvae may infest a single fruit as they
tunnel throughout the fruit flesh. The fruit surface will be dimpled, and infested fruit will drop
prematurely. Earlier maturing fruit are the most commonly attacked, but all varieties are
susceptible. Specific insecticide applications are usually not required, since multiple applications
of insecticides targeted for other pests have controlled AM.
Affected Acreage - Annual pest able to infest all acreage, but usually only sporadic, infesting 1 -
5% of acreage.
Alternatives - There are no natural enemies of any significance. However, using traps and timing
insecticides will help minimize insecticide use. Work in Massachusetts has shown that when
used in sufficient numbers, baited sphere traps, or biodegradable spheres can trap out adults as
they move into an orchard. Due to the high cost of materials and labor, this is probably not
practical on a commercial scale
This is a principal insect pest throughout most areas where apples are grown in the U.S.,
including NJ. CM overwinters as a full grown larva in a cocoon, with the first flight beginning
around bloom time. There are two generations per year which coincide with peak adult activity
and bracket egg hatch and larval emergence. Treatments usually fall around the last part of May
to the first half of June and again during the last part of July and first half of August. Use of
pheromone traps and degree day driven models helps to focus spray timing. CM is a direct pest.
Eggs are laid on leaves near fruit or directly on the fruit. Larvae emerge and bore into the fruit,
making their way to the core, and feeding on the seeds and surrounding flesh. Fully infested fruit
are culls. CM is usually well controlled with organophosphate and carbamate insecticides and
not a problem under good management. Treatments start at 250-360 DD (degree days) after first
moth catch, and again at 1260-1370 DD after first catch.
Affected Acreage –Potentially 100% annually, but usually close to 10 – 20% of acreage is
problematic for CM.
Alternatives – Mating disruption has been used on an experimental basis in eastern fruit growing
areas, but with little practical success. Since other pests would also have to be treated for at the
same time, this is not an economic alternative. Biological control with NPV (virus) has also not
given the control required for commercial production.
Adults are small broad waisted wasps, just over ½” long. Overwintering larvae pupate in the
spring, with adults emerging just prior to bloom. Shortly after petal fall females oviposit just
under the skin on young fruit, usually near the calyx end. Developing larvae mine their way, just
under the skin around the side of the fruit leaving a large russeted and serpentine scar. Larvae
will enter the fruit and feed internally. Infested fruit exhibit frass and will prematurely drop. The
insect is usually controlled with organophosphate or carbamate insecticides at petal fall. Late
insecticide timing often results in a scaring with no larval entries.
Affected Acreage – Potentially 30 to 40%, with about 5 to 10% showing annual problems.
Chemical Control –
12. Green Fruitworms (GFW), Lithophane antennata (Walker), Orthosia hibisci (Guenée),
    Amphipyra pyramidoides Guenée:
Adults are medium brown moths about 1.5 inches across. Larvae are robust green. They
overwinter either in the egg stage or as pupae. Larvae damage young fruit by feeding on the
outside, causing deep cavities. A single larva may injure several fruit.
Affected Acreage – Only sporadic, usually not a problem, but controlled at petal fall with other
pests.
Chemical Control –
Full-grown larvae overwinter in cocoons in protected areas in and around orchards. They pupate
in March, and adults start to emerge when green tissue starts to show. While this is a major pest
in peach orchards, it has only recently become problematic in apple plantings. Adults lay eggs on
leaf petioles or directly on fruit. On peach trees larvae will also bore into terminal growth and
cause flagging of new shoots. This is rarely the case in apples, where the larvae emerge and bore
directly into the fruit. Infested fruit will be a total loss. There are four generations per year.
Larval damage can be seen from any one generation starting about 2 to 3 weeks after petal fall.
In recent years this insect has exhibited tolerance to organophosphates in specific orchards. This
Affected Acreage – Potentially 75%, but OFM is problematic on about 5% of acreage if not
controlled.
Chemical Control –
Alternatives – Pheromone based mating disruption has been used successfully in peaches for
OFM control. It has also been successfully integrated into apple production in other states, but is
quite costly given the fact that other pests must also be controlled with insecticides. Since most
of New Jersey apple production is for the processing market, and its depressed prices, mating
disruption is not a viable alternative for that portion of the crop.
RBLR was once of more significance than it is today, and is usually well controlled by
organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. There are three generations throughout most of
New Jersey, with a partial fourth during some years. First generation larvae are present just after
petal fall, second generation about late June to early July, and third generation about late August
to early September. Larvae will web a leaf to a fruit surface and feed between the leaf and the
fruit, causing a surface feeding on the fruit surface. Injured fruit will be unmarketable for the
Affected Acreage – Usually not problematic under standard insecticide programs. However,
since the insect is ubiquitous, potential problems could easily occur with the removal of effective
insecticides.
Chemical Control –
Alternatives – Eggs can be parasitized by a chalcid wasp, along with several other parasites that
attack larvae and pupae. A granulosis virus can also attack the larvae. None of these natural
enemies can currently be managed for effective programs.
15. Tufted Apple Budmoth (TABM), Platynota idaeusalis (Walker); Variegated Leafroller
    (VLR), Platynota flavedana Clemens:
Both insects are present in New Jersey. TABM is a consistent pest, while VLR is found only
occasionally. TABM is one of the more serious pests, but usually found to be problematic in
Gloucester, Burlington, Camden, Atlantic, and Cumberland Counties. In recent years the insect
has become resistant to organophosphates, and to some extent, carbamates. Larvae overwinter in
various instars inside leaf shelters. Adults first appear in mid to late April and again in late July
through August. Treatments are degree based, but are applied through much of June and August.
Larvae web leaves to fruit and alternate their feeding between the fruit and leaf surface. Damage
appears as a surface feeding, although scattered in various spots. Damaged fruit are
unmarketable for the fresh market, and although damage can be peeled, fruit processors often
reject it. New Jersey growers have experienced fruit damage levels of up to 45% in recent years.
Chemical Control –
Alternatives – Larvae can be subject to virus infection and can be attacked by a number of
parasitoids. None of these can be practically managed in commercial production.
This insect has recently become a problem on young apple plantings grown on dwarfing
rootstocks, especially on if particular scion/rootstock combinations produce an abundance of burr
knots. The adult is a small steely blue to black clearwing moth. Adults start to emerge in early
June and continue through July and early August. Females deposit eggs on burr knots, usually at
the base of the trunk where the scion and rootstock meet. The insect treats the burr knot as a
wound. Developing larvae feed just under the bark, and enlarge the wound site, often girdling the
tree as they move out and infest healthy tissue adjacent to the rootstock union. Trees can often
sustain low populations as three health declines, but persistent populations can kill small
diameter trees.
Affected Acreage – About 10 - 20% statewide, but often 100% in those orchards affected.
Chemical Control -
Alternatives - Populations are monitored with pheromone traps and tree sampling in order to help
time insecticide applications. However, no alternatives exist.
Stethorus punctum feeds primarily on European red mite and twospotted spider mite. It is the
most important predator of spider mites in New Jersey, and can often completely control mite
populations when predator populations are at optimum levels. Predator to prey ratios are often
adjusted though with low rates of miticides or alternate middle "half sprays" of miticides if
needed. Motile forms can feed on up to 100 mites per day. Adults overwinter under fallen leaves
and trash around apple trees, and start to emerge during the pink through bloom stage. There are
three generations per year, so populations that start to build up during late May to early June
become critical for effective biological control. Therefore avoidance of pesticides that are toxic
to predators becomes an important objective at this time. Sevin, Lannate, and synthetic
pyrethroids are used only as a last resort in effective IPM programs.
While a number of predatory mites attack European red mite and twospotted mite, the family
Phytoseiidae is the most important. Within this family several species may feed on spider mites,
but Amblyseius fallacis is the most common one in commercial orchards. It is similar in size to
spider mites, but is smooth and tear drop shape, and slightly yellow/orange. Eggs are cream
colored, oblong and smooth. They overwinter in ground cover and feed on twospotted and other
mite species. They start to disperse into the tree canopy during the spring as they follow prey into
the tree. Apple rust mites often serve as an alternate food source during this first movement into
the trees. AF population density will depend on prey availability, but populations as low as .25 to
.5 AF per leaf have been effective in helping to control high populations of European red mite.
While not as important as AF, Z. Mali can significantly aid in the control of spider mite
populations, especially if present with other mite predators, as is often the case. Z. Mali is a
stigmaeid mite, smaller than spider mites, and lemon yellow to orange in color. They are
somewhat diamond shaped, and slightly larger in the front than in the back. While they can feed
on adult spider mites, they feed primarily on eggs and immature spider mites.
Plant bugs can be either plant feeding, predaceous, or both. With a few exceptions, their benefits
as predators outweigh any negative affects realized from plant feeding behavior. There are a
number of species present in apple orchards. Three of the most common bugs present in NJ
include Campylomma verbasci (Meyer), which is both a predator and a plant feeder, several
Deraeocoris spp., the most common of is D. Nebulosus (Uhler), and Hyaloides vitripennis (Say).
The insects feed on mite eggs, mites, aphids, other insect eggs, and small larvae. All of them are
easily killed by most insecticides, but have been occasionally found at useful levels in IPM
programs.
A predatory thrips, commonly seen in the spring prior to any significant pesticide use, feeds on
newly emerged aphids, mites, and scale insects. It may also impact mite populations later in the
season if insecticide use is minimized. The insect overwinters as an adult, which is slender, black
to blue-black, and pointed, about 1/16 inch long. Wings are narrow and silvery-white.
A true bug found in a variety of crops, MPB feeds on many soft bodied insects, mites and mite
eggs. It is commonly seen during the summer feeding on European red mites and aphids, and can
be a significant biological control agent, especially when present with other predators. Adults are
about 1/16 inch long and black. Forewings are black at the base, followed by a white to yellow
mid section, then a dark brown to black triangle, with a clear membranous tip. Numphs are
yellow, but become dark brown as they mature.
7. Syrphid Flies, Syrphus rectus (Osten Sacken), Allograpta obliqua (Say), Metasyrphus
   americanus (Weidemann):
Several species are common in orchards. Adults are pollen and nectar feeders, but larvae are
efficient aphid predators. Adults resemble small bees with yellow and brown to black striped
abdomens. Larvae are slug like to maggot like in appearance and tapered at one end. They may
be cream colored to gray or yellow or a mottled combination of those colors. Adults lay eggs in
the middle of aphid populations. As the larvae develop, they may each consume several hundred
aphids. Depending on the species, there may be from one to five generations per year.
This is a cecidomyiid fly that can be common where insecticide rates are minimized and aphid
populations are tolerated. Adults are small flies that resemble mosquitoes. Larvae are orange and
maggot-like, and about 1/16" long. Adults emerge during mid to late spring and deposit eggs in
aphid colonies where larvae emerge and develop. Depending on the predator to prey ratio, and
host population density, the midge can make a significant biological control impact.
9. Lacewings - Green Lacewings (GLW), Crysopa and Crysoperla spp., and Brown Lacewings
   (BLW), Micromus and Hemerobius spp.:
Adults are pale green to brown 3/8 (brown) to 7/7 inch long (green). Wings are transparent with
a network of interconnecting veins. GLW eggs are pale green to white and laid singularly on
stalks. BLW eggs lack the stalk. Larvae have two sickle like jaws. The body diameter is small at
the head, then gets larger before tapering to a near point at the tip of the abdomen. The body is
covered with tubercles and bristles. Each adult female may lay from 400 to 500 eggs, especially
near aphid colonies, but both larvae and adults will feed on aphids as well as other prey.
                                        Disease Pests
Apple Scab, Venturia inaequalis:
This disease is the most important apple disease in New Jersey. The disease will reduce fruit
yield and fruit size, cause cracking and misshapen fruit. All infected fruit have dark brown to
black lesions, which make infected fruit unmarketable. Severely infected trees will exhibit
considerable foliar infection which can lead to leaf drop and reduced fruit size, even if fruit is not
infected. The fungus overwinters in fallen leaves on the ground. Ascospores (sexual spores) are
released from these fallen leaves when they become wet during spring rains. The critical period
for spore release is from the time green tissue is first visible through third cover. Any infections
which occur during this period result in primary scab, since the ascospores are the initial
inoculum for the growing season. Primary scab infection periods can be predicted by gathering
data on wetness period duration and average air temperature during the wetness period. Wetness
duration and average air temperatures can be determined by visual observations and use of a
min/max thermometer. However, a variety of mechanical and electronic devices can be
purchased to help automate data gathering.
A variety of fungicides are available for control of scab during the primary period. However,
whether or not a fungicide is prone to the development of resistant scab influences how it is used.
If a fungicide is selected that is not at-risk to resistance, then it can be used alone (e.g., captan or
ziram). If a material is selected that is at-risk, then it should be mixed with a fungicide that is not
at risk. For example, Nova or Rubigan should be used in combination with another non-risk
fungicide, such as captan. When used in combination, the non-risk fungicide is applied at half
the standard rate. In general, if scab is properly controlled with fungicides during the primary
scab period, then no further disease control is needed for the remainder of the season. However,
if field observations at the end of the primary period indicate the presence of primary scab
lesions, then additional sprays will be necessary.
Alternatives - Environmental monitoring of scab infection periods will help optimize fungicide
spray timing. Some niche market growers can produce disease resistant cultivars, eg. Liberty,
Enterprise, Goldrush, Pristine etc., but only on the limited basis that their market allows.
The powdery mildew fungus overwinters as mycelia in the terminal buds. Although the disease
is present every year, it is more prevalent during years when weather is dry and morning dews
are heavy. Since mycelium becomes active early in the season, control usually begins at the pre-
pink stage. Additional sprays are required through the third cover spray. The disease will cause
whit ish lesions, longitudinally curled and folded leaves, stunted gray twig growth, and fruit
russeting. Blossoms can abort, return bloom and yield the following season can be reduced, and
growth can be stunted. Varieties not sensitive to sulfur russet are Rome Beauty, McIntosh,
Cortland, and Golden Delicious. Varieties sensitive to sulfur russet include Starr, Twenty
Ounce, Rhode Island Greening, Stayman, and Delicious.
Alternatives - As soon as first noticed (about pink stage), branches or twigs showing systemic or
over-wintering mildew can be pruned out to reduce secondary mildew. This is particularly
beneficial in young blocks. In niche markets, disease resistant cultivars can also be planted to a
limited extent.
Cedar apple rust overwinters in galls on cedar trees. During the early spring, wetting of the cedar
galls produces spore horns on the galls and the production of basidiospores. Given the proper
wetting periods, spores are carried to apple trees and infect both leaves and fruit. Fruit lesions
appear bright orange to brown, and may crack as the fruit matures. Lesions will appear on twigs
and leaves, but do not affect fruit quality. Infections which occur early can occur on the fruit and
leaves. Infections which occur after first cover infect only the leaves. Since they are deformed,
infected fruit can only be sold for juice processing. Secondary infections do not occur from apple
to apple. Since the cedar gall produces spores for only one season, there is only one disease cycle
per year. Rust infections can occur between the pre-bloom pink bud stage through mid June.
Affected Acreage – The disease can infect most commercial cultivars, but 'red delicious'
cultivars are almost immune. Given the abundance of cedar trees in New Jersey, the disease is
regularly treated from the pink bud stage through the first cover spray, or four applications.
Alternatives - To a limited extent, some growers can plant disease resistant cultivars if they have
a niche market.
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can be highly destructive when it occurs on susceptible
varieties and under the right conditions. The pathogen overwinters in cankers on limbs that were
infected during the previous season. As temperatures warm in the spring, bacteria multiply and
produce a bacterial ooze on the canker margins. Insects that are attracted to the ooze carry and
spread the bacteria through the orchard. Under suitable wetting conditions, infections are readily
established on open flowers, causing blossom blight. Winds and rain can help further establish
the disease in shoot blight and canker blight phases. The disease is erratic, and may occur in only
a few areas during some seasons, but may kill half an orchard during another season. Varieties
that are most susceptible include Rome, Jonathan, Jonagold, Idared, Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, Mutsu,
and Paula Red.
Symptoms vary depending on the part of the plant infected and the age of the infection. Freshly
infected blossoms will become water soaked with a gray-green appearance before turning brown
to black. Entire terminals will wilt and turn dark brown to black, giving a scorched appearance.
As the season and disease progresses, the shoot blight will work its way down to older wood.
Infected fruit or fruit on blighted branches will often shrivel, and have red to brown lesions.
Droplets of bacterial ooze are exuded during periods of warm humid weather.
The most critical time to control the disease is during bloom. Antibiotics or coppers can also be
applied at any time that infections are known to occur, given the proper environmental and
infection conditions. Coppers applied at the 1/2" green stage are thought to be helpful in
Affected Acreage – Potentially 70%, although sporadic infections usually infect only limited
acreage.
Chemical Control -
Alternatives - In addition to the use of the above chemicals, good management practices include:
a) the removal of infection sources or pruning, b) insect control, c) cultural practices, and d) use
of more resistant scion/cultivar combinations where possible. Pruning - The most recent theory
on control suggests that infected shoots should not be cut out until the terminals harden-off.
After terminals harden-off and before leaf fall, prune twigs 4-6 inches below any visible
evidence of the disease. If the disease progresses into the main trunk, the trunk should be cut
back 4-6 inches below any visible symptoms. Insect Control - Insect populations should be kept
below treatment levels. While insect transmission is not fully understood, populations of potato
leafhopper should be minimized if they are found in an infected orchard. Cultural Practices -
Excessive tree vigor should be avoided. Trees should be managed so tissue hardens off before
mid summer. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided. Varieties and Scions -
Planting sensitive varieties on sensitive rootstocks (Mark, M9, M26) should only be done along
with a good fire blight management plan.
Black rot is especially common in warm, humid areas. It can be found as a fruit rot, a leaf spot
(frogeye leaf spot), and a limb canker. Limb cankers can girdle and fill entire branches.
Excessive leaf spotting can lead to partial defoliation. While fruit lesions render the infected fruit
unmarketable. Fruit infections vary in appearance, but usually appear as a firm, dark brown to
black rot with concentric rings starting from the calyx end of the fruit. The fungus overwinters in
cankers, in mummified fruit, or on dead bark. Ascospores may be produced during petal and the
early part of the season, while conidia are produced during rainy periods throughout the season.
Infections occur through fruit and leaf stomata, while later season fruit infections occur through
lenticels, cracks and wound areas. Injuries made after harvest may also become infected and lead
to a storage rot.
Chemical Control -
Alternatives - Management practices such as pruning out dead and cankered wood, and removing
mummies helps to minimize the disease.
The pathogen is widespread and infects other hosts such as peach and nectarine. Prolonged
periods of hot, moist weather are favorable for disease infection. While infection may occur early
in the season, bitter rot is usually thought of as a late season disease, with symptoms visible from
July through August. Lesions start as small light brown circular spots. They enlarge to a round,
sunken depression, often with concentric rings where fruiting bodies appear in pink masses. The
rot forms a perfect cone towards the interior of the fruit. Rotted fruit are complete culls. Rotted
fruit may hang on the tree and overwinter as a mummy.
Chemical Control -
               Pesticide                   Typical Form.              Timing         No. of
                                           Rate per Acre                           Applications
Captan 50WP (captan)                     5 - 6 lb              Covers                 6-9
Captan 80WP (captan)                     5 - 6 lb              Covers                 6-9
Thiram 65WP (thiram)                     5 - 6 lb              Covers                 4-6
Polyram 80DF (metiram)                   2.5 - 3 / 5 - 6 lb    Early Covers           4-6
Manzate, Dithane, Pencozeb 75 DF         2.5 - 3 / 5 - 6 lb    Early Covers           4-6
(mancozeb)
Manzate, Dithane, Pencozeb 80 DF         2.5 - 3 / 5 - 6 lb    Early Covers             4-6
(mancozeb)
Ferbam 76WDG (carbamate)                 4 - 4.5 lb            Early Covers             1-2
Ziram 76 DF (ziram)                      3 - 6 lb              Late covers              2-4
Flint 50WDG (trifloxystrobin)            2 - 2.5 oz            Covers                   4-8
Alternatives - Sanitation by removing mummies, dead wood and twigs killed by other causes
removes some of the overwintering sites.
The diseases cause surface blemishes that usually appear together on the same fruit. The fungi
are found on the woody tissue of many plants, and can infect apples as early as two to three
weeks after petal fall. The disease does not become visible until July or later, and is commonly
thought of as a late season disease. Favorable infection periods include frequent rains with poor
drying conditions. Environmental models are now available that help predict favorable disease
conditions and time fungicide applications. Sooty blotch infections appear like sooty or olive
green smudges on the fruit surface. Flyspeck lesions consist of 10 to 50 black specks clustered in
5/16 to 1 inch colonies. The fruit does not rot from either infection, but their presence can
degrade the fruit surface, leading to water loss in storage and a downgrading from fresh market
to process grade. The disease is more pronounced on light skinned fruit, especially yellow and
green cultivars.
Affected Acreage – 100% of acreage is affected, especially light colored cultivars. Depending on
the quality demands from processors, it usually more of an issue with only fresh market fruit.
Alternatives - Pruning trees so that they have an open canopy helps improve airflow and drying
conditions, and therefore minimize the disease, and improves spray penetration. Good thinning
practices that break up fruit clusters also help improve drying conditions. Removal of alternate
hosts such as brambles and other woody plants around orchards may also help, but is seldom
practical.
Brooks spot is a sporadic disease that in some years has caused considerable losses in New
Jersey. Ascospores which are discharged from overwintered leaves, infect both leaves and fruit
during the late spring to early summer. Infections do not become visible until late summer. Fruit
infections usually show up in late July to August, with foliar infections showing up slightly later.
Fruit symptoms start as sunken dark green lesions near the calyx end, and progress to dark red or
purple on red fruit, but remaining dark green on yellow fruit. There is a very shallow flesh
browning under the lesion. Those cultivars that are most susceptible to the disease in New Jersey
include Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Staymen, Winesap, and Rome.
Affected Acreage – A sporadic disease, although in specific orchards up to 30-40% of the crop
has been infected during some years. Depending on the severity, symptoms may be able to be
peeled by the processor. If quality demands are high, then infected fruit is culled for both
processing and fresh markets, and only available for juice.
Alternatives - None
The disease is usually seen in trees planted in low areas, or on poorly drained soils. It is
particularly troublesome in trees grown on M104 and M106 rootstocks. The pathogen can last
several years in the soil, or on dead roots and plant tissue. Prolonged periods with cool wet soils
favor infection. The period between the pink stage of bloom to the beginning of shoot growth is
when most new infections take place. Infections may also take place in the fall, or at other times
when the proper conditions exist.
Infected trees will exhibit delayed bud break, leaf discoloration and twig dieback. Fruit may
remain undersized color prematurely. Leaves can prematurely color and drop in the fall. While a
large mature tree may survive for several years, it will steadily decline and eventually die. While
either the collar (scion) portion of the tree, the crown (rootstock) portion may be involved. A
necrotic area marked with a distinct margin that is orange to reddish-brown to dark brown will be
present at the affected site. While the disease usually works its way from the roots (crown rot),
the tree is not killed until the entire crown is completely girdled.
Chemical Control - Ridomil 2E, Ridomil Gold, and Aliette are labeled for control in bearing and
nonbearing blocks. Copper-containing fungicides have provided some measure of control when
applied as a drenching spray to the trunk: 2 pounds of actual copper in 100 gallons of spray with
1 gallon of spray per tree applied in late March to mid-April and again in late September to mid-
October.
Alternatives - Control consists of using more tolerant rootstocks and improving drainage. Trees
planted in hills and well drained sites are less likely to succumb to the disease. The disease can
be brought into the orchard with infected trees, so care should be used when purchasing trees.
While the apple industry is currently benefiting from several newly developed pest management
technologies, older pesticides are still required for specific pests, resistance management
strategies, integrated pest management programs, and for general cost effectiveness.
Several new insect growth regulators (IGRs) include Tebufenozide (Confirm), Methoxyfenozide
(Intrepid), and Pyriproxyfen (Esteem). Confirm is primarily a leafroller and codling moth
material. Intrepid is closely related to Confirm and has a similar spectrum, but also controls
oriental fruit moth and lesser appleworm. Esteem has a different mode of action, and is effective
for codling moth, leafrollers, San Jose scale, leafminers, and aphids. With careful resistance
management, these compounds may be used in place of specific Guthion, Imidan, Diazinon, and
Lannate applications.
Spinosad (Spintor) is effective against leafminers, leafrollers, and tufted apple budmoth, and
suppress codling moth and oriental fruit moth. It will be used primarily as a Guthion, Imidan and
Lannate replacement for (TABM) control. It will be combined with other insecticides for control
of CM and OFM.
Indoxacarb (Avaunt) has a similar pest spectrum to commonly used OPs. It controls leafrollers,
codling moth and oriental fruit moth, tufted apple budmoth, leafhoppers, plant bugs, and plum
curculio. It is also the only new non-OP that will also control apple maggot. Given its wide pest
spectrum, it may only be used a maximum of 4 times per season with a 28 day PHI. This may
limit its usefulness in some situations.
Even with these materials, alternating and combining compounds is required in order to fully
address resistance management issues and target all pests that may be present. Not withstanding
higher costs associated with new pesticides, they still provide only limited options for plum
curculio and apple maggot given maximum seasonal use and PHI requirements. OPs and
possibly pyrethroids will continue to be required for specific pests and timings.
Agrimek (abamectin) (0.15 EC) is a miticide/insecticide labeled for control of mites, tentiform
leafminer, and first generation white apple leafhoppers on apple. It is very effective when timed
properly. Agrimek penetrates quickly into leaves to form a reservoir of active material.
Agrimek must be applied with a minimum 1% or 1 gallon of oil per acre before leaves harden-
off.
Apollo (clofentizine) (42SC). Apollo is a tetrazine compound for mite control. It is primarily
an ovicide but also controls young motile stages. It has no direct effect on adult pest mites but is
safe against natural enemies. Best results are achieved in spring when red mite eggs are hatching
and before adults are present. If many adult mites are present, Apollo can be combined with
other adulticides. Thorough coverage is essential for control. Only one application per year is
recommended.
Bacillus thuringensis (B.t.) (Biobit, Dipel, Javelin, MVP, SOK, Thuricide, and Xentari)
(wettable powder) are safe, biological insecticides labeled for control of cankerworms, gypsy
moth, variegated and red-banded le afrollers, tufted apple bud moth, and tent caterpillars at the
rate of 0.5 to 1 pound. These materials are nontoxic to bees and mite predators and may be
applied up to harvest.
Confirm (tebufenozide) (2F) controls codling moth and many leafrollers on apples. It works
best against tufted apple budmoth and codling moth when applied according to degree-day
models starting at early egg hatch.
Danitol (2.4EC) is a broad spectrum pyrethroid that controls may pests and suppresses European
red mite on apple. It fits into the spray program pre-bloom, at petalfall-1st cover, and again as
harvest approaches. Like other pyrethroids, it can kill beneficial arthropods, and lead to a build-
up of certain pests.
Esteem (pyriproxyfen) (35WP) is an insect growth regulator registered for use on apple and
pear. For both of these crops, it effectively controls San Jose scale when combined with oil in
the delayed dormant spray. It can be used inseason to control codling moth and San Jose scale.
On apple, it suppresses leafrollers, and controls leafminers, and apple aphids.
Intrepid (methoxyfenozide) (2F) is labeled for use on apple, pear, and other pome fruit to
control codling moth, Oriental fruit moth, leafrollers, and leafminers. It has been shown to be
more effective than OPs and Lannate for control of TABM.
Kelthane (dicofol) (50WP). Kelthane, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, controls both European red
and two-spotted mites. Resistance to Kelthane is becoming more widespread each year so only
one application per year is recommended. Mite predators can tolerate this material.
Malathion (25WP, 5E, 8E, 8F). This organophosphate aphicide is recommended for growers
desiring less toxic insecticides. This material is labeled for control of aphids, codling moth,
leafhoppers, mites, plum curculio, red-banded leafroller, San Jose scale, lesser peach tree borer,
and Oriental fruit moth. There is a 3 day PHI for apples.
Permethrin (Ambush 2E, 25WP and Pounce 3.2E, 25WP). Permethrin is a pyrethroid-type
insecticide labeled for control of plum curculio, rosy apple aphid, spotted tentiform leafminer,
tarnished plant bug, oblique-banded leafroller, white apple leafhopper, tarnished plant bug, and
Oriental fruit moth. No more than three applications are permitted per season for apples.
Permethrin is not recommended for postbloom application. Permethrin is extremely toxic to mite
predators and has been shown to encourage mite buildup.
Provado(imidacloprid) (1.6) is a systemic and contact insecticide for post-bloom use on apples
and pear. It is effective against leafhoppers, leafminers, aphids, and San Jose scale crawlers. It
is toxic to bees so drift onto blooming weeds must be avoided.
Sevin (carbaryl) (50WP, 80WP, XLR) is a broad spectrum carbamate insecticide. It is highly
toxic to bees and should not be used near bloom. It also acts as a fruit thinner on many varieties.
Sevin is satisfactory for control of plum curculio, Oriental fruit moth, catfacing insects, Japanese
beetle, and scales. Normally, aphid and mite populations build up rapidly following Sevin
applications because it is toxic to predators. For this reason, it is not generally recommended.
Sevin may be applied up to 3 days before harvest.
Spintor (spinosad) (2SC) is an effective leafroller and thrips product, and will also control
leafminer on apple. It is safe to natural enemies. Adjuvants may improve control.
Supracide (methidathion) (2E) is labeled for use during the dormant and delayed dormant
stages. It is effective against San Jose scale and aphids.
Thiodan (endosulfan) (50WP and 3EC). This is a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide that is
effective for aphid, and white apple leafhopper, and can suppress spotted tentiform leafminer.
Vydate (oxamyl) (2L). Vydate is a systemic carbamate insecticide-miticide labeled for control
of white apple leafhopper, spotted tentiform leafminer, and mites. It cannot be applied within 30
days after petal fall because of possible fruit thinning. Its principal uses are for delayed dormant
aphid control and postbloom spotted tentiform leafminer control. Because of its greater efficacy,
Provado has replaced much of the postbloom use for STLM.
Aliette WDG (fosetyl-al) is registered on both pome and stone fruit for control of crown and
root rot caused by Phytophthora species. On apple, it is labeled for both bearing and non-bearing
trees. On pome fruit, Alliette can be applied as a root dip prior to planting a new orchard @ 3 lbs
per 100 gallons.
Bayleton 50WP (triadimefon) is extremely effective against powdery mildew and rust on apple
and pear when used from pink through third cover. It has relatively little activity against scab
and the summer diseases, so it should be used in combination with another fungicide.
Captan 50WP, 80WP (captan) is an excellent protective fungicide for control of scab, frog-eye
leaf spot, black rot, white rot, Brook's spot, bitter rot, sooty blotch, flyspeck, and calyx-end rot
on pome fruit. Captan can be used for post-infection control of apple scab, but must be applied
within 18 hours from the beginning of an infection period. This fungicide will not control cedar-
apple rust and powdery mildew.
Copper (fixed) is a form of copper compound in which the copper ion is fixed securely to the
molecule. The resultant chemical is only slightly water soluble, which makes it less phytotoxic
than Bordeaux, but also less effective as a fungicide/bactericide. Nevertheless, fixed copper
materials such as Kocide, Tenn-Cop, Champ, and Nu-Cop are still useful for fire blight.
Athough safer than Bordeaux, fixed copper materials should be applied with added spray lime to
further reduce the risk of plant injury, with 2 lbs. of lime to each pound of fixed copper. An
exception to this rule is Tenn-Cop 5E, an organic compound, which has much less phytotoxicity
than other formulations.
An early spray of copper can be applied, from green tip to quarter inch green, for control of fire
blight, using 2 – 4 lb. of copper hydroxide (Champ, Kocide, Nu-Cop) per 100 gal. plus 1% 60- or
70-second emulsifiable spray oil.
Ferbam 76WDG (carbamate) is a protectant-type fungicide with good efficacy against cedar-
apple rust. Ferbam will russet sensitive apple varieties such as Golden Delicious, but is safe on
Red Delicious and Rome Beauty. This fungicide has only moderate activity for control of apple
scab and sooty blotch.
Flint 50WG (trifloxystrobin) is a strobilurin fungicide registered for use on apple, pear,
crabapple, loquat, mayhaw, and quince. Like other strobilurin fungicides, Flint exhibits broad-
spectrum activity against a variety of fungal diseases. Flint provides excellent control of scab,
sooty blotch, and flyspeck; good control of powdery mildew; and fair control or suppression of
white rot and bitter rot when used at higher rates. The level of black rot control has yet to be
determined; a limited number of studies indicate poor control of rust. Preventative applications
of Flint should be applied at 7-14 day intervals, depending on target pathogen and level of
disease pressure. Excellent control of scab, sooty blotch, and flyspeck can be achieved at 2 oz /
A, while a 2.5 oz / A rate will be needed for cultivars that are very susceptible to powdery
mildew. A higher 3.0 oz / A rate is needed for bitter and white rot suppression. Up to 100 hours
curative capability is possible when applying Flint for post-infection scab control. In this case,
Kocide DF, Kocide LF, Kocide 101 (copper hydroxide) - see copper (fixed).
Mane b 80WP (manganese EBDC) is an excellent fungicide in terms of its broad range of
activity against many plant-pathogenic fungi. It is registered for use on apple to control the same
diseases listed under mancozeb. However, when maneb is used alone, without added zinc, it has
a tendency to injure apple trees. Consequently, mancozeb is considered a better choice.
Polyram 80DF (metiram) is an EBDC fungicide mixture, the main component being
ammoniates of zinc EBDC. On apple, it is effective as protectant sprays for control of scab,
cedar-apple rust, sooty blotch, and fly -speck. This fungicide has no activity against powdery
mildew. As with the mancozeb fungicides, Polyram can be used at full rate prior to bloom or at
half this rate for an extended application program through second cover.
Rubigan 1EC (fenarimol) is highly effective against scab, powdery mildew, and rust on pome
fruit. It will provide up to 96 hours of post-infection control against scab. However, since it has
a residual activity of only 3 days, it must be combined with a protectant-type fungicide if spray
intervals are longer than 7 days.
Sovran 50WG (kresoxim-methyl) is a strobilurin fungicide registered for use on apple, pear,
quince, crabapple, loquat, mayhaw, and oriental pear. This broad-spectrum fungicide provides
excellent control of scab, sooty blotch, and flyspeck; good control of powdery mildew, white rot,
and black rot / frogeye leaf spot; fair control of cedar apple rust; and no efficacy against bitter
rot. In addition, limited tests have shown good control of brooks spot. Labeled rates for Sovran
are 4.0 to 6.4 oz per acre at 10-14 day intervals. Results of efficacy studies in NJ indicated
excellent control of sooty blotch and flyspeck at the lower 4.0 oz/A rate and 100 gpa volume.
For scab control, Sovran also exhibits up to 96 hours of curative capability. However, when
used for post-infection control, the higher rate should be applied, followed by a second
application 10-days later. Antisporulant activity also occurs against scab and powdery mildews.
For resistance management, limit the number of consecutive sprays of Sovran to three before
switching to a fungicide of different chemistry; or use an alternate spray strategy. Thus, Sovran
makes an excellent partner in spray programs that have relied heavily on the sterol- inhibiting
fungicides Nova, Rubigan, or Procure. Furthermore, Sovran provides an additional management
tool for summer diseases.
Streptrol (streptomycin) is registered for bacterial disease control on apples and pears. See
Agri-mycin 17 for details on usage.
Sulfur is available as dry wettable powders and as liquid lime sulfur. The lime sulfur form is
best used for dormant applications, as it can be injurious to both foliage and fruit. The wettable
sulfurs are much less injurious, but can still cause some leaf burning and fruit russeting on apple
if used during hot weather (above 85°F).
Syllit 65W (dodine) gives excellent control of scab, but does not control powdery mildew, rust,
rots, or most summer diseases. Dodine can be used for post-infection scab control, but must be
applied at the highest rate and within 36 hours from the start of the infection period.
Thiram 65WP (thiram) is effective for controlling rust on apple. This fungicide is not
recommended when conditions are extremely favorable for disease. Thiram is also used as a
deer repellent.
Top Cop with sulfur (basic copper sulfate, sulfur) -see copper (fixed), sulfur.
Topsin-M 70W (thiophanate-methyl) is effective for scab, powdery mildew, black rot, sooty
blotch, and flyspeck control. Thiophanate-methyl is part of the same family of fungicides as
benomyl. Consequently, extended use of Topsin -M without other non-related fungicides can
result in the development of resistant plant-pathogenic fungi. Furthermore, since these two
fungicides are related, fungi that become resistant to one of these compounds are also cross-
resistant to the other compound. Since Benlate is no longer registered, thiophanate-methyl is a
logical replacement for previous Benlate uses.
Vangard WG (cyprodinil) represents a new class of fungicides, the anilinopyrimidines, for use
on both stone and pome fruits. Cyprodinil has low toxicity and has been classified by the EPA as
a reduced risk compound. On apple, Vangard provides 48 hours post-infection capability for
scab control, with six days residue for forward, preventative activity. It also exhibits good
suppression of apple powdery mildew. Cyprodinil shows no cross-resistance to other classes of
fungicides due to its novel chemistry. However, since it controls pathogenic fungi by attacking a
specific site, the risk of resistance development may be high. Thus, users should either limit the
number of applications or tank-mix / alternate with another fungicide.
Ziram 76DF (ziram) is a zinc salt derivative of dithiocarbamic acid, the precursor to a wide
variety of organic sulfur fungicides, such as the EBDC’s. On apple, it can be applied from pre-
bloom through cover sprays for use in controlling scab, both cedar-apple and quince rusts, sooty
blotch, flyspeck, bitter rot, and necrotic leaf blotch.
Gallery 75DF (isoxabin) )— 0.75 – 1.0 lb ai/A. Use rate is 1.0 to 1.33 lb/A Gallery 75DF,
applied in late fall or early spring to weed-free soil to control many broadleaf weeds. In newly
planted trees, the soil needs to settle and fill any depressions around the tree before application.
A postemergence herbicide will improve the control of emerged weeds. Gallery primarily
controls annual broadleaf weeds. It is tank-mixed with Prowl to control annual grasses.
For newly planted (nonbearing) apples, not labeled for bearing fruit trees.
Goal 2XL/Galigan 2E (oxyfluorfen)—2 lb ai/A. Use rate is 4 qt/A Goal 2XL or Galigan 2E
applied in early spring before bloom. Addition of an appropriate postemergence herbicide to kill
existing vegetation is recommended. Goal 2XL/Galigan 2E controls annual broadleaf weeds and
suppresses annual grasses. Tank-mixed with Prowl, Devrinol, or Surflan will improve the length
of annual grass control. It should not be incorporate into the soil with a disk or other implement,
or reduced weed control may result. For newly planted or established trees.
Karmex (diuron)—1.0 - 3 lb ai/A. Use rate of 1.25 - 3.75 lb/A Karmex 80DF, applied in late
fall or spring to weed-free soil is helped with the addition of an appropriate postemergence
herbicide to kill existing vegetation. Primarily for annual broadleaf weed control. Tank-mix
with Prowl (nonbearing only), Surflan, Solicam, Devrinol, OR a reduced rate of Sinbar at one-
half the labeled Karmex use rate alone for the soil type to improve crop safety and the range of
weeds controlled. For application to apples established a minimum of 1 year.
Princep (simazine)—2-4 lb ai/A. Recommended rates of 2.2 - 4.4 lb/A Princep 90DF (or other
labeled formulations) are applied in late fall or spring to weed-free soil, or with an appropriate
postemergence herbicide to kill existing vegetation. Primarily for annual broadleaf weed control.
It is tank-mixed with Prowl (nonbearing only), Surflan, Solicam, or Devrinol at one-half the
labeled Princep use rate alone for the soil type to improve crop safety and the range of weeds
Prowl (pendimethalin)—2 - 4 lb ai/A. Rates of 2.4 - 4.8 qt/A Prowl 3.3Ecare applied in late
fall and/or early spring to weed-free soil or with a postemergence herbicide to control emerged
weeds. Used with 2, 4-D in early spring before bloom to control susceptible broadleaf weeds or
with an appropriate postemergence herbicide to kill existing vegetation. The high rate is for long-
term control (4 to 8 months) and the low rate for the short-term control (2 to 4 months). Prowl
controls primarily annual grasses. It can be tank-mixed with Princep plus 2, 4-D in late fall or
with Goal 2XL/Galigan 2E, Karmex, or Sinbar in the spring to control annual broadleaf weeds.
For newly planted (nonbearing) trees, and not labeled for bearing trees.
Sinbar (terbacil)—1.0 - 3.0 lb ai/A. Rates of 1.25 - 3.75 lb/A Sinbar 80DF, applied in the
spring to weed-free soil, or with an appropriate postemergence herbicide to kill existing
vegetation. It can be tank-mixed with Surflan, Devrinol, or a reduced rate of Karmex at one-half
the labeled Sinbar use rate alone for the soil type to improve crop safety and the range of weeds
controlled. Recommended for trees established a minimum of 3 years.
Solicam (norflurazon)—2 - 4 lb ai/A. Rates of 2.5 - 5 lb/A Solicam 80DF, applied in late fall
or spring to weed-free soil, or with an appropriate postemergence herbicide to kill existing
vegetation. Primarily for annual grass control, Solicam may provide partial control of many
broadleaf weeds. It can be tank-mixed with Princep plus 2, 4-D in late fall or with Goal
2XL/Galigan 2E, Karmex, or Sinbar in the spring when labeled for the crop to improve the
control of broadleaf weeds. For newly planted (nonbearing) and established (bearing) trees.
Surflan (oryzalin)—2 - 4 lb ai/A. Rates of 2 - 4 qt/A Surflan 4AS (or other labeled
formulations), applied in late fall and/or early spring to weed-free soil, or with an appropriate
postemergence herbicide to kill existing vegetation. The high rate is for long-term control (4 to 8
months) and the low rate for short-term control (2 to 4 months). Surflan controls primarily
annual grasses. It can be tank-mixed with Princep plus 2,4-D in late fall or with Goal
2XL/Galigan 2E, Karmex, or Sinbar in the spring to control annual broadleaf weeds. For newly
planted (nonbearing) and established (bearing) trees.
Postemergence Herbicides
Fusilade DX 2EC (fluazifop butyl) — 0.18 - 0.38 lb ai/A. Rates of 12 - 24 fl.oz./A Fusilade
DX 2EC with 2 pints crop oil concentrate or nonionic surfactant to be 0.25% of the spray
solution (1 qt. per 100 gallons of spray solution.) are recommended. The lower rate can be used
Kerb (pronamide)—2 - 4 lb ai/A. Rates of 4 - 8 lb/A Kerb 50WP, applied in November when
soil temperatures are between 35o and 55o F (1.67o and 12.80 C) are suggested. It primarily controls
perennial grasses, including quackgrass, bluegrass, ryegrass sp., fescue sp., and also provides
early control of annual grasses the following spring. It can be followed with Surflan, Prowl,
Solicam, or Sinbar the following May or June for full season annual grass control. It can be tank-
mixed with Kerb with 2, 4-D and Princep for postemergence and residual broadleaf weed
control. For established (bearing) trees.
Poast (sethoxydim)—0.2 - 0.5 lb ai/A. It is applied at 1 - 2.5 pt/A with 2 pints crop oil
concentrate per acre. The lower rate to controls annual grasses less than 6 inches tall. The higher
rate controls annual grass 6 to 12 inches tall and perennial grasses. For newly nonbearing and
bearing trees.
Select 2EC (clethodim)— 0.125 - 0.25 lb ai/A. Rates of 8 to 16 fluid ounces of Select 2EC per
acre are recommended to control most grass weed species, including certain hard to control grass
weeds, such as small grain volunteers and cover crops, and perennials such as hard fescue, tall
fescue, Bermudagrass, orchardgrass, quackgrass, Johnsongrass, and wirestem muhly. The lower
rate to controls annual grasses and the perennial grasses listed above. The application is repeated
if regrowth occurs. For use with oil concentrate at 1% of the spray solution, or a minimum of 1
pint per acre. For nonbearing trees only.
Gramoxone Extra (paraquat)—0.5 lb ai/A. A rate of .8 qt/A Gramoxone Extra 2.5SC is used.
It is a contact killer only with no translocation or residual activity. Best results occur when
weeds are 6 inches tall or less. Regrowth may occur from the root systems of established weeds.
It should be combined with a surfactant at 0.25% of the spray solution (1 qt. per 100 gallons of
spray solution). It also combined with recommended preemergence herbicide(s) for residual
weed control. A nonselective material bearing and nonbearing trees.
Roundup Ultra Max, Touchdown, Glyphomax Plus 4SC (glyphosate) will control many
serious annual and perennial weeds in orchards. It is a translocated, slow-acting herbicide with
no soil or residual activity. Results will become evident 1 to 3 weeks after application.
Optimum rate and time of application depend on weed species and growth stage. Weeds should
be growing vigorously when treated. Use rates depend on target weed specie and application
method. It may be broadcast, used as a spot treatment or with a ropewick applicator. It is a
nonselective material that will harm trees if directly contacted with spray material.
Vole control consists of integrating cultural, exclusion and chemical practices when needed.
Cultural practices and habitat modification include the control of ground vegetation with
herbicides, mowers, or disking helps limit voles by reducing potential cover. Exclusion includes
the use of tree guards, particularly on young trees. Chemical control includes the use of the
toxicants, zinc phosphide (ZP Rodent Bait, Hopkins Zinc Phosphide Mouse Bait), and
anticoagulants (Rozol Pellets). Active ingredients include zinc phosphide, chlorophacinone and
diphacinone.
A number of cultural and chemical practices are used to maintain fruit quality and proper tree
growth. PGRs are used for fruit thinning, return bloom, maintaining fruit size and color, decrease
fruit cracking, and to regulate fruit maturity and picking times. They may also be used to
maintain tree growth, reduce fire blight susceptibility, and avoiding excessive sprout formation
and foliage growth. Typical applications include one application for return bloom, one
application for thinning, one to two applications for pre harvest drop control. Depending on the
cultivar, two to four applications may be made to prevent fruit cracking. One to two other
applications may be made to control tree growth.
Thinning:
NAA is one of the oldest and most reliable thinners. It is marketed by Amvac in two
formulations: Fruitone N (NAA) and Amid-Thin W (NAD). Fruitone N (naphthaleneacetic
acid 3.5% -NAA) can be applied from petal fall to 20 mm fruit size at rates of 5ppm to 20ppm
in at least 100 gallons/acre. Amid-Thin W (naphthaleneacetamide 8.4% -NAD) is a mild form
of NAA and is used at PF and early fruit set only. It is very effective on summer varieties such
as Paulared, Jerseymac, Macintos h cultivars and Macoun. It is usually applied at 40-50 ppm per
100 gallons/acre at PF-5mm.
ACCEL (benzyladenine + giberellins A4+A7) is a newer material that works as a mild thinner
but has the ability to increase fruit size over and above the thinning response. It is valuable for
use on small fruited cultivars like Empire. Accel is best applied PF to 8mm and used at the
Fruit Ripening
Ethephon has been used to a limited extent on McIntosh and most red summer apples. Not all
results have been satisfactory, but, in most instances, ethephon has hastened maturity, increased
color development and made possible the harvest of the entire crop in one picking. It has been
used on Julyred, Raritan, Jerseymac, Britemac, Paulared, Opalescent, Wealthy, Mollie’s
Delicious and McIntosh.
Fruit Elongation
Promalin (gibberellins A4A7 2%) is a growth regulator that has been used to increase the length
of Delicious fruit. It should be applied at 1 pint Promalin per 100 gallons, with no more than 1.5
pints per acre. Applications are made when king blossoms are open.
                                 Worker Activities
A number of worker activities occur throughout the year that may affect application timing, as
well as the specific pesticides used. Manual pruning is done during the dormant season, usually
from late November through the middle of February. No pesticides are applied during that time.
Although hand thinning can be done at any time after June, because of labor costs it is rarely a
commercial practice. Therefore, fruit thinning is usually done with plant growth regulators
through normal spraying practices in late May. Herbicides are applied in mid April to early May,
but may be spot applied with a hand or backpack sprayer during June or July, depending on the
weed species being controlled. Mechanical cultivation may be rarely carried out 2 to 3 times a
season during early May through June. Mechanical and hand cultivation is more common in
blocks of newly planted non-bearing trees that are not yet under a complete spray program. Well-
managed orchards usually have grass or mixed vegetation aisles that are mowed at 10 day to 2
week intervals throughout the growing season. Harvesting is done by hand, usually starting in
mid August for early cultivars, and continuing through early October for late cultivars. The latest
insecticide applications stop by mid September, with some fungicide use continuing until 2 to 3
weeks prior to picking.
Prepared By:
Dean F. Polk
Statewide Fruit IPM Agent
Rutgers Fruit Research and Extension Center
282 Rt. 539, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Phone: 609-757-7311
Fax: 609-758-7085
E-mail: polk@aesop.rutgers.edu
Other Contacts:
    Material Name    Common Name Mat. Chemical Type        %    Avg. Prod. Avg. No. of Avg. lb AI/Acre PHI -         REI -
                                                        Acreage Appl. Rate   Appl.       Per Appl.     Days          Hours
                                                                Where Used Where Used
ASANA .66XL     esfenvalerate       Pyrethroid            11.72       0.38             8.16     0.03          21      12
AZINPHOS METHYL azinphos-           Organophosphate        7.35       0.57             1.92     0.28         14/21    48
50W             methyl
GUTHION 2S      azinphos-           Organophosphate       0.19        2.17             4.00     0.48         14/21    48
                methyl
GUTHION 50PVA   azinphos-           Organophosphate       72.65       1.04             4.92     0.52         14/21    48
                methyl
SNIPER 50PVA    azinphos-           Organophosphate       7.92        1.02             4.19     0.51         14/21    48
                methyl
SNIPER2-E       azinphos-           Organophosphate       0.76        1.00             1.00     0.22         14/21    48
                methyl
CARBARYL 4L     carbaryl            Carbamate              1.25       0.60             1.00     0.25          3       12
SEVIN 4F        carbaryl            Carbamate              0.32       2.00             1.00     0.86          3       12
SEVIN 50W       carbaryl            Carbamate              0.03       2.98             1.00     1.49          3       12
SEVIN 80S       carbaryl            Carbamate              5.98       1.78             1.06     1.42          3       12
SEVIN XLR       carbaryl            Carbamate             10.39       1.96             1.07     0.86          3       12
CONFIRM         tebufenozide        Benzoyl Hydrazine     29.47       0.87             2.42     0.20          14      12
DIAZINON 50WP   diazinon            Organophosphate        2.24       1.11             1.00     0.56          21      24
DIMETHOATE 4E   dimethoate          Organophosphate        0.84       0.89             1.00     0.39          28      48
DIPEL DF        Bacillus            Microbial              1.25       0.17             3.00     0.02          0       4
                thuringiensis
ENDOSULFAN 50WP endosulfan          Cyclo Compound-       7.54        2.50             1.00     1.25          21      24
                                    CLHC
THIODAN 3EC          endosulfan     Cyclo Compound-       2.24        1.67             1.00     0.56          21      24
                                    CLHC
THIODAN 50WP         endosulfan     Cyclo Compound-       1.25        0.34             8.00     0.17          21      24
                                    CLHC
IMIDAN 70 WP         phosmet        Organophosphate       55.52       1.35             3.05     0.95          28      24
LANNATE 90SP         methomyl       Carbamate             16.38       0.61             1.83     0.55          14      96
Master List of Pesticides Commonly Used in New Jersey Apple Production. Fungicides - 2000.
    Material Name   Common Name Mat. Chemical Type               %    Avg. Prod. Avg. No. of       Avg. lb AI/Acre   PHI -    REI -
                                                              Acreage Appl. Rate   Appl.             Per Appl.       Days     Hours
                                                                      Where Used Where Used
ALIETTE WDG         fosetyl-al         Organophosphate          0.40       2.50             2.00        2.00         12 mo      12
BENLATE 50WP*       benomyl            Benzimidazole           71.02       0.63             3.29        0.31          14        24
CAPTAN 50W          captan             Carboximide             81.18       2.88             7.01        1.44           0        96
CHAMP               copper             Copper                   1.32       4.39             1.06        1.65           D        24
                    hydroxide
CYPREX 65W          dodine             Guanidine                2.24       0.56             4.00        0.36          7         24
DITHANE DF          mancozeb           Dithiocarbamate         40.50       2.90             3.75        2.17          77        24
FLINT               trifluoxystrobin   Strobilurin             26.90       0.12             2.47        0.06          14        12
Master List of Pesticides Commonly Used in New Jersey Apple Production. Antibiotics - 2000.
    Material Name      Common Name Mat. Chemical Type      %    Avg. Prod. Avg. No. of        Avg. lb AI/Acre   PHI -   REI -
                                                        Acreage Appl. Rate   Appl.              Per Appl.       Days    Hours
                                                                Where Used Where Used
AGRIMYCIN              streptomycin   Microbial          15.99        0.80             1.58        0.17          50      12
                       sulfate
TENNCOP 5E             copper salts   Copper             38.09        1.81             1.56        1.05         PF       12
       Material Name          Common Name &         % Acreage     Avg. Prod.      Avg. No. of Avg. lb AI/Acre PHI - Days      REI -
                                                                  Appl. Rate        Appl.       Per Appl.                     Hours
                                Chem. Type                        Where Used      Where Used
FRUITFIX 200 (K SALT)       NAA                        2.79           0.84             1.00          0.05                      12
RETAIN                      AVG                        6.29           0.88             1.00          0.13         21           12
ACCEL                       Gibberellin                0.50           0.83             1.00          0.02      21 D Post       12
                                                                                                                Bloom
AMID-THIN                   NAD                        0.11           0.64             1.00          0.05      21 D Post       12
                                                                                                                Bloom
ETHREL                      Ethephon                   3.91           1.19             1.00          0.26          7           48
FRUITONE N                  NAA                       21.86           0.23             2.03          0.01                      12
PRO-VIDE                    Benzyladenine              6.05           1.03             3.42          0.02                      12
PROMALIN                    Gibberellin                0.54           1.00             1.00          0.04                      4
New Pesticides, Projected Regular Use in New Jersey Apple Production. Insecticides, Miticides.
   Material Name        Common Name         Mat. Chemical Type       %       Avg. Prod. Avg. No. of Avg. lb AI/Acre PHI - REI -
                                                                  Acreage    Appl. Rate   Appl.       Per Appl.     Days Hours
                                                                             Where Used Where Used
ACRAMITE 50WSB         bifenazate         carboxylic acid          10.00       12 - 16 oz     1.00          0.43        7       12
ACTARA 25WDG           thiamethoxam       neonicotinoid            25.00       2 - 5.5 oz     1.50          0.06      14/35     12
AVAUNT 30WDG           indoxacarb         methyl carboxylate       40.00        5 - 6 oz      2.00          0.10       28       12
DANITOL 2.4 EC         fenpropathrin      pyrethroid                2.00      10.6 - 16 oz    1.00          0.26       14       24
ESTEEM 86 EC           pyriproxyfen       ethoxylpyridine - IGR    20.00       10 - 16 oz     1.00          0.09       45       12
INTREPID 2F            methoxyfenozide    diacylhydrazine - IGR    30.00        8 -16 oz      2.50          0.17       14       4
SPINTOR 2SC            spinosad           spinosyn                 30.00       4 - 10 oz      2.00          0.10        7       4
CONFIRM 2F             tebufenozide       diacylhydrazine - IGR    10.00         20 oz        2.00          0.29       14       4