You are here.
Sixth and Seventh Covers
Sooty blotch and flyspeck. These diseases are likely to be a problem from this time of the growing season through harvest, especially if rainfall is above normal. Refer to Part II: Diseases, Pests, and Natural Enemies.
Fruit rots. Historically, white rot, black rot, and bitter rot all occur in Pennsylvania. In most years, white rot is the most common and causes the most fruit rot. Bitter rot has been increasing in some orchards the last few years. Warm, wet conditions favor the fruit rots during the summer months and at harvest. Refer to Part II: Diseases, Pests, and Natural Enemies.
Cork spot and bitter pit in fruit. See Part I.
Tufted apple bud moth. Growers having trouble with tufted apple bud moth should use Intrepid, Rimon, or SpinTor. If first-brood damage was evident, second-brood damage can be expected. Observe the proper spray intervals and close these intervals at the appropriate times in the egg-hatching period of both broods (approximately second to third and sixth to seventh covers). Use Tables 2-8 and 2-9 to properly time sprays during this period.
Maximum spray coverage is extremely important. Low-volume sprays (20-50 gal/A) often are not adequate. Growers should increase gallonage to 100 gallons per acre during the critical egg-hatching periods of both broods.
Second-brood bud moth larvae are usually responsible for most of the fruit damage seen at harvest. Egg-hatching of the second brood extends through August into mid-September. Therefore, it is advisable for growers in affected areas to apply pesticides every 7 days if they are using alternate row middle applications and every 12-14 days if they are using every middle applications from the beginning of second-brood egg hatch (early August) until at least early September. The last spray is recommended as a complete spray.
Oriental fruit moth. If Oriental fruit moth is a problem, thorough coverage (at least 100 gallons per acre) needs to be maintained until at least mid-September. This is the period when adult flight and egg-laying can be continuous, the majority of the fruit injury will occur, and live worms can be present at harvest. Refer to the Oriental fruit moth section in Part II for additional information on proper timing of chemical sprays. Assail, Calypso, Rimon, and organophosphate insecticides (unless OP resistance is suspected) will provide the best protection, but growers should be aware of required preharvest intervals.
Pesticide Recommendations for Apples, Sixth and Seventh Covers