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Postharvest Disorders of Peaches
Postharvest fruit rot. See Part VI: Harvest and Postharvest Handling.
Peachtree borer and lesser peachtree borer on bearing and nonbearing trees. Two borer species may be present at this time of the season: peachtree borer (PTB) and lesser peachtree borer (LPTB). If only PTB is present and it is on a late-maturing variety, apply a trunk spray during the first week of August. Use one of the insecticides underPeaches--First, Second, Third Cover, "Early season lesser peachtree borer." If it is an early maturing variety, make a postharvest application of either chlorpyrifos 4E, 1.5-3 quarts per 100 gallons, or Lorsban 75WG, 2-4 lbs per 100 gallons, as a coarse, low-pressure, handgun application. Apply at least 1 gallon per tree.
If only LPTB is present, either a preharvest spray on late-maturing varieties or a postharvest spray may be made as described above.
If both PTB and LPTB are present, use chlorpyrifos 4E or Lorsban 75WG within the first 2 weeks of September (postharvest). Thoroughly wet all bark areas from ground level to scaffold limbs. Do allow the spray to contact fruit and watch preharvest intervals on late-maturing peach varieties (chlorpyrifos 4E: 14 days; Lorsban 75WG: 14 days).
Nonbearing trees. If peachtree borer damage is present, make two applications, the first around July 15 and the second around August 10. Use Thionex 50WP (1.5 lb) per 100 gallons of water. If making only one application, apply between July 20 and August 1.
Preplant treatment to control peachtree borer. Thionex and Lorsban 75WG are effective as a root dip treatment for peach, nectarine, and cherry trees before they are planted. This treatment has given excellent control through the first season only. Use either Thionex 3EC (2.0 qt) or Thionex 50WP (3.0 lb) or Lorsban 75WG (1.5 lb) per 40 gallons of water. Mix thoroughly. Dip the trees individually or in bundles so that roots and crowns are wetted well above the graft union.
Nematode control. Vydate L insecticide may be added to the endosulfan solution to aid in controlling nematodes on peach and cherry trees. Add 1.5 pints to 40 gallons of water. Roots should be soaked for up to 30 minutes before trees are planted. Vydate L is not registered for this use on plums.
Oxamyl 10G will also control nematodes at this time at 60 to 80 pounds per acre or 1.5 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Precautions: Avoid exposing your skin to the mixture; wear rubber gloves during dipping operation.