When do I spray my fruit trees for pests?

ASK THE HORT AGENT

Question When do I spray my fruit trees for pests?

Answer There is no magic date. Pesticide applications (known as “sprays”) will depend on the pest(s) which are causing the problem. Therefore, it is imperative that every fruit tree pest be identified. Some problems will require a spray schedule which covers the entire growing season, and other problems may only require a couple sprays.

Plants like blueberries, blackberries and figs have very few problems. Their biggest pest is Japanese beetles. One or two well timed applications of an insecticide will usually thwart a beetle attack.

Muscadine grapes are also relatively problem free. However, sometimes a disease or beetle problem may occur. Correct cultural practices and a couple sprays will usually get a grape vine back on track.

Pear trees usually have the least amount of pest problems. Correct pruning is the most challenging part of their management. The bees and wasps which congregate on the ripe pears are merely lapping up excess sugar, and are not harmful to the fruit or trees. The bees and wasps generally don’t even harm the pear pickers unless they are accidentally squashed.

On the other hand, apples, peaches, plums and cherries require periodic sprays throughout the growing season and would be considered high maintenance fruit trees. While proper cultural practices are important, rarely will a homeowner be able to harvest a bounty of fruit from these trees without pesticide applications.

There is one primary spraying tip that needs to be remembered. DO NOT spray insecticides during the blooming period. Insecticides kill insects and not diseases. Insecticides will kill the pollinators (bees) if they are sprayed on the flowers during the blooming period. Bee populations are already extremely low. Please do not kill the best orchard workers you have.

Some disease problems may require fungicide applications before, during and after the blooming period. Fungicides kill the diseases and not the insects. Most diseases infect fruit during flower blooming period and not when they are getting ripe. Therefore, waiting until harvest to spray will not prevent most diseases.

"Fruit tree" or "orchard" sprays can be found where ever you buy pesticides. These products already have an insecticide and fungicide premixed. Trees like apples, peaches, and plums will require fungicides and insecticides. Most folks like the ease of using a premixed spray for these trees. Read the label for suggested spray intervals.

For specific pesticide recommendations visit http://ipm.ncsu.edu/agchem/7-toc.pdf If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call the Extension Office at 893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org

Have your fruit pests identified when they occur. There is no blanket recommendation that can be made when you are comparing apples and oranges. Before you pick up the phone, no you can't grow oranges around here.

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent

Harnett County