Dormant spray recommendations.
Always read and follow label instructions!
For the products we sell,
mix together in each gallon
of spray:
2
oz LiquiCop or Liquid Copper Fungicide (= 4 Tbsp)
2.5 spray oil (optional)
(=
5 Tbsp, or 1/8 cup)
You can use a hose-end
sprayer** if you use the lower amount of oil (you will barely add any water to
the concentrated mixture). Otherwise, use a tank sprayer.
Spray the tree thoroughly, to
the point of runoff.
It will probably take about
two gallons of spray to cover a medium-size tree with conventional training and
pruning; one gallon of spray to cover a summer-pruned backyard orchard tree.
Spray peaches and nectarines
while they are still dormant.
You can spray other fruit
trees such as apricots. plums, and cherries with the same mixture.
Many fruit species such as
figs, persimmons, and pomegranates need no spraying. Citrus are sprayed only as
needed for specific pest and disease problems.
Dormant and bloom sprays
don't control the worms that get into apples and pears, or the new fruit-fly
pest that is attacking cherries. For those we use growing-season sprays.
The diseases we are concerned
about are:
· peach leaf curl, which only affects peaches and nectarines. Sprays are only effective
before the buds break. If they show color (green or pink) it is too late.
· brown rot,
which primarily affects apricot (and almond) blossoms. See note*. Sprays are
only effective when the trees are in bud and bloom. Plums and cherries, as well
as peaches and nectarines, can also get brown rot, but it is much less common.
· This spray mixture also helps control shothole
fungus, and the oil helps to reduce
over-wintering insects.
Notes:
MicroCop (copper sulfate) and
Polysul (lime sulfur) are no longer available, so we are now recommending the
liquid copper spray. It is less effective for leaf curl, unfortunately, but
easier to apply. The problem is that the final spray solution, following label
rates, is lower concentration than you were applying before. We cannot
recommend that you exceed the label rates.
** You cannot apply both
products at the same time in a Dial-A-Pro hose-end sprayer. Apply each at the
label rate, 24 hours apart.
* Copper is only somewhat effective for
brown rot on apricots, and there is no organic or low-toxicity alternative
available to homeowners. Chlorothalonil is available, but is very toxic; read
and follow label instructions carefully if you choose to use it.
Note
non-chemical suggestions for control measures at ipm.ucdavis.edu:
Prompt removal and destruction of fruit mummies and
diseased plant parts prevents the buildup of brown rot inoculum and helps keep
rot below damaging levels. Prune trees to allow good ventilation. Furrow
irrigate or use low-angle sprinklers to avoid wetting blossoms, foliage, and
fruit. Plant varieties that are least susceptible.
Product information:
LiquiCop: www.montereylawngarden.com/
Spray Oil:
www.summitchemical.com/
www.montereylawngarden.com/ (Saf-T-Side)
http://www.bonide.com/ (Bonide Liquid Copper Fungicide
Redwood Barn Nursery draft January 10, 2013 www.redwoodbarn.com
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