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Subject: Re: sick apples
From: "Bill Robinson" <roseguy@gte.net>
Organization:
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 01 16:41:44
Message-ID: <MOD$010712.10081@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



Nicole has some sickly apples with spots the color
of rust. She asks if it is rust and, if so, what needs
to be done.

According to Ortho's 'Home Gardener's Problem Solver',
cedar-apple rust "infect the leaves and fruit, causing
spotting and premature leaf and fruit drop." Rust is sometimes
confused with black spot. Both are fungus diseases.

Sulfur has been used as a fungicide on commercial fruit trees
for well over a hundred years. It is even used in orchards growing
organic fruit. It is low in overall toxicity and it is relatively
friendly to the environment. It's a good material for protecting
trees from coming down with a variety of fungus problems and it is
also more or less effective in treatment.

The commercial "chemical" fungicides, on the other hand, are of
value in preventing infection but do little in terms of treating
an active infection.

It may or may not be realistic to expect spray applications of
sulfur to clean up the apples for this season but it might be a
good idea to use sulfur this season to prevent or minimize problems
next year.

Sulfur will burn the foliage if you spray when it is hot. Use it
with caution.

Bill

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