Organic disease management on apple

• Published in: Phytopathology Vol. 98; no. 6; p. S209
• Main Authors: Travis, J W, Halbrendt, N O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2008
• Subjects: Malus
• ISSN: 0031-949X

Disease management programs that are effective and profitable for growers while being environmentally sound are being developed. In 2004, an organic apple demonstration orchard was established at the Penn State University Fruit Research and Extension Center, Biglerville, PA to provide the industry with the opportunity to observe 'best' organic practices for local apple production. The first certified organic fruit was produced and sold in 2006. The organic apple project was named PA Regional Organic Fruit Industry Transition (PROFIT). Research trials focused on the efficacy of sulfur and lime sulfur applied alone, in combination or in rotation with other organic and alternative fungicides to evaluate control of apple scab, powdery mildew, cedar apple rust and summer diseases on apples. Treatment programs with sulfur reduced the incidence of scab on shoots and fruit compared to the untreated trees. Programs based on sulfur alone or sulfur in combination with Citrex (not presently labeled for organic), lime sulfur, or Vigor Cal provided comparable control of scab incidence on shoots and the incidence and severity of scab on fruits (P , 0.05).