By John Wood, Certis Biologicals Regional Manager
This is the wettest winter we’ve had in recent memory. This means that disease pressure can be heavy and we must be more vigilant than ever with disease monitoring. A few things bear repeating as rain is likely to continue to drive decisions related to fungicide application and timing.
I focused on monitoring for peach twig borer (PTB) in the last issue. The wetness means conditions are still ripe for PTB, so keep an eye out for it. Remember, tree nutrition is paramount to help trees resist disease initiation of any type. Be certain that a sound nutrition program is backed up with prevention and eradication material.
As this year’s almond bloom finishes, it is accompanied by blossom blast throughout the valley. This disease pressure is to be expected after the substantial moisture we’ve had.
Fungicides are an important tool for spring sprays. With fruit set coming on, now is the time to get a handle on the disease potential that may be in your trees. Many conventional fungicides are systemic and residual. An effective one-two punch is to treat with a systemic fungicide and contact material. Double Nickel 55® and Double Nickel® LC are broad-spectrum contact biofungicides that work well in rotation and in tank mixes with fungicides with different modes of action. Double Nickel brings five modes of action to the spray tank, which makes it ideal for resistance management. In addition, its 4-hour REI and zero-day PHI make it easy to work with. It is also NOP-approved, OMRI-listed and has no MRLs.
A combination of Double Nickel and Cueva® flowable liquid copper fungicide can also be tank mixed with conventional products to make heavy duty contact materials. Cueva is also NOP-approved and OMRI-listed. They can be used on organic or conventionally grown trees. Both are contact and systemic materials, which maximizes your flexibility.
Deliver® Bt biological insecticide provides superior control for PTB and leafrollers. It contains a higher concentration of the insecticidal Cry1Ac delta-endotoxin than any other Bt product, which gives it higher potency pound-for-pound against these pests.
For the most effective tree nut and stone fruit disease prevention, keep your nutrition program in top shape, don’t skimp on disease monitoring protocols and apply prevention materials as timely as conditions allow. Remember, this is not a normal year.
Thank you for your interest. Until next time.
This series is part of a partnership with Tree Nut Farm Press. You can read the original here.
