Producers need to stay proactive to manage the risk of apple disease

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — After a late freeze last year killed 80% of the Hoosier apple crop, producers are taking steps to help ensure a better chance of a successful harvest this year, including proper disease management.

Janna Beckerman, a Purdue University botany and plant pathology professor, said it has been a “crazy” time for everyone and the question about whether there will even be an apple crop this year has been floating around.

Beckerman said it has been dry so far this winter, which is good because the amount of cells flying around in the air that can cause apple diseases has been down.

After losing last year’s crop after a May 9 freeze, producers don’t want to lose too much money by spraying apple trees to prevent disease in case there is another late freeze this year, Beckerman noted.

With a lot of producers not having fruit last year, Beckerman said it is vital to stay on top of issues such as apple rust, scab and rot.

Diseases like apple scab can start early if there is a lot of rain and wet conditions, so spraying early to help prevent apple diseases is important.

One thing to keep in mind before spraying is to make sure and read the label so the right amount is applied, Beckerman said.