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Fruit Tree Growing

Peach Twig Borer Control: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Fruit Tree Growers

by Gregory August 19, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Peach Twig Borers: A Guide for Young Fruit Tree Growers

What are Peach Twig Borers?

Peach twig borers are tiny worm-like creatures that can wreak havoc on your peach, nectarine, and plum trees. These pests are the larvae of plain-looking gray moths.

Unlike peach tree borers, which attack the trunk of the tree, peach twig borers target new growth, causing it to wilt and die back. This can stunt the growth of young trees and reduce fruit production.

Peach Twig Borer Life Cycle

Peach twig borers have multiple generations each year, with two to five being common. The larvae spend the winter under the bark of the tree, emerging in late winter to feed on new shoots.

As they mature, the larvae tunnel into the stem end of the fruit, causing it to become disfigured and inedible. The larvae pupate in crevices in the bark, emerging as adult moths that lay eggs on the undersides of leaves.

Methods of Peach Twig Borer Control

Managing peach twig borers requires careful timing and a combination of methods.

Timing is Key

The timing of your control measures is crucial. Here are some general guidelines:

Before buds swell: Apply horticultural oils to suffocate overwintering larvae.
Around bloom time: Spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a biological insecticide that targets caterpillars. Repeat applications two to three times per generation during warm weather.
After petals fall: Use spinosad, another insecticide that is effective against peach twig borers.

Additional Control Measures

Remove infested twigs: Prune and destroy any twigs that show signs of borer damage.
Keep trees healthy: Healthy trees are more resistant to pests. Water and fertilize your trees regularly.
Monitor for pests: Regularly inspect your trees for signs of peach twig borers, such as wilting shoots or damaged fruit.

Damage Caused by Peach Twig Borers

Peach twig borers can cause significant damage to young trees, especially if left unchecked. They can kill new growth, stunt tree development, and ruin fruit crops.

The good news is that trees can usually recover once the infestation is controlled. However, young trees may experience a setback in growth.

Identifying Peach Twig Borers

Larvae:

Small, worm-like creatures
Whitish or cream-colored
Found in new shoots or fruit

Adults:

Plain gray moths
About 1/2 inch long
Lay eggs on the undersides of leaves

Conclusion

Peach twig borers are a common pest of stone fruit trees, but they can be managed with careful attention to timing and control measures. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can protect your trees and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Fruit Tree Growing

Growing and Caring for Regina Cherries: A Comprehensive Guide

by Gregory July 19, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Regina Cherries: A Guide to Growing and Caring for These Sweet-Tart Delights

Introduction

Regina cherries are a variety of cherry tree that produces luscious, sweet-tart cherries with an attractive, bright red color. These trees were introduced to the United States from Germany in 1998 and are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 7.

Growing Regina Cherries

Planting: The best time to plant Regina cherry trees is in late fall or early spring. Choose a planting spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Plant the tree in moist but well-drained soil, avoiding areas that are soggy or where water puddles after rainfall.
Pollination: Regina cherry trees need at least two or three pollination partners nearby, and at least one should bloom around the same time. Good pollination partners include Celeste, Amber Heart, Stardust, Sunburst, Morello, and Sweetheart cherry trees.

Regina Cherry Tree Care

Mulching: Mulch around Regina cherry trees generously to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature, which can help prevent cherry fruit split.
Watering: Provide Regina cherry trees with about an inch of water every couple of weeks, soaking the tree deeply at the base. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can drown the roots.
Fertilizing: Fertilize Regina cherry trees lightly every spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer until the tree is mature enough to bear fruit. Once the tree is mature, fertilize annually after harvesting.
Pruning: Prune cherry trees in late winter. Remove dead or damaged branches, as well as branches that rub or cross other branches. Thin the middle of the tree to improve air circulation and light penetration. Remove suckers as they appear by pulling them straight out of the ground, as they can rob the tree of moisture and nutrients.

Regina Cherry Harvesting

Regina cherry harvesting typically takes place in late June. The cherries store well for about five weeks.

Additional Tips

To enhance the sweetness of Regina cherries, harvest them when they are a fully ripe shade of deep purple.
Control weeds around Regina cherry trees to prevent competition for moisture and nutrients.
Regina cherry trees are susceptible to pests and diseases, so it’s important to monitor them regularly and take appropriate control measures if necessary.
With proper care, Regina cherry trees can produce abundant harvests of delicious, sweet-tart cherries for many years to come.

Fruit Tree Growing

Apple Tree Diseases: Identification, Prevention, and Treatment | Grow a Healthy Orchard

by Gregory April 18, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Apple Tree Diseases: Identification, Prevention, and Treatment

Introduction

Apple trees are generally easy to grow, but they can sometimes suffer from diseases. Luckily, most of these diseases can be prevented or treated with proper care.

Common Apple Tree Diseases

Apple Canker: A fungal disease that affects the woody parts of the tree, causing cankers (sunken patches) on the bark.
Apple Scab: A fungal disease that causes black or brown spots on leaves and fruits.
Brown Rot: A fungal disease that enters apples through holes made by birds or insects, causing the fruit to rot.
Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white coating on leaves and may also affect blossoms.

Identifying Apple Tree Diseases

Apple Canker: Look for flaking, cracked, or sunken patches on the bark, sometimes with raised or swollen bark around them.
Apple Scab: Check for black or brown spots on leaves and fruits, which may join up to form lesions.
Brown Rot: Look for brown marks that quickly spread to infect the whole fruit, causing it to fall or remain hanging with creamy white pustules.
Powdery Mildew: Identify by a white coating on the upper surface of leaves, which can cause leaves to become distorted and fall early.

Preventing Apple Tree Diseases

Grow Resistant Varieties: Choose apple tree varieties that are naturally resistant to diseases.
Prune Regularly: Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to prevent disease entry.
Plant Wisely: Choose a sunny, well-drained site with good air movement. Avoid planting in low-lying areas or where waterlogging occurs.
Prepare Soil Thoroughly: Improve soil fertility and drainage by incorporating well-rotted manure or compost.

Treating Apple Tree Diseases

Apple Canker: Prune out affected shoots well beyond the canker during winter pruning.
Apple Scab: Gather and dispose of fallen leaves in autumn to interrupt the disease cycle.
Brown Rot: Inspect trees regularly and remove infected fruits to prevent spread.
Powdery Mildew: Remove diseased material by pruning out affected shoots in summer and gathering up fallen leaves in autumn.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can help prevent and treat apple tree diseases, ensuring a healthy and productive orchard. Remember to consult with a specialist or visit reputable gardening resources for more detailed information on specific diseases and treatment options.

Fruit Tree Growing

Phony Peach Disease in Apricots: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Growers

by Donna March 21, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Phony Peach Disease in Apricots: A Guide for Young Growers

What is Phony Peach Disease?

Phony peach disease (PPD) is a serious disease that affects apricot trees. It is caused by a bacterium called Xylella fastidiosa. PPD is not fatal to trees, but it can stunt their growth and reduce fruit production.

Symptoms of Phony Peach Disease

Apricots with PPD exhibit several characteristic symptoms:

Compact, flat canopy due to shortened internodes
Darker green foliage than normal
Early flowering and fruit set
Late leaf drop in fall
Small fruit size
Reduced yields
Shortened internodes and increased lateral branching on twigs
Dry, brittle wood
Dieback

Spread of Phony Peach Disease

PPD is spread through two main途径:

Root grafting: When the roots of diseased and healthy trees come into contact, the bacteria can spread from one tree to the other.
Leafhoppers: These insects can carry the bacteria from diseased trees to healthy trees.

Management of Phony Peach Disease

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PPD. However, there are steps that can be taken to manage the disease and prevent its spread:

Remove diseased trees: Infected trees should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the disease from spreading.
Avoid pruning in summer: Pruning during the summer can encourage new growth that is attractive to leafhoppers.
Keep the area around trees weed-free: Weeds provide habitat for leafhoppers.
Remove plum trees: Plum trees can harbor the bacteria that causes PPD, so it is important to remove any plum trees near apricot trees.

Additional Tips for Young Growers

Identify diseased trees: Look for trees with reduced shoot growth in late summer.
Prune carefully: Avoid pruning during the summer and make sure to clean your pruning tools after each use.
Control leafhoppers: Use insecticides or traps to control leafhopper populations.
Be patient: Managing PPD takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.

Conclusion

Phony peach disease is a serious threat to apricot trees. By understanding the symptoms, spread, and management of this disease, young growers can help to protect their trees and ensure a healthy and productive harvest.

Fruit Tree Growing

Cherry Brown Rot: Prevention and Treatment for Healthy Cherry Trees

by Gregory February 10, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Cherry Brown Rot: A Damaging Disease for Cherry Trees

Cherry brown rot is a common and destructive fungal disease that affects cherry trees, as well as other stone fruits like peaches, plums, apricots, and almonds. Caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola, brown rot can spread rapidly during warm, wet weather conditions, leading to significant crop losses.

How Does Cherry Brown Rot Spread?

The fungus that causes brown rot overwinters in fallen or mummified fruit, as well as in other infected plant material. In the spring, when temperatures rise and moisture is abundant, the fungus becomes active and produces spores that are carried by wind and rain to developing flowers and young fruit.

The longer the period of wet conditions, the shorter the incubation time for brown rot, and symptoms can develop rapidly. Spores are first produced on early-maturing cherries and then spread to late-maturing trees, affecting both edible and ornamental varieties.

Symptoms of Cherry Brown Rot

The initial symptoms of cherry brown rot are browning and death of blossoms. Infected blossoms may remain attached to the branch with a sticky residue, while those killed by frost typically fall to the ground.

On fruit, the disease manifests as small, firm, brown lesions that rapidly expand until the entire fruit is covered. Over time, the fruit dries and shrivels but remains attached to the tree.

Other symptoms of brown rot include:

Twig blight, which can weaken trees and make them more vulnerable to other infections and winter injury
Cankers, which are discolored and sticky lesions that can girdle branches and cause leaves to wilt and brown
Powdery gray spores on infected plant parts, especially in damp conditions

How to Prevent Cherry Brown Rot

The best way to prevent cherry brown rot is to use resistant cultivars. If you already have a cherry tree, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of infection:

Remove mummies and fallen fruit: Regularly remove any mummified or fallen fruit from around the tree to eliminate potential sources of infection.
Prune infected plant material: Prune off any branches or twigs that show signs of brown rot, including cankers and dead or dying tissue.
Create an open canopy: Prune the tree to create an open canopy that allows for good air circulation, which helps to dry out the leaves and reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Water from under the leaves: Avoid watering the tree from above, as this can splash spores onto the leaves and fruit, increasing the risk of infection.
Keep the area clean: Remove any debris, such as fallen leaves and weeds, from around the tree to reduce the number of potential hiding places for the fungus.

Treating Cherry Brown Rot

If sanitation and pruning measures have not been effective in controlling brown rot, fungicides may be used. Copper fungicides can provide some benefit, but they may not be sufficient in all cases.

Organic control methods include products containing pyrethrins and sulfur.

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using any fungicides.

Conclusion

Cherry brown rot is a serious disease that can significantly impact cherry production. By understanding the disease cycle, symptoms, and prevention and treatment methods, you can help protect your cherry trees and ensure a healthy harvest.