Backyard Fruit Production

Transcription

1 Backyard Fruit Production Discussion: Growing fruit in the backyard can be a very rewarding experience but often times it is a challenge to produce edible fruit in a backyard setting. Site selection, variety selection, pruning, and pest control are not given enough consideration by the average homeowner prior to planting. A tremendous amount of information is available concerning tree fruits and small fruits and throughout this program references will be made to resources providing additional information. This program was developed to assist homeowners in the establishment, culture, and hopefully the harvest of high quality tree fruits and small fruits.

2 The Basics Variety Selection - select adapted varieties Site selection - know fruit s soil, light and moisture requirements Soil fertility - know fruit s nutrient requirements Understand the basics of soil fertility Pest control - plan for control of pest problems Discussion: Variety Selection - it is important to select varieties that are adapted to eastern Oklahoma. Site selection - knowing the soil, light and moisture requirements of the fruit is essential in selecting a planting site that is well suited for the plant. Soil fertility - it is important to know the nutrient requirements of the fruit that is being grown. It is also important for growers to

3 Soil Texture Soil texture = Relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay in the soil. 3 particles Sand - largest - gritty Silt - intermediate - powdery Clay - smallest - rubbery Extreme of any one particle type is undesirable. Inset picture: Line drawing of Textural triangle. Discussion: Soil type is critical to fruit production. Some fruit trees have a very difficult time of surviving on heavier types of soil during times when the soil remains wet for more than 48 hours. The three soil textures in different combinations and ratios make

4 Soil Types Sand Leaching, drying Easy to till, good rooting Clay Poor drainage, difficult to till, poor rooting Fertile Loam Free movement of water and air Good water retention Fertile Little resistance to tillage

5 Soil Depth Combination Topsoil and subsoil Total of 4-6 feet is desirable Minimum of 10 in. of topsoil Discussion: The deeper the soil the greater the production potential. Shallow soils are going to have problems with moisture retention, fertility, and drainage.

6 Slope > 10% offers problems Excessive runoff Erosion Special management required South-facing slopes Earlier plantings Discussion: The disadvantages of too much slope are obvious. However, some slope can be desirable, especially in helping to avoid late spring frosts. In many cases a south facing slope is not desirable for fruit crops, especially those that are susceptible to

7 Pest considerations Air Movement Damage to seedlings and transplants Drift from adjacent properties Adjustments Barriers Fencing Discussion: Air movement can be good and bad. Too much wind can lead to sand blasting of strawberries and blueberries or the wind physically breaking the twigs and branches of young fruit trees. However, some air movement is desired to help avoid frost damage on peaches, brambles and strawberries. Air movement also helps to prevent the development of foliar diseases.

8 Soil Fertility Sampling ph Nutrients Discussion: Soil fertility and why it is critically important to the growth and production of fruit.

9 Soil Sampling Sample 15 to 20 random sites 6 inches deep Combine and mix Take 1 pint to County Extension Office Inset picture: Soil probe, shovel and bucket with soil sample Discussion: Describe recommended procedure for taking a soil sample to submit to the OSU Soils Lab. Essential to test for soil ph and soil fertility. It should be pointed out that making fertilizer recommendations for a home orchard without the benefit of a soil test is similar to trying to determine how much gasoline it

10 Soil ph scale Inset picture: Illustration of ph scale Discussion: ph is a measure of soil acidity/alkalinity. On a ph scale 7.0 is neutral, less than 7 acidic, greater than 7 alkaline. Most plant nutrients are more available in mildly acidic soil (ph between 6.0 and 7.0). Soil with ph 5.0 is 10X more acid than soil with ph 6.0 and 1000X more acid than ph 7.

11 Improper Soil ph Know the ph requirement of the fruit crop Make necessary amendments to soil Soil test on regular basis to maintain proper ph Discussion: If several different fruit crops are grown in a backyard situation particular attention is going to have to be paid to amending the soil ph to fit the requirements of a specific fruit. For example, if blueberries and blackberries are grown, the blueberries require a lower ph than the blackberries. If the ph is not low enough where the blueberries are growing they will be chlorotic, stunted and produce low yields. On the other hand if the gardener lowers

12 Correcting ph problems Too acid - add lime Too alkaline - add sulfur Inset pictures: Bags of Hydrated Lime and Sulphur Discussion: Refer to Oklahoma Soil Fertility Handbook and Oklahoma Homeowner s Handbook for Soil and Nutrient Management for information on correcting soil ph problems.

13 Soil Nutrients Macronutrients Micronutrients Discussion: Refer to Oklahoma Soil Fertility Handbook and Oklahoma Homeowner s Handbook for Soil and Nutrient Management for information on correcting soil ph problems.

14 N, P & K N = Nitrogen P = Phosphorus K = Potassium Macronutrients Inset pictures: Three photos of nutrient deficiencies Discussion: The inset photo under N is a peach leaf expressing symptoms of N deficiency. Foliage is yellowgreen. The older foliage begins to yellow first. N is one of the primary building blocks for amino acids, protein and plant protoplasm, it is critical for flower differentiation, rapid shoot growth, bud vigor and fruit set. N also increases the size and quality of fruit and acts as a catalyst for other nutrients.

15 Micronutrients Ca, Mg, S (a.k.a... Secondary nutrients) Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Cl, Mo Discussion: Stress that micronutrient deficiencies are not normally a problem. However in some of the acid loving fruit, occasional Fe or Zn deficiencies may be observed if the soil ph is too high. The inset photo is a cluster of grapes expressing Zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency can cause reduced set, fruit development and size. Other micronutrient deficiencies cause symptoms on the plant and/or fruit that often can provide a clue to which nutrient is deficient. Refer to the Oklahoma Soil Fertility Handbook for more information on the micronutrients.

16 How Much Fertilizer to Apply Interpreting OSU soil tests Inset picture: Contains an example with recommendations of results of soil test. Discussion: Explain Buffer Index, and meaning of the N, P & K values. Explain how to calculate the amount of fertilizer needed for small areas of less than 50 ft 2 from recommendations for pounds/acre or pounds/1000 ft 2. Refer OSU Extension Fact Sheet #6232 Fertilizing Pecan and Fruit Trees for more information on fertilizing fruit trees. Refer to the Oklahoma Soil Fertility Handbook, Oklahoma Homeowner s

17 P 2 O 5 K 2 O Understanding Fertilizer Analysis N Inset picture: Bag of commercial fertilizer ( ) Discussion: Explain how to interpret the analysis information on a bag of commercial fertilizer. Explain difference between homogenized and blended fertilizers. Explain importance of determining analysis of organic fertilizer. Refer to Oklahoma Soil Fertility Handbook and Oklahoma Homeowner s Handbook for Soil and Nutrient Management for more information

18 Selecting Fertilizer to Meet Recommendations Inset picture: Bag of commercial fertilizer analysis Discussion: It is often difficult to find a blended commercial fertilizer or an organic fertilizer which meets recommendations of the OSU soil test. In some cases two different commercial fertilizers may have to be purchased and blended in order to satisfy the OSU recommendation. For example, over the years many home gardens have been heavily fertilized with

19 Fertilizers Organic Commercial Inset pictures: left - Muriate of Potash; mid-lower - Bone Meal Discussion: Proper fertilization is a key component to successful fruit production. Too little fertilizer leads to reduced production. Too much fertilizer can lead to toxicities or in the case of over applying nitrogen, plants may remain in a vegetative state and produce very little if any fruit. In general, February through March (or at least 3 to 4 weeks before spring bud break) is the preferred time

20 Pests of Fruit Weeds Diseases Insects Inset pictures: Examples of each of these pests. Discussion: The following slides present general information about weeds, diseases, and insects. The points discussed apply in a broad sense to all fruit.

21 Weed Control in Fruits Inset pictures: Three examples of weed free fruit crops; upper left - strawberries; lower left - raspberries; right - peaches Discussion: Fruit crops will be more productive and more attractive if good weed management practices are used. You should begin thinking about weed control before establishing a new planting.

22 Harmful Effects of Weeds Weeds rob water and nutrients Weeds block sunlight Weeds may contribute to insect and disease problems Weeds complicate care Discussion: Weeds are harmful to fruit production for several reasons. Weeds use water and nutrients needed by the crop plant. Weeds may also prevent fruit plants from receiving all the sunlight needed for optimal growth. All these factors can result in less vigorous plant growth. Weeds may attract or harbor insects that can be harmful to the crop. Weed

23 Weed Control Methods Avoidance - Plant weed free site Prevention - Use practices that do not introduce or favor weeds Removal - Stop weeds that get started Discussion: Weed control is best accomplished using a combination of practices to keep weeds from getting started and creating a problem that is difficult to control.

24 How to Avoid Weeds For new plantings: Choose a site free of poison ivy, johnsongrass, bermudagrass, nutsedge, woody plants, etc. Remove troublesome weeds from site before planting Start a year in advance! Discussion: When establishing a new planting, try to avoid sites where weeds that will be difficult to control are present. Collect a sample of the plants growing where you want to put your fruit planting and take it to your County Extension Office to determine if there are any weeds that will be difficult to control.

25 How to Prevent Weeds For established plantings: Use mulch to prevent weed growth Do not mulch with weed-contaminated materials Control weeds while they are small Use herbicides Consult Your Extension Office Discussion: Once a planting is established, a good way to prevent weeds is to keep it mulched. The types of mulches that should be used depends on the kind of fruit crop you have. When using organic materials for mulch, such as straw or wood chips, be

26 How to Stop Established Weeds For established plantings: Till soil shallowly Pull weeds while soil is moist Hoe while weeds are small Use herbicides Consult Your Extension Office Discussion: If weeds get established, they are most easily removed while small. If you need to hoe or cultivate, do so only as deep as is needed to remove the weeds. Deep tillage can injure roots. Once a weedy planting has been cleaned up, the application of mulch will help keep it this way.

27 Abiotic vs. Biotic Diseases General Facts Correct identification of the cause of the disease is essential to control Discussion: There are many diseases of fruit. Practically all fruits are attacked some time during their growing season by a pathogen that causes either foliar or fruit infections. There are some diseases, especially on grapes, strawberries and peaches, that if left uncontrolled will defoliate the plant and destroy the fruit. These diseases often have to be controlled with a fungicide in order to produce quality fruit.

28 Abiotic Diseases Disease caused by environmental factors Examples: Nutrient deficiency or excess High air temperature Low air temperature Low light Excessive light Soil compaction Pesticide toxicity Discussion: There are many factors which can cause abiotic diseases of vegetables. Nutrient deficiencies, improper light (low and high), temperature extremes and pesticide

29 Biotic Diseases Diseases caused by a pathogen that can spread from a diseased plant to a healthy plant Pathogens of biotic diseases Fungi Bacteria Virus Nematodes Discussion: Fungi cause the vast majority of diseases on fruit. However, there are also some major diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. In general it is much harder to control bacterial and viral diseases because there are few bactericides and no viricides available for use on fruit. During the discussion of biotic diseases mention the three

30 Proper Identification Is Essential for Successful Disease Control 1st - Disease vs. Insect 2nd - Abiotic vs. Biotic 3rd - ID pathogen Discussion: It is critical when making decisions on disease control to be able to distinguish between damage caused by insects versus that caused by diseases. Once insects have been eliminated as the problem, the next step is to determine if the disease is abiotic or biotic. If it is determined that the problem is a biotic disease, the next step is to determine the causal organism. Misidentification leads to unneeded and misapplied insecticides and fungicides. This type of error leads to increased cost of production, lack of pest control, and exposes the environment to unwarranted pesticide

31 Common Biotic Diseases of Fruits Foliar diseases Wilts and root rots Nematodes Discussion: Fungi cause the vast majority of diseases on fruits. However, there are some major diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and nematodes. In general, it is more difficult to control bacterial, viral and nematode diseases because there are fewer bactericides and nematicides and no viricides available for use on backyard fruit. Biotic diseases require three components for development. These components are host, pathogen and proper environment (the disease triangle).

32 Control of Diseases Organic or non-chemical methods Chemicals Discussion: There are two basic alternatives for obtaining control of diseases. All gardeners should employ as many organic or non-chemical methods as possible. However, in situations where foliar diseases have historically caused problems or when a foliar disease has become established on a plant or in a garden, chemical control is the best alternative.

33 Exclusion Sanitation Resistant varieties Eradication Crop rotation Soil sanitation Solarization Non-Chemical and Organic Methods Oven sterilization Cultural practices Discussion: All non-chemical methods have some positive effect on preventing plant diseases--some more than others.

34 Cultural Practices for Disease Control Properly space plants Properly prune and trellis when practical Avoid excessive soil moisture Plant on raised beds Improve drainage Avoid overhead watering Fertilize properly Discussion: Common sense practices generally help to prevent or reduce the amount of disease that occurs on fruit. Doing things such as proper spacing and trellising will help improve air movement which helps to make the environment less favorable for disease development. Avoid excessive soil moisture by not overwatering and improving drainage.

35 Proper Use of Fungicides in Backyard Fruit Orchard Importance of spray schedules Commit to a spray schedule or don t spray Spray at the recommended growth stage Selection of a fungicide Based on host and pathogen Waiting periods Discussion: Fungicides are protectants which prevent fungal spore germination and subsequent fungal penetration of plant tissues. Protectants are applied repeatedly to cover new plant growth and to replenish the fungicide that has deteriorated or has been washed off by rain or irrigation.

36 Fungicides Recommended for Fruit benomyl (Benlate) captan (Captan) chlorothalonil (Daconil 2787 ) lime sulfur mancozeb (Dithane M-45, Dithane F-45) triademefon (Bayleton) triforine (Funginex) Caution: Different fungicides labeled for use on different fruit crops. Check the label. Discussion: The most broad spectrum of these fungicides are chlorothalonil, mancozeb, and maneb.

37 Factors Concerning Insect Control Producing edible crop = primary goal Arthropods represent = major problem Spraying = most important cultural practice 25-50% of total cost of production Resistance to pesticides Environmental concerns Food safety Discussion: Insect control is a major consideration for fruit growers. Many insects will damage or lower the quality of fruit produced while some species, if not controlled, will destroy the entire plant. Anyone desiring to grow fruit should become acquainted with the major species and develop a plan for insect control or they will be disappointed at harvest time.

38 Life cycles Arthropod Development and Damaging Stages Number of generations Host plants Seasonality Overwintering Movement Susceptibility Inset picture: Diagram of arthropod life cycle Discussion: Insect pressure varies depending on the species. Life cycles and numbers of generations are especially important from the standpoint of control. A pest with one generation per year is much more predictable and easier to manage than pests with multiple generations. Finding a

39 Spray Calendars Written for worst case scenario Assumes all pests are present Production of fruit under severe infestations Followed by most growers Could/should be modified Discussion: In order to harvest an edible fruit crop, spray schedules have been developed for tree fruits and small fruits. These schedules are designed to control insects throughout the growing season. They are followed closely by many growers. In some instances, fewer applications of pesticides might suffice, since these schedules are written for worst case scenarios and assumes all pest species are present throughout the growing season. These schedules

40 Parasitic wasp Lady beetle Minute pirate bug Beneficials Inset pictures: Upper right - parasitic wasp; lower right - mature lady beetles; lower middle - lady beetle larva; lower left - minute pirate bug. Discussion: Fruit growers should rely on beneficials for natural control as much as possible. The unnecessary use of pesticides and the poor choice of insecticides contribute to the loss of beneficials and the increase of pest problems. Identification is important and chemicals should be applied only when absolutely necessary.

41 Modified Spray Programs Extended Interval Spraying Petal fall cover 21 day intervals Strip Spraying Include outsides and ends Reduced Dosage Spraying Spray on schedule using lower rates Spray As Needed Requires scouting / monitoring Discussion: All the modified spray programs are based on close observations. If fruit growers adopt a modified spray program, fruit plantings should be monitored and some damage from pests may be inevitable resulting in lower quality fruit. Reduced pesticide usage is the advantage of following this kind of approach to arthropod control. Some

42 Oils for Insect Control Dormant Oils Apply before leaf or bud swell Emulsifier allows for mixing with water Effective for scale insects Delayed-Dormant Green tip to 1/2 inch green bud Effective for mite eggs Called superior or supreme 2% Solution ( 2 0z / gal of water ) Avoid use below 40 degrees Summer Oils Developed for use in summer Never mix with insecticidal soaps

43 HT SPREAD GALS How Much Pesticide Discussion: Carefully mix only the amount needed to spray a fruit planting. In general, sprays are applied to plant surfaces until all plant parts are thoroughly covered and spray material starts to drip from the treated surface. Always start by spraying the top of the tree and work down to the lower branches. From the accompanying chart, 1 to 10 gallons of mixed spray may be needed to provide thorough coverage of fruits,

44 Tree Fruits Pome Fruits - Pears, Apples Stone Fruits - Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Cherries, Plums Inset picture: Apples and nectarines. Discussion: Growing tree fruit in Oklahoma requires planning, patience and skill. Proper rootstock and variety selection as well as pest control are essential. Site selection is critical to successful establishment of fruit crops. Measures can be taken to overcome less than ideal slope, fertility, and air movement, but it often takes more work and time to change the effects of shallow soil, soil texture, soil depth and drainage.

45 Tree Fruits Ranked on Ease of Growing 1 Pears Easy 2 Apples 3 Cherries 4 Peaches 5 Nectarines 6 Plums 7 Apricots Difficult Discussion: These tree fruits are ranked from easiest to grow to most difficult. They will be discussed in the order listed so gardeners can categorize them as either pome fruits or stone fruits.

46 Pome Pome vs. vs. Stone Pome Tolerate clay soils Fewer disease and insect problems Less likely to suffer frost damage Stone Will not grow on clay or wet soils Several major disease and insect problems Bloom early in spring susceptible to frost damage Discussion: In previous slide the first two types of fruit trees, pears and apples are pome fruits.

47 A Grower s Calendar January February March Order Trees Plant Trees, Frost Protection, Pruning, Dormant Oil Pollination Check First Sprays April May June Spray, Thin Fruit Spray, Train Trees Spay, Train Trees Irrigate July September August Mulch, Spray, Harvest Harvest, Irrigate Harvest

48 Planning Site selection Rootstocks/Varieties Number of trees Sources of trees Planting plan Training plan Spraying Plan Discussion: Consider all these points before ordering the first tree.

49 Site selection Deep, well-drained soils No frost pockets Stone fruits on best-drained site Pome fruits on heavier soil Berm up soil if needed Inset picture: Cherry tree growing as landscape plant. Discussion: Air drainage is also critical for stone fruits. They bloom before pome fruits and are more prone to early spring frosts and freezes. Plant stone fruits where they ll have the best air drainage, avoiding frost pockets.

50 Rootstocks & Varieties Rootstocks determine tree size and pest resistance Varieties determine fruit characteristics and pest resistance Both should be carefully selected Discussion: OSU Fact Sheet #6222 Home Fruit Planting Guide discusses rootstocks of individual fruit trees at length. This will also be covered as each fruit is discussed. Most fruit trees are harvested in the nursery as a bareroot tree and held in cold storage before shipping. Many retail nurseries buy these, pot them up, and sell

51 Number of Trees Two each of apples, pears and plums for cross pollination One each of all others Example: One peach tree yields four bushels of fruit..how much do we want to have on hand to process???? Discussion: It is tempting to plant many kinds of each fruit.but, then we quickly run out of space and time to care for them. It is far better to plant just a few trees of favorite varieties and take good care of them, than to have a large, somewhat neglected planting. One peach tree will bear up to four bushels of peaches.

52 Sources of Trees A reputable dealer familiar with variety and rootstock. Order in early winter Avoid recently potted container grown trees Plant bare root trees upon arrival Discussion: Once a tree s variety and rootstocks are selected, be sure to take the time to buy from a reputable nursery. Do not buy fruit trees if the rootstock is not also listed on the label. This may mean that they were raised from seed and the outcome will be unreliable. Likewise, they may be grafted to a rootstock that is not adapted to our

53 Planting Plan Choose north or east slope Peaches on highest ground Plant like fruits together for spray and pollination compatability Allow 20 x 20 feet for each tree or train on a trellis Mulch and maintain 5 feet diameter weed- and grass-free zone Discussion: Unless trees are trained to a trellis, they need plenty of space.about 20 x 20 feet per tree (400 square feet). This means careful consideration should be given to where they will be planted. Keep fruit type in mind when planting trees in the

54 Training Plan Begin the first year All trees: wide crotch angles Pome Fruits: central leader Stone Fruits: vase shape.keep center open Inset picture: Wide crotch angles on apple tree. A spacer is also visible in the center of the picture. Discussion: As the twig bends so grows the tree the saying goes. This is never more true than when we train fruit trees. Small changes in branch angles when shoots are young and supple can result in wide, strong crotch angles later in the tree s life. Pears, apples, peaches, and nectarines need

55 Spraying Plan Regularly scout for pests Follow spray schedule Plan to spray from dormant season until within two weeks of harvest First three sprays after bloom are the most critical Inset pictures: Top and Middle - Man studying pesticide information and pesticides; bottom - pesticide protective equipment (gloves and goggles). Discussion: Know which pests to expect and learn their habits. Then, regularly check for those pests,

56 Pollination and Fruit Production Inset picture: Bee pollinating a flower Discussion: Pollination of trees is foremost in deciding how many trees should be planted. Refer to OSU Fact Sheet No. 6222: Home Fruit Planting Guide to determine specific pollination requirements. In general, all fruit trees need insects for pollination: Honeybees, bumblebees, orchard mason bees and others usually live near our homes and will pollinate the trees for us. Although all of these trees have perfect flowers (containing both male and female parts) the pollen is not always compatible. This is nature s way of ensuring that the offspring borne

57 First and Second Year Care is Critical Weed Water Prune and Train Mulch Control Insects and Diseases Inset picture: Second-year peach tree Discussion: As with a small child, early care is a determinant of success at maturity. Many home orchards are planted correctly, yet not maintained. Weeds, particularly bermuda grass, can effectively suppress the growth of a young fruit tree preventing it from ever reaching its full bearing potential. The result can be a small, stunted tree that delays what will

58 Care of Young Trees Remember: Control weeds and provide adequate water the first two to three years. Inset pictures: Hoes, soaker hose and container of Roundup Discussion: Young, non-bearing fruit trees do not need to be on a regular spray schedule. If leaf-chewing insects have removed up to 15% of foliage, then try to I.D. the pest and spray accordingly. Young trees do need limb training, (see above), as well as protection of the bark from rodents and deer.

59 Weeds in Tree Fruits Weeds slow young tree establishment Control weeds to the drip line Use shallow cultivation only See OSU Current Report CR-6242 Inset picture: Weed-free zone below peach trees Discussion: Even though tree crops usually tower over weedy plants, tree roots are often shallow and low growing weeds can interfere with tree growth. This is especially so with newly planted trees. Uncontrolled weed growth may delay by several years the time needed for trees to begin producing. Control weeds as far out as the foliage

60 Pome Fruits Apples and pears easiest to grow Choose disease-resistant varieties Train to central leader Bears after 3 to 5 years Fruit stores well Inset pictures: Apple and pear fruit Discussion: Apples and pears, like most plants, prefer deep, medium textured, well drained, fertile, and easily worked soils. However, these fruit trees will do reasonably well where the soil has a high water table, is poorly aerated, or is too heavy textured for most other deciduous fruits. Sites with good air drainage

61 Apple Rootstocks and Varieties MM-111 semi-dwarf rootstock Select varieties for: heat and cold tolerance (zones 6&7) disease resistance flavor Inset picture: Apple tree: note graft union between the variety and rootstock Discussion: The Malling-Merton 111 rootstock is named for a research station in England. It has proven, over time, to be ideal for apple trees in Oklahoma. Many varieties are available already grafted onto MM-111. Select varieties from the list

62 Training Apples Central leader 5-7 scaffold limbs Encourage fruit spurs Prune away crown suckers and water sprouts Inset pictures: Lower left - 7 year-old apple tree illustrating central leader training and pruning system; upper right - fruiting spur. Discussion: Trees must have strong wide crotch angles to support a heavy crop load. A main objective of pruning is to select branches that will have this desired characteristic. A well-trained tree, in good shape, should only need light

63 Growing Good Apples Thin dime size fruit to 6-8 inches apart Spray regularly starting bactericide at 10% bloom and insecticides at 75% petal fall Fertilize only in late winter and late spring Harvest with slight upward twist and avoid bruising Discussion: Varieties susceptible to fire blight will need to be spayed with a bactericide beginning at 10% bloom through petal fall. Once apples have flowered and ¾ (75%) of blooms have fallen, begin spraying for pests such as codling moth. The case of wormy apples actually has its

64 Pears The easiest no-spray fruit Asian pears. crisp, juicy European pears. more flavor, softer texture All keep very well Inset pictures: Pear blossoms and pear fruit Discussion: Pears are often a problem free fruit. Some varieties are infected by some of the common pome fruit diseases and may require application of a bactericide or fungicide. Insects are a potential problem but do not attack pears at the same level of incidence as some other types of fruit. Pears can be classified into two broad groups - the

65 Pear Rootstocks and Varieties Rootstock: Old Home x Farmingdale a.k.a.: (OHXF) All varieties must resist fire blight disease to thrive here Select also for freedom from grit cells for softer texture Discussion: As with apples, pay attention to rootstock and variety selection to insure success with pears.

66 Training Pears Begin at planting Wide crotch angles Central leader Avoid N fertilizer Never top them Inset picture: Young pear tree trained and pruned to central leader system Discussion: Pears naturally grow very upright until they bear fruit. If we top them to control height they ll be stimulated to send up even more vigorous upright limbs. From the beginning, allow one central leader and spread remaining limbs at 45 degree angles from the

67 Growing Good Pears Thin fruit to 6-8 inches apart Do not over apply N Spraying not as critical Protect ripening fruit from wasps and bees Harvest before fully ripe to store Discussion: As with apple trees, pears begin bearing in about four years. They likewise need pest protection and attention to thinning shortly after flowering ends in spring. However, many gardeners have abundant pear crops and never spray. If apples are nearby, pests such as codling moth will select them for egg laying site over harder, tougher-

68 Diseases of Apple and Pear Diseases in common = Fire blight, Scab*, Sooty mold and Fly speck = Scab of apple caused by Venturia inaequalis: Scab of pear caused by V. pirina Discussion: In Oklahoma apples are attacked by more diseases than pear. However, both are susceptible to diseases that can result in serious damage to the either the tree or the fruit. The diseases listed on this slide are ones that attack both apple and pear. Both apple and pear have a disease named scab, but it is not caused by the same pathogen.

69 Bacterial disease Fire Blight Erwinia amylovora Apple and Pear Initial infections occur during bloom when rain or hail occur Symptoms: Infected tissues wilt, turn brown to dark brown Infected terminals wilt from the tip, often develop a crook at the growing point Inset picture: Apple branch expressing typical symptoms of fire blight. Discussion: Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is the major disease problem faced by pear growers. It is also a problem on susceptible apple varieties. Fire blight causes loss of blossoms and fruit, but its most serious effect is reduced future production

70 Fire Blight Erwinia amylovora Apple and Pear Infections spread rapidly Significant damage in one growing season Control: Resistant varieties Golden delicious Jono McLemore Sanitation Spray during bloom antibiotic or copper Inset picture: Containers of the bactericide streptomycin sulfate.

71 Cedar-apple Rust Cedar Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae Cedar-apple rust gall Fall of 2nd year on cedar Somewhat kidney shaped Chocolate brown with small circular depressions Inset pictures: Top - cedar-apple rust gall on cedar tree prior to development of the telial horns. Bottom - gall on cedar in early spring with developing telial horns Discussion: Cedars growing in close proximity to apple trees susceptible to cedar-apple rust are going to greatly increase the amount of infection on both the

72 Cedar-apple Rust Apple Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae Foliar symptoms Initially appear as small greenish-yellow spots Enlarge becoming orange-yellow surrounded by red margin Inset picture: Top and bottom side of apple leaves infected with cedar-apple rust Discussion: The bright colors of the lesions produced by this disease make it easy to identify. Small, pale yellow spots develop on the upper leaf surface shortly after bloom. These spots gradually enlarge and turn orange.

73 Control Cedar-apple Rust Apple Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae Resistant Varieties: Dayton Delicious Williams s Pride Fungicide applications Begin at bloom and continue on 7-day schedule until galls on cedars dry up Inset picture: Apple fruit with cedar-apple rust lesion Discussion: Fruit infection is most common near the

74 Fly speck and Sooty mold Mycrothyriella rubi and Gloeodes pomigena Apple and Pear Both are superficial Minimal damage lower quality lower market value Fly speck = sharply defined, shiny black dots in groups of a few to 100+ Sooty mold = sooty or cloudy blotches that are brown to olive green with indefinite outlines Inset picture: Apple infected with both fly speck and sooty mold. The fly speck appears as small dark dots in the center area of the apple, and the sooty mold is visible as a solid dark, moldy area on the

75 Scab Venturia inaequalis and V. pirina Apple and Pear Symptoms similar on apple and pear Occurs on leaves and fruit Leaves develop velvety brown to olive spots, turn black with age, distorted Fruit infections appear similar to leaf infections, with age - turn brown and corky Inset picture: Top - scab lesions on an apple leaf; bottom - scab lesions on apple fruit. Discussion: Apple scab occurs in most areas where apples are grown and can be a problem on apples grown in Oklahoma. It is less severe in dryer climates. Fortunately, successful control procedures

76 Symptoms on fruit: Black Rot Apple Physalospora obtusa Mature lesion exhibits a series of concentric rings alternating from black to brown. Rotted area remains firm and is not sunken Inset picture: Apple fruit infected with black rot Discussion: There are several different fruit rots that occur on apples, including black rot, white rot, and bitter rot. All these rots are caused by different fungi and produce different symptoms on the apple fruit. Black rot is probably the most common but the other rots are often observed on backyard fruit trees. Backyard growers can expect to see fruit rots if they

77 Mature black rot canker Black Rot Apple Physalospora obtusa Typically reddish brown and slightly sunken Can become several feet in length Weakened branches break under heavy crop load Inset picture: Mature black rot canker on an apple branch Discussion: Black rot also infects branches and limbs. It causes cankers on branches weakened by heavy shading, sun scald, or winter injury. Pruning cuts and old fire blight cankers are major point of entry. The limb cankers are most often found on older trees;

78 Bitter Rot Apple Glomerella cingulata Symptoms vary from small, slightly sunken areas to large, dark brown areas with yellow margin Internally, lesions extend in a cone shape towards the core Control: Same fungicides and same spray schedule as Black rot Inset picture: Apple fruit infected with bitter rot Discussion: This disease is occasionally severe on apple trees where temperatures are high enough to favor disease development. This is a disease of the fruit and does not infect woody parts of the tree.

79 Powdery Mildew Podosphaera leucotrica Apple On leaves: whitish, felt-like patches of moldy growth Infected leaves: narrower than normal, become stiff and brittle Fruit: russeted and small (Jonathan most susceptible) Inset pictures: Left - Close-up of powdery mildew symptoms on apple leaf; middle - leaves curled by powdery mildew infection; right - fruit russeted by powdery mildew Discussion: Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus and is often an important disease on backyard apple trees. Losses result from (1) death of vegetative shoots; (2) death of flower buds resulting in yield

80 Spray schedule Control of Apple Diseases Green tip to 1/2 inch green leaf - Cedar-apple rust *, Scab, Powdery mildew, Bitter rot, Black rot Pre-bloom - Cedar-apple rust, Scab, Powdery mildew, Bitter rot, Black rot Bloom - Scab, Fire blight * Petal fall - Scab, Powdery mildew, Bitter rot, Black rot Early cover - Scab, Powdery mildew, Bitter rot, Black rot Summer cover - Scab, Powdery mildew, Bitter rot, Black rot Most varieties recommended for Oklahoma are susceptible fire blight

81 Codling moth Up to 3 gen/yr Larvae Adult Damage Petal fall Cover sprays 10 Day intervals Apple and Pear Insects Inset pictures: Top left - codling moth larva; top right - adult codling moth; lower left - fruit showing codling moth damage Discussion: Codling moths attack apples and pears and some

82 Plum curculio Adult Larva Egg Seldom form in fruit Scars Petal fall Cover sprays Pick up fallen fruit Apple and Pear Insects Inset picture: Top left - adult plum curculio; top right - plum curculio larva; middle typical curculio feeding scar on fruit; lower left - curculio damage on young apple fruit; lower right - curculio damage and signs on fruit nearing

83 Cankerworms Larva Injury Prebloom Superior summer spray oil Apple and Pear Insects Insect pictures: Upper right corner- canker worm adult moth; upper left - canker worm egg mass; mid-right - canker worm larva; lower left - canker worm damage on young apple Discussion: Cankerworms are unique in the fact that males are gray moths with faint black and white markings while the females are wingless. Male moths have a wingspan of 1 to 1 inches. Larvae are sometimes referred to as measuring

84 Aphids Adults and nymphs Dwarfing and honeydew Smut Dormant spray Apple and Pear Insects Prebloom with superior summer spray oil Problem increases with cover sprays Inset pictures: Top left - close-up of aphids; middle - honey dew on leaves and small apple fruit; bottom - sooty mold or smut development on apple fruit as result of honey dew Discussion: Aphid infestations can become serious with high populations. These tiny insects, often called plant lice, are generally found on the lower sides of leaves. Many species of

85 Mites Adults and eggs Overwintering Eggs Dormant spray Apple and Pear Insects Prebloom with superior summer spray oil Compounded by hot dry weather Inset pictures: Top - close-up of adult red spider mites; middle - adult mites with webbing; bottom - mite eggs. Discussion: This minute pest is a globular shaped eight legged arthropod in the adult stage and is only about 1/64 inch long. It causes damage by inserting its mouthparts and removing cell contents including chlorophyll. This feeding results in a

86 Scale Short mobile period Feeds on sap Males and crawlers Infested twig Most damage May kill young tree Infested fruit Dormant spray Apple and Pear Insects Inset pictures: Top - scale on apple twig; bottom - scale on apple fruit Discussion: Scale insects are especially damaging to young trees. They may actually kill larger trees over time. Scale

87 Leafrollers Adult Damage Larval stage Feed on leaves and fruit Petal fall Cover sprays Apple and Pear Insects Inset pictures: Top - adult leafroller moth; middle - leafroller damage on apple fruit; bottom - larva of leafroller and damaged foliage. Discussion: Leafrollers are the immature stages of moths that are to 1 inch in length with wingspans of approximately to 1 inch depending upon species. Rather than describe the

88 Stone Fruits Apricots Cherries Nectarines Peaches Plums Inset picture: Composite of apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches and plum Discussion: Nothing tastes better than fresh, treeripened peaches. The stone fruit group of trees begins to bear about two years earlier than pome fruits. The trees are also easier to prune and maintain than some other types of fruit.

89 Stone Fruits Shorter lived, more pests, frost risk Bears in 3 years Easy to train Fruit more perishable Inset picture : Peach tree in bloom Discussion: In general, stone fruits are more difficult to grow and produce than pome fruits. They are more

90 Site Selection - Stone Fruits Peach and nectarine - do not tolerate wet soil conditions Avoid site where water stands more than 1 week after heavy rains Avoid soils with high water tables Dig holes 4 feet deep - Fill with water If stands 24 hours = bad site Sandy soils - support peach trees May require supplemental irrigation Discussion: Close attention has to be paid to selecting sites for stone fruits. Peaches and nectarines will not tolerate wet soils so planting sites with clay type soils are virtually eliminated. An alternative is to berm soil up about eight inches high by three to four feet across and grow trees on a raised bed.

91 Peach and Nectarine Rootstocks Halford or Lovell rootstocks survive in hot, humid Oklahoma soils Discussion: These time tested root stocks ensure a much longer life for peaches growing in Oklahoma.

92 Peach and Nectarine Varieties Resistance to bacterial spot Winter hardy and late blooming Cling vs. Freestone White flesh vs. Yellow flesh Span the season..flowering time does not coincide with date of ripening. Choose early, mid- & late-season types. Discussion: Early blooming does not mean early fruit ripening. Flowering time does not coincide with date of ripening. Choose early, mid and late ripening varieties. Also choose varieties that bloom late to

93 Training Peaches and Nectarines At planting..cut 18 to 30 high Remove branches lower than 12 inches Train to open-center vase shape Select only 3 to 4 main scaffold limbs Prune heavily yearly Inset picture: Second year unpruned peach tree Discussion: Use the picture in the slide to point out three to four scaffold limbs and point out the center would be cut out after the 2nd year of growth. Peach trees are pruned heavily beginning very early in the life of the peach tree. This pruning is required in order to train the tree to the open-center system

94 Pruning of Peaches and Nectarines Remove up to 1/3 of wood/year Remove damaged limbs Remove suckers Remove water sprouts Maintain open center pruning system Inset picture: Upper right - 6 year old peach tree trained and pruned to the open-center system. Note the 3 to 5 main scaffold branches on each tree. Lower left - water sprouts that have to be pruned out whenever they occur. Discussion: Peaches and nectarines have a very different growth habit from the pome fruits. Flower buds for the next year are formed on new wood. The tree must continue producing new, young shoots in order for flower buds to

95 Growing Peaches and Nectarines Adhere to spray schedule Stay ahead of peach tree borer Apply nitrogen twice in spring and summer Thin fruit to one every 8 inches on limb before pit hardening Provide plenty of water Discussion: Trees need constant care to survive here. Frost and freeze protection is most critical as buds open in spring. At full bloom, and thereafter, buds are at high risk for freeze damage. To help prevent freeze damage, moisten soil under trees thoroughly the night of the freeze. This helps release heat from

96 Cherries Sweet Cherries Bing types.grow well Need 2nd variety for pollination Choose crack-resistant varieties Sour Cherries pie cherries... easy to grow, dwarf varieties available Both types have fewer pests Discussion: Birds are the number one problem with cherries. Grow dwarf types that are easy to cover with netting. Yellow-fruited varieties are less

97 Growing Good Cherries Select for disease and crack resistance Select dwarf types so bird netting can be applied Be diligent about peach tree borer Train to vase shape..little other pruning needed Discussion: Beyond a basic open-centered, vase shaped limb structure, cherries require little in the way of pruning. Annually remove the three D s of pruning: dead, damaged or diseased wood and those limbs that are crossing and rubbing against another. Cherries have been grown successfully in the backyard with no sprays other than protection from peach tree borer and birds. They are the

98 Plums European or Prune-type: good for drying, canning and preserves Japanese or Dessert-type: juicier, best for fresh eating Inset pictures: Left - European or Prune-type plums; right - Japanese or dessert-type plums. Discussion: Plums are more challenging to grow due to heavy insect pressure right after bloom. Oriental fruit moth and plum curculio are severe as well as several foliar feeding caterpillars and twig diseases. Also, they bloom early enough that spring frosts can kill the blossoms.

99 Plum Varieties and Pollination Rootstocks: Not as critical Select Varieties: Disease resistant Winter hardy Pollination: European will not cross pollinate Japanese Select two of both types to insure fruit set Discussion: To insure good pollination plant at least two trees of the type of plum that is to grown. Plums can be short-lived if spray schedules aren t followed,

100 Plum Training and Care Train to vase shape Avoid knicking limbs when pruning.makes entry point for disease Thin fruit to one every 3 to 4 inches Avoid over-watering near harvest Be diligent about peach tree borer Discussion: Points listed on slide are self explanatory.

101 Apricots Choose cold hardy, late bloomers Select dwarf types Grow in container = mobile tree = frost protection Thin fruit to one every 3 to 4 inches Protect from birds Be diligent about peach tree borer Inset picture: Apricot fruit Discussion: One of, if not, the most challenging stone fruit to produce in Oklahoma. However, the rewards of fine, ripe apricots are worth the effort.

102 Diseases of Stone Fruits Apricots Cherries Nectarines Peaches Plums Discussion: Of the fruit crops grown in Oklahoma, stone fruits have the most disease problems. There are many diseases of stone fruits and only a few are included in this program. In order to be successful at growing and producing stone fruits a homeowner must be dedicated to the efforts to prevent diseases as well as insects.

103 Peach Leaf Curl Taphrina deformans Peach and Nectarine Leaves severely deformed Color varies from light green to purple Infection requires free moisture, active leaf buds, and temperature between 50 and 70 F Control requires dormant season fungicide application Inset pictures: Top - cluster of peach leaves infected with peach leaf curl and expressing typical symptoms of the disease; bottom - closeup of a peach leaf expressing the purpling and puckering of tissues infected with the peach leaf curl pathogen.

104 Bacterial Spot Xanthomonas campestris pv. pruni Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, Plum Infects leaves, fruit and young twigs Foliar lesions angular brown to black and fall out = shot hole Causes defoliation Fruit lesions occur randomly over the fruit, circular to elongate and rough Inset pictures: Upper left - close-up of peach leaf expressing shot hole symptom of bacterial spot; upper right - peach leaf expressing foliar lesions prior to tissue falling out; bottom - peach fruit with bacterial spot lesion. Discussion: Bacterial spot is a serious and frustrating

105 Scab Xanthomonas campestris pv. pruni Peach, Apricot and Nectarine Most important as fruit infection Start as small greenish spots, enlarge to 1/4 inch diameter Develop dusty green to black appearance Lesions typically clustered near the stem end of fruit Easily confused with Bacterial spot Inset pictures: Upper and lower pictures both showing fruit with scab lesions. Note how the lesions are clustered near the stem end of the fruit. Discussion: Scab is a common disease on peaches

106 Brown Rot Monilinia fructicola Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, Cherry, Plum Infects immature or mature fruit Soft dry rot Rapidly spreading on fruit (48 hrs) Infected fruit sporulate profusely, shrivel = mummies Inset pictures: Left - brown rot on cherry fruit; middle - brown rot on nectarine; right - brown rot mummy on peach tree. Discussion: Brown rot is a common and devastating disease of peach, nectarine, apricot, plum and cherry. It reduces yields by rotting the fruit both on the tree and after harvest. In seasons when

107 Black Knot Dibotryon morbosum Plum and Cherries Elongated, corky swellings or knots on limbs New knots greenish and soft, become hard and black Causes dieback of infected limbs and stunting of growth above the knots Plant black knot resistant cultivars Prune out infections Apply fungicides Inset pictures: Upper left - young black knot galls on plum; lower right - mature black knot galls on plum. Discussion: Black knot is a serious and widespread disease of plums and cherries. It often becomes a serious problem

108 Control of Stone Fruit Diseases Plant peach varieties tolerant to bacterial spot (Redskin, Redhaven, Candor, Dixired, Sunhaven) Apply fungicides: Dormant season - Peach leaf curl, Bacterial spot, Black knot Shuck split - Brown rot, Scab, Black knot Cover sprays - Brown rot, Scab, Black knot Apply cover sprays at 10- to 14-day intervals Discussion: Diseases can make producing quality fruit from stone fruit crops difficult. One of the first steps is to try and select a variety that is resistant to bacterial spot. This disease is difficult to control with chemicals and can lead to frustration if a bacterial susceptible variety is grown.