Use of certain pesticides or other sprays may, on occasions, result in damage to the fruit skin and loss of quality.
- Adhere to label recommendations for pesticides, concerning rates, water volumes, compatible tank mixes and weather conditions, so as to avoid phytotoxicity damage and loss of fruit quality due to russeting.
- Avoid spraying within two days of a sudden change in weather patterns, particularly a rise in temperature, as the fruitlet will be very sensitive to any spray damage.
- It is known that sulphur and high rates of copper will cause damage to fruitlets of Cox.
- Full rate sprays of dithianon can cause russetting to Gala when applied at the fruitlet stage.
- Damage can be avoided by reducing spray rates and not spraying in stressful conditions.
- The addition of GA4+7 to sprays (see below) during this period can also reduce russetting.