Use of protectant fungicide sprays is the main means of controlling the diseases. In the UK in conventionally sprayed orchards, specific fungicide sprays are not normally required.
- However, if the diseases have been a problem and in the following season spring conditions are wet, then protectant sprays may be needed for fruit in summer.
- Current information on spray timing indicates treatment should be applied from mid-late June as first fungal colonisation generally occurs in early July.
- A treatment programme based on several different fungicides at 14 day intervals is the best approach.
- Some disease warning systems which have been developed such as RIMpro, include models based on leaf wetness, rain and temperature.
- Sprays applied in conjunction with a warning system should improve control and reduce fungicide inputs by allowing sprays to be more targeted.
- Dithiocarbonate fungicides such as mancozeb (Karamate Dry Flo) are most effective with good protection on fruits.
- Captan will also give some protection but is less effective and, under favourable conditions, will only give limited protection.
- Strobilurin fungicides such as kresoxim-methyl (Stroby) or boscalid + pyraclostrobin (Bellis) will also give control of sooty blotch and fly speck.
- The DMI fungicides such as Topas (penconazole) are ineffective.
Avoiding fungicide resistance
- The risk of fungicide resistance is very low.