Consumer Q's for September 6, 2007

Why did my peaches turn brown and rot this summer?

Brown Rot is a common fungus disease that infects the twigs and fruit of peach trees.  Twig infection results in the development of cankers on the branches and stems and petal blight on the flowers.  Canker and blight in turn produce spores that infect the fruit.  The fruit initially has a brown spot which expands to rot the entire fruit into a "mummy".  These mummies cling to the tree or fall to the ground and allow the fungus to overwinter.  For disease control it is critical to remove mummies and infected twigs as soon as they appear.  Also, good insect control is particularly important as unblemished green fruit is not as susceptible to disease infection.  The fungus needs a wound to enter these fruit.  Pruning the trees annually also aids in spray coverage, air circulation and good disease control.  For severe infections, treat peach trees with a recommended home orchard spray product.

Why do my pecans drop early? The nuts and leaves are covered with small brown spots?

Pecan scab is a fungus disease that over-winters on old leaves, shucks and twigs and is blown to developing foliage and fruit in the spring and early summer. Spores infect the new tissue, causing spotting of the nuts and blighting of the foliage. Infected tissue produces more spores which causes more disease infection. Spots are olive-brown in color and up to 1/4 inch in diameter. In severe case, trees partially or totally defoliate and the pecan nuts drop prematurely. Control is very difficult for homeowners with limited or no means of spraying control materials high into large trees. On smaller pecan trees, treat with a home orchard spray or other recommended fungicides to control pecan scab. Collect and dispose of old shucks, nuts on the ground and other pecan debris.

I want to plant several apples trees in my backyard this fall.  How do I select quality plants?

Be careful in purchasing apple trees.  Often, bargain plants are not healthy or may not be a variety adapted to your area.  Buy only trees of recommended varieties from a reliable source.

Listed below are a few points to keep in mind when purchasing apple trees:

The preferred type of tree for planting is a healthy, 1-year-old whip that is approximately 4 to 6 feet tall and has a good root system.

A small tree with a well-developed root system is more desirable than a large tree with a poor root system.

Trees that are two years old or older do not usually grow as well as 1-year-old trees. Frequently, older trees do not have sufficient buds on the lower portion of the trunk to develop a good framework.

Do not purchase trees that appear stunted, poorly-grown, diseased or insect injured. Check the trees closely to make sure that you are getting the variety and rootstock that you desire.

For more information on planting and care of apple trees in your area, contact your county extension agent.