Apple and pear growers in Australia need to be on their guard over the coming months as any increased rainfall and humidity could heighten the risk of Black Spot (apple scab and pear scab) infection.
The Black Spot infection cycle begins when suitable temperatures and moisture promote the release of ascospores from leaf litter around the base of previously infected trees.
Curative effectiveness
Trials conducted in Victoria in recent seasons demonstrated the curative effectiveness of two commonly used fungicides, Systhane and Bogard®.
Bogard has long held the reputation for being one of the strongest curative products for Black Spot control in pome fruit with up to five days kickback activity.
Recent trials conducted on Granny Smith apples have demonstrated this. The trials conducted in the 2013–14 growing season showed Bogard was a standout for curative control of Black Spot when compared to Systhane, reducing the average incidence and severity of disease significantly.
For more information, see Tree Fruit Nov 2016
