I planted a few apple trees in october,
When shoulding i spray for scab .
Any organic products I could use .
Apple trees
Moderators: KG Steve, Chantal, Tigger, peter
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Apple tree
I planted a few apple trees in october,
When shoulding i spray for scab .
Any organic products I could use .
Hi
I used to spray nasty stuff on apple trees which ruined the grass underneath and was no good for me either- just because the books I read then recommended it and I believed what I now see as a superstition. Then I put polythene down and was unhappy with the ammount of tar wash that it collected. I'm not a commercial grower and haven't sprayed the apple trees at all for ten years and scab is not a problem. I would forget spaying and see how the early crop is later in the year - don't let too many fruit grow in year one so that the trees can build up strength. If scab is a problem think about spraying next year.
I used to spray nasty stuff on apple trees which ruined the grass underneath and was no good for me either- just because the books I read then recommended it and I believed what I now see as a superstition. Then I put polythene down and was unhappy with the ammount of tar wash that it collected. I'm not a commercial grower and haven't sprayed the apple trees at all for ten years and scab is not a problem. I would forget spaying and see how the early crop is later in the year - don't let too many fruit grow in year one so that the trees can build up strength. If scab is a problem think about spraying next year.
Chris
Hi Chris,
I would suggest two things. One you are not using a fine enough spray and that you are overdoing the quantity that you use. I have sprayed with Tar Washes for years and have yet to have the problem that you seem to have.
I would suggest two things. One you are not using a fine enough spray and that you are overdoing the quantity that you use. I have sprayed with Tar Washes for years and have yet to have the problem that you seem to have.
JB.
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Martin D.
Dear Guest,
I'd be inclined to check to see which of your cultivars are scab prone: it does depend on your local climate too as to how much of a problem you might encounter (I'm in Hertfordshire which has a low rainfall. I have to use a fungicide on a couple of trees eg Cox's Orange Pippin and Worcester Pearmain or end up with nothing useable but most of the other dozen or so are barely affected if at all. Systhane is what I use (it was still available when I last looked but as a liquid not a powder now). Organic growers use sulphur sprays but there are thoughts that these are more damaging environmentally (being pretty non-selective): there was an article in The Garden by RHS fruit staff a while ago stating this to be the thought. I can take a look at the Systhane bottle for details but from what I remember I usually start spraying once the first leaves are fully grown, and repeat monthly(depends on signs of scab showing).
Best wishes
Martin D.
I'd be inclined to check to see which of your cultivars are scab prone: it does depend on your local climate too as to how much of a problem you might encounter (I'm in Hertfordshire which has a low rainfall. I have to use a fungicide on a couple of trees eg Cox's Orange Pippin and Worcester Pearmain or end up with nothing useable but most of the other dozen or so are barely affected if at all. Systhane is what I use (it was still available when I last looked but as a liquid not a powder now). Organic growers use sulphur sprays but there are thoughts that these are more damaging environmentally (being pretty non-selective): there was an article in The Garden by RHS fruit staff a while ago stating this to be the thought. I can take a look at the Systhane bottle for details but from what I remember I usually start spraying once the first leaves are fully grown, and repeat monthly(depends on signs of scab showing).
Best wishes
Martin D.