Disease-Resistant Gala Apple Trees

A healthy gala apple

Gala apples, developed in New Zealand, taste similar to the Golden Delicious. While some trees are bred to be disease resistant, gala apples have a low tolerance to disease and are especially susceptible to apple scab.

Identification

A cross between the Kidd's Orange Red and the Golden Delicious, Gala apples have a juicy, mild flavor that makes them excellent for snacking or for use in salads. Their skin is a bright yellow-red, and they are ready for harvest from September through June.

Scab

Apple scab is a fungal disease common in areas that receive a lot of rain and have high levels of humidity. If not controlled, it can defoliate the trees and cover the fruit with spots.

Prevention/Solution

Application of a fungicide to gala apple trees is the best way to avoid scab. The earlier the tree is sprayed, the more effective the treatment will be. While some apple species are less susceptible to diseases such as scab, gala apple trees do not stand up to it well.

References

• Apple Country New York: Gala
• Orange Pippin: Gala Apple
• Washington State University: Apple Scab