How to Treat Apricot Trees
Apricots, Prunus armeniaca, originated in Asia. Apricot trees grow year round and begin producing fruit in their third or fourth year. They are fruitful for up to 35 years. Apricot trees are available in several varieties and their fruit ripens at different times of the year. Most apricot trees can self pollinate, although cross pollination can increase apricot production. Apricot trees are hardy and disease resistant but they are susceptible to brown rot. This fungus attacks growing fruit, making the apricots mushy and inedible. They may also be affected by blossom and twig blight as well as shot hole fungus. The most common pests that attack apricot trees are borers, fruit moths and scale. You can manage these issues with appropriate treatment. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Pretreatment
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Clean any debris around the trees prior to spraying.
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Remove all possible cocoons, eggs and larvae. Examine the apricot trees for infestations or health issues.
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Decide on the type of sprayer needed for treatment. A handheld pump sprayer allows for accurate measurements and application. The hand pump has limited range and may be unable to reach the top of tall tress. A hose end sprayer allows you to treat tall trees but does not allow for accurate measurement.
Pesticide
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Obtain the appropriate pesticide from your local garden or nursery store. Discuss any treatment plans with expert nursery staff.
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Spray permethrin from May to early July to treat and prevent borer issues.
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Use dormant oil during the dormant months of December through February. Apply the oil after all the leaves have fallen from the apricot tree. This helps prevent, and alleviate, a scale infestation.
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Control brown rot, blossom and twig blight by treating at the red bud stage. Treatment includes applying a fungicide. Repeat the treatment 2 to 4 weeks after the original spraying and then again 5 to 10 days before the apricot harvest.
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Control moths by spraying malathion after the petals fall. You can also treat shot hole fungus at this time. This fungus is treated with the fungicide daconil.
Treatment
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Wear rubber gloves when dealing with pesticides. Wear a respirator and goggles to prevent accidental exposure.
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Add pesticide directly into the sprayer and then add water. Most pesticide is sold in powdered form. View manufacturer's directions for exact measurements and follow them precisely.
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Spray trees evenly and completely. For larger trees or those with dense foliage, spray from the inside of the tree to the outside. Start on the trunk. Work from the bottom of the tree and up to the top. You can spray smaller trees directly from the outside. Do not oversaturate the trees; pesticide should not be dripping from the leaves.
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Clean all equipment, including protective gear, thoroughly with running water and soap. Allow to air dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not spray on windy days. Adhere to a regular schedule of maintenance treatment of apricot trees in dormant months when the weather is cooler. It is more difficult to treat apricot trees in the warmer months when pests are more active and their populations are increasing. Check with your local government to determine any regulations regarding pesticide spraying and disposal.
Adhere to manufacturers' label directions. Sulfur-based sprays should not be applied to apricot trees. Do not fertilize apricot trees. Fertilizer weakens growth and encourages pest infestation. Wash clothes exposed to pesticides separately from daily wear. Keep all family members, including pets, out of the treatment area for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. This usually runs from 12 hours to 4 days.
