Apple Tree Disease Prevention
Apple trees are susceptible to a wide array of diseases that collectively infect all areas of the tree. In addition to diseases, the apple tree's succulent foliage and fruit attracts insects that not only cause injury to the tree, but often transport additional diseases onto the tree. Preventing apple tree disease is a continuous process that places the tree's healthy growth at the core of all strategies. Does this Spark an idea?
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Factors
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The apple tree's susceptibility to disease is dependent upon many factors, including the tree's natural resistance, its environment and climate. Many of the tree's diseases are spore-borne diseases and travel easily with the help of rain and wind. Though the diseases vary, some of the apple tree's most common diseases include apple scab, black rot, fire blight and powdery mildew.
Purchase
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If you have the opportunity to plant an apple tree, you can begin your preventative steps during the buying process. Familiarize yourself with the tree diseases in your area. The local horticulturalists and nurseries are usually great resources for this information. Once you know your area's common predators, try to purchase an apple tree that is resistant to most, if not all, of the area's most aggressive diseases.
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Framework
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A properly trained and pruned apple tree grows more vigorously, develops bigger fruit and yields higher quantities than those not properly trained. Most importantly, a properly trained and pruned apple tree will experience healthy cell development and be better prepared to bear the weight of its heavy, fully developed fruit. As a result, the tree is less likely to experience broken and damage wood that makes the tree readily accessible to infectious spores. As a sapling, train the apple tree with one central leader and strong crotch angles. Thin the interior branches and stems periodically to promote good air circulation and light penetration throughout the apple tree.
Fertilizing
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The nutrients within the apple tree's well-drained and fertile soil environment must be replenished periodically to keep the tree strong and vigorous. While appropriate and timely fertilizer applications will boost the tree's development, excessive and untimely applications will weaken the apple's development. Feed the apple tree toward the end of its dormancy period with a well-balanced slow-release fertilizer, such as a 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 combination. Follow the fertilizer's packaging instructions carefully to prevent over-fertilizing the tree. Keep the fertilizer away from the apple tree's trunk to prevent root burn.
Irrigation
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The apple tree requires plenty of water for healthy fruit production. Though drought conditions will surely cause the apple tree to wilt and suffer, continuously saturated soil conditions will also cause harm to the tree. Avoid overwatering the apple tree. In many instances, spring irrigations are accomplished with natural rainfall. Keep an eye on the rainfall levels during the summer months, especially during hot, dry periods. Compliment the rainfall with deep and infrequent irrigations. This will ensure that even the deepest roots receive water while avoiding the potential for overwatering.
Harvest
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It is important to remove all apples from the apple tree during its final harvest. Infectious bacterial and fungal spores lie dormant in decaying debris and often take shelter in fruit that lingers on the tree during the dormancy period.
Treatments
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Timely chemical and insecticidal treatments also assist in preventing apple tree diseases and infestations. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension recommends applying the first fungicide and insecticide treatments just as the apple tree's green tissue appears. Be sure to cover the entire tree so that all areas receive protection. Repeat applications are often required throughout the spring and summer month but should cease as the fruit begins to develop.
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References
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