Insect, Mite and Disease Control for Apples

At least 30 different insects, mites and diseases commonly attack apple trees in Connecticut. Unfortunately, they are not all present at the same time but appear in a definite sequence from the time buds break dormancy until the fruit is ready to be harvested. Therefore, it is not possible to apply two or three sprays and expect to harvest insect and disease-free fruit.

If the insect, mite and disease recommendations given in this article are followed carefully, you should obtain a high percentage of clean fruit from a home planting. The proper timing of spray applications and thorough coverage of leaves and fruit are as important as the spray materials used. Be sure to cover all surfaces of the tree. Apply until the spray starts to drip from the foliage.

General purpose mixtures containing methoxychlor, malathion and captan (some contain carbaryl), have been found to be safe and effective for the control of fruit pests. This mixture is available under a variety of trade names at most garden supply shops. In addition, individual ingredients of various products are available in small packages and can be mixed at home prior to spraying. Listed below are the pests controlled for each of these materials. Follow instructions exactly when mixing any pesticides.

PESTICIDE

PEST CONTROLLED
Bacillus thurngeinsis (B.t., DipelR, ThurcideR) Caterpillars
Captan Scab, rots and spots
Carbaryl (SevinR) Apple maggot and chewing insects
Dicofol (KelthaneR) Mites
Dinocap (KarathaneR) Mildew and mites
Ferbam (CarbamateR) Rust, scab, black rot
Insecticidal soap (Insect KillerR, M-PedeR) Mites, aphids and scale
Malathion Sucking insects and mites
Maneb, Mancozeb Rust, scab, and bitter rot/black rot
Methoxychlor Chewing insects
Phosmet (ImidanR) Apple maggot and chewing insects (curculio)
Superior Oil (60 to 70 sec.) Scale and mite eggs
Sulfur Mildew, scab and mites
Thiram Rust, scab, black rot
Triforine (FunginexR) Rust, scab and mildew
Note: Do not use carbaryl until at least 30 days after bloom to avoid thinning effect. Do not use any insecticide when the flowers are open. Protect the pollinators. Read and observe the harvest interval on all pesticides.

GROWTH STAGE

PESTS

REMARKS
Green Tip : when green tissue first shows from buds. Red mite eggs and scale insects. Superior Oil (60-70 sec. vis.) (Read the precautions on label.)
Half-Inch Green: when half-an-inch of green tissue projects from the buds. Scab and rosy aphids. See Apple Scab for more information.
Tight Cluster: about seven days after Half-inch Green when blossom buds appear in a tight cluster. Center bud may show some pink color. Scab, rusts, black rot, powdery mildew, rosy aphid, leafroller and caterpillars See Apple Rust Disease for more information.
Pink: when blossom buds separate from the cluster and all show a pink color but before blossoms open. Same as above plus red mites. Add a miticide where needed, especially if oil was not used in Green Tip. See Spider Mites for more information.
Bloom: when 10% or more of the blossom buds are in bloom Scab, rusts, black rot and powdery mildew Do not use any insecticides during the bloom period. Protect the pollinators.
Petal Fall: when 90% or more of the blossoms have fallen. Sprays applied sooner may kill pollinating insects. Same as above plus curculio, codling moth leafrollers and codling moth. Try to apply insecticides at the beginning of warm weather (70oF and over).
First Cover: about one week after Petal Fall. Same as above except for sawfly. Add a miticide where needed.
Second Cover: about one week after First Cover. Same as above plus apple aphid. Rust fungicide no longer needed.
Third Cover: about two weeks after Second Cover, mid-to-late June. Scab, fruit rots and spots. Apple aphids, curculio, codling moth and mites. Add a miticide where needed.
Fourth to Eight Covers: apply when needed until early September. Scab, fruit rots and spots. Apple maggot, aphids, mites, leafrollers and codling moth. See Apple Maggot and Its Control for more information on controlling this insect without insecticides.
Revised by: Edmond L. Marrotte, Consumer Horticulturist, Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut

The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer

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