Dormant Spraying for Fruit & Nut Trees
Friday, November 7th, 2008
Dormant spraying is a very important action to take in preventing damage by insect pests, fungus, and disease. Codling moth, for example, is a common pest of apples and pears, and Peach Leaf Curl is a common disease of peaches and nectarines in California. Applying Horticultural Oil and Fungicide/Bactericide three times during the dormant season will greatly reduce the chance of infestation.
You can use the following guidelines and holidays as a reminder for spraying:
The first spray should be just after most of the leaves have dropped (Thanksgiving), the second at full dormancy (New Year), the third at bud swell (Valentine’s Day). The holidays generally correspond with the life cycle of deciduous plants, but always use your own observation to decide when to spray. It is also wise to research the specific species of fruit or nut for particular needs and precautions in regards to dormant spraying.
