Fruit Tree Spraying Guide Summary

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Note that portions of the schedule are divided by fruit type and rely on flower development stage rather than specific calendar dates.

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Dryer weather and the use of traps to indicate the presence of insect pests will significantly reduce the need for most sprays.

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General Schedule (Apples, Pears, Stone Fruits, Grapes)

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The main components of the spray program are the Dormant Spray, and ongoing applications of a multi-purpose Orchard Spray, with bloom time sprays used only when needed.

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1. Dormant (Late Fall/Winter): Apply a Bonide dormant oil and Copper fungicide near Thanksgiving, New Year's, and Valentine's Day.

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• Note: Peaches and Nectarines should be treated for Leaf Curl during this time use Copper fungicide until the spring rains cease.

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2. Growing Season (Spring/Summer): Use Bonide Orchard Spray for general insect and disease prevention.

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• Apples/Pears: Apply at Pre-pink (before bloom), Petal Fall (after bees are gone), and then every 2 weeks or as traps indicate until two weeks before harvest.

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• Stone Fruits (Peaches, Plums, etc.): Apply at Pink Tips (before bloom), Petal Fall, and then every 2 weeks or after rainfall as needed until two weeks before harvest.

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• Grapes: Apply at Pre-bloom, Post Bloom, and then every 2 weeks or as needed until two weeks before harvest.

 

Bloom-Time Fungicides

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Specialized fungicides are recommended during the bloom period when the risk of fungal disease is high, using either Bonide Fungonil or Bonide Copper fungicide (organic option) sprays.  We only recommend this when these specific diseases have been a problem in the past.

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• Stone Fruits: Apply at Bloom to prevent Brown Rot.

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• Grapes: Apply at Bloom to prevent Black Rot.

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Alternative/Organic Insect Control

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For general insect control, the guide lists alternative products, some of which are noted as organic options: fertilome caterpillar killer, fertilome Spinosad soap, Insecticidal Soap, and Neem. Here are a few nonorganic options: Bonide Fruit Tree Spray, Bonide tree and shrub systemic drench.