This week, the question was: Can you name one problem with this apple?
A quick glance at this ‘Gala’ apple shows signs of bitter rot, sooty blotch, and fly speck to name a few. The point of this question of the week is not really to name specific pests or pathogens but to talk about unmanaged tree fruits. Unmanaged tree fruits serve as safe havens and harbors for many pests and pathogens that can then spread to other orchards. This is an example of one season without practicing integrated pest management (IPM). One unmanaged season has increased the pest and pathogen pressure for this tree and surrounding trees. For help identifying and managing apple pests, check out the MyIPM app.
This week’s question comes from Upstate Extension Agent Kerrie Roach.
The South Carolina Grower 