Apple scab

[Doc]

I have a serious scab problem in my apple trees. I am looking for a treatment program that has a high probability of working. Anyone got any experience and cures for this disease?

[nyslowhand]

Probably already know this, but just in case: http://nysipm.cornell.edu/factsheets/treefruit/diseases/as/as.asp

 

Captan is probably the most widely used and available OTC, but a super diluted form of the product used in big orchards. May be other OTC products for fungicide control.

[Curmudgeon]

I have top worked - replaced the apple variety on branches with cleft grafts - susceptible trees with resistant varieties. I don't like pesticides. You can completely replace the branches on a medium sized tree over 3 years. It takes a couple more to get back to full production.

[Doc]

Well, I guess I have to work on a spray schedule and get a sprayer that will handle 20'+ trees. These are all standard trees, so there is no reaching the top right now with what I've got. It is one very ugly problem. It's not any kind of big orchard, just three apple trees and a couple of pear trees that apparently are susceptible (but too young to bear yet). I'm getting a lot of apples, but not a one that is fit to eat.

 

I know I am early yet, but I want to develop a plan over the winter so I am ready to go in the spring.