Disease monitoring and forecasting (Blossom wilt)

  • In winter, look for distinct cankers or dead blossoms particularly on susceptible varieties.
  • Inspect orchards for wilting /dying blossoms from the end of blossom.
  • The presence of infected blossoms in one season indicates the need for fungicide treatment the following season.
  • Forecasting models have been developed in other countries for other Monilinia species (M. fructicola and M. laxa) on stone fruit, but not for apple blossom wilt.
  • The development of specific forecasting systems is probably not merited as control can be achieved by a few well-timed protectant sprays.