Chemical control (Sooty blotch and fly speck)

Use of protectant fungicide sprays is the main means of controlling the diseases.  In the UK in conventionally sprayed orchards, specific fungicide sprays are not normally required.

• However, if the diseases have been a problem and in the following season spring conditions are wet, then protectant sprays may be needed for fruit in summer.
• Current information on spray timing indicates treatment should be applied from mid-late June as first fungal colonisation generally occurs in early July.
• A treatment programme based on several different fungicides at 14 day intervals is the best approach.
• Some disease warning systems which have been developed such as RIMpro, include models based on leaf wetness, rain and temperature.
• Sprays applied in conjunction with a warning system should improve control and reduce fungicide inputs by allowing sprays to be more targeted.
• Captan will give some protection although this may be limited.
• Strobilurin fungicides such as kresoxim-methyl (Stroby) or boscalid + pyraclostrobin (Bellis) will also give control of sooty blotch and fly speck.
• The DMI fungicides such as Topas (penconazole) are ineffective.

Avoiding fungicide resistance

• The risk of fungicide resistance is very low.