Rust on an almond leaf

As temperatures heat up, so does disease pressure in almond orchards. Rust, scab, Alternaria leaf spot, anthracnose and shot hole are prevalent in the spring and summer, potentially damaging leaves, nuts and overall tree health if not properly identified and controlled. To help ensure the long-term health of your orchard, scout early and often and apply fungicides when needed.

Here are a few symptoms to look out for:

• Scab: Scab affects both leaves and fruit, causing indistinct, green-yellow lesions on leaves and small green to olive-colored circular spots on the upper surface of fruit. These spots often grow and darken as the disease develops. Severe infection can lead to preharvest defoliation, weakened trees and compromised long-term health.
• Shot hole, rust and Alternaria leaf spot: These common leaf diseases are characterized by holes in the leaves, yellow discoloration on the upper surface of leaves, and large brown or black spots on leaves, respectively. Improper or untimely management of these diseases can result in yield loss, defoliation and weakened trees.
• Anthracnose: Anthracnose causes round, orange-colored lesions on nut hulls. Untreated hulls become mummies and create a feeding and breeding ground for navel orangeworm.

The likelihood of disease increases in periods of extended moisture and humidity. Quadris Top®  fungicide offers broad-spectrum control of these and other diseases, and has been shown to provide effective control in the May spray timing.

Sign up for the Know More Grow More Digest to receive twice-monthly agronomic e-mail updates pertinent to your area.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

Syngenta hereby disclaims liability for third-party websites