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The Untreated Control received no early season fungicide covers.
The only fungicides applied for summer diseases to the entire block through the remainder of the
season were protectant type fungicides (Captan 50WP, Ziram 76DF, Topsin® M WSB, and Benlate®
50WP) in combinations. Insecticide sprays were maintained with the Rutgers IPM pest control
schedule as determined by weekly scouting, on-site weather and Skybit® predictions.
Extremely mild temperatures during February and into the month of March caused the trees to break
bud about two weeks early. The first application for all treatments commenced on 8 April, which
correlated to the 1/2" green stage of growth, and continued on a 10 day schedule through the primary
scab season. All treatments contained the spreader/sticker APSA® 80 (Amway) at the labeled rate of 3
oz/100.
Below average temperatures were experienced during most of the months of April and May, which
slowed bud advancement and allowed bloom to settle into the traditional window for our region.
Bloom was moderate to light on Empire in 1999, due partially to a heavy crop in 1998. A sufficient
bloom period (+7 days) produced only 1 day of adequate sunlight (75% full) containing warm
temperatures (+65ºF). Pollination of the block was a concern, and chemical thinning at Petal Fall (12
May) was done with 30gm(ai)/A Accel® (Abbott Labs) until fruit set was determined. Once further
thinning was indicated, a follow up application of 20gm(ai)/A Accel® plus 1 qt/A Sevin® XLR Plus
(Rhone-Poulenc) was made 9 days later (21 May) during the 6mm - 10 mm fruit stage.
The roller coaster spring, was followed by a season long drought, which became the second driest
summer in recorded history. Due to this drought, season long irrigation was utilized on a weekly
schedule throughout the growing season, beginning on 18 May.
Treatments concluded on 1 June, which coincided traditionally with the 2nd cover spray in our region
and the end of primary scab season. Each treatment tree received a total of five applications of the
respective treatment chemical throughout the primary scab season.
Table 2: Application Timings for the Snyder Farm Study.
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