B-1689

Insect and Disease Control
On Peaches, Apricots,
Nectarines, and Plums

James V. Robinson and George Philley

Extension Entomologist and Extension Plant Pathologist,
The Texas A&M University System

    The health and vigor of fruit trees and the quality of the fruit depend on a well-planned and well-executed insect and disease control program. Losses to insects and diseases can be minimized with a spray program and by diligently following orchard sanitation practices.

When and How to Spray

    Preserving the yield and quality of peaches, nectarines, and plums requires following a fairly rigid spray application schedule. The spray schedule given in this publication specifies when to make applications in relation to fruit development. Thorough spray coverage of the tree with each application is essential for effective control.

Precautions on Chemical Use

    Select materials for the most effective, safe, economical control. Follow all of the manufacturer's directions for handling and applying pesticides or fungicides.

    Residues. The Environmental Protection Agency has established pesticide residue tolerances for fruit crops. To keep residues within acceptable limits, certain chemicals should not be applied within a certain number of days before harvest. Always read the product label for specific restrictions.

    Resistance management. Insect and disease pathogens are known to develop resistance to some pesticides. Alternating chemicals that have different modes of action, tank-mixing products, and limiting use are strategies that help prevent resistance. Strategies to help minimize pesticide resistance are usually described on product labels. Follow these recommendations to ensure good, consistent control. Once resistant pest strains become abundant, a particular chemical or class of chemicals may never be as effective.

    Caution. All hazards associated with insecticides and fungicides are reduced with proper handling. Use pesticides with caution and store them out of reach of children, irresponsible persons, livestock, and household pets. Dispose of empty containers as prescribed on the label. Properly dispose of leftover spray material. Observe all precautions on the product label.

    Pollination and bee poisoning. Many agricultural and horticultural crops depend upon pollinating insects. Native bees in certain areas of Texas usually provide pollination. However, if native bee species are not adequate, honey bee colonies can be rented for pollinating tree fruits, cucurbits, vegetables, legumes, and other crops. Growers must take special precautions to protect these beneficial pollinating insects.

The following suggestions are effective in reducing bee poisoning:

1. Mow or shred orchard cover crop blooms before applying pesticides.
2. Apply hazardous pesticides only when bees are not foraging. Early morning, late afternoon, and night are      periods of least bee activity. Use relatively non-hazardous pesticides whenever possible.
3. Do not apply or allow pesticides to drift over wild bee nesting sites or honey bee colonies.
4. Contact the beekeeper to remove bees from the area when bee losses are likely.

    Recommendations. Pesticide use recommendations made by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station are based on one or more of the following:

* Effectiveness under Texas conditions.
* Avoidance of toxicity to desirable vegetation, animals, and human beings.
* Avoidance of adverse side effects upon beneficial predators, parasites, honey bees, fish and other wildlife,     plants, animals, and human beings.
* Chemical availability.

    Suggested pesticides must be registered and labeled for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Department of Agriculture. Pesticide label clearance is subject to change and may have changed since this publication was printed. County Extension agents and appropriate specialists are advised of changes as they occur. The user is always responsible for the effects of pesticide residues on his or her livestock and crops, as well as problems that could arise from drift or movement of the pesticide from his or her property to that of others. Always read and follow carefully the instructions on the container label.

Relative Bee Hazard of Pesticides Suggested for Commercial Peaches, Apricots, Nectarines, and Plums.

Highly toxic at any time

Hazardous if applied during the day. Not hazardous in early morning or late evening when bees are not foraging.

                Endosulfan (Thiodan ^®)

Non-hazardous at any time

Toxicity Rating, Reentry Time, And Purchase Restrictions For Pesticides Used On Fruit.

Toxicity Rating, Reentry Time, And Purchase Restrictions For Pesticides Used On Fruit.

1. DANGER means HIGHLY TOXIC.
WARNING means MODERATELY TOXIC.
CAUTION means LOW ORDER OF TOXICITY.

2.  Reentry time is the length of time from application until workers can reenter the area without protective clothing.

3.  Restricted use pesticides are available only to certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision.

Suggestions for Controlling Insects and Diseases on Commercial Peaches, Apricots, Nectarines, and Plums.