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B-1689 |
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.
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.
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
| Azinphosmethyl (Guthion ®) | Methomyl (Lannate ®) |
| Carbaryl (Sevin ®) | Parathion (Penncap-M ®) |
| Chlorpyrifos (Lorsban ®) | Permethrin (Ambush ®, Pounce ®) |
| Diazinon | Phosmet (Imidan ®) |
| Esfenvalerate (Asana XL ®) | Methidathion (Supracide ®) |
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
| Oil sprays | Fenbuconazole (Indar 75 ®) |
| Sulfur (Superfine Wettable Sulfur ®), | Benomyl (Benlate ®) |
| Microthiol Special ®, Thiolux ®, | Captan (Captan ®, Captec 4L ®) |
| EM-53 Sulfur ®) | Dichloran (Botran ®) |
| Thiophanate methyl (Topsin-M ® 85WDG, | Copper hydroxide (Kocide DF ®, |
| Topsin-M 4.5 F ®) | Kocide 606 ®, Champion ®, |
| Iprodione (Rovral ®, Rovral 4F ®) | Champ F ®) |
| Triforine (Funginex ®) | Propiconazole (Orbit ®) |
| Chlorothalonil (Bravo 720 ®, | Myclobutanil (Nova ® 40W) |
| Bravo Ultrex ®) | Vinclozolin (Ronilan DF ®) |
| Fenbutatin-oxide (Vendex ®) | Ziram (Ziram 76 ®) |
| Propargite (Omite ®) | Tebuconazole (Elite 45 DF ®) |
Toxicity Rating, Reentry Time, And Purchase Restrictions For Pesticides Used On Fruit.
| Chemical Name | Trade Name | Signal Word1 | Reentry Time2 | Restricted Use Pesticide3 |
| Fungicides | ||||
| benomyl | Benlate 50 DF | Caution | 24 hours | - |
| captan | Captec 4L | Danger | 4 days | - |
| Captan 50% WP | Danger | 4 days | - | |
| chlorothalonil | Bravo 720 | Warning | 48 hours | - |
| Bravo Ultrex | Danger | 48 hours | - | |
| Terranil 6L | Warning | 48 hours | - | |
| Terranil 90DF | Danger | 48 hours | - | |
| copper hydroxide | Kocide DF | Danger | 48 hours | - |
| Kocide 606 37.5% F | Danger | 48 hours | - | |
| Champion 77% WP | Danger | 48 hours | - | |
| Champ F 37.5% F | Caution | 48 hours | - | |
| dichloran | Botran 75W | Caution | 12 hours | - |
| fenbuconazole | Indar 75WSP | Caution | 12 hours | - |
| iprodione | Rovral 50 WP | Caution | 12 hours | - |
| Rovral 4F | Caution | 12 hours | - | |
| myclobutanil | Nova 40W | Caution | 24 hours | - |
| propiconazole | Orbit | Warning | 24 hours | - |
| sulfur | Superfine Wettable Sulfur | Caution | 24 hours | - |
| Microthiol Special | Caution | 24 hours | - | |
| EM-53 Liquid Sulfur | Caution | 24 hours | - | |
| Thiolux | Caution | 24 hours | - | |
| tebuconazole | Elite 45DF | Warning | 12 hours | - |
| thiophanate methyl | Topsin-M 85 WDG | Caution | 12 hours | - |
| Topsin-M 4.5 F | Caution | 12 hours | - | |
| triforine | Funginex 18.2% EC | Danger | 12 hours | - |
| vinclozolin | Ronilan DF | Caution | 12 hours | - |
| ziram | Ziram 76 | Danger | 48 hours | - |
| Insecticides | ||||
| azinphosmethyl | Guthion (All) | Danger | 48 hours | + |
| carbaryl | Sevin (All) | Caution | 12 hours | - |
| chlorpyrifos | Lorsban 4E | Warning | 24 hours | - |
| diazinon | Diazinon 50% WP | Warning | 24 hours | - |
| endosulfan | Thiodan 50% WP | Danger | 24 hours | - |
| esfenvalerate | Asana XL | Warning | 12 hours | + |
| fenbutatin-oxide | Vendex 50% WP | Danger | 48 hours | - |
| methidathion | Supracide (All) | Danger | 2-14 days | + |
| methomyl | Lannate 1.8 EC | Danger | 4 days | + |
| methyl parathion | Penncap-M 20.9% F | Warning | 48 hours | + |
| permethrin | Pounce 3.2 EC | Caution | 24 hours | + |
| Ambush 2 EC | Warning | 24 hours | + | |
| phosmet | Imidan (All) | Warning | 24 hours | - |
| propargite | Omite 30% WP or WS | Danger | 48 hours | - |
Toxicity Rating, Reentry Time, And Purchase Restrictions For Pesticides Used On Fruit.
| Chemical Name | Trade Name | Signal Word1 | Reentry Time2 | Restricted Use Pesticide3 |
| Nematicides and Soil Fumigants | ||||
| 1-3 dichloropropene | Telone II 94% L | Warning | 72 hours | + |
| 1-3 dichloropropene | Telone C-17 94.4% L | Danger | 72 hours | + |
| + chloropicrin | ||||
| fenamiphos | Nemacur 3 | Danger | 48 hours | + |
| methyl bromide | Brom-O-Gas 98% | Danger | 48 hours | + |
| metam-sodium | Vapam 32.7% EC | Danger | 48 hours | - |
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.
| Before using any insecticide,
read label thoroughly and follow all directions and precaustions for use. |
Days from
last application |
| Time of Application |
Insects
|
Spray
material |
Peaches, |
Plums | Remarks |
| Late Fall | Diseases: | Copper hydroxide (Kocide DF ®) | NA | NA | Apply when leaves begin |
| (Oct. 20 to | Leaf curl, | 8 to16 lb. 61.4% DF | to defoliate in the fall. | ||
| Dec. 15) | Coryneum | Do not mix Kocide or | |||
| blight. | Champion fungicides | ||||
| with insecticides. | |||||
| or | |||||
| (Kocide 606 ®) 5 to 10 qt. 37.5% F | NA | NA | |||
| or | |||||
| (Champion ®) 8 to 16 lb. 77% WP | NA | NA | |||
| or | |||||
| (Champ F ®) 2/3 to 1 1/3 gal. 37.5% F | NA | NA | |||
| or | |||||
| Chlorothalonil (Bravo 720 ®) | NA | NA | |||
| 3 pt. 2 fl. oz. to 4 pt .2 fl. oz. 54% F | |||||
| or | |||||
| (Bravo Ultrex ®) 2.8 to 3.8 lb. 82.5% WDG | NA | NA | |||
| or | |||||
| (Terranil 6L ®) 3 pt. 2 oz. to 4 pt. 2 oz. 54% F | NA | NA | |||
| or | |||||
| (Terranil 90 DF ®) 2.6 to 3.4 lb. 90% WDG | NA | NA |
| Dormant | Insects: | Petroleum oil: 98% 1.5 to 2 gal. per 100 gal. | NA | NA | Adding insecticides to oils |
| Season | Scale insects, | water. To enhance control of dormant | improves control. Do not | ||
| mite and | pests, tank-mix one of the following | use oils when tempera- | |||
| aphid eggs. | insecticides to the oil. Refer to the product | tures are below 32oF. or | |||
| label for rates: | above 90oF. Do not | ||||
| Chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 4E ®) | combine sulphur sprays | ||||
| or | with oils on foliage. Do | ||||
| Diazinon (Diazinon 50WP ®) | not follow a previous | ||||
| or | application of sulfur or | ||||
| Methidathion (Supracide 2E or 25 WP ®) | apply sulfur following an | ||||
| or | oil spray for at least 30 days. | ||||
| Phosmet (Imidan 50 WP or 70 WP ®) | NA | NA | |||
| Late Dormant | Insects: | Use same combination sprays as in | NA | NA | This spray can be effective |
| Season | Scale insects, | dormant season. | where heavy scale or | ||
| mite and | peach twig borers are | ||||
| aphid eggs | a problem. | ||||
| and peach | |||||
| twig borer. | |||||
| Diseases: | Same choices as for late fall including | NA | NC | Apply if late fall application | |
| Leaf curl, | (Ziram 76 ®) 8 to 10 lb. 76% WP | was not made or disease is | |||
| Coryneum | severe. Ziram is not cleared | ||||
| blight. | on plums. | ||||
| Pink Bud | Insects: | Azinphosmethyl (Guthion ®) | 21 | 21 | Pink bud spray for peach |
| Peach twig | 1.75 to 2.25 lb. 50% WP (solupak) | twig borer may be neces- | |||
| borer. | or | sary only in West Cross | |||
| 3.5 to 4.5 pt. 2L | 21 | 21 | Timbers, Hill Country, and | ||
| or | Seminole areas of Texas. | ||||
| Endosulfan (Thiodan ®) 2.0 lb. 50% WP | 30 | 7 | The insect is not normally | ||
| or | a problem in East Texas. | ||||
| 1.6 qt. 3 EC | 30 | 7 | This spray may be elimi- | ||
| or | nated if a delayed dormant | ||||
| Esfenvalerate (Asana XL ®) | 14 | 14 | application is made for | ||
| 4.0 to 11.6 fl. oz. 0.66 EC | this pest. | ||||
| or | |||||
| Methyl Parathion (Penncap-M ®) 8 pt. | 14 | 14 | Note: To avoid or delay | ||
| or | development of insect | ||||
| Permethrin (Ambush ®) 6.4 to 25.6 fl. oz. | resistance, alternate types | ||||
| 25% WP or 2 EC | of insecticides throughout | ||||
| or | the season. | ||||
| (Pounce ®) 4 to 16 oz. 3.2 EC | |||||
| or | |||||
| Phosmet (Imidan ®) 2 to 3 lb. 50% WP | |||||
| or | |||||
| 1.5 to 2 lb. 70% WP |
| Diseases: | Benomyl (Benlate 50 WP ®) | 3 | 3 | Limit: 4 lb./ acre/season. | |
| Brown rot. | 1 to 2 lb. 50% WP | ||||
| or | |||||
| Captan (Captan ®) 4 to 8 lb. 50% WP | 0 | 0 | |||
| or | |||||
| (Captec 4L ®) 2 to 4 qt. 37.4% F | 0 | 0 | |||
| (peaches, nectarines), 2 to 3 qt. (plums), | |||||
| 1.5-2.5 qt. (apricots) | |||||
| or | |||||
| Chlorothalonil (Bravo 720 ®) | NA | NA | |||
| 3 pt. 2 fl. oz. to 4 pt. 2 fl. oz. 54% F | |||||
| or | |||||
| (Bravo Ultrex ®) 2.8 to 3.8 lb. 82.5% WDG | NA | NA | |||
| or | |||||
| (Terranil 6L ®) 3 pt. 2 oz. to 4 pt. 2 oz. 54% F | NA | NA | |||
| or | |||||
| (Terranil 90 DF ®) 2.6 to 3.4 lb. 90% WDG | NA | NA | |||
| or | |||||
| Iprodione (Rovral ®) 1 to 2 lb. 50% WP | 0 | NA | High-pH water should be | ||
| buffered. Limit: 5 | |||||
| applications/season. | |||||
| or | |||||
| (Rovral 4F ®) 1 to 2 pt. 41.6% F | 0 | 0 | |||
| or | |||||
| Triforine (Funginex ®) 36 to 48 fl. oz. 18.2% EC | 0 | 0 | Do not exceed 3 pre- | ||
| harvest application.Not | |||||
| cleared for fruit rot phase | |||||
| on plums and apricots. | |||||
| or | |||||
| Thiophanate methyl (Topsin M 85WDG ®) | 1 | 1 | |||
| 1.2 to 1.9 lb. 85% WDG (peaches), 1.2 lb. | |||||
| (plums, apricots, and nectarines) | |||||
| or | |||||
| (Topsin-M 4.5 F ®) 30 to 45 fl. oz. 46.2% F | 1 | 1 | |||
| (peaches), 30 fl. oz. (plums, apricots, | |||||
| and nectarines) | |||||
| or | |||||
| Propiconazole (Orbit ®) 4 oz. 41.8% EC | 0 | 0 | Limit: 2 preharvest | ||
| applications. | |||||
| or | |||||
| Fenbuconazole (Indar 75 ®) 2 oz. 75% WSP | 0 | NC | Add wetting agent to spray | ||
| solution. Not cleared on | |||||
| plums. Limit: 1 lb./acre/ | |||||
| season. | |||||
| or | |||||
| Myclobutanil (Nova 40W ®) 2.5 to 6 oz. 40% WP | 7 | NC | Not cleared on plums and | ||
| (nectarines and peaches) | apricots. Only for blossom | ||||
| blight. | |||||
| or | |||||
| Vinclozolin (Ronalin DF ®) 1 to 2 lb. 50% DF | 14 | NC | Not cleared on plums. | ||
| Make only one pre-harvest | |||||
| application. | |||||
| or |
| Tebuconazole (Elite 45DF ®) | 0 | NC | Not cleared on plums | ||
| 4 oz. 45% DF | and apricots. | ||||
| or | |||||
| Sulfur (Microthiol Special ®) 10 to 20 lb. 80% WP | 0 | 0 | Sulfur gives best results | ||
| when used in areas of | |||||
| moderate to low disease | |||||
| pressure. May discolor fruit | |||||
| of nectarine and peach. | |||||
| Microthiol Special ® not | |||||
| cleared on apricots. | |||||
| or | |||||
| Thiolux ®) 10 to 30 lb. 80% DF | 0 | 0 | Not cleared on apricots. | ||
| or | |||||
| (EM 53 Liquid Sulfur ®) 7 pt. 53% F | 0 | 0 | Not cleared on apricots. | ||
| or | |||||
| (Superfine Wettable Sulfur ®) | 0 | 0 | |||
| 10 to 16 lb. 94% WP | |||||
| Full Bloom | Diseases: | Same choices as for pink bud. | This spray may be required | ||
| Brown rot. | only during periods of | ||||
| high humidity and | |||||
| frequent rain. Do not | |||||
| apply insecticides during | |||||
| full bloom. | |||||
| Petal Fall | Insects: | Azinphosmethyl (Guthion ®) | 21 | 21 | Plum curculio has not been |
| (when 75% | Catfacing | 1.75 to 2.25 lb. 50% WP (Solupak) | a problem in the Lower Rio | ||
| of petals | insects | or | Grande area of Texas. | ||
| have fallen) | (thrips, | 3.5 to 4.5 pt. 2L | 21 | 15 | |
| stinkbugs, | or | ||||
| plant bugs), | Carbaryl (Sevin ®) 2 lb. 50% WP | 1 | 1 | ||
| Peach twig | per 100 gal. water | ||||
| borer, Plum | or | 1 | 1 | ||
| curculio, | 1.25 lb. 80S | ||||
| Oriental | or | ||||
| fruit moth. | 1 qt. XLR per 100 gal. water | 1 | 1 | ||
| or | |||||
| 1 qt. 4F per 100 gal. water | 1 | 1 | |||
| or | |||||
| Endosulfan (Thiodan ®) 2.0 lb. 50% WP | 30 | 7 | |||
| or | |||||
| 1.6 qt. 3 EC | 30 | 7 | |||
| or | |||||
| Esfenvalerate (Asana XL ®) 4.0 to 11.6 fl. oz. | 14 | 14 | |||
| 0.66 EC | |||||
| or | |||||
| Methomyl* (Lannate ®) 3 to 6 pt. 2.4 EC | 4 | NC | *Not labeled on | ||
| or | plum curculio. | ||||
| 1 to 2 lb. 90 SP | 4 | NC | |||
| or | |||||
| Methyl parathion (Penncap-M) 1.6 to 4 pt. | 14 | 14 | |||
| or |
| Petal Fall | Permethrin (Ambush ®) 6.4 to 25.6 fl. oz. | 7 | NC | ||
| (cont.) | 2 EC or 2.5% WP | ||||
| or | |||||
| (Pounce ®) 4 to 16 fl. oz. 3.2 EC | 7 | NC | |||
| or | |||||
| Phosmet (Imidan ®) 2 to 3 lb. 50% WP | 14 | 7 | |||
| or | |||||
| 1.5-2 lb. or 70% WP | 14 | 7 | |||
| Diseases: | Same choices as for pink bud. | If scab is a primary | |||
| Scab | concern, do not use | ||||
| (peaches, | Funginex, Ronilan, Nova, | ||||
| apricots, and | Elite, or Orbit. | ||||
| nectarines) | |||||
| and Brown | |||||
| rot. | |||||
| Shuck Split | Insects: | Same as for petal fall. | Plum curculio can be | ||
| Same as for | a serious pest at this stage. | ||||
| petal fall. | Don't eliminate this spray | ||||
| from the schedule. | |||||
| Diseases: | Captan (Captan ®) 4 to 8 lb. 50% WP | 0 | 0 | ||
| Same as for | |||||
| petal fall. | |||||
| or | |||||
| (Captec 4L ®) 2 to 4 qt., 37.4% F | 0 | 0 | |||
| (peaches, nectarines), 2 to 3 qt. (plums), | |||||
| 1.55 to 2.5 qt. (apricots) | |||||
| or | |||||
| Chlorothalonil (Bravo 720 ®) 3 pt. 2 fl. oz. to | NA | 0 | |||
| 4 pt. 2 fl. oz. 54% F | |||||
| or | |||||
| (Bravo Ultrex ®) 2.8 to 3.8 lb. 82.5% WDG | NA | NA | |||
| or | |||||
| (Terranil 6L ®) 3 pt. 2 oz. to 4 pt. 2 oz. 54% F | NA | NA | |||