COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
CHELAN AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES
Chelan-Douglas Horticultural Pest and Disease Boards
SUGGESTED SPRAY SCHEDULE FOR HOME GARDEN CHERRIES
By: Kerry Retzel, Urban Horticulturist, Chelan County Cooperative Extension; Marlane Gurnard, Field Representative, Chelan-Douglas Horticultural Pest and Disease Boards; Timothy J. Smith, Chelan-Douglas-Okanogan WSU Area Agent
DORMANT
Before buds show any activity in late winter when daytime temperatures reach 40° -45° F. SPRAY: Copper sprays (Lilly/Miller Microcop Fungicide, Cooke Copper Fungicide, etc.) or chlorothalonil (such as Ortho Multi-Purpose Fungicide -Daconil 2787). This spray is for the prevention of coryneum blight and bacterial blight infections .
DELAYED- DORMANT
In late winter, just as the buds begin to show the first green tissue. Dormant
oils: IPM practices recommend treating only a seriously infested tree with oil. Avoid destruction of beneficial insects. Manage pests as they hatch in early spring (see "SHUCK"). Spray on a relatively warm day (45°- 55° F.) with no frost forecast overnight. Be sure to finish spraying by noon to insure good drying during daytime. SPRAY: Example products like Volck Oil Spray, Superior Type Spray Oil, etc. at the rate on the label. This spray is for overwintering scales, aphids, and mites
SHUCK
Just as the dead flower falls away from the young fruit. Better control results will occur just as all petals fall from the blossoms. SPRAY: Wettable sulfur ( not lime-sulfur) such as Safer's Garden Fungicide, Cooke Sulfur, etc. Use the label rate. If aphids are a problem, mix in an insecticidal soap (Safer's, Concern, etc.) at the rate on the label. Spray prior to 9 AM. Wet the tree completely. This combination spray is for powdery mildew and black cherry aphid . For feeding caterpillars , use Bacillus thuringiensis . This is a critical time for management of these pest problems.
LATE SPRING AND SUMMER
Cherry fruit fly preventive sprays: Preventive sprays should be started as soon as the cherries begin to turn from light green to yellow green . SPRAY: Malathion-methoxychlor* (Ortho Home Orchard Spray, Green Thumb Liquid Fruit Tree Spray, etc.) OR diazinon liquid* (see ingredients of Fruit & Berry Insect Spray, Diazinon Spray, etc.) if available. Use wettable sulfur only with diazinon . Insecticidal soaps (Safer's, Concern, etc.) are useful against hatching insect pests and appear to suppress powdery mildew as well. Use the rate specified on each label.
Spray time is critical. Follow the spray schedule given on the label . Reapply a spray after a brief, heavy rainfall or showers of longer duration and then resume your regular schedule. No fruit should be left on the tree after harvest.
* Available stock now but less likely after this year.
Mites : Insecticidal soaps (Safer's, Concern, etc.) are useful at earliest detection, usually late spring. Make sure the spray covers undersides of leaves as well.
Leftover Fruit : If fruit remains unpicked, continue to spray for 4 weeks after the usual harvest period. Mark the tree with signs warning that the fruit has been treated. OR: (This alternative works best!) Pick the cherries and seal them in large, black garbage bags. Leave these bags out in the sun for two weeks. This will kill the fruit fly larvae and prevent them from reproducing. The bags can then be sent to the landfill with your garbage. REMEMBER, ANY UNPICKED FRUIT MUST BE SPRAYED FOR FOUR WEEKS AFTER NORMAL HARVEST TIME
FALL
Prior to cool rainy weather, apply copper or chlorothalonil. See spray material suggestions in the "DORMANT" section. This spray is for prevention of coryneum and bacterial blights.
The CHERRY FRUIT FLY : This is a fly with black banding on clear wings, that inserts eggs under the fruit skin. The eggs hatch, resulting in maggots present in the fruit at harvest. Maggot-infested fruit is unacceptable not only for home use, but because this pest can spread to infest nearby commercial orchards. The discovery of a SINGLE FRUIT FLY MAGGOT in a commercial cherry grower's fruit meant for the market can create serious repercussions including fruit rejection and warehouse removal from the market.
NOTE: Vary products during the season and in following seasons to minimize pest resistance.
- Check with the store location for current product availability.
CAUTION: Read this guide carefully. Read the product label directions carefully. Read and follow all label directions for responsible, safe use of any pesticide.
If fruit poundage is unmanageable and a nuisance to handle, cut the tree down and purchase quality fruit that you can realistically use. Help your commercial orchard neighbors provide quality fruit by maintaining good care and good pest management practices for your desired fruit trees!!
For other home garden fruit tree questions, contact WSU Cooperative Extension at 509/667-6540, or check out our website, www.tfrec.wsu.edu/tfrec.php.
Cooperating agencies: Washington State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Chelan-Douglas Counties. Cooperative Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Cooperative Extension office.
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