Apple: Phytophthora fruit rot

Biology

Phytophthora fruit rot is caused by a soilborne fungus which can also be found in and carried by irrigation water. Infection occurs when water contacts fruit on low-hanging limbs or when overhead watering is used. Firm tan spots approximately 1″ or more in diameter develop on infected fruit. If the infection moves up into the wood, a dieback of one-year-old wood resembling fire blight can occur. This fungus can also infect pears. Phytophthora fruit rot occurs sporadically and is of minor importance.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Avoid overhead watering.
• Reduce time fruit is wet from irrigation to less than one hour (this includes actual irrigation time as well as drying time).
• Do not get water on fruit within 10 days of harvest.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended.