Apple, Mite Control, Hudson Valley, Highland, New York, 1981

Eleven treatments were applied to 8 tree plots replicated 3 times in a randomized block design to evaluate seasonal insect control. Treatments were applied by handgun sprayer at 400 psi, to run-off, using 4.2 gal spray/tree (403 gal/acre). Applications were made at pink, Apr 20, 22, petal fall, May 14, and in 7 cover sprays, May 28, Jun 12, Jun 24, Jul 8, Jul 23, Aug 7, and Aug 20. Trees were 17-yr-old, 12 ft high, and spaced 15 x 30 ft. The fungicide Baycor 50WP (8.0 oz form/acre) was applied with 2 qt of Agridex/acre on Apr 28, May 19, and Jun 2, and without Agridex on Jun 23. The fungicide was applied at 4X (100 gal/acre) concentration with an airblast sprayer. Thinning sprays of Naphthaleneacetic acid were applied by handgun on May 20. Plictran was included with several treatments for mite control on Jul 23. Above normal Spring temperatures hastened the onset of the season resulting in an early buildup of most mite populations. Mite populations were assessed by sampling and brushing with a mite brushing machine 25 ‘Red Delicious’ leaves/tree from 1 tree/repiicate.