Control of Neofabraea spp. in organic fruit production (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary in the original language of the document

A proper harvesting process combined with proper treatment before storage can help prevent disease spread (see below).
Practical recommendation
• The risk of infection of Neofabraea spp. can be descreased by avoiding the use of susceptible varieties (e.g., pinova) as well as prolonged wetting of the trees, especially in the last months before harvest.
• All agronomic measures that promote a dry environment help reduce infection, for example:
• Use drip irrigation systems instead of overhead irrigation systems
• Keep flower strips not too high
• Experimentally, it has been observed that the use of physical barriers (single-row nets) from mid-July until before harvest considerably reduces the attack of this disease.
• Carry out copper-based treatments, and corroborants (Ulmasud) can be used to increase plant resistance to the disease. It is advisable to carry out treatments when the leaves are dry.
• Laminarin treatments can also be carried out in combination with copper.
• An early and short harvest reduces the risk of infestation (observe the harvest windows depending on the variety chosen). The riper the fruits become, the more susceptible they are to infection by Neofabraea spp.
• Hot water treatments are recommended before storage.
• It is recommended to store apples in small storage cells.
• For optimal and effective marketing/sales of the product, it is advisable to avoid prolonged storage in a cell. It is also advisable not to repeatedly enter the cell, as this encourages the spread and increase of the disease.