Prévention et Replantation Professionnelle

Apple brown rot, caused by the fungus Monilinia fructigena , is a major threat to French orchards. Its symptoms, ranging from shriveled flowers to mummified fruit, cause considerable losses. This article details strategies for controlling this disease and offers solutions for replanting with professional-quality fruit trees.


Symptoms of apple brown rot

On the flowers

  • Premature wilting: Flowers fade quickly, often in early spring.
  • Brownish appearance: Discoloration indicates early infection.

On the branches

  • Appearance of cankers: Necrotic lesions weaken the branches.
  • Shoot wilting: Affected twigs become dry and turn brown, compromising the vitality of the tree.

On fruits

  • Characteristic rot: Large brown areas appear, with grayish pustules.
  • Mummified Fruits: These fruits remain attached to branches and become a persistent source of spores.

Factors favoring moniliosis

Weather conditions

  • High humidity: Prolonged periods of rain promote the spread of spores.
  • Moderate temperatures: Between 15 and 25°C, the propagation of the fungus is optimal.

Inadequate orchard management

  • Fruit injuries: Mechanical impacts or insect bites facilitate the entry of the fungus.
  • Lack of ventilation: Dense plantings or insufficient pruning increase the risk of moisture stagnation.

Prevention of apple brown rot

Elimination of sources of infection

  • Diseased Fruit: Collect and destroy infected fruit, including those that have fallen to the ground.
  • Infected branches: Prune affected branches to limit spread.

Improvement of cultural practices

  • Pruning and thinning: Facilitate air circulation and light access in the crown.
  • Varietal choice: Choose varieties resistant to brown rot, adapted to your climate.

Reduction of injuries

  • Careful handling: Minimize impacts during harvesting.
  • Use of protection: Install tarps or nets to reduce shocks.

Biological treatments for brown rot

Natural products

  • Horsetail decoction: Strengthens trees and acts as an antifungal.
  • Sodium bicarbonate: Alters the pH of surfaces, inhibiting spore development.
  • Slaked lime wash: Disinfects cankers and reduces winter sources of infection.

Biological innovations

  • Armicarb and Mycosin: These approved solutions are effective in organic farming.
  • Compost extracts: Strengthen the natural defenses of plants and prevent the spread of spores.

Conventional control of brown rot

Preventive treatments

  • Copper: Applied in spring, it protects flowers and branches from initial infections.
  • Approved fungicides: Effective for curative action, they must be used in moderation to avoid resistance.

Precautions during treatment

  • Product rotation: Alternate modes of action to limit resistance.
  • Strategic periods: Apply treatments before prolonged rains or after mechanical injuries.

Post-harvest management and conservation

Prophylactic measures

  • Thorough cleaning: Disinfect crates, cold rooms and harvesting tools.
  • Sorting damaged fruit: Remove any showing signs of rot before storage.

Storage conditions

  • Reduce Injury: Handle fruit with care.
  • Increased monitoring: Regularly inspect stored fruit to identify early signs of contamination.

Replanting solutions with professional fruit trees

If your orchard has suffered significant losses, replanting with suitable, resilient trees becomes a priority. At Arboriverse, we support you with a comprehensive offering:

  • Grafted fruit trees at producer prices: Enjoy impeccable quality at competitive prices.
  • Selected varieties: Our experts help you choose the varieties best suited to your local conditions.
  • Fast and reliable delivery: Directly to your farm or store.

Why choose Arboriverse?

  • Wide range of products: Half-stem, high-stem, bare roots, or in pots, we have what you need.
  • Professional quality guaranteed: From specialized nurseries.
  • Personalized service: Quote within 48 hours and advice tailored to your needs.
  • Environmental commitment: We favor sustainable and soil-friendly solutions.

How to revive your orchard with Arboriverse?

  • Needs analysis: Determine the appropriate varieties and rootstocks with our experts.
  • Optimized replanting: Plant resistant plants to avoid recurrences.
  • Monitoring and technical support: We remain at your side to guarantee the success of your project.

FAQs

  • What are the first symptoms of brown rot? Flower wilting, cankers on branches, and fruit rot are the initial signs.
  • How can you effectively prevent brown rot? Remove diseased fruit, ventilate your orchard, and apply appropriate organic or conventional treatments.
  • Are biological solutions as effective as chemical ones? Yes, with good preventive management, products like bicarbonate or horsetail decoction offer convincing results.
  • Can I replant immediately after a loss? Yes, by choosing healthy, resilient plants, supplied by specialists like Arboriverse.
  • What types of trees do you offer for replanting? We offer a full range: half-stem, high-stem, bare-root, and potted trees.
  • Do you offer technical support for replanting? Absolutely! Our experts will advise you to maximize the success of your project.

Conclusion

Apple brown rot is a complex disease, but it can be managed with a rigorous, integrated approach. In the event of significant losses, Arboriverse is here to provide professional-quality plants tailored to your needs and goals. Contact us today to successfully revive your orchard.