Prévention et Replantation

Sooty blight ( Gloeodes pomigena ) and fly dropping ( Schizothyrium pomi ) are fungal diseases that impact the aesthetic quality of apples. While they don't directly affect tree health, they reduce their commercial value, requiring proactive management and tailored solutions. Learn how to identify, prevent, and manage these diseases while effectively replanting to compensate for losses.

Symptoms of sooty and fly dropping diseases

Sooty leaf spot ( Gloeodes pomigena )

• Diffuse light gray spots: Fruits develop dull areas similar to a thin layer of soot.
• Progressive development: Symptoms intensify after harvest, especially in humid conditions.

Fly dropping disease ( Schizothyrium pomi )

• Small black dots: Clusters of scattered dots, giving a dirty appearance, appear on the fruit.
• Increased frequency with sooty disease: Both diseases share favorable conditions for development.

Factors favoring the development of these diseases

Climates

• Prolonged humidity: Fungal spores proliferate after periods of rain or heavy dew.
• Moderate temperatures (15-25°C): Favorable to the germination and colonization of fungi.

Cultural

• Excessive vegetation density: Unmaintained vegetation retains moisture, creating a favorable environment.
• Poor tree ventilation: Improper pruning limits air circulation, promoting pathogens.

Impact on fruit quality

Aesthetic degradation

Infected fruits lose their shiny appearance and become less attractive to consumers. These visual imperfections can be confused with other diseases such as scab, although the latter has more velvety spots.

Post-harvest losses

Contaminated fruit has a reduced shelf life and deteriorates rapidly during storage. This results in significant economic losses for producers.

Prevention of sooty and fly dropping diseases

Improvement of cultural practices

• Regular pruning: Remove dense branches to improve ventilation and reduce humidity.
• Weed management: Reduce vegetation around apple trees to limit favorable conditions.
• Early harvest of susceptible varieties: Some varieties such as Golden are particularly vulnerable.

Hygiene and prophylaxis

• Destruction of infected fruit: Remove mummified fruit and dead branches.
• Disinfecting equipment: Clean crates, harvesting tools and storage areas.

Integrated management and possible treatments

Increased surveillance

Inspect orchards regularly after rainy periods to detect early signs.

Biological treatments

• Bordeaux mixture: Effective as a preventative to limit the growth of fungi.
• Nettle manure and horsetail decoction: Strengthen the natural resistance of apple trees.

Conventional fungicides

Consult a specialist for recommendations specific to lenticellar diseases, including products authorized in your region.

Replanting solutions after losses caused by these diseases

In the face of significant damage, replanting is a sustainable solution for restoring orchard productivity. Arboriverse, as a wholesale supplier, offers a wide range of professional-quality fruit plants tailored to your needs.

Why choose Arboriverse?

• Professional quality fruit plants: Produced by specialized nurseries, our trees guarantee optimal recovery.
• Competitive producer prices: Attractive rates for all orchard sizes.
• Tailor-made delivery: Delivered directly to your farm with personalized monitoring.

Our services for producers

• Wide variety of varieties: Half-stem, high-stem, bare-root or potted, our plants adapt to all configurations.
• Technical advice: Take advantage of our expertise to choose the varieties best suited to your region.
• Post-planting support: Guarantee the success of your new plot thanks to our cultivation recommendations.

Replanting Successfully: The Key Steps

• Soil analysis: Test fertility and structure to adapt the choice of rootstocks.
• Variety selection: Choose plants that are disease-resistant and suited to the local climate.
• Post-planting maintenance: Implement preventative cultural practices to maximize recovery and growth.

FAQs

• What are the distinctive symptoms of sooty and fly droppings? Sooty disease is characterized by diffuse light gray spots, while fly droppings appear as small black dots.
• How can you prevent these diseases in an existing orchard? Ensure good ventilation by pruning, reduce weed cover, and harvest susceptible fruit before wet periods.
• Are chemical treatments necessary? In severe cases, suitable fungicides may be necessary, but always favor preventative approaches.
• Can you replant after losses due to these diseases? Yes, with healthy plants from specialist nurseries like Arboriverse, and by adopting appropriate cultural practices.
• Why choose resistant plants? They reduce the risk of disease, thus minimizing economic losses and dependence on chemical treatments.
• Does Arboriverse deliver everywhere in France? Absolutely. We offer fast and careful delivery, directly to your farm.

Conclusion

Sooty mold and fly droppings pose a challenge for apple growers, but they don't have to be. By combining rigorous cultural practices, appropriate treatments, and professional-quality fruit plants, you can limit their impact while ensuring the sustainability of your orchard. Contact Arboriverse today to discover our replanting solutions and benefit from tailored support to revitalize your crops.