Prévention et Solutions Professionnelles

Lenticellar diseases, caused by pathogenic fungi such as Gloeosporium spp. , Venturia inaequalis , and Fusarium spp. , pose a serious threat to apple quality, particularly during storage. These pathogens, which enter through lenticels (small openings in the fruit skin), cause unsightly blemishes and reduce shelf life. This article explores the symptoms, causes, and solutions for preventing or managing them, while proposing appropriate replanting strategies.


Symptoms of lenticellar diseases

On fruits

  • Brown to black spots: These circular spots, of varying size, sometimes have a lighter halo.
  • Corky or cracked appearance: Infected areas become rough and cracked, altering both the appearance and texture of the fruit.
  • Progressive deterioration: Infected fruits rot rapidly during storage, making them unfit for sale.

Causes of lenticellar diseases

Responsible mushrooms

  • Gloeosporium spp.: Responsible for brown spots which accelerate degradation.
  • Venturia inaequalis (late scab): Often appears at the end of the season, forming dark spots on the fruit.
  • Fusarium spp.: Causes rot and the formation of mycotoxins dangerous for human consumption.

Risk factors

  • Fruit injuries: Injuries caused by harvesting or transport promote infection.
  • High humidity and poor ventilation: Fungi thrive in humid and poorly ventilated environments.
  • Poor or poorly drained soils: Weakened trees produce more vulnerable fruit.
  • Varietal sensitivity: Certain varieties like Golden are more prone to these diseases.

Economic impact of lenticellar diseases

Reduction in fruit quality

Stains and visual damage significantly reduce the commercial appeal of apples.

Losses during storage

Contaminated fruit rots quickly, increasing financial losses for producers.


Prevention of lenticellar diseases

Cultural practices

  • Regular pruning: Promote good air circulation around the fruit.
  • Careful harvesting: Handle fruit carefully to avoid injury.
  • Weed management: Reduce vegetation at the base of trees to limit spores.

Storage conditions

  • Ideal temperature: Maintain between 0 and 4°C.
  • Controlled humidity: Maintain a level of 90 to 95% to limit drying out while reducing the risk of mold.
  • Proper ventilation: Avoid stagnant humid air through optimized circulation.

Hygiene and prophylaxis

  • Disinfect crates, tools and warehouses regularly to eliminate spores.
  • Destroy infected or mummified fruit in the orchard to limit the spread.

Treatments for lenticellar diseases

Biological solutions

  • Bordeaux mixture: Applied as a preventative measure to limit infections.
  • Horsetail decoction: Strengthens the natural defenses of trees.
  • Bioapproved products (Armicarb, Mycosin): Effective solutions to prevent storage diseases.

Conventional approaches

  • Suitable fungicides: Consult a specialist to determine the appropriate products, respecting the safe doses and times.
  • Post-harvest soaking: A warm water bath can reduce the fungal load on harvested fruit.

Integrated management and continuing training

  • Proactive monitoring: Inspect trees regularly for early signs of infection.
  • Sustainable Practices: Combine balanced fertilization, careful water management, and proper pruning to maximize tree resilience.
  • Team Training: Learn best practices for handling fruit to reduce the risk of injury.

Replanting for renewed productivity

When faced with significant losses, replanting can be a strategic solution. As a wholesale supplier of fruit plants, Arboriverse supports growers in renewing and improving their orchards.

Why choose Arboriverse?

  • Wide range of professional plants: Half-stem, high-stem, bare-root or potted, adapted to your specific needs.
  • Competitive prices: Affordable rates with decreasing offers based on volume.
  • Fast and secure delivery: We deliver directly to your farm, respecting deadlines.

Our services for producers

  • Personalized technical support: From soil analysis to variety selection, benefit from advice tailored to your project.
  • Tailor-made solutions: Replant with resistant varieties and optimize the productivity of your orchards.
  • Post-planting support: Our experts assist you to ensure optimal recovery of young plants.

How to replant effectively?

  • Pre-Soil Analysis: Identify the nutrients needed to promote the growth of young trees.
  • Choosing rootstocks: Choose rootstocks that are adapted to local conditions and resistant to disease.
  • Maintenance and monitoring: Ensure adequate watering and monitor new plants for successful recovery.

FAQs

  • What are the first signs of lenticel diseases? Small brown or black spots around the lenticels, accompanied by a rough or corky texture, are early signs.
  • How can you prevent these diseases during storage? Maintain a temperature of 0 to 4°C, humidity of 90 to 95%, and good ventilation to limit the risks.
  • Do lenticellar diseases affect all varieties? Some varieties, such as Goldenrod, are particularly susceptible. Choose resistant varieties to minimize your risk.
  • What organic treatments are recommended? Bordeaux mixture and organic products like Mycosin are effective in preventing infections.
  • How do you choose the best plants for replanting? Choose fruit plants grown by specialized nurseries, adapted to local conditions and resistant to disease.
  • Do you offer technical support for replanting? Yes, at Arboriverse, we provide personalized advice to ensure the success of your replantings.

Conclusion

Lenticellar diseases pose a challenge for apple growers, but integrated and proactive management can limit their impact. Adopting preventative solutions, investing in resistant varieties, and replanting with professional-quality plants will help restore and improve your productivity. Contact Arboriverse today to discover how our plants and expertise can transform your orchards.