Brown Rot Guidance From Dr. David Ritchie, NC State Extension

RALEIGH, N.C. — Dr. David Ritchie, like other peach growers in the state, is dealing with a heightened risk of brown rot due to the recent rain events at the orchards at the Sandhills Research Station. He provides the following guidance to growers interested in providing the best fruit protection from brown rot.

For brown rot on varieties that are within 1-2 weeks of harvest, apply up to 2 applications of Merivon OR Miravis OR Luna Sensation at 7 day intervals if we stay in a wet period. Pristine also is an option if you cannot get one of the other three. Do not use more than 2 consecutive Merivon OR Miravis OR Luna Sensation sprays on the same variety to reduce the risk of resistance developing. For later ripening varieties, maintaining cover sprays is very important if rainy periods continue. Any damage to fruit that occurred from the spring freezes is enhancing the conditions for the brown rot fungus to infect the fruit.

–Paige Burns, N.C. State University