Apple phenology advanced rapidly across New Jersey over the past week under warm conditions; however, a significant freeze event has impacted orchards statewide. Most varieties were pink to full bloom during the freeze, with early varieties in southern counties, such as ‘Pink Lady,’ at full bloom and likely sustaining substantial injury. Later varieties and more northern regions may show variable levels of damage depending on bloom stage and site conditions.

As temperatures remain favorable, development will continue into petal fall, where viable fruit remains. This remains a critical period for disease management, particularly for fire blight, apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust. Even in blocks with reduced crop, maintaining protection of foliage and any surviving fruit is important for overall tree health and return bloom next season. Monitoring for early-season insect pests should also continue, with management decisions adjusted based on crop presence and block-specific conditions.

Phenology Dates by County (earliest varieties)

County	Green Tip	Tight Cluster	Pink Bud	Bloom	Petal Fall
Cumberland	3/22	3/28	4/3	4/8	4/17
Gloucester	3/22	3/28	4/3	4/8	4/17
Burlington	3/22	3/28	4/2	4/13	4/22
Mercer	3/22	3/28	4/2	4/13	4/22
Middlesex	3/22	4/1	4/4	4/14	4/22
Monmouth	3/22	4/1	4/4	4/14	4/22
Hunterdon	3/22	4/1	4/10	4/17	TBD
Morris	3/26	4/4	4/11	4/17	TBD
Warren	3/30	4/4	4/13	4/17	TBD
Sussex	3/31	4/10	4/14	4/18	TBD
Bergen	3/22	4/1	4/4	4/14	TBD

Models

Apple scab infection risk remains elevated as we move through bloom and into petal fall. Ascospore maturity continues to increase rapidly, and we are in a critical window for primary infection. While recent conditions have been relatively dry, upcoming forecasted wetting events may result in significant ascospore discharge and infection risk. Growers should continue to monitor forecasts closely and maintain fungicide coverage, particularly ahead of rain events. Models are available through NEWA and RIMpro.

Current Update using the Upper Deerfield Station

• ~69–74% ascospore maturity as of April 22–23
• ~43% cumulative ascospore discharge to date
• Forecasted to reach ~79–84% maturity by April 24–26
• Cumulative ascospore discharge forecasted to increase to ~78–82% by April 25–27
• A combined infection event is forecasted for April 25–26 with sufficient wetting and favorable temperatures for infection

Primary scab season is approaching peak discharge, and maintaining coverage through this period is essential to prevent the establishment of primary infections.

Management Considerations

Fungicide programs should be maintained through bloom and into petal fall, particularly ahead of the forecasted infection event later this week. Despite widespread freeze injury, protecting foliage and any remaining viable fruit is critical for both current and next season’s production.

Programs should prioritize control of apple scab, fire blight (where bloom remains), powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust, especially given increasing ascospore maturity and the upcoming wetting period.

Recommended Programs

• Protectant + single-site tank mix:
  • Mancozeb or Captan + single-site fungicide (use reduced rate when tank mixing)
• FRAC 3 (DMI fungicides):
  • Rally, Indar, Inspire Super, Topguard, Cevya
  • Strong activity on scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust
• FRAC 7 fungicides:
  • Fontelis, Miravis, Sercadis
  • Effective for scab and mildew, but limited rust activity
  • Reserve Aprovia for summer bitter rot programs (max 4 applications)
• FRAC 7 + 11 or 7 + 9 premixes:
  • Merivon, Luna Sensation, Luna Tranquility, Pristine
  • Broad-spectrum activity; good fit during high scab pressure periods
• FRAC 9 or FRAC 1 fungicides:
  • Vangard, Scala, Topsin
  • Useful for scab, but do not control cedar apple rust
• Fire blight management:
  • Rotate Kasugamycin, Streptomycin, and Oxytetracycline
  • Kasumin is labeled only through bloom/petal fall
  • Streptomycin and oxytetracycline can be used post-bloom (note: FireLine 45 allows only 1 post-bloom application)
  • Consider Actigard, Apogee/Kudos, or other plant defense elicitors where appropriate

Key Reminders

• Time applications ahead of rain events – a significant infection period is forecasted around April 25–26
• Apply on a 3–7 day interval, tightening to 3–5 days during high-risk periods
• Do not relax fungicide programs despite crop loss – protecting foliage is critical for return bloom
• Powdery mildew remains active under dry conditions
• Do not tank mix Captan with oil due to phytotoxicity risk
• Rotate FRAC groups and preserve FRAC 11 fungicides for summer use

Monitor:

• NEWA models
• Weather/wetting events
• Phenology

Early control is critical to avoiding season-long pressure.

Ambrosia Beetle

• Significant flight activity has been observed across New Jersey, with high trap captures reported in multiple counties
• Activity remains elevated, particularly following recent warm temperatures
• Continue monitoring closely, especially in stressed, freeze-damaged, declining, or newly planted blocks, which remain highly susceptible
• Freeze-injured trees may be more attractive to ambrosia beetles, increasing risk even in blocks with little to no crop

Codling Moth (CM)

• Biofix has been set for southern New Jersey as of April 20, 2026
• No trap capture has occurred in northern New Jersey this season
• Begin tracking degree-day accumulations from this date to time management applications
• In blocks with viable crop, early-season control is important to prevent internal fruit feeding later in the season
• In blocks with little to no crop, CM management programs may be reduced, but monitoring should continue

• A significant freeze event has resulted in widespread blossom and fruit loss across many orchards
• Damage varies by block, and crop viability should be assessed before making management decisions
• Apple scab risk is approaching peak primary infection, with a major infection event forecasted around April 25–26—fungicide coverage is critical ahead of rain
• Fire blight risk remains in blocks with surviving bloom; continue monitoring models and applying bactericides as needed
• Even in low-crop blocks, maintaining disease control and tree health is essential to support return bloom for next season

Pear development progressed rapidly across New Jersey under recent warm temperatures; however, a significant freeze event has resulted in widespread injury to blossoms and young fruit.

Most European pear varieties in New Jersey were at full bloom to early petal fall during the freeze and are likely to have sustained substantial crop loss, especially in low-lying or frost-prone areas. Damage levels vary by block, and growers should assess viability over the coming days.

Asian pear varieties, which were generally slightly more advanced, may have experienced greater levels of injury in some locations due to increased sensitivity at later bloom stages. In northern counties, where bloom was still ongoing, damage appears more variable depending on site conditions.

Where viable fruit remains, development will continue into petal fall. Despite potential crop loss, maintaining disease management and overall tree health remains important to support return bloom and long-term productivity.

• Pear psylla activity remains generally low to moderate across southern New Jersey, though variability exists by block
• Freeze-damaged orchards may see increased psylla pressure, as stressed trees are more susceptible to colonization

Regional Observations:

• Gloucester County: None observed
• Salem County: Adults observed
• Burlington County: No activity observed to date
• Mercer County: No activity observed to date

As orchards move through petal fall and temperatures remain warm, psylla populations are expected to increase, particularly where eggs are already present.

Management Considerations

• Insecticide applications should target newly hatched nymphs, which are the most susceptible stage
• Timing is critical—applications shortly after egg hatch provide the most effective control
• Prioritize blocks with historically high pressure, current egg presence, or freeze stress
• Even in blocks with reduced crop, psylla management remains important to protect tree health and prevent honeydew/sooty mold buildup

Recommended Options

• Movento (IRAC 23) – excellent systemic control of psylla, scale, and aphids (apply with a spreading/penetrating adjuvant for best performance)
• Actara (IRAC 4A) – highly effective on psylla and aphids
• Assail (IRAC 4A) – good activity on psylla and multiple pests
• Belay (IRAC 4A) – effective option for psylla control
• Centaur (IRAC 16) – targets immature stages
• Sivanto Prime (IRAC 4D) – effective, softer option with good activity
• Agri-mek (IRAC 6) – strong option when applied with oil/adjuvant, especially for nymph control

Fire Blight and Early Season Management

As pear orchards move through petal fall, the primary bloom infection period is largely complete; however, fire blight risk remains a concern, particularly under warm conditions and in blocks with freeze-injured tissue.

The recent freeze may increase susceptibility, as damaged blossoms and succulent regrowth provide entry points for infection, especially during rain, wind, or rapid shoot growth.

At Petal Fall and Post-Bloom:

• Continue monitoring forecasts using NEWA for blight risk, especially following storms
• Discontinue streptomycin after petal fall (not labeled beyond this stage)
• Kasumin may be used up to petal fall only; do not apply afterward
• Focus on protecting actively growing shoots, particularly during warm, wet, or stormy conditions
• In high-risk situations, oxytetracycline (e.g., Mycoshield/FireLine) may be used post-bloom for shoot blight suppression

Management Considerations:

• Watch closely for trauma events (hail, wind, heavy rain), which can trigger infections
• Maintain heightened awareness in blocks with a history of fire blight or freeze injury
• Rapid shoot growth under warm conditions increases susceptibility—vigorous orchards are at higher risk
• Be prepared to transition to post-bloom shoot blight management strategies, including timely antibiotic applications where appropriate

Fungicide Considerations (Post-Bloom)

• Maintain protectant fungicides (e.g., Mancozeb, Ziram) for pear scab and Fabraea leaf spot
• Use FRAC 3, 7, and premix fungicides (e.g., Inspire Super, Merivon, Luna products) for broad-spectrum disease control
• Rotate FRAC groups to manage resistance and maintain program efficacy
• Continue coverage even in low-crop blocks to protect foliage and support return bloom

Pear Scab

RIMpro modeling indicates that infection risk is increasing rapidly, with a significant infection period developing April 25–27. Infection values are reaching moderate to high levels, indicating strong potential for primary infections during this window.

Ascospore availability remains high, and with forecasted wetting events and increasing susceptibility, this represents a critical period for disease management. Even as trees move beyond bloom, maintaining coverage is essential to prevent the establishment of primary scab infections.

At and Past Petal Fall

• Maintain protective fungicide coverage, especially ahead of the April 25–27 infection period
• Apply prior to rain events, as infection occurs during leaf wetness periods
• If ≥2 inches of rainfall occurs after an application, consider reapplication to maintain protection
• Conditions are favorable for infection under cool, wet weather with extended leaf wetness

Recommended Options

• Protectants: Mancozeb, Ziram, Ferbam
• Resistance-risk materials: Procure, Cevya, Flint, Merivon, Luna Sensation, Inspire Super
• Vangard – use in tank mix with a protectant

A significant freeze event has resulted in widespread blossom and fruit loss in many New Jersey pear orchards, with damage varying by block and site conditions.

• Most pear varieties in southern counties are now at petal fall to early post-bloom, while northern counties range from full bloom to late bloom
• Asian pear varieties, which were more advanced, may have experienced greater levels of freeze injury in some locations
• Pear psylla pressure remains low to moderate, but populations are expected to increase with warm temperatures and may be higher in freeze-stressed blocks
• Insecticide applications can resume at petal fall, with a focus on targeting early nymph hatch and prioritizing high-pressure or stressed orchards
• Pear scab risk is increasing, with a high-risk infection period forecasted around April 25–27—fungicide coverage should be maintained ahead of rainfall
• Fire blight risk remains elevated, particularly in blocks with freeze injury and actively growing shoots; monitor for trauma events and late infection risk
• Even in blocks with reduced crop, maintaining disease control and tree health is critical to support return bloom and productivity next season
• Continued scouting and close monitoring of weather conditions, pest activity, and tree response will be essential over the next 7–10 days

• Peach and nectarine development progressed rapidly across New Jersey under recent warm temperatures; however, a significant freeze event has resulted in widespread injury to blossoms and young fruit, particularly in southern counties.
• Most varieties in southern New Jersey were at shuck split during the freeze, a highly sensitive stage, and are likely to have sustained substantial crop loss, especially in low-lying or frost-prone areas. In northern counties, where bloom was still ongoing, damage appears more variable depending on site conditions and variety.
• Development will continue to advance under favorable temperatures, with any surviving fruit progressing through shuck split into early fruit development. Over the coming week, growers should assess crop viability at the block level as injury becomes more apparent.
• Despite potential crop loss, maintaining disease management and overall tree health remains important to support return bloom and long-term productivity.

Blossom blight risk is declining as orchards move through petal fall; however, brown rot remains a concern on young fruitlets, particularly under warm, wet conditions. The recent freeze may have increased susceptibility, as damaged blossoms and fruitlets can serve as infection sites.

Infection is favored during wetting periods between 41–86°F (optimal mid-70s), and risk remains elevated during extended wet periods. Fruitlets remain susceptible through shuck split, after which natural resistance begins to increase.

Management Considerations

• Maintain fungicide coverage through petal fall and into early cover, especially ahead of rainfall
• Focus on protecting young fruitlets, particularly in blocks with a history of brown rot
• If prolonged wetting occurred during bloom, ensure continued protection post-bloom
• Rotate fungicide chemistries to reduce resistance risk

Recommended Petal Fall / Early Cover Materials

• Effective options:
  • Indar, Inspire Super, Luna Sensation, Merivon, Pristine, Cevya, Flint Extra
• Additional options:
  • Rovral (prior to petal fall timing only)
  • Captan (useful in cover sprays)

Notes:

• Many of the most effective materials (FRAC 7, 11, 3) also play key roles in pre-harvest brown rot control—plan rotations accordingly
• Avoid over-reliance on any single FRAC group
• Abound and Quadris Top are highly effective, but are phytotoxic to apples—do not use if the same sprayer is used across crops

Petal Fall / Early Cover Disease Programs

• Peach scab:
  • Cankers begin to expand at bloom and by shuck split begin to shed spores during wetting periods, so protective applications should be initiated starting at petal fall.
  • Captan or Captan/Topsin combinations are good for cover sprays after shuck split for blocks that had scab last year.
  • Apply Flint Extra or Abound at petal fall for anti-sporulant activity in high-pressure blocks.

• Bacterial spot:
  • Begin protection at petal fall in susceptible blocks using copper or Mycoshield, especially under warm, wet conditions.
  • Avoid combining copper with captan especially if it has been overcast for several days.
• Rusty spot:
  • Programs should begin at petal fall, with Rally commonly used as the first application.

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM)

• OFM traps are active across New Jersey, with biofix set for April 7 in South NJ and April 15 for most counties in North NJ.
• Degree-day accumulation should be tracked from this date to properly time first-generation management. The first insecticides for first generation Oriental Fruit Moth control should be applied at 170-200 degree days (base 45 deg F) after biofix. This timing generally coincides with petal fall in peaches. Do not apply insecticides until all bloom is off regardless of degree day timing. No Insecticides for OFM should be needed where Mating Disruption is implemented.
• As blocks move through petal fall, growers should begin preparing for first cover applications targeting OFM larvae. Timings can be calculated using the degree day calculator at the NEWA website by choosing the weather station nearest your farm, entering the biofix date as the start date, and choosing base 45 in the “degree day type” menu.
• Keep in mind that plum curculio is also active at petal fall so an insecticide that targets both pests should be selected, like Asana or Avaunt.

OFM 1st Generation Timing
		Insecticide Type
County/Region	Degree Days by 4/24 base 45	Conventional 170-200, 350-375	Diamide 100-150, 300-350
Gloucester – Southern	235	1st –4/18-4/23 2nd –	1st –past 2nd –
Middlesex – Northern	133	1st –4/30-5/2 2nd –	1st – 4/22-4/28 2nd –

Scale

• Delayed dormant oil applications are complete for most orchards.
• Where oil was not applied or in orchards where scale is a recurring problem, an application of Centaur at petal fall or Movento between petal fall and shuck split should “clean up” problem blocks. Centaur is recommended at 34.5 ozs./ac and Movento should be applied at 6-9 ozs./ac. A penetrant must be included to Movento as per the product label. Movento will also control green peach aphid when used at this time.
• Continue monitoring historically infested blocks and planning for crawler management later in the season if populations persist.

Green Peach Aphid

• GPA colonies begin forming sometime during bloom. Examine trees for the presence of colonies from pink to shuck split.
• Continue scouting as terminals expand, and colonies begin to establish.
• Count the number of colonies on ten trees and use a treatment threshold:
  • Nectarines: 1 colony per tree
  • Peaches: 2–3 colonies per tree

Lesser and Greater Peach Tree Borers

• Growers using mating disruption for borer control can begin placing dispensers around the end of April and should have them in place by mid-May.

Petal Fall Considerations

Insecticide applications can resume at petal fall.

• Target key pests including:
  • OFM (timed by degree-days from biofix)
  • Plum curculio
  • Tarnished plant bug and other catfacing isnects
  • Green peach aphid

Early applications should focus on preventing the establishment of first-generation pests, particularly in blocks with a history of pressure

Recommended Petal Fall Options

• OFM / Leafrollers:
  • Altacor, Asana, Delegate, Besiege, Voliam Flexi
• Plum Curculio / Catfacing Insects:
  • Imidan, Avaunt, Actara, pyrethroids (e.g., Warrior II, Lambda-Cy)
• Green Peach Aphid:
  • Assail, Actara, Admire Pro

• Most peach and nectarine varieties in southern New Jersey are at petal fall to shuck split, while northern counties are at full bloom to petal fall.
• The freeze event earlier this week has resulted in significant impact across the state, although the effect on projected crop yield is currently unknown.
• Brown rot risk remains present, particularly during wetting events, with young fruitlets susceptible through shuck split.
• Maintain fungicide coverage through petal fall and into early cover, especially ahead of rainfall.
• OFM biofix was set for 4/7 for southern counties and 4/15 for northern counties, and growers should continue tracking degree-day accumulation to time first-generation management.
• Insecticide applications can resume at petal fall, targeting key pests including OFM, plum curculio, tarnished plant bug, and green peach aphid.

Apple phenology continues to progress across New Jersey, with development advancing rapidly under recent warm temperatures. Observations indicate that most varieties statewide are at pink bud, while early varieties in southern counties, such as Pink Lady, have entered bloom.

This stage marks a critical transition in disease management, particularly for fire blight, apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust, while also representing an important period for early-season insect management and monitoring.

Phenology Dates by County (earliest varieties)

County	Green Tip	Tight Cluster	Pink Bud	Bloom
Cumberland	3/22	3/28	4/3	4/8
Gloucester	3/22	3/28	4/3	4/8
Burlington	3/22	3/28	4/2	4/13
Mercer	3/22	3/28	4/2	4/13
Middlesex	3/22	4/1	4/4	4/14
Monmouth	3/22	4/1	4/4	4/14
Hunterdon	3/22	4/1	4/10	4/17
Morris	3/26	4/4	4/11	4/17
Warren	3/30	4/4	4/13	4/17
Sussex	3/31	4/10	4/14	TBD
Bergen	3/22	4/1	4/4	4/14

Models

Apple scab infection risk continues to increase as we move through bloom. Models available through NEWA and RIMpro. indicate that ascospore maturity is progressing rapidly, and we are entering a critical period for primary infection.

While conditions have been relatively dry over the past several days, upcoming weather patterns may result in infection events. Growers should continue to monitor forecasts closely and maintain fungicide coverage, particularly during bloom when susceptibility is high.

Current Update using the Upper Deerfield Station

• ~58% ascospore maturity as of April 15–17
• ~28% cumulative ascospore discharge to date
• Forecasted to reach ~65–75% maturity by April 18–21
• Cumulative ascospore discharge forecasted to increase to ~57–58% by April 19–20

Management Considerations

Fungicide applications should be maintained through bloom, prior to predicted infection events.

Programs should prioritize control of fire blight, apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust, especially in blocks at full bloom or entering petal fall.

Recommended Programs

• Protectant + single-site tank mix:
  • Mancozeb + single-site fungicide (use reduced rate when tank mixing)
• FRAC 3 (DMI fungicides):
  • Rally, Indar, Inspire Super, Topguard, Cevya
  • Provide strong activity on scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust

• FRAC 7 fungicides:
  • Fontelis, Miravis, Sercadis
  • Effective for scab and mildew, but limited rust activity
  • Reserve Aprovia for summer bitter rot programs (max 4 applications)
• FRAC 9 or FRAC 1 fungicides:
  • Vangard, Scala, Topsin
  • Useful for scab, but do not control cedar apple rust
• Rotation of Kasugamycin, Streptomycin and Oxytetratracycline for fire blight
  • Kasumin is only labeled for bloom and petal fall applications
  • Streptomycin and oxytetracycline are labeled for post bloom use (note that Fireline 45 only allows for 1 postbloom application on apple).
  • The addition of Actigard, Apogee/Kudos, or other plant defense elicitors may improve control.

Monitor:

• NEWA models
• Weather/wetting events
• Phenology

Early control is critical to avoiding season-long pressure.

Ambrosia Beetle

• Significant flight activity has been observed across New Jersey, with high trap captures reported in multiple counties.
• Activity is increasing in all regions.
• Continue monitoring activity closely, particularly in stressed, declining, or newly planted blocks, which remain most susceptible.
• Growers should remain alert, as peak flight activity typically coincides with warm temperatures during bloom.

Mating Disruption Timing

• Codling moth (CM) mating disruption should be deployed by bloom (pink–early bloom timing is ideal).
• Most counties are now at bloom, and applications should be completed immediately if not already done.

• Apply on a 3–7 day interval during bloom, tightening ahead of rain
• Powdery mildew can develop under dry conditions
• Do not tank mix Captan with oil due to phytotoxicity risk
• Rotate FRAC groups and preserve FRAC 11 fungicides for summer use

Pear development has progressed rapidly across New Jersey, with warm temperatures accelerating bloom.

Most European pear varieties are now early-petal-fall in southern counties.

Asian pear varieties remain slightly more advanced, with many blocks in southern counties moving through late bloom into early petal fall, and northern plantings at full bloom to late bloom.

Pear psylla activity continues to be variable across southern New Jersey, though pressure remains generally low to moderate in most orchards. Earlier oil applications, particularly where combined with materials such as Esteem, have likely helped suppress early populations.

• Gloucester County: None observed
• Salem County: Adults observed
• Burlington County: No activity observed to date
• Mercer County: No activity observed to date

As orchards move through petal fall, psylla populations are expected to increase with continued warm temperatures.

At Petal Fall:

• Continue monitoring for adults, eggs, and early nymph hatch
• Use beating trays to assess adult activity
• Examine developing shoots and leaf undersides for eggs and emerging nymphs

Management Considerations:

• Insecticide applications can resume at petal fall, targeting early nymph stages
• Timing is critical—applications shortly after egg hatch provide the most effective control
• Prioritize blocks with historically high pressure or current egg presence

Recommended Petal Fall Options:

• Movento – excellent systemic control of psylla, scale, and aphids (use with a spreading-penetrating adjuvant to improve efficacy)
• Also effective options at petal fall: Actara, Assail, Belay, Centaur, Sivanto Prime, and Agri-mek

Management should focus on targeting newly hatched nymphs, as this stage is the most susceptible and critical for preventing population buildup.

Fire Blight and Early Season Management

As pear orchards move through petal fall, the primary bloom infection period is wrapping up; however, fire blight risk remains elevated under warm conditions. Bacteria can still spread to young tissues, particularly during periods of rain, wind, or rapid growth.

At Petal Fall and Post-Bloom:

• Continue to monitor forecasts using NEWA for any late infection or trauma blight risk
• Discontinue streptomycin use after petal fall (not labeled beyond this stage)
• Kasumin may be used up to petal fall, but should not be applied afterward
• Focus on protecting actively growing shoots, especially during warm, wet, or stormy conditions

Management Considerations:

• Watch for trauma events (hail, wind, heavy rain), which can trigger infections
• Maintain awareness in blocks with a history of fire blight
• Be prepared to transition to post-bloom management strategies if conditions remain favorable

Pear Scab

RIMpro modeling continues to indicate that ascospore availability remains high, and infection risk persists during wetting events. As trees move beyond bloom, maintaining coverage remains critical to prevent primary infections.

At Petal Fall:

• Maintain protective fungicide coverage, especially ahead of rainfall
• Apply prior to wetting events, as infections occur during leaf wetness periods
• If ≥2 inches of rainfall occurs after an application, consider reapplication to maintain coverage

Recommended Options:

• Protectants: Mancozeb, Ziram, Ferbam
• Resistance-risk materials: Procure, Cevya, Flint, Merivon, Luna Sensation, Inspire Super, Vangard (tank mix with protectant)

• Most pear varieties across southern New Jersey are now at petal fall, with some blocks moving into early post-bloom stages; northern counties remain at full bloom to late bloom.
• Asian pear varieties remain slightly more advanced, with many blocks at petal fall.
• Pear psylla pressure remains low to moderate, likely due in part to prior oil applications, particularly where combined with Esteem.
• Insecticide applications can resume at petal fall, with a focus on targeting early nymph hatch.
• Growers should continue scouting for adults, eggs, and newly hatched nymphs to guide post-bloom management decisions.
• Recent and forecasted wetting events continue to support pear scab infection risk, and fungicide coverage should be maintained.
• Fire blight risk remains elevated, particularly under warm conditions; monitor for trauma events and late infection risk.
• Continued scouting and close monitoring of weather conditions and tree growth will be critical over the next 7–10 days as post-bloom disease and insect pressure develop.

• 

  Figure 1. Peach at shuck split in Gloucester County, NJ.

  Peach and nectarine development has progressed rapidly across New Jersey, with warm temperatures accelerating bloom and early fruit set.

• Most varieties in southern counties are now at petal fall to early shuck split (Figure 1), while northern counties are at full bloom, with some earlier varieties at petal fall.
• Development is expected to continue advancing quickly under continued warm conditions, with southern blocks moving further into early fruit development stages over the next week.

Blossom blight risk declines as orchards move through petal fall; however, infections can still occur on remaining blossoms and young fruitlets under favorable conditions.

Infection is favored during wetting periods between 41–86°F, with optimal conditions in the mid-70s, and risk remains elevated during extended wet periods. Fruitlets remain susceptible until shuck split, when natural resistance begins to increase.

Management Considerations

• Maintain fungicide coverage through petal fall and into early cover, especially ahead of rainfall
• Focus on protecting young fruitlets, particularly in blocks with a history of brown rot
• If prolonged wetting occurred during bloom, ensure continued protection post-bloom
• Rotate fungicide chemistries to reduce resistance risk

Recommended Petal Fall / Early Cover Materials

• Effective options:
  • Indar, Inspire Super, Luna Sensation, Merivon, Pristine, Cevya, Flint Extra
• Additional options:
  • Rovral (prior to petal fall timing only)
  • Captan (useful in cover sprays)

Notes:

• Many of the most effective materials (FRAC 7, 11, 3) also play key roles in pre-harvest brown rot control—plan rotations accordingly
• Avoid over-reliance on any single FRAC group
• Abound and Quadris Top are highly effective, but are phytotoxic to apples—do not use if the same sprayer is used across crops

Petal Fall / Early Cover Considerations: 

• Peach scab:
  • Apply Flint Extra or Abound at petal fall for anti-sporulant activity in high-pressure blocks
• Bacterial spot:
  • Begin protection at petal fall in susceptible blocks using copper or Mycoshield, especially under warm, wet conditions
• Rusty spot:
  • Programs should begin at petal fall, with Rally commonly used as the first application

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM)

OFM traps are active across southern New Jersey, with biofix set for April 7 in South NJ and April 15 for most counties in North NJ.

Degree-day accumulation should be tracked from this date to properly time first-generation management. The first insecticides for first generation Oriental Fruit Moth control should be applied at 170-200 degree days (base 45 deg F) after biofix. This timing generally coincides with petal fall in peaches. Do not apply insecticides until all bloom is off regardless of degree day timing. No Insecticides for OFM should be needed where Mating Disruption is implemented.

As blocks move through petal fall, growers should begin preparing for first cover applications targeting OFM larvae. Timings can be calculated using the degree day calculator at the NEWA website by choosing the weather station nearest your farm, entering the biofix date as the start date, and choosing base 45 in the “degree day type” menu.

Keep in mind that plum curculio is also active at petal fall so an insecticide that targets both pests should be selected.

OFM 1st Generation Timing
		Insecticide Type
County/Region	Degree Days by 4/19 base 45	Conventional 170-200, 350-375	Diamide 100-150, 300-350
Gloucester – Southern	178	1st –4/18-4/23 2nd –	1st –past 2nd –
Middlesex – Northern	101	1st –4/27-4/29 2nd –	1st – 4/19-4/25 2nd –

Scale

• Delayed dormant oil applications are complete for most orchards.
• Continue monitoring historically infested blocks and plan for crawler management later in the season if populations persist.

Green Peach Aphid

• GPA colonies begin forming sometime during bloom. Examine trees for the presence of colonies from pink to shuck split.
• Continue scouting as terminals expand and colonies begin to establish.
• Count the number of colonies on ten trees and use a treatment threshold:
  • Nectarines: 1 colony per tree
  • Peaches: 2–3 colonies per tree

Petal Fall Considerations

Insecticide applications can resume at petal fall

• Target key pests including:
  • OFM (timed by degree-days from biofix)
  • Plum curculio
  • Tarnished plant bug and other catfacing isnects
  • Green peach aphid

Early applications should focus on preventing the establishment of first-generation pests, particularly in blocks with a history of pressure

Recommended Petal Fall Options

• OFM / Leafrollers:
  • Altacor, Delegate, Besiege, Voliam Flexi
• Plum Curculio / Catfacing Insects:
  • Imidan, Avaunt, Actara, pyrethroids (e.g., Warrior II, Lambda-Cy)
• Green Peach Aphid:
  • Assail, Actara, Admire Pro

• Most peach and nectarine varieties in southern New Jersey are now at petal fall to early shuck split, while northern counties are at full bloom.
• Development has progressed rapidly under recent warm temperatures and will continue advancing quickly with favorable weather.
• Brown rot risk remains present, particularly during wetting events, with young fruitlets susceptible through shuck split.
• Maintain fungicide coverage through petal fall and into early cover, especially ahead of rainfall.
• OFM biofix was set for 4/7 for southern counties and 4/15 for northern counties, and growers should continue tracking degree-day accumulation to time first-generation management.
• Insecticide applications can resume at petal fall, targeting key pests including OFM, plum curculio, and green peach aphid.
• Delayed dormant oil timing has passed; focus should shift to in-season insect monitoring and management.
• Continue scouting for green peach aphid, with treatment thresholds of 1 colony/tree in nectarines and 2–3 colonies/tree in peaches.
• Continued scouting and timely applications will be critical over the next 7–10 days as crop development and pest pressure increase.

Apple phenology continues to progress across New Jersey, with development advancing rapidly under recent warm temperatures. Observations indicate that most varieties statewide are at pink bud, while early varieties in southern counties, such as Pink Lady, have entered bloom. 

This stage marks a critical transition in disease management, particularly for apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust, while also representing an important period for early-season insect management and monitoring. 

Phenology Dates by County (earliest varieties)

County	Green Tip	Tight Cluster	Pink Bud	Bloom
Cumberland	3/22	3/28	4/3	4/8
Gloucester	3/22	3/28	4/3	4/8
Burlington	3/22	3/28	4/2	TBD
Mercer	3/22	3/28	4/2	TBD
Middlesex	3/22	4/1	4/4	TBD
Monmouth	3/22	TBD	4/4	TBD
Hunterdon	3/22	TBD	TBD	TBD
Morris	3/26	TBD	TBD	TBD
Warren	3/30	TBD	TBD	TBD
Sussex	3/31	TBD	TBD	TBD
Bergen	3/22	4/1	TBD	TBD

Models

Apple scab models are available through NEWA and RIMpro. Current models indicate that ascospore maturity is increasing rapidly, with infection risk expected to rise significantly as we move through bloom. While no major infection events are currently forecast for the next several days, growers should continue to monitor the weather closely and maintain fungicide coverage

Current Update using the Upper Deerfield Station

• ~40% maturity on April 8  
• ~42% maturity on April 9  
• ~28% cumulative ascospore discharge to date 
• Forecasted to reach ~48–59% by April 10–15 

Management Considerations

As apples progress from pink through bloom, maintaining fungicide coverage is critical, as ascospore maturity and discharge increase rapidly during this period. Growers should select fungicides that protect against apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust, particularly in susceptible varieties and southern counties where bloom is underway. 

Keep in mind that powdery mildew favors warm, dry conditions and does not require rainfall for infection, while cedar apple rust management becomes increasingly important from pink through bloom.  

Recommended fungicide programs include: 

• Mancozeb + single-site fungicide tank mix (use half-rate mancozeb when tank mixing with resistance-risk fungicides)  
• FRAC 3 fungicides (DMI), including Rally, Procure, Indar, Inspire Super, Topguard, or Cevya for strong activity against scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust  
• FRAC 7 fungicides, including Fontelis, Miravis, or Sercadis for scab and mildew control, though these provide limited/no cedar apple rust activity  (Aprovia should be saved for bitter rot management later in the season since it is limited to 4 applications per season)
• FRAC 9 fungicides, including Vangard or Scala for scab suppression, though ineffective on cedar apple rust   
• FRAC 1 fungicides, including Topsin, though ineffective on cedar apple rust

Important Notes: 

• Mancozeb remains highly effective for apple scab and cedar apple rust but does not control powdery mildew.  
• Avoid combining Captan with oil products due to the risk of phytotoxicity.  
• Consider saving some FRAC 11 materials for summer disease programs to assist with resistance management. 

Monitor:

• NEWA models
• Weather/wetting events
• Phenology

Early control is critical to avoiding season-long pressure.

Ambrosia Beetle:

• The first flight of the ambrosia beetle has been detected in southern New Jersey.  
• There has been minimal activity observed further north at this time. 
• Continue monitoring traps closely, particularly in stressed, declining, or newly planted blocks, as beetle activity is expected to increase with continued warming temperatures. 

Mating Disruption Timing:

• Codling moth (CM) mating disruption should be applied around pink. 
• Growers should begin preparing materials and planning applications now. 

• Apple phenology continues to progress rapidly across New Jersey, with most varieties at tight cluster to pink bud and early southern varieties entering bloom.  

• This stage marks a critical period for disease management, particularly for apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust, as well as key insect monitoring timings.  

• Apple scab ascospore maturity has increased to approximately 40–42% and is forecasted to reach 48–59% over the next week, increasing overall infection risk as bloom progresses.  

• No major infection events are currently forecast, but growers should continue to monitor the weather closely and maintain fungicide coverage ahead of rain events.  

• Fungicide programs should target apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust, with materials selected based on orchard phenology and disease pressure.  

• Southern counties entering bloom should maintain cedar apple rust protection and continue scouting for early-season insect activity.  

Pear phenology has advanced rapidly across southern New Jersey over the past week. Observations indicate that most European pear varieties are now in full bloom, with orchards progressing quickly under recent warm temperatures. 

Asian pear varieties remain slightly more advanced, with most blocks also at full bloom or moving toward late bloom in the earliest plantings. 

Pear psylla activity has remained variable across southern New Jersey. Observations from April 7 indicate differences by county: 

• Gloucester County: None observed  
• Burlington County: No activity observed to date  
• Mercer County: No activity observed to date  

Overall pressure remains relatively low in many orchards. This is likely due, in part, to recent oil applications, particularly where oil was combined with materials such as Esteem, which can suppress egg laying and early population development. 

At this stage (full bloom): 

• Continue monitoring for adults, eggs, and the onset of nymph hatch  
• Use beating trays to assess adult activity  
• Examine developing shoots and leaves for egg presence 

Management considerations:

• Do not apply insecticides during bloom due to pollinator protection restrictions.  
• Continue scouting to monitor psylla population development and identify blocks where pressure may increase rapidly.  
• Prepare for petal fall applications targeting early nymph hatch, as this timing is critical for effective suppression. 

Recommended post-bloom / petal fall options include: 

• Movento – excellent activity on pear psylla and aphids  
• Agri-Mek / Gladiator / Minecto Pro – strong knockdown where higher pressure exists  
• Delegate / Danitol / Warrior II / Lambda-Cy – additional options where adult populations remain elevated  
• Centaur / Sivanto Prime – softer alternatives for moderate pressure situations  

Management should focus on targeting newly hatched nymphs shortly after petal fall, when control is most effective. 

Fire Blight and Early Season Management

With pear orchards now in full bloom across southern New Jersey, fire blight risk is increasing significantly. Forecasted warm temperatures for next week, combined with moisture, create favorable conditions for bacterial multiplication, spread, and blossom infection. 

During bloom:

• Monitor weather closely and use forecasting models, such as NEWA, to track infection periods.  
• Apply bactericides when the first blossoms open, and repeat every 3–7 days during bloom as needed, based on weather/infection risk.  
• Streptomycin (Agri-Mycin/FireWall/Streptrol) remains a primary option for blossom blight protection.  
• Kasumin may also be used through petal fall.  
• Oxytetracycline products (Mycoshield/FireLine) may be rotated to manage resistance.  
• Rotate chemistries, when possible, to reduce resistance development. 

Pear Scab

RIMpro modeling for pear scab in Upper Deerfield indicates that infection risk has increased, with multiple infection periods observed in recent days and additional ascospores still available. Current modeling suggests that the inoculum remains available and that conditions continue to favor infection during wetting events. 

At bloom:

• Maintain protective fungicide coverage throughout bloom, especially ahead of forecasted rainfall.  
• Effective protectant options include Mancozeb, Ziram, or Ferbam.  
• Effective resistance-risk materials include Procure, Cevya, Flint, Merivon, Luna Sensation, Inspire Super, or Vangard (tank-mixed only).  
• Applications should be made prior to rainfall/wetting periods, as infections occur during wet conditions.  
• If 2 inches or more of rainfall occurs following an application, consider a follow-up spray to maintain coverage.  

Additional Considerations:

• Continue programs targeting pear scab, Fabraea leaf spot, and powdery mildew during bloom.  
• Asian pear blocks may require particularly close attention, as they often progress slightly ahead of European pears and may be more susceptible during bloom. 

• Most pear varieties across southern New Jersey are now at full bloom, with Asian pears generally slightly more advanced.   

• Reduced pressure in some blocks is likely due to prior oil applications, particularly where oil was combined with Esteem.  

• No insecticide applications should be made during bloom to protect pollinators.  

• Growers should continue scouting for adults, eggs, and early nymph hatch to prepare for post-bloom management decisions.  

• Recent rainfall and wetting events have increased disease pressure, particularly for pear scab and fire blight.  

• Protective fungicide programs should be maintained throughout bloom, with reapplication considered following 2 inches or more of rainfall.  

• Fire blight risk is increasing significantly during bloom, and growers should be prepared to apply antibiotics during infection periods if favorable conditions persist.  

• Continued scouting and close monitoring of weather conditions will be critical over the next 7–10 days as bloom progresses and disease/insect pressure increases. 

Peach and nectarine phenology have advanced rapidly across New Jersey over the past week. Most peach and nectarine varieties in southern counties are now in full bloom while northern counties are at pink, with some early varieties in southern New Jersey beginning to enter petal fall. Development is progressing quickly under recent warm temperatures. 

Blossom infections from the brown rot fungus can occur whenever pistils are exposed, and favorable environmental conditions are present. 

Infections can occur during any wetting period when temperatures are between 41 and 86°F, with optimal infection when wetting periods coincide with mid-70s temperatures. During extended wetting periods, blossoms may become infected regardless of temperature. 

Blossoms and fruitlets remain susceptible until the pistil desiccates, which typically occurs between petal fall and shuck split. 

Management Considerations

• Maintain fungicide coverage throughout bloom and petal fall, particularly ahead of wetting periods favorable for blossom blight infection.  
• If favorable weather persists, a third blossom blight spray may be warranted, noting some products are only labeled for two bloom applications.  
• Fungicides used during bloom should be rotated appropriately for resistance management and should not overly rely on chemistries intended for later pre-harvest brown rot control.  

Recommended Bloom-Stage Materials: 

• Vangard, Flint Extra, Inspire Super, Luna Sensation, or Rovral  
• Bravo Weather Stik (through shuck split only)  
• Fontelis, Indar, Luna Experience, Merivon, Pristine, Cevya, Orius, and Tilt are other rotational options but these should be saved to target brown rot at the pre harvest stage as these products all have a 0-day PHI
• Rally is also effective but consider saving this product to target rusty spot
• While Abound and Quadris Top are very effective to control this disease, they are highly phytotoxic to apples and should not be used if you are using the same sprayer on apples and peaches

Petal Fall / Early Cover Considerations: 

• Where peach scab has historically been problematic, Flint Extra at petal fall is advised for anti-sporulant activity.  
• For highly susceptible cultivars, warm/wet springs, or blocks with a history of bacterial spot, begin bacterial spot protection at petal fall with materials such as copper or Mycoshield.  
• Rusty spot programs should begin at petal fall, with Rally commonly used as the first application. 

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM)

• OFM traps were deployed this week in southern New Jersey counties.  
• Biofix for Oriental Fruit Moth was set to April 7, 2026, by Dr. Anne Nielsen.  
• Growers utilizing degree-day models should begin tracking accumulation from this date to properly time future management applications. 

Scale:

• Delayed dormant oil timing has now passed for most blocks.  
• Growers should continue monitoring historically infested blocks and prepare for crawler management later in the season if pressure persists.  

Green Peach Aphid:

• Continue scouting for green peach aphid colonies as terminals begin developing.  
• Treatment thresholds remain:  
  • 1 colony per tree in nectarines  
  • 2–3 colonies per tree in peaches  

Bloom/Petal Fall Considerations 

• Avoid insecticide applications during bloom to protect pollinators.  
• As blocks move through petal fall, growers should begin preparing for upcoming petal-fall insect management timings based on OFM degree-day accumulation. 

• Most peach and nectarine varieties in southern New Jersey are now at full bloom, with some early southern varieties beginning to enter petal fall.  
• Development has progressed rapidly under recent warm temperatures and will continue advancing quickly with favorable weather.  
• Brown rot infection risk remains present whenever blossoms are exposed under wet conditions, particularly between 41–86°F.  
• Blossoms and young fruit remain susceptible until pistil desiccation, typically between petal fall and shuck split.  
• Fungicide coverage should be maintained through bloom and petal fall, particularly ahead of wetting periods favorable for blossom blight infection.  
• OFM traps were deployed this week in southern counties, and biofix has been established as April 7, 2026.
• Growers should begin tracking degree-day accumulation from biofix to prepare for upcoming OFM management timings.  
• The delayed dormant oil timing has passed for most blocks, and focus should shift to in-season insect monitoring.  
• Continue scouting for green peach aphid, with treatment thresholds of 1 colony/tree in nectarines and 2–3 colonies/tree in peaches.  
• Avoid insecticide applications during bloom to protect pollinators.  
• Continued scouting and timely applications will be critical over the next 7–10 days as phenology and pest pressure continue to progress.