Disease management considerations

Primary scab season is coming to an end or has ended. While the majority of mature ascospores have been released, there is still a risk of infection. An apple scab infection period occurred over the weekend (5/9-5/11) and currently the forecast indicates an apple scab infection period for May 13-14. Rust infection is also a risk during this time. These diseases need to be managed even if you have little to no apple crop in order to maintain healthy trees and keep inoculum low going into next season. A conservative spray program can focus on broad-spectrum fungicides, such as mancozeb, captan, ziram, and sulfur. Mancozeb is the only broad-spectrum product to control rust while sulfur is the only broad-spectrum product to control powdery mildew.

Marssonina Blotch, Glomerella Leaf Spot, and Frogeye Leaf Spot (Figure 1) should be managed as these diseases will cause defoliation and provide a source of inoculum for black rot and bitter rot next season.  Maintain coverage of captan, manzate, or ziram prior to rain events through the growing season according to the cover spray rule of applications every 2” of rain or 14 days, whichever comes first.

Figure 1. Frogeye leaf spot on apple.

For those who have fruit on their trees, there are additional fungicide options to consider particularly to manage bitter rot and sooty blotch & flyspeck. Products such as Merivon, Luna Sensation, Inspire Super, Omega, and Aprovia are effective, and can be combined or rotated with broad spectrum fungicides such as captan and ziram for sustained control.

Fireblight

Infections can still occur post bloom. Products such as Apogee or Kudos mixed with plant defense inducers like Actigard should be used for the management of shoot blight. If there is still some bloom, apply antibiotics when infection events are forecasted using the NEWA fire blight model. A potential infection period is predicted for May 13-14. Remember to rotate streptomycin and oxytetracycline products. If symptoms appear, it is generally recommended to cut out infected limbs and remove them from the orchard when possible; however, this is a practical decision that must be made. Applications of Prohexadione calcium (Kudos or Apogee) are highly recommended to help slow infections. Repeated applications may be necessary to help control shoot blight from previous blossom infections, or leftover cankers in the trees.

Codling Moth: A Codling Moth Biofix was set in Southern counties on 4/20 and in Northern counties on 5/5. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates. Where Mating Disruption has been employed, supplemental Madex applications should be made at the timings listed below.

	Codling Moth Degree Day Timing
		Application and Insecticide Type
County Area	Biofix	Rimon: 75-100DD + 14-17 days later		Intrepid 150 + 450 DD Diamides – Altacor, Voliam mixes: (150-200 DD)		Madex 250 DD + every 7-9 days during brood hatch (later if first spray is an IGR)	Standard Insecticides –  Delegate, Avaunt, OP’s, carbamates, pyrethroids 250 DD + 550 DD
DD		75	100	150	450	250	250	550
Southern	April 20	Past	Past	5/9	Too far off	5/19	5/19	Too far off
Northern	May 5	5/12	5/14	5/19	Too far off	Too far off	Too far off	Too far off

Rosy Apple Aphid: Aphid activity has been very low to start this season. RAA can feed extensively on foliage and terminals, causing leaf curling and stunting. This can impact next year’s fruit that will be set in this season. Without fruit, the trees may tolerate a higher threshold of these pests, but they should still be managed. Monitor for colonies during bloom and use a treatment threshold of 1 colony/tree at petal fall.

Green Apple (Spirea) Aphids (GAA): GAA colonies are being observed in some apple blocks. GAA is generally a pest that can be tolerated since they do little direct damage. Treatment thresholds for GAA are if 50% of the shoots are infested with no beneficial insects present. Movento will also control GAA and should control scale when applied in mid-May, and suppress scale when applied in late May or early June.

Ambrosia Beetle: Trap captures have decreased from previous weeks in South Jersey, indicating peak flight has ended. However, in some of the most Northern New Jersey counties, trap captures are increasing, which indicates we are entering peak flight. Infested trees should be showing signs of stress or will be soon. Once these beetles bore into the trunk, they will form a gallery in the heartwood of the tree to lay their eggs and farm the ambrosia fungus to feed themselves and their larvae. Once the female lays her eggs, it will take about 30 days for them to become adults and emerge from their host tree to begin the second flight. If you have had a history of this pest in your orchard, you should begin scouting for damage and flag any trees that have been attacked for continued monitoring.

Although the primary bloom infection period is largely complete, fire blight remains a concern during warm and wet periods. Continue to protect 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. Maintain protectant fungicides (e.g., Mancozeb, Ziram) for rust, scab and Fabraea leaf spot to protect foliage. Use FRAC 3, 7, and premix fungicides (e.g., Inspire Super, Merivon, Luna products) where needed for foliar disease control. In blocks with little to no fruit, fungicide programs can often be reduced and focused on maintaining healthy foliage rather than fruit protection.

Second generation pear psylla adults and eggs have been observed in southern counties. Options for control include Actara, Assail, and Belay (IRAC group 4A), Sivanto Prime (IRAC group 4D), Delegate (IRAC Group 5), and products containing abamectin (IRAC group 6). Other options include Movento (IRAC Group 23). The addition of 0.25-1 gal of summer oil may improve control. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions regarding the addition of penetrants for these products.

Given the widespread crop loss in many orchards, disease management programs should be adjusted accordingly. With little to no fruit present in most blocks, emphasis should shift away from fruit protection and toward maintaining tree health and reducing inoculum for next season.

• Peach scab:
  • In orchards without a history of high disease pressure, scab is generally not a concern in the absence of fruit
  • In blocks with a history of scab, lesions can still develop on current-season shoots and serve as inoculum for next year
  • In these situations, a reduced program may be warranted, with Captan applications timed ahead of significant rainfall events (e.g., ~2.5 lb/A)

• 

  Figure 2. Bacterial leaf spot on peach.

• Bacterial spot:
  • Maintain low-rate copper programs to protect foliage and reduce inoculum for future seasons
  • Particularly important in blocks with a history of bacterial spot or under warm, wet conditions
  • Avoid combining copper with captan, especially following extended cloudy or slow-drying conditions
  • Antibiotics containing oxytetracycline may also be used and may offer more residual activity during long wetting periods.
  • We have observed bacterial leaf spot symptoms in the field starting in early May (Figure 2).

 

• Rusty spot and brown rot:
  • Not a concern in blocks with little to no fruit
  • Fungicide applications targeting these diseases can be eliminated in most orchards this season.

Insect management programs in peaches and nectarines should be adjusted this season based on reduced crop load. In blocks with little to no fruit, many fruit-feeding pests will not require treatment; however, monitoring should continue, and management should focus on pests that impact tree health or future production.

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM)

A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/7 for southern counties and 4/15 in northern counties. The second insecticide timings for first generation Oriental Fruit Moth control fall at 350-375 degree days base 45 after biofix. No Insecticides for OFM are needed where mating disruption is implemented.

OFM 1st Generation Timing
		Insecticide Type
County/Region	Degree Days by 5/10 base 45	Conventional 170-200, 350-375	Diamide 100-150, 300-350
Gloucester – Southern	434	1st –past 2nd – past	1st –past 2nd –past
Middlesex – Northern	325	1st –past 2nd –5/12-514	1st – past 2nd –5/9-5/12

Green Peach Aphid: Aphid activity has been very low to start this season. GPA colonies usually begin forming sometime during bloom. Examine trees for the presence of aphids by counting the number of colonies on ten trees and use a treatment threshold of 2 colonies/tree at petal fall for peach, and 1 colony/tree for nectarine. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates. Aphid colonies curling leaves was noted in southern counties starting the week of 5/4.

Plum Curculio; Tarnished Plant Bugs; and Other Catfacing Insects: Injury on fruit from plum curculio has been observed on developing peaches and apples in southern counties (Fi

gure 3). Plum curculio start to move into orchards at about 88-100 degree days base 50 after January 1. Applications for PC should be initiated once all petals are off, with a second application made with ovicidal materials at 379-402 DD. We are currently past this treatment window as southern counties have accumulated about 508 DD base 50 and northern counties have accumulated 457 DD base 50. Growers can monitor degree day development at their site by finding the nearest weather station and using the degree day development tool at NEWA. Tarnished plant bug and catfacing insect activity has been low and is considered a low priority for management where fruit is not present. If you are planning to retain a crop, you must continue to intensively manage insect pests as you would in a normal season.

Scale Insects: White peach scale crawlers have not yet emerged but usually begin emergence about the third week of May and continue emergence until about the middle of June. San Jose scale crawlers typically begin emergence about late May or Early June and continue emergence for up to 6 weeks. Control options during crawler emergence include Esteem and Centaur. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide and the product labels for more information.

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.

Scouting activities were conducted across 139 fields in Burlington and Atlantic Counties. Field evaluations focused on the presence of leafrollers, spongy moths, plum curculio, and thrips. Insect activity remains low in beating tray samples and observations on developing fruit of feeding and oviposition injury.

Table 1. Beating Tray Data

	Leafrollers		Spongy Moth		Plum Curculio		Thrips
	Avg	High	Avg	High	Avg	High	Avg	High
4/17	0.0649	2	0.0001	0.1	0.0686	2.5	0.5547	9
4/25	0.0801	0.8	0.0001	0.1	0.1156	3	1.0383	26
5/1	0.1	0.8	0.0007	0.1	0.15	3	2.38	39
5/9	0.08	0.7	0	0	0.245	4.5	1.89	37

 

Table 2. Fruit Monitoring Data

	% Leafroller Berry Infestation		% Plum Curculio Berry Infestation
	Avg	High	Avg	High
5/9	0.125	1	0.235	2.6

 

Trap Monitoring: Cranberry and cherry fruitworm traps were deployed and will be monitored on a weekly basis.

Cherry fruitworm activity is increasing, indicating that adults are in flight and mating (Table 3).

Table 3. Trap Data

	Cranberry Fruitworm (AC)		Cherry Fruitworm (AC)		Cranberry Fruitworm (BC)		Cherry Fruitworm (BC)
	Avg	High	Avg	High	Avg	High	Avg	High
5/1	0	0	2.5	5	0	0	3.5	7
5/9	0	0	4.4	6	0	0	6.25	10
AC: Atlantic County, BC: Burlington County

 

Scale traps targeting Putnam and terrapin scale will be set up in the coming week to monitor for first-generation crawler emergence and to assist in optimizing treatment timing.

We are prebloom in vineyards in southern counties. The most important diseases to manage at this time are Phomopsis and Powdery Mildew. Starting at 3″ growth start managing for Black Rot. More information about early season disease control can be found in this blogpost from Virginia Tech.

We are catching first generation of grape berry moth in pheromone traps in vineyards; however, a biofix will not be set until early native varieties are at trace bloom. Insecticide timings will target control of later generations of grape berry moth in vineyards infesting developing fruit bunches. Spotted lanternfly nymphs have been observed in southern NJ vineyards (Figure 4). There is no need to control SLF at this time.

 

Apple phenology continued to progress across New Jersey over the past week, with most blocks now moving through bloom into petal fall. The impacts of the recent freeze event are now becoming more apparent, with significant injury observed in many orchards statewide. Early varieties in southern counties, such as ‘Pink Lady,’ sustained substantial damage where they were at full bloom during the freeze.

Later varieties and more northern regions show variable levels of injury depending on bloom stage and site conditions. In some blocks, later-developing blooms appear to have escaped damage and are setting limited fruit. Surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify, although some additional drop may still occur over the coming week.

As development continues into petal fall and early fruit set, 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 essential for overall tree health and to support 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	4/24
Morris	3/26	4/4	4/11	4/17	4/24
Warren	3/30	4/4	4/13	4/17	4/24
Sussex	3/31	4/10	4/14	4/18	4/24
Bergen	3/22	4/1	4/4	4/14	4/24

Apple scab season is approaching the end of primary ascospore release, with most ascospores now matured and a large proportion already discharged. We are transitioning out of peak primary infection risk; however, recent infection events and any established lesions can continue to drive secondary spread if not controlled.Recent wetting events earlier this week resulted in infection periods, but the upcoming forecast is relatively dry, which should limit additional infection risk in the short term. Growers should continue to monitor conditions closely and maintain coverage, particularly where primary infections may have already occurred. Models are available through NEWA and RIMpro

Current Update using the Upper Deerfield Station

• ~91–94% ascospore maturity as of April 29–May 1
• ~62–63% cumulative ascospore discharge to date
• Forecasted to reach ~95–98% maturity by May 2–6
• Cumulative ascospore discharge forecasted to increase to ~73% by May 2–6
• Infection events occurred April 29–30 under sufficient wetting and favorable temperatures
• Limited infection risk is forecast over the next several days due to dry conditions

While primary scab season is nearing completion, remaining ascospores and recent infection events mean that protection should be maintained until discharge is complete and orchards are scouted for lesions.

Management Considerations

Fungicide programs should be maintained through petal fall and early fruit set, particularly in blocks where infection events occurred this week. However, as primary scab season nears completion and ascospore maturity approaches full discharge, growers should begin planning to wind down intensive scab programs.

One additional well-timed fungicide application over the next week may be sufficient to protect against any remaining ascospore release and recent infection events. Following this, programs can be adjusted based on scouting and the presence or absence of lesions.

Despite widespread freeze injury, protecting foliage remains critical for tree health and return bloom. Programs should continue to prioritize apple scab until primary season is complete, along with powdery mildew and cedar apple rust. Fire blight protection should continue where bloom or trauma blight risk remains.

Recommended Programs

• Final primary scab spray (next 5–7 days):
  • Mancozeb or Captan + single-site fungicide (use reduced rate when tank mixing)
  • Time this application ahead of any remaining wetting events to protect against final ascospore discharge
• Primary scab season is nearing completion — begin transitioning out of intensive spray programs
• One final fungicide application over the next week should be sufficient in most blocks to cover remaining ascospore discharge
• Recent infection events occurred April 29–30 — ensure coverage was adequate and consider follow-up where needed
• After this final application, shift to scouting for primary lesions and adjust programs accordingly
• Do not fully relax programs where foliage health is still a priority, especially in blocks with any remaining crop
• Powdery mildew remains active under dry conditions
• Do not tank mix Captan with oil due to phytotoxicity risk

Fireblight

Models

Fire blight risk remains present as we move through the end of bloom and into early post-bloom, particularly in blocks with open blossoms or where freeze injury may have created additional infection sites. Recent conditions included wetting events on April 29–30; however, risk has been relatively low over the past few days.

Forecasts indicate increasing risk heading into early next week, with Cougarblight values rising and infection potential (EIP) expected to increase by May 5–6 under warmer conditions. These conditions may support infection if bloom remains or if trauma events occur.

Given the current outlook, one to two additional bactericide applications may be warranted, particularly in blocks with a history of fire blight, open bloom, or high-value varieties. Applications should be timed ahead of forecasted rain events where possible.

Management Considerations

• Consider 1–2 additional sprays.
  • Particularly important in blocks with open bloom, recent freeze injury, or known fire blight history
  • Time applications ahead of forecasted wetting events

• Rotate bactericides.
  • Streptomycin, Kasugamycin, and Oxytetracycline should be rotated to reduce resistance risk
  • Kasumin is labeled through bloom/petal fall only
  • Streptomycin and oxytetracycline may be used post-bloom (FireLine 45 allows only one post-bloom application)

• Monitor models closely.
  • Use Cougarblight and EIP tools to guide timing
  • Enter your last streptomycin application date to improve model accuracy

• Be aware of trauma blight risk.
  • Freeze injury, wind, or hail can create entry points for infection even after bloom

• Plan for aggressive sanitation this season.
  • With reduced crop in many blocks, this is an ideal year to focus on removing infected wood
  • Prune out blighted shoots and cankers during dry conditions to reduce inoculum for future seasons

Monitor:

• • NEWA models
  • Weather/wetting events
  • Phenology

Insect management programs should be adjusted this season based on reduced crop load in many orchards. In blocks with little to no fruit, many early-season insect pests will not require treatment; however, monitoring should continue, and management should be maintained where pests threaten tree health or next year’s crop.

• Ambrosia Beetle
  • No new significant flight activity has been observed in recent days
  • Peak flight period appears to have passed, though low-level activity may still occur
  • Continue monitoring traps, particularly in stressed, freeze-damaged, declining, or newly planted blocks
  • Freeze-injured trees may remain attractive, so risk is not fully eliminated
  • No additional insecticide applications are needed in most blocks at this time unless activity resumes or trees are under stress

• Codling Moth (CM)
  • Biofix has been set for southern New Jersey as of April 20, 2026
  • In blocks with little to no crop, CM management programs can often be reduced or delayed, as the risk of economic injury is low; however, monitoring should continue.
  • Mating disruption should remain in place where already deployed; do not remove dispensers, as they will continue to suppress populations
  • Where Mating Disruption has been employed or there is a reduced insecticide program, supplemental Madex applications can be made at the timings listed below if threshold exceeds 5 or more moths per trap per week.

	Codling Moth Degree Day Timing
		Application and Insecticide Type
County Area	Biofix	Rimon: 75-100DD + 14-17 days later		Intrepid 150 + 450 DD Diamides – Altacor, Voliam mixes: (150-200 DD)		Madex 250 DD + every 7-9 days during brood hatch (later if first spray is an IGR)	Standard Insecticides –  Delegate, Avaunt, OP’s, carbamates, pyrethroids 250 DD + 550 DD
DD		75	100	150	450	250	250	550
Southern	April 20	5/4	5/5	5/11	Too far off	Too far off	Too far off	Too far off
Northern	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA

• Other Apple Insects
  • In blocks with little to no crop, many early-season fruit-feeding insects will not require treatment at this time. Continue monitoring, and focus management on pests that impact tree health, terminal growth, or future crop potential.

• Plum curculio, tarnished plant bug, stink bugs, BMSB, TABM, and OBLR:
  • In most blocks, treatment is not necessary where little to no fruit is present

• Mites:
  • Continue to use standard thresholds through June
  • Maintaining healthy foliage is important for return bloom next season
•  Rosy apple aphid:
  • Manage only in cases of severe infestation to avoid excessive leaf curling and shoot distortion
• Dogwood borer:
  • Manage as needed in blocks with a history of infestation

• The recent freeze has resulted in widespread blossom and fruit loss across many orchards, with damage now becoming more clearly defined at the block level
• Some late-developing apple blooms have escaped injury and are setting limited fruit
• Apple scab season is nearing completion, with most ascospores matured and a large portion already discharged; one final well-timed fungicide application should be sufficient in most blocks
• Fire blight risk remains in blocks with open bloom or recent injury; 1–2 additional bactericide applications may be warranted based on model predictions and weather conditions
• Insect management programs can be reduced in many blocks due to low crop, but monitoring should continue and management maintained for pests that impact tree health
• Maintaining healthy foliage and overall tree vigor remains critical to support return bloom and production for the 2027 season

Pear development continued to progress across New Jersey over the past week, and the impacts of the recent freeze event are now becoming more clearly defined. Significant injury to blossoms and young fruit has been confirmed across much of the state, with many orchards reporting substantial crop loss.

Most European pear varieties were at full bloom to early petal fall during the freeze and have sustained widespread damage, particularly in low-lying or frost-prone areas. In many blocks, little to no viable fruit remains, though isolated pockets of surviving fruit may still be present depending on site conditions.

Asian pear varieties, which were generally more advanced at the time of the freeze, appear to have experienced even greater levels of injury in some locations. In northern counties, where bloom was still ongoing, damage remains variable but is often still substantial in exposed sites.

At this stage, surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify (Figure 2), although some additional drop may still occur over the coming week. Growers should continue to assess blocks carefully before making final management decisions.

Despite reduced crop potential, maintaining disease management and overall tree health remains important, particularly to support return bloom and long-term productivity.

• Pear psylla activity remains low across much of southern New Jersey, with limited observations to date
• Some variability exists by block, though overall pressure remains light at this time
• Freeze-damaged orchards may be more susceptible to colonization as stressed trees can favor psylla buildup

Regional Observations:

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

As orchards move through petal fall and temperatures warm, psylla populations may increase gradually, particularly in blocks where adults are present. However, given the widespread crop loss this season, economic risk is reduced in many orchards.

Management Considerations

• In most blocks, immediate treatment is not necessary at this time
• Continue monitoring for adults, eggs, and early nymphs, especially in historically infested blocks
• Where management is needed, target newly hatched nymphs, which are the most susceptible stage
• Focus treatments on blocks with high historical pressure, active populations, or significant freeze stress
• Even with little to no crop, psylla should be managed where populations build to levels that may impact tree health, vigor, or lead to honeydew and sooty mold accumulation

Recommended Options

• Movento (IRAC 23) – excellent systemic control of psylla, scale, and aphids (apply with a spreading/penetrating adjuvant for best performance)
• Actara, Assail, Belay (IRAC 4A) – effective options 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

With little to no fruit in many blocks, psylla management should be highly targeted rather than routine. Focus on monitoring and only treat where populations threaten tree health or where there is a history of significant infestation.

Fire Blight and Early Season Management

As pear orchards move through petal fall and into early post-bloom, the primary bloom infection period is largely complete. However, fire blight remains a concern, particularly in blocks with freeze injury, where damaged tissue and rapid regrowth increase susceptibility.

The recent freeze has created additional risk for trauma blight, as injured blossoms and developing shoots provide entry points for infection during periods of warm temperatures, wind, or rain. At the same time, widespread crop loss reduces the need for fruit-focused disease programs, shifting management emphasis toward protecting tree health and controlling shoot blight.

At Petal Fall and Post-Bloom:

• Continue monitoring forecasts using NEWA for fire blight risk, especially following storms or warm periods
• 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:

• Monitor closely for trauma events (hail, wind, heavy rain), which can trigger shoot blight infections
• Maintain heightened awareness in blocks with a history of fire blight or significant freeze injury
• Rapid shoot growth under warm conditions increases susceptibility—vigorous orchards are at higher risk
• With little to no crop in many blocks, focus management on tree health and reducing inoculum for future seasons

Fungicide Considerations (Post-Bloom)

• Maintain protectant fungicides (e.g., Mancozeb, Ziram) for pear scab and Fabraea leaf spot to protect foliage
• Use FRAC 3, 7, and premix fungicides (e.g., Inspire Super, Merivon, Luna products) where needed for foliar disease control
• Rotate FRAC groups to manage resistance and maintain program efficacy
• In blocks with little to no fruit, fungicide programs can often be reduced and focused on maintaining healthy foliage rather than fruit protection

• The recent freeze has resulted in widespread blossom and fruit loss across many New Jersey pear orchards, with damage now more clearly defined at the block level.
• Most orchards are now at petal fall to early post-bloom in southern counties, while northern counties have largely progressed through bloom with variable levels of injury.
• Asian pear varieties, which were more advanced at the time of the freeze, experienced greater levels of injury in many locations; in most blocks, little to no viable fruit remains.
• Pear psylla pressure remains low at this time; while populations may increase with warmer temperatures, most blocks do not require immediate treatment, though monitoring should continue—particularly in freeze-stressed or historically infested orchards.
• Insecticide applications can be reduced in many blocks due to low crop; where needed, target early nymph stages and focus on blocks with active populations or a history of pressure.
• Pear scab risk peaked during the April 25–27 infection period; current risk is declining, and one additional fungicide application is likely sufficient in most blocks to cover remaining primary infection.
• Fire blight risk remains a concern in blocks with freeze injury and actively growing shoots; 1–2 additional bactericide applications may be warranted depending on conditions and model predictions.
• With little to no crop in many orchards, management should shift toward maintaining healthy foliage, reducing inoculum, and supporting return bloom and productivity for the 2027 season.
• Continued scouting and monitoring of weather conditions, pest activity, and tree response will remain important over the next 7–10 days.

Peach and nectarine development continued to progress across New Jersey over the past week, and the impacts of the recent freeze event are now becoming more clearly defined. Significant injury to blossoms and young fruit has been confirmed in many orchards, particularly in southern counties.

Most varieties in southern New Jersey were at shuck split during the freeze, a highly sensitive stage, and have sustained substantial crop loss, especially in low-lying or frost-prone areas. In many blocks, little to no viable fruit remains, though isolated pockets of surviving fruit may still be present depending on site conditions.

In northern counties, where bloom was still ongoing at the time of the freeze, damage remains variable but is often still significant in more exposed locations. Some blocks may retain limited crop depending on bloom stage and site protection.

At this stage, surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify, although additional drop may still occur over the coming week. Growers should continue to assess crop viability at the block level before making final management decisions.

Despite reduced crop potential, maintaining disease management and overall tree health remains important to support return bloom and long-term productivity for the 2027 season.

Given the widespread crop loss in many orchards, disease management programs should be adjusted accordingly. With little to no fruit present in most blocks, emphasis should shift away from fruit protection and toward maintaining tree health and reducing inoculum for next season.

• Peach scab:
  • In orchards without a history of high disease pressure, scab is generally not a concern in the absence of fruit
  • In blocks with a history of scab, lesions can still develop on current-season shoots and serve as inoculum for next year
  • In these situations, a reduced program may be warranted, with Captan applications timed ahead of significant rainfall events (e.g., ~2.5 lb/A)
• Bacterial spot:
  • Maintain low-rate copper programs to protect foliage and reduce inoculum for future seasons
  • Particularly important in blocks with a history of bacterial spot or under warm, wet conditions
  • Avoid combining copper with captan, especially following extended cloudy or slow-drying conditions
• Rusty spot and brown rot:
  • Not a concern in blocks with little to no fruit
  • Fungicide applications targeting these diseases can be eliminated in most orchards this season.

Insect management programs in peaches and nectarines should be adjusted this season based on reduced crop load. In blocks with little to no fruit, many fruit-feeding pests will not require treatment; however, monitoring should continue, and management should focus on pests that impact tree health or future production.

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM)

• OFM biofix has been set for April 7 in southern New Jersey and April 15 in northern counties
• Degree-day accumulations should continue to be tracked from biofix to time first-generation management
• In blocks with little to no fruit, OFM pressure will have limited economic impact; however, a well-timed application may still be beneficial to reduce populations, particularly in young blocks or orchards with historically high pressure
• Where treatment is warranted, first-generation control should be timed around 170–200 DD (base 45°F) after biofix
• A second treatment can be timed 10-14 days after petal fall where traps capture moths above threshold (>10) at 300-350 DD.
• Mating disruption should remain in place where already deployed; do not remove dispensers

OFM 1st Generation Timing
		Insecticide Type
County/Region	Degree Days by 5/3 base 45	Conventional 170-200, 350-375	Diamide 100-150, 300-350
Gloucester – Southern	288	1st –past 2nd – 5/7-5/9	1st –past 2nd – 5/4-5/7
Middlesex – Northern	206	1st –4/30-5/2 2nd –	1st – past 2nd –

Scale

• Beneficial insects may help suppress populations in many blocks
• In orchards with a history of infestation, plan to target the crawler stage later in the season
• In severe infestations, materials such as Esteem or Centaur may be used
• 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

• Continue scouting as terminals expand and colonies begin to establish
• Manage populations to prevent leaf curling and shoot distortion
• Treatment thresholds remain:
  • 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.
• Even in orchards with little fruit, borers will need to be managed to maintain healthy tree stands for the next season. If this has been a historical pest in your orchard, mating disruption is recommended.
• Continue monitoring and manage as usual in problem blocks

Other Insects

• Plum curculio, tarnished plant bug, stink bugs, BMSB, Japanese beetle, TABM, and thrips: In most blocks with little to no fruit, treatment is not necessary

Recommended Options

• OFM / Leafrollers:
  • Altacor, Asana, Delegate, Besiege, Voliam Flexi
• Lesser and Greater Peach Tree Borers
  • Asana XL, Pounce 25WG
• Green Peach Aphid:
  • Assail, Actara, Admire Pro

• The recent freeze has resulted in widespread blossom and fruit loss across many peach and nectarine orchards, with damage now clearly defined at the block level
• Most southern New Jersey orchards have little to no viable fruit remaining, while northern orchards show variable but often significant injury depending on bloom stage and site conditions
• Surviving fruitlets are becoming easier to identify, though additional drop may still occur over the coming week
• With minimal crop present, disease management programs can be significantly reduced, with emphasis shifting to maintaining foliage health and reducing inoculum for next season
• Fruit diseases such as brown rot and rusty spot are not a concern in most blocks this season
• Insect management programs can also be reduced; most fruit-feeding pests will not require treatment in blocks without crop
• Oriental fruit moth should still be monitored and may warrant a well-timed application in high-pressure or young blocks to reduce populations
• Green peach aphid and mites should be managed as needed to protect foliage and support return bloom
• Maintaining tree health and canopy development remains critical to support productivity for the 2027 season
• Continued scouting and monitoring of weather, pest activity, and tree response will be important over the next 7–10 days

Blueberries were observed in bloom throughout Atlantic and Burlington Counties. While the freeze event the week of April 20 had some impact on earlier blooming varieties, later-blooming acreage that did not have significant freeze damage is now hitting peak bloom (Draper, Elliott, etc.).

Scouting activities were conducted across 141 fields in Burlington and Atlantic Counties. Field evaluations focused on the presence of leafrollers, spongy moths, plum curculio, and thrips. There was a minor increase in plum curculio and thrips; however, due to the ongoing pollination period, the application of insecticides is not recommended at this stage.

IPM Data

	Leafroller		Spongy Moth		Plum Curculio		Thrips
	Avg	High	Avg	High	Avg	High	Avg	High
4/17	0.0649	2	0.0001	0.1	0.0686	2.5	0.5547	9
4/25	0.0801	0.8	0.0001	0.1	0.1156	3	1.0383	26

 

Trap Monitoring: Cranberry and cherry fruitworm traps were deployed and will be monitored on a weekly. Scale traps targeting Putnam and terrapin scale will be set up in the coming week to monitor for first-generation crawler emergence and to assist in optimizing treatment timing.

Grape development across New Jersey has progressed under recent warm conditions, with most vineyards in southern counties moving through early shoot growth stages. In many areas, shoots are now between 1–6 inches, depending on variety and site conditions.

Damage is most apparent in low-lying or frost-prone sites, where primary shoots may have been injured or killed. In these situations, secondary buds are beginning to push (Figure 2) and may help compensate for some crop loss, though overall yield may still be reduced depending on the extent of primary bud injury.

At this stage, vineyards should be assessed for primary shoot viability and uniformity of growth. Blocks with uneven development may require adjustments in management timing over the coming weeks.

• The most important disease to manage at this time is Phomopsis and Powdery Mildew.
• At 3″ growth start managing for Black Rot.
• Recommended materials can be found in the New Jersey Commercial Grape Production Guide.

• Insect pests to monitor are grape flea beetle, and climbing cutworms. Controls for these insects are rarely needed.
• The first generation flight of grape berry moth (GBM) was completed in April. Management of GBM will focus on controlling later generations when they migrate into fields after bloom.
• Spotted lanternfly nymphs have been observed in southern NJ vineyards (Figure 3). There is no need to control SLF at this time.
  

  Figure 3. Spotted lanternfly nymphs on grapevines.

  It’s also not too late to scout for and destroy SLF egg masses on posts and trunks.

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. 

Apple phenology continues to progress across New Jersey. Observations indicate that northern counties are primarily at tight cluster, while southern counties are at pink bud in early varieties.

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

Phenology Dates by County (earliest varieties)

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

Models

Apple scab models are available through NEWA and RIMpro. These models currently indicate that ascospore maturity is increasing and will continue to rise rapidly over the next several days. Apply fungicides before infection events.

Current Update using the Upper Deerfield Station

• ~13% maturity on April 1
• ~15% on April 2
• Forecasted to reach 25–40% by April 4–8

Management Considerations

Now that we have reached the tight cluster stage, it is important to select fungicides that target both apple scab and powdery mildew. Manzate is ineffective against powdery mildew. Keep in mind that powdery mildew prefers warm, dry conditions and does not require rainfall to infect. For farms in southern counties that have reached pink stage, it is important to begin targeting cedar apple rust. Manzate is effective against cedar apple rust.

• Manzate + single-site fungicide
• DMI (FRAC 3) for high pressure
• Vangard (FRAC 9; not effective on cedar apple rust)
• FRAC 7 (save Aprovia for summer; not effective on cedar apple rust)
• Axios (great for scab and powdery mildew; novel FRAC 52)
• FRAC 11 (save for summer)
• Topsin (limited uses; consider saving for summer; FRAC 1; not effective on cedar apple rust)

Monitor:

• NEWA models
• Weather/wetting events
• Phenology

Early control is critical to avoiding season-long pressure.

Ambrosia Beetle:

• Ambrosia beetles have been detected in Burlington, Salem, Gloucester, and Middlesex counties
• Activity has not yet been observed further north at this time
• Observed activity is low and is not a concern

Continue monitoring traps, particularly in stressed or newly planted blocks, as activity may increase with 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 is progressing across New Jersey, with northern counties at tight cluster and southern counties at pink bud in early varieties
• This stage marks a critical period for apple scab and powdery mildew management, as well as key insect timings
• Apple scab ascospore maturity is increasing (~13–15%) and is forecasted to reach 25–40% over the next several days, increasing infection risk
• Fungicide applications should be applied prior to infection events, with materials selected to target both scab and powdery mildew
• In southern counties at pink, begin targeting cedar apple rust

Pear phenology has advanced rapidly across southern New Jersey over the past week. Observations made on April 2 indicate that most European pear varieties are now at early white bud, following cluster separation but prior to petal show, with some blocks progressing into popcorn stage.

Asian pear varieties are more advanced, with many blocks at popcorn stage and approaching bloom.

Pear psylla activity has been variable across southern New Jersey. Observations from April 2 indicate differences by county:

• Salem County: adults and eggs observed
• 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 (white bud to popcorn):

• 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:

• In blocks without prior applications, or where psylla is present, consider a pre-bloom insecticide application
• Consider applying particle films such as dormant oil or Surround to deter egg laying
• With pre-bloom insecticide applications, softer materials should be used to avoid harming pollinator or beneficial insect populations
• In blocks where adults are present at low pressure, insecticide options include Esteem (up to 2 applications 14 days apart), Centaur, or Aza-Direct
• In blocks where adults are present at high pressure (more than 4 adults per beating tray), insecticide options include Apta, Assail, or AgriMek
• Insecticides should be applied prior to bloom, as use during bloom is restricted due to pollinator protection

As bloom approaches (particularly in Asian pears):

• Avoid applications that may impact pollinators
• Management focus will shift to early nymph control post-bloom

Fire Blight and Early Season Management

As pears approach bloom, fire blight risk will increase significantly, especially given the recent wet conditions and continued rainfall through the weekend. These conditions are favorable for bacterial spread and infection.

As bloom approaches:

• Begin planning for antibiotic applications, particularly if warm and wet conditions persist
• Kasumin may be used at bloom and petal fall
• Streptomycin and oxytetracycline remain key options, particularly post-bloom
• Rotate chemistries to support resistance management

Pear Scab

RIMpro modeling for pear scab in Upper Deerfield has indicated low infection risk to date, but conditions are rapidly becoming more favorable for infection.

The primary infection model shows maturing ascospores present and available, with multiple wetting events occurring from late March through early April. These rain events are driving spore release and infection potential, with additional infection periods forecasted in the coming days.

From white bud to popcorn:

• Protective fungicide programs should now be in place and maintained, particularly ahead of rain events
• Applications of mancozeb or ziram tank-mixed with Procure, Cevya, or Vangard are effective options for scab control
• Applications should be made prior to rainfall events, as infections occur during wetting periods
• If 2 inches or more of rainfall occur following an application, a follow-up spray should be considered to maintain protection

As we move toward bloom:

• Continue programs targeting pear scab, rust diseases, and Fabraea leaf spot
• Particular attention should be paid to Asian pear varieties, which are further advanced and at greater risk

• Observations from April 2 indicate most European pears are at early white bud, with some at popcorn stage
• Asian pears are at popcorn and approaching bloom
• Pear psylla activity remains variable across counties, with adults and eggs observed in Salem County
• Reduced pressure in some blocks is likely due to oil applications, with or without Esteem
• Where oil was not applied, or psylla is present, pre-bloom insecticide applications should be considered
• Insecticide applications must be completed prior to bloom to protect pollinators
• Recent and continued rainfall is increasing disease pressure, particularly for pear scab and fire blight
• Fungicide programs should be actively maintained, with reapplication needed after significant rainfall (2 inches or more)
• Fire blight risk will increase rapidly as bloom approaches, so antibiotic programs should be prepared

Continued scouting is critical over the next 7–10 days as phenology and pest pressure accelerate.

Peach varieties across New Jersey were observed at the pink bud stage this week. Nectarines are more advanced, with the majority observed near or in bloom in South Jersey. Development is progressing steadily and will continue as temperatures warm.

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. Optimum conditions occur with wetting and temperatures in the mid-70s. During extended wetting periods (several days or more), blossoms can be infected regardless of temperature. Infections under suboptimal conditions are generally less severe.

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

Management Considerations

• Fungicides used for control at the blossom blight stage should not overlap with fungicides used in the pre-harvest stage of brown rot
• Try to save fungicide options with low pre-harvest intervals for later in the season
• Bravo Weather Stik + single-site fungicide
• Vangard (applied at pink stage)
• Rovral (applied at full bloom)
• Flint Extra (applied at petal fall)

Initiate coverage for blossom blight starting at pink for short-petaled varieties and at 5–10% bloom for showy flowers. Refer to the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates.

Mating Disruption Timing:

• Oriental fruit moth mating disruption should be applied at pink
• Growers should begin preparing materials and planning applications now

Scale:

• Oil applications may be safely applied up to pink on peach
• Oil can be applied alone or in combination with insecticides, including Centaur, Sivanto Prime, and Esteem

Green Peach Aphid:

• Scouting should begin at pink stage
• Thresholds for treatment are 1 colony/tree in nectarines or 2–3 colonies/tree in peaches

• Observations indicate peaches are at pink bud across New Jersey, with nectarines more advanced and approaching or in bloom in South Jersey
• Development is progressing steadily and will accelerate with warming temperatures
• Brown rot infection risk is present whenever blossoms are exposed under wet conditions, particularly between 41–86°F
• Blossoms remain susceptible through petal fall to shuck split
• Fungicide programs should be initiated at pink to early bloom, depending on flower type, while avoiding overlap with pre-harvest materials
• Oriental fruit moth mating disruption should be applied at pink; growers should prepare materials now
• Oil applications for scale can be made up to pink and may be tank-mixed with labeled insecticides
• Green peach aphid scouting should begin at pink, 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 phenology advances.