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.