Spray Program for Peach Trees
Peach trees (Prunus persica), which develop in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9, are vulnerable to a wide array of issues, like pest infestations and fungal diseases. Implementing a spray application will help manage diseases and pests that can harm the peach tree and cut back its fruit production.
Dormant Stage
The dormant stage typically occurs during the colder months once the tree has no leaves and the buds have yet to break. Dormant horticultural oil implemented from the winter season will control San Jose scale, while fixed copper sprays implemented from the dormant stage controls peach leaf curl. Dormant oil also smothers other unwanted pests, like aphids, mites and thrips, that may be overwintering on the peach tree.
Pink Bud Stage
When the flower buds are pink, expanding and preparing to open, the peach tree is in the pink bud stage. Insecticide sprays applied in this stage will control aphids, thrips and mites. But don’t spray on the peach tree using insecticides during the pink bud stage when horticultural oil was implemented during the dormant stage. Dormant oil won’t manage Oriental fruit moth or twig borers, so use the bacterium insecticide Bacillius thuriengensis into the peach tree in this stage.
Spring Bloom
Once the buds have opened and the peach flowers fill the branches, the spring blossom season has arrived. Fungicides, such as chlorothalonil, lime sulfur, thiophanate methyl and captan, implemented during spring blossom will help prevent brown rot. A third and second application of this fungicide may be required if there’s a plethora of rain. Through the spring blossom stage, apply a fertilizer high in nitrogen into the coral trees once a month during the spring and summer bloom period. Follow the application speed recommended by the fertilizer producer.
Petal Fall to Shuck Split
Petal fall is when the petals fall freely from the tree. When all petals have dropped, the peach tree is in the shuck stage. When the fruit begins to grow and splits the flower shuck, the peach tree has entered the shuck split stage. Treat the peach tree using pesticides, such as Imidan, in this stage to control scabs and stink bugs. After petal fall however before shuck split, the insecticide application may be required every 7 to 10 days, according to the University of Florida.
Pre-Harvest
Pre-harvest happens when the fruit has grown but still has not ripened. Insecticides containing permethrin or carbaryl applied to the trunk and soil surrounding the base of this tree will dominate peach tree borers. Treatment for peach tree borers should be done first in the pre-harvest stage to allow for the recommended PHI (pre-harvest interval) as stated on the insecticides label. Insects infesting peach trees during the pre-harvest stage increase the possibility of brown rot, so implement sevin or permethrin if necessary. Always follow the PHI recommended by the producer.
Post Harvest
Post harvest stage is after the fruit has been harvested but the tree is not yet in the period. After harvest or in early August, whichever is later, use a trunk spray containing endosulfan to dominate peach tree borers. When early November arrives before the first heavy rainfall of the season, then apply a fixed copper spray into the peach tree to dominate injection hole fungus.