Unless infected fruit is placed in cold storage immediately after harvest, the spots increase in size and become more sunken, thus more visible. Occasionally, lesions appear on leaves as small, purple spots. The fungus overwinters in apple leaves on the orchard floor. About the time of petal fall, ascospores are discharged from fallen leaves. Rain and high humidity favor spore discharge and infection of fruit.
Infections continue until midsummer, although they decrease as the season progresses.
Disease Management Sanitation practices such as removing fallen leaves from the orchard floor will help in the control of Brooks fruit spot. Routine fungicide applications normally control this disease in Pennsylvania. Summer fungicide applications should not be extended beyond 14-day intervals. Jonathan, Stayman, Rome Beauty and Golden Delicious are susceptible. Delicious is somewhat resistant.