In orchards where blossom blight has been a problem, two applications from pink through bloom are required for control when rain periods occur with temperatures 55 F or above. The removal of mummified fruit from trees, light cultivation to disturbed mummies on the ground beneath trees, and careful timing of applications during bloom before infection periods can eliminate the need for one or possibly both of these applications. The necessity of applications on green peach fruit for brown rot control is in question, even though growers routinely spray during this period. Losses from brown rot are more apparent during and after harvest. Fruit becomes more susceptible as it matures, and fungicide protection from one or two weeks before harvest and during harvest is required for control.
Peach scab causes minor losses in mid-Atlantic orchards but can build up if no fungicides are used.
It is common in orchards where complete crop losses from freezing occurred the previous year and fungicides were not used. Three fungicide applications at 2-week intervals starting at late shuck split are effective for controlling scab. Sulfur is highly effective and a good choice during this period. Rovral is not effective and should not be depended upon for control. Infection begins on leaves, twigs, and fruit at shuck split and continues through the growing season.