Most apple varieties are at tight cluster, peaches are in bloom, and matted row strawberries are yet to begin bloom. Plasticulture strawberries were in bloom during last week's 20-degree weather. Things will change this week, with warm weather predicted. Cedar-apple rust spores will begin to be released this week, as I saw cedar galls with the horns, ready to turn orange and release spores during the warm showers that are forecast for this week. The recent cool weather has slowed the development of both the trees and the pathogens.
Many trees are now at tight cluster.
For many orchards, this is the time for the first fungicide application. Scab control at this time is a must. There are several different strategies for scheduling scab sprays. The selection of a spray program depends on factors such as other disease organisms present and the ability to obtain good coverage of the trees with the sprays. The 3 to 4 day curative activity of the SI fungicides makes them useful at tight cluster in case some scab infections occurred prior to that time.