Shoot growth begins about full bloom, quickly enters the phase of the most rapid growth, then gradually slows and usually ends by mid- to late July. Also, once shoots are rapidly growing, it seems to take a higher concentration of Apogee to get them under control. The first Apogee application should be made when the new terminal growth is 1 to 3 inches long. This amount of growth often coincides with late bloom to petal fall, and we suggest that growers use petal fall to time Apogee applications. Growers do not have time to measure shoots, and are usually not attuned to how rapidly shoots are growing at this time of season.
Timing is everything.
The duration of growth control depends upon the dose and tree vigor. The Apogee label permits a wide range of dose options, from 3 to 16 ounces per 100 gallons, dilute basis. We suggest that growers select the dilute rate, then use the TRV calculations as outlined in Cornell Recommends to determine rate per acre. The growth control at these rates will usually last 4 to 6 weeks. One strategy for timing the second spray is the calendar method.