When extensive foliage feeding is observed, control the pests with applications of the same insecticides used on the pecan nut casebearer. Diseases Homeowners involved with growing fruit and nuts often experience reduced fruit quality or quantity due to plant diseases. Fruit and nut crops are susceptible to one or more disease problems throughout their lives. Effective disease control involves using both cultural and chemical practices. Most diseases that infect fruit and nuts are caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or nematodes.
Several bacteria cause serious problems on fruit plants.
Fire blight of pear and apple, bacterial leaf spot and bacterial canker of peach and plum are three of the more frequently observed diseases in the home garden. Bacterial diseases are found in all areas, but they are generally more severe in areas of high to moderate rainfall. Bacterial diseases are controlled by resistant varieties, fungicides and cultural practices. This group of organisms is the most widespread and damaging to fruit and nut crops. Fungi survive on diseased plant material or on alternate crops.