The Cougar Blight model at NEWA is predicting “Caution” for all Apple and Pear blocks with open blossoms starting May 7. The model is basing the prediction on the current weather forecast for both southern and northern regions. Keep a close eye on the weather. If conditions for infection occur (60°F or above with rain or severe weather including high winds) apply antibiotics such as Streptomycin, Mycoshield, or Fireline. Streptomycin is the most effective of the antibiotics. The Terramycin products (Mycoshield and Fireline) should be rotated with strep for resistance management. See the New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for rates. Keep in mind that these antibiotics are best applied under slow drying conditions (dilute applications), and have limited residual activity.
