A fruit tree is a plant that flowers and bears fruits. Fruit trees flourish in full daylight, except tropical types, which require shade, neutral soils with superior drainage, and temperatures exceeding 32°F, up to 65°F. They are, however, susceptible to diseases when under stress. Maintaining these tree’s health via the application of fungicides promotes their resistance to fungal illnesses.
The antifungal chemicals applied to food crops and fruit trees include; dithiocarbamates, captan, and mercurials. While it is possible yet a problematic task to revive a dying sapling, it is impracticable to rescue a dead plant. Fungicides are harmful to humans if consumed in lethal doses. Due to their toxicity, they risk the environment when they are washed away by rain into the water systems.
Fungicides have varied modes of actions; systemic fungicides which are absorbed and redistributed in the plant, and non-systemic ones that only work externally on the area they have been applied. This article discusses:
- The top five fungicides for fruit trees
- Time of application of fungicide on fruit tree
- How to select the right fungicide
The Top Five Fungicides for Fruit Trees
| Parameter | Southern Ag Liquid Copper Fungicide | Ortho Garden Disease Control | Bonide Fruit Tree Spray | Dow AgroSciences Eagle 20EW | Subdue Maxx |
| Active ingredient | Copper diammonia diacetate complex | Chlorothanolin | Captan | Myclobutanil | Mefenoxam |
| Formulation by % of active ingredient w/w | 27.15 | 29.6 | 11.6 | 19.7 | 22.0 |
| Size(in lbs) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.26 | 2.5 |
| Naturality | Inorganic | Inorganic | Inorganic | Inorganic | Inorganic |
| Application directions | Mix with water and administer as a cover spray | Thorough spray on all herbage cover surfaces | Mix with water and use with a sprayer | Spray on herbage cover for 14days | Incorporate with water and spray over folia cover for 21 days |
Southern Ag Liquid Copper Fungicide – Best Fungicide for Fruit Bearing Trees
This formulation controls ailments such as leaf spots and blights resulting from bacteria and fungi in vegetables, ornamentals, and fruit trees. When employed, its outcomes manifest in 2 to 4 weeks, thus preventing disease occurrences and encouraging maximum production by your sapling. It is a highly toxic product; wear protective gear before use.
Its application applies to apple, avocado, blueberry, and citrus saplings. Incorporate water with the fungicide in a ratio of one gallon to three gallons for small saplings, 6 gallons for medium-sized greenery, and 9 gallons for large fruit trees. Be sure to spray above and below surfaces of folia. However, it is a detriment to the environment since the rain can wash it off.
Pros
- A broad spectrum of ailments in its jurisdiction
- Prevents ailments when utilized
- Rejuvenates production
Cons
- Susceptible to wash off by rain
Ortho Garden Disease Control – Best Disease-Preventing Fungicide for Fruit Trees
This disease averter works well on fruits, roses, and vegetables. It wards off leaf spot, fruit decay, and blight, among others. It guarantees maximum protection once utilized and thus minimizes ailment occurrences in your greenery.
Moreover, it is an already mixed fungicide; hence mixing with water is unnecessary. Spray over all herbage surfaces for 10-14 days for assured sapling recovery. Ortho’s administration using a tank sprayer is most effective. It is not systemic and therefore can be washed away by rain.
Pros
- Reduces ailment occurrence
- Maximum protection
- Easily utilization
Cons
- Rain can wash it away
Bonide Fruit Tree Spray – Best Adhesive Fungicide for Fruit Trees
Bonide is a go-to option for fruit growers facing Japanese beetles, aphids, and mites, among others. It also eradicates ailments such as coryneum blight and black spot. It applies to peaches, cherries, apples, roses, and strawberries. It sticks onto herbage and thus resistant to wash off by rain.
It is highly flammable. Therefore you store it away from any heat source. Due to its adhesive and flammability, do not use in its temperatures exceeding 85°F since this can lead to scorching of your sapling. Application schedules vary from one fruit tree to another.
Pros
- Controls a comprehensive range of pests and illnesses
- Minimizes damage on herbage
- Cannot be washed away
Cons
- Scorches folia in temperatures exceeding 85°F
Dow AgroSciences Eagle 20EW – Best Systemic Fungicide for Fruit Trees
Dow AgroSciences operates from inside the sapling’s herbage; thus, it cannot be washed away by rain. It averts more than 15 fungal illnesses, including Anthracnose, rusts, and Red Thread. It applies to Stone fruits, apples, and grapes. It is highly hazardous; therefore, caution and protective clothing are necessary when using it.
Implementing an application schedule of 10-14 days assures optimum disease control for your fruit trees. Application rates doffers depending on the fruit tree it is being used on. When utilizing this fungicide, drench it into your saplings for the specified duration for great results.
Pros
- Cleanses folio inside and out
- Treats new growth
- Rain does not wash it away
Cons
- Its toxicity is highly detrimental
Subdue Maxx – Best Fruit Tree Fungicide
This fungicide has systemic properties. Therefore, unable to be washed away by water. It keeps illnesses like Pythium blight and powdered mildew at bay. Furthermore, it maintains stress on new fungi and bacteria strains that may cause damage to the sapling. It also heals damage already inflicted on the plant.
Injecting or drenching it into the soil for 14-21 days assures its effectiveness by allowing the sapling’s rhizome system to absorb it from the clod. Its toxicity necessitates the wearing of protective gear to prevent contact with the user when utilizing. Wearing long-sleeve shirts, water-proof gloves, and long pants are prudent.
Pros
- Stresses fungi and bacteria
- Cannot be washed away by rain
- Simple application protocol
Cons
- Could scorch plants upon contact with folia
Buyer’s Guide
What Is the Best Fungicide for Fruit Trees?
It should be a systemic product to prevent the chances of being washed away by the rain, minimizing its effectiveness. It should have a comprehensive range of pests and disease control. The Fungicide should also be friendly to humans, animals, and the environment and should have an easy application procedure.
When Can I Spray Fungicide on Fruit Trees?
Administer your fungicide in early Spring and late Winter to ward off overwintering insects and eggs. It fosters excellent pest control during planting season. Also, spray when the first fruits begin to form. Do apply when blossoms are open since it could kill pollinators, which are essential for fruit production.
How Often Do I Spray Fungicides and Malathion on Trees?
The application rates and schedules are plant and fungicide specific. Information on their application rates is indicated on the user labels. The rule of thumb is to apply fungicides whenever you sight any fungal infection and continue the application until the malady clears. Follow the application direction of the selected fungicide to avoid overdosing the plant.
Can You Spray Fruit Trees With Fruit on Them?
Yes. Since the pollinators have already performed their essential role, it is safe to use fungicides on trees that have fruits.
Which Is the Best Fungicide Formulation?
Liquid formulation administered with spraying is the best as it targets the affected area and instantly contacts the fungi. It has a short turnaround time and an efficient hustle-free application procedure. Solids can also be used but have a lengthy turn around time though they offer extended protection to the greensward.
Conclusion
Use fungicides to ensure maximum production of fruits without hindrances from fungal ailments that compromise the yield’s quality and quantity. Be sure to correctly diagnose the fungal disease, select the recommended fungi depending on the fruit type and season of the application, and then use it as directed on the product label. Remember to observe your safety as you keep your fruit plant safe from fungal infections.