The sooty mould consists of many pathogens that vary from year to year but also during the season. The damage can be seen by dark spots on the surface. During storage, the spots can increase in size.
Solution
The use of field covers (e.g., Keep in Touch System) reduces the infestation.
The use of brushing machines on the fruit after storage favours the cleaning of the fruit from spots.
Description
The risk of infestation is lower when the orchard is in airy areas and when early-maturing varieties are used.
Practical recommendations
Preventive measures keep the orchard in dry conditions:
• The crown of the trees must be managed so that they do not become too dense.
• Mow the grass under the row by making frequent passes.
• Avoid all factors that prolong leaf wetness and increase humidity.
• Avoid overhead irrigation systems. Prolonged wetting of the leaves increases the risk of attack.
• Avoid aphid infestations. The honeydew produced by aphids increases the risk of sooty mould infection.
• Avoid using leaf fertilisers (algae preparations or nitrogen compounds, including organic ones).
• Avoid excessively humid conditions during storage.
• The most used plant protection products are copper, lime sulphur, potassium bicarbonate and sodium. The efficacy is currently unclear as pathogens are different and vary from region to region.
• Soap-based treatments are carried out. It also has an indirect action against fumigants, as it can dissolve the honeydew produced by phytophagous insects and helps to eliminate the eggs laid on the leaves. It is advisable not to carry out treatments too frequently, as it can encourage the emergence of Neofabraea spp.
• Remove mummies (dried fruit) from the orchard as they cause a high risk of infection.
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