False alarm on apple scab, dry weather expected

By Terence Bradshaw

Despite my warning from Sunday about an impending apple scab infection period early this week, the cool/cold temperatures and short wetting event associated with yesterday’s snowfall (!) did not trigger infection in any Vermont orchards. At this point, most orchards have not experienced an infection period yet this spring. Dry weather is expected through the weekend, so sprayers can be put away for the time being and attention turned to planting trees and watering. Soil conditions are dry across the state, and developing fruit buds will tax moisture resources in some orchards. Newly planted trees especially should receive water, as well as high density plantings. Next week looks showery, so plan on protecting against the next infection periods prior to the arrival of the wet weather.