Bitter Rot and Sooty Blotch/Flyspeck Management
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Late June through harvest is the critical time for bitter rot management. Warm temperatures and rainfall are the ideal conditions for disease development. Growers are encouraged to apply fungicides on bitter rot susceptible apple blocks before any rain event starting in late June. Management programs for bitter rot will also manage SBFS. Specific fungicide recommendations are described for the summer.
Bitter Rot and Sooty Blotch/Flyspeck Management (pdf; 210KB)

Upcoming Events
2026 Champlain Valley Summer Orchard Field Tour
July 15, 2026 : 2026 Champlain Valley Summer Orchard Field Tour
Keeseville, NY
Join the ENYCHP and Cornell scientists on July 15 for our annual Champlain Valley Summer Orchard Meeting! This year we will be meeting at Hart Apple Farm to learn about the varieties they are growing in one of their newer plantings, hear updates from faculty and extension agents on their current research projects, and view a few of Mike's local thinning projects firsthand.
DEC credits in categories 22, 1A, and 10 will be available. Refreshments will be provided.
Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect. Rain date is July 16.
