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
Field Day at Philia Farm
August 6, 2026
Johnstown, NY
Visit organic seed production trials and tour the farm to see small-scale production systems at work, including tarping, cover cropping, and the use of assorted mulches and covers to modify the growing environment.
Capital Region Orchard Twilight Meeting
August 11, 2026
Rexford, NY
Join the ENYCHP and Cornell scientists on August 11 for the Capital Region Orchard Twilight meeting in Saratoga! We will be touring Bowman Orchards and reviewing seasonal recommendations for pests and diseases for apples, plums, and berries, as well discussing crop insurance.
NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits: 1.25 in categories 22, 1A, & 10. Refreshments will be provided.
Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect.
Champlain Valley Orchard Storage Meeting
August 26, 2026
Chazy, NY
Join various experts from Cornell and Cooperative Extension at an orchard storage meeting for the Champlain Valley in Chazy from 1 to 4PM on August 26th. Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect.
