Jacket rot, also known as green fruit rot, is a fungal disease that affects almond (permanent crop) orchards, leading to significant yield losses if not properly managed. This disease primarily occurs during the bloom period, infecting blossoms and young fruit, which can result in reduced crop quality and quantity.
When Are Almond Trees Susceptible to Jacket Rot?
Almond trees are most vulnerable to jacket rot during extended bloom periods accompanied by wet and humid conditions. The pathogens responsible for this disease Monilinia laxa, Botrytis cinerea, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum thrive in such environments. Infections typically initiate at full bloom and can persist until the jackets (blossom remnants) dry and fall off. If not addressed, jacket rot can lead to dieback symptoms that may affect the tree in subsequent seasons.
Preventive Measures and Management Strategies
To prevent and minimize the impact of jacket rot, almond growers can implement several effective strategies:
- Fungicide Applications: Apply fungicides at full bloom, especially during extended wet periods. Products containing captan, chlorothalonil, or cyprodinil have shown efficacy against jacket rot pathogens. It’s crucial to ensure that the chosen fungicide is effective against all three potential pathogens.
- Orchard Sanitation: Remove and destroy mummified fruits and diseased plant debris, which can serve as inoculum sources for the pathogens.
- Cultural Practices: Enhance air circulation within the orchard by proper pruning and maintaining appropriate tree spacing. This practice helps reduce humidity levels around the trees, making conditions less favorable for fungal growth.
- Resistant Varieties: Consider planting almond varieties that exhibit natural resistance to jacket rot. Research has shown variability in susceptibility among different almond genotypes.
Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the incidence of jacket rot, leading to healthier trees and improved yields.
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Effective disease management is a crucial component of successful almond production. AgNote’s farm management software offers a dedicated permanent crop management area, enabling almond growers to efficiently manage their orchards and seasons. With AgNote, farmers can:
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AgNote’s user-friendly interface ensures that all critical information is at your fingertips, streamlining farm operations and enhancing productivity. We invite you to experience the benefits of AgNote firsthand by registering for a free seven-day trial today.
