Bacterial Spot of Stone Fruit

Due to conducive environmental conditions (moisture and temperature), bacterial spot has developed in most of peach and nectarine orchards throughout Illinois. However, symptoms are mostly on leaves and very limited infection on fruit has been detected. To effectively control the bacterial spot of peach and nectarine, trees must be sprayed beginning shuck-split stage of fruit development until about three weeks before harvest. Oxytetracycline (Mycoshield 17 WP) is effective against bacterial spot. Captan and Syllit are also labeled for control of this disease. For more information on management of bacterial spot of stone fruit, consult the 2003 Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide , Midwest Tree Fruit Pest Management Handbook , and the RPD on Bacterial Spot of Stone Fruit .