Download - Backyard Success With Apples
BACKYARD SUCCESS WITH APPLES
Created by: Dave KnappUniversity of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener-Anoka County
BACKYARD SUCCESS WITH APPLES
Selecting a planting site Proper planting technique Decisions after planting Pruning for fruit trees Pest and disease management Choosing an apple tree variety
CHOOSING AN APPLE TREE VARIETY
Consult a reliable source for varieties developed for our area
Know your fruit hardiness zone Follow your tastebuds
CHOOSING AN APPLE TREE VARIETY
Apple varieties for MinnesotaZestar- ripens in late August and has a delightful balance of flavors. Sweet 16- one of the most unusual flavored apples in Minnesota. Very sweet with a flavor like cherry candy. Honeycrisp- Minnesota’s premier eating apple with a sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture.
CHOOSING AN APPLE TREE VARIETY Know your fruit
hardiness zoneThe Minnesota Metro area, including Anoka County, is in zone 4a.
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SELECT A PLANTING SITE
What space requirements are needed for the variety of tree selected?
Are any soil amendments necessary? Call for a free utility marking service to
identify buried utilities. 1-888-258-0808
PROPER PLANTING TECHNIQUE
Bare root planting Container planting
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DECISIONS AFTER PLANTING
Do I need to fertilize?
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PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Integrated Pest ManagementWhat are my choices for dealing with pests?What are the risks involved with each choice?What is my attitude toward those risks?
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Key diseases of Apple in MinnesotaApple scab-caused by a fungus that affects both leaves and fruit. Fire Blight- a bacterial disease that can kill blossoms, green shoots, branches and trees. Black Rot- a fungal disease that is an occasional problem on stressed trees. Cedar Apple Rust- a fungal disease that damages leaves and fruit of very susceptible varieties. Sooty Blotch and Flyspeck- a fungal disease that causes cosmetic damage to fruit in August or September.
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Pests of Apple in MinnesotaApple Maggot
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/m1235.html#apple-maggot-anchor
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Pests of Apple in MinnesotaCodling Moth
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/m1235.html#apple-maggot-anchor
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Pests of Apple in MinnesotaPlum Curculio
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/m1235.html#apple-maggot-anchor
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Pests of Apple in MinnesotaMulticolored Asian Lady Beetle
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/m1235.html#apple-maggot-anchor
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
If you choose to spray:o Use something recommended for the pest or
disease you are managing. o Read the label prior to use and follow all
instructions. o Verify that the spray is recommended for edible
fruits. o Some sprays are very toxic to bees and may
cause fruit drop if used within 30 days of bloom.
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT Cultural practices for good tree health.
o Consider a disease resistant variety.o Do not encourage vigorous new growth.o Warm, humid environments encourage bacteria.
Pruning opens air flow and reduces humidity.o Pick up dropped fruit and all leaves in the Fall.o Prune during freezing weather (Feb-March)o Mulch becomes dirt, so replace mulch as it
deteriorates.o Consider non-spray treatments, fruit bagging, red
sphere or Ladd traps.
CHOOSING AN APPLE TREE VARIETY
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RESOURCES AND RECOMMENDED READING. Apples For Minnesota and Their Culinary Uses. Includes
the Fruit Hardiness Zone Map, identifies 22 apple varieties and discusses storing options. www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1111
Integrated Pest Management for Home Apple Growers. Introduces Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a combination method for monitoring and managing pest and disease issues in apples. Discusses identification, biology and management options for key diseases and pests of apples in Minnesota. www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/components/M1235
University of Minnesota Extension home gardening information, including how to plant trees and shrubs. www.extension.umn.edu/garden