Broad Spectrum Apple Disease Control with Bitertanol. K. S. Yoder, Department of Plant Pathology and Physiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Fruit Research Laboratory, Winchester 22601. Plant Dis. 66:580-583. Accepted for publication 29 September 1981. Copyright 1982 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-66-580.

The sterol-inhibiting fungicide bitertanol was field tested in a 3-yr period (1978–1980) against apple scab, powdery mildew, cedar apple rust, and several other diseases of apple (Malus pumila) in Virginia. Bitertanol 50W, applied at a dilute rate of 30 g/100 L, was equal to or better than the standard rate of Dikar (mancozeb + dinocap) for control of scab, powdery mildew, sooty blotch, and fly speck. Bitertanol 50W (15 g/100 L) provided better control of cedar apple rust than the Dikar standard. Equivalent rates of both materials applied with a conventional air-blast sprayer were also equal in control of Brooks fruit spot. Bitertanol did not adversely affect the finish of Miller Spur Delicious, Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty, or Jonathan apple fruit.

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