A3639

ROWINGAPRICOTS,
G CHERRIES, PEACHES,
& PLUMS IN WISCONSIN

Prunus cerasus

T E R Y L R . R O P E R , D A N I E L L . M A H R , PAT R I C I A S . M C M A N U S
C
ONTENTS
The stone fruit plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Site selection and preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Selecting plant material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Planting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Fertilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Weed management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Training and pruning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Spring frost protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Fruit thinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Harvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Insect pests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Problem solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Related publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back cover

1
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

A pricot, cherry, peach,

& plum trees produce some of the most delectable fruit
available. They can also be pleasing additions to your home
landscape. But before planting any of these fruit trees—collectively
called stone fruits—you should consider whether you have the time, space,
and expertise to grow them successfully. To be successful, stone fruits
should be planted only in the very best sites and raised with care.

Most stone fruit trees are very sensitive to winter

injury. This results in short tree life and crops lost
T HE STONE FRUIT PLANT
to spring frosts. Fruit buds of peaches, nectarines, All of the stone fruits belong to the genus Prunus.
and Japanese plums usually die if temperatures This genus is characterized by fruit with a hard
fall to 0°F. Lower temperatures will damage or inner seed—the pit—covered by a fleshy outer
kill the trees. Sweet cherries are slightly more layer. The name “stone fruit” comes from this
hardy. European and native plums, tart cherries, hard seed, or stone. Table 1 shows other charac-
and apricots have hardier fruit buds and wood teristics of common stone fruits.
than peaches or Japanese plums, but they may People have also produced hybrids such as plum-
still be injured by severely cold winters, even in cots, a combination of plum and apricot. Cherry
favorable sites. plums will grow well in Wisconsin, but plumcots
Only tart cherries and European plums should be are not hardy here.
considered for commercial plantings in Wisconsin. All stone fruits produce flowers and bear fruit on
Apricots, sweet cherries, peaches, and Japanese the sides of branches (laterally). Terminal buds—
plums are not sufficiently winter hardy for com- those at the ends of branches—always become
mercial production. There is very little market for leaves, not flowers or fruit. Stone fruit flowers
sand cherries and other exotic stone fruits. tend to open from the outside lower portions of
This bulletin outlines the basics of stone fruit pro- the tree and progress to the inside and top of the
duction for amateurs or hobbyists. For more tree. Flowers may bloom on the sides of short
information, contact your county Extension office. shoots called spurs, which are found on wood
that is 2 years old or older, or at the base of
1-year-old wood. Cultivars that bear fruit on
spurs are more desirable because they are more
productive than those that bear fruit on 1-year-
old wood.

2
Some stone fruits are self-fruitful. That is, pollen
produced by the flowers of one tree will fertilize
each other successfully. Plants that are self-fruit-
ful can be planted singly. Cross-fruitful trees
require a second cultivar planted nearby, usually
within 100 yards. Even some self-fruitful stone
fruits will bear heavier crops if a second, compat-
ible cultivar is planted alongside.
Stone fruit trees purchased from nurseries consist
of two parts: the scion, which is the aboveground
portion of the tree that produces fruit, and the
rootstock, which is below ground and provides
support to the tree while absorbing water and Scaffold
nutrients (figure 1). Nurseries graft these two branches
parts to produce the stone fruit trees you may
Scion
buy. Both parts of the tree are important and Bud union (desired cultivar)
should be considered before purchasing trees.
Not all stone fruit rootstocks are hardy in
Wisconsin. Suggested rootstocks for each species
are outlined in Extension publication Rootstocks Rootstock
for Fruit Trees in Wisconsin (A3561).

The trunk and branches of stone fruit trees pro-

vide structural support for the crops of fruit and
may be manipulated to grow in a number of FIGURE 1. Important parts of a young stone fruit tree. The
ways. Limbs with wide crotch angles relative to bud union shows where the rootstock and the scion were
the trunk are stronger than those with narrow joined by grafting.

TABLE 1. Characteristics of common stone fruits grown in Wisconsin. All belong to the genus Prunus.
Common name Species Fruit size Pollination Space
Apricot P. armeniaca medium to small self1 125 sq. ft.

Tart cherry P. cerasus small self 100 sq. ft.

Sweet cherry P. avium small cross1 150 sq. ft.

Peach and nectarine2 P. persica large self 125 sq. ft.

Sand cherry P. besseyi very small cross 40 sq. ft.

Nanking cherry P. tomentosa small cross 40 sq. ft.

Plums P. domestica medium self1 125 sq. ft.

1 Some exceptions exist to the pollination requirements indicated. Your nursery can provide more information about specific
cultivars.
2 Nectarines are peaches that have been bred not to produce fuzz.

3
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

crotch angles. Limbs should not branch off from nial weed control. But be careful not to spray
the trunk at the same height, because this is detri- these herbicides on desired plants, because
mental to the trees. glyphosate will kill any plant it contacts.

Through photosynthesis, leaves produce carbo- You should also take a soil test of the site to a
hydrates that provide for both fruit growth and depth of 6 inches. Follow the soil test recommen-
the growth of the tree. Leaves that grow in the dations to adjust soil pH: add lime if the soil is
shade cannot produce sufficient carbohydrates. too acidic, or add sulfur if the soil is too alkaline.
Trees should be trained so that branches do not To improve soil tilth, aeration and water-holding
shade each other and receive sun for at least capacity, add organic matter such as manure,
three-fourths of the day. leaves, or compost. For information on how to
sample soil and where to send samples for test-

S ITE
SELECTION AND
ing, see Extension publication Sampling Lawn and
Garden Soils for Soil Testing (A2166).
PREPARATION
Once a fruit tree is planted, it’s not easy to move S ELECTING PLANT MATERIAL
it to a better location. So, you should plant in a
Stone fruits are less hardy than apples and pears.
well-prepared, suitable site. Begin site selection
You must choose cultivars carefully to have any
and soil preparation the season before planting.
opportunity for success. When choosing a culti-
Planning ahead allows time to adjust the soil pH,
var, consider the intended use (fresh eating, jam
control perennial weeds, and improve the soil.
or jelly, canning, freezing), flavor, and color.
The ideal site for stone fruit trees is a gentle Remember, the cultivar must be winter hardy in
slope, where cold air can settle into adjacent your area. Peaches and sweet cherries should be
lower areas. The bottoms of valleys are “frost planted only in southern Wisconsin, and even then
pockets” and may be several degrees colder than you should choose only the hardiest cultivars.
nearby hillsides. Hilltops are also undesirable, as
You’ll need to know whether the cultivar you’re
they may be very windy and exposed.
considering is self-fruitful or requires a second
Stone fruit trees will grow best in fertile, sandy cultivar nearby. Table 1 lists the pollination
loam soils, though they will grow in all but the requirements of different stone fruits. For cross-
rockiest or heaviest clay soils. The soil must have pollinated fruits, you should be sure that the two
good internal drainage, as fruit trees will not cultivars flower at the same time so they can pro-
grow with “wet feet.” The soil should be neutral vide pollen to one another. In addition, some
to slightly acidic, with a pH of 6 to 7. sweet cherries are cross-incompatible, which
Since fruit trees require full sun at least three- means that successful pollination may require a
fourths of the day, shady locations are not suitable. third cultivar. Your nursery should be able to
advise you in selecting cultivars. Pollinizer trees
Site selection also means making sure you have should be planted within 100 yards of each other
sufficient space for your trees. Table 1 shows the for effective cross-pollination.
approximate area various stone fruit trees will
occupy, ranging from 40 to 150 square feet. Some Don’t let nostalgia for old cultivars influence
stone fruit trees can become quite large, so make your choice. New cultivars frequently have better
sure to allow plenty of room for each tree. flavor, texture, hardiness, and store longer than
old cultivars. More information on cultivars well-
Once you select a suitable site, begin soil prepa- suited to Wisconsin can be found in Extension
ration. Control perennial weeds either by publications Home Fruit Cultivars for Southern
repeated tillage or by using non-residual herbi- Wisconsin (A2582) and Home Fruit Cultivars for
cides. Herbicides containing glyphosate, such as Northern Wisconsin (A2488).
Roundup or Kleenup, are well-suited to peren-

4
Peaches are not generally recommended for name. Some advanced hobbyists and commercial
Wisconsin. However, in extreme southeastern growers propagate their own trees, but this is
Wisconsin thousands of home gardens have risky. While propagating procedures for stone
peach trees that bear fruit. The peach cultivars fruits are straightforward, the operations take
most likely to succeed are Reliance, Harrow skill and practice. The typical success rate for
Beauty, and Madison, all of which are self-fruit- amateurs is less than 25%. Further, good nurs-
ful. Apricot cultivars include Goldcot and Harcot. eries discard weak plants which amateurs might
Sweet cherries that may survive in Wisconsin try to save.
include Gold, Hedelfingen, Lapins, and Van.
Lapins is self-fruitful; the others require cross-
pollination.
P LANTING
Stone fruit trees must be planted correctly for
Rootstock selection best results. Transplant trees in the spring, after
severely cold weather has passed and the soil has
Stone fruit trees available at commercial nurseries
dried and warmed. Fall planting of bare root fruit
are typically grafted or budded to combine a
trees is not recommended in Wisconsin.
desirable scion to a rootstock with desirable char-
acteristics. Nurseries do not propagate stone Potted fruit trees may be planted any time of the
fruits from seed since the offspring will not be year if given proper care. The procedure for
identical to the tree that produced the seed. planting bare root and potted trees is similar.

Rootstocks are very important to fruit trees, Bare root. If trees arrive from the nursery
because they control tree size and may be more before they can be planted in your area, keep
or less winter hardy than the scion. them in a cool place but don’t allow them to
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing there freeze. Open the container and make sure the
are no reliable dwarfing rootstocks for stone roots are still moist. If not, add a small amount of
fruits that are winter hardy in Wisconsin. A dis- water to moisten the roots, but don’t saturate
cussion of rootstocks for common stone fruits is them. You may soak the tree roots in a bucket of
found in Extension publication Rootstocks for Fruit water for 2 to 4 hours before planting to moisten
Trees in Wisconsin (A3561). the roots.

Procuring plant material Potted. Potted trees may be kept for 2 to 3

weeks in the container. Potted trees need regular
It is best to purchase stone fruit trees directly watering, but don’t overwater them. The soil
from a reputable nursery or garden center. Good should dry slightly between waterings. Remove
nurseries will sell only trees that are free of the tree from the pot before planting and spread
known viral diseases and true to the cultivar’s the roots. If the roots circle the inside of the con-
tainer, make several vertical cuts through the
roots and spread them away from the trunk.
Stone fruit plant Rootstock
When you are ready to plant the tree, dig a hole
Apricot Manchurian apricot large enough to accommodate the roots without
seedling cutting or bending them. If one root is very long,
Cherry (sweet or tart) Mahaleb seedling it can be shortened, but in general don’t prune
the roots. The hole should be deep enough so the
Plums Myrobalan seedling entire root system will be in the ground. Don’t
Peach and nectarine Siberian C or Bailey add fertilizer or fresh manure to the hole. Fill the
seedling hole with soil and gently pack it in with your
foot to ensure good contact with the roots. Water

5
 A C P P
I N
pricots,
W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

the tree immediately. Most stone fruit trees will

be grafted from seedling rootstocks, and the graft
union of these trees should be planted at or
slightly above the final soil surface.

Young trees should be staked at planting.

Suitable staking materials include 3⁄4-inch metal
electrical conduit, pressure-treated 2 x 2 lumber
or 2- or 3-inch-round wood stakes. Drive the
stake into the ground 3 to 4 inches from the tree
and use tape (masking, PVC, electrical) or fabric
strips to securely fasten the tree to the stake. Do
not use wire, rope, or other materials that will 30–40 inches
not allow the tree to expand as it grows. You will
need to periodically inspect the tape or other fas-
tening materials for wear.

Irrigation
Young trees benefit from regular watering.
During the first year, a stone fruit tree should
receive 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 gallons) of water
weekly. If rain is insufficient, you must provide
FIGURE 2. An unbranched “whip” tree at
water. As trees get older their roots explore a
planting. Remove the top of the tree 30 to 40

larger volume of soil, and irrigation becomes less

inches above the final soil line. Branches will

critical. Don’t wait for trees to wilt or show other

arise just below the cut.

signs of water shortage before watering. On the

other hand, overwatering can be equally detri- F ERTILIZATION
mental. Overwatering fills air spaces in the soil
Like all plants, stone fruit trees require some
and keeps oxygen from reaching the roots. Wet
essential minerals in order to grow. Have your
soils also have a greater potential for root rots.
soil tested the year before planting fruit trees and
Measured watering throughout the season, from
incorporate all recommended nutrients into the
planting to leaf fall, will be most beneficial. Don’t
soil. Micronutrients such as zinc, copper, and
ignore the trees once the fruit have been har-
boron are not required in great amounts, and fer-
vested. Sufficient water is still important.
tilizing with these nutrients is usually not needed
Pruning at planting in Wisconsin.

You can apply nutrients as granules, liquids, or

Newly planted trees may need to be pruned. The
manures. Granular fertilizer is usually the least
exact pruning to be done depends on the shape
expensive form and is easy to apply. Incorporate
you desire for the tree. Prune unbranched “whip”
granules into the soil by tilling or watering
trees to 30 to 40 inches tall. Pruning encourages
within 24 hours after application. Liquids can be
strong lateral branches to form just below the cut.
applied with a hose-end applicator or watering
You control the height of the lowest branches by
can. Dilute liquid fertilizers according to package
the height of your cut. These branches will form
directions. Manures are typically low in mineral
the basic framework of the tree. More informa-
content and should be aged before shallowly
tion on pruning is provided in the “Training and
incorporating them. Extension publication
Pruning” section.
Organic Soil Conditioners (A2305) offers more
information about organic fertilizers.

6
A few weeks after planting you can make a light (figure 3). Avoid heaping mulch around tree
application of a fertilizer containing nitrogen. trunks. This can lead to fungal rots on the trunk
Apply the fertilizer evenly within the drip line of or attract rodents that gnaw on the bark and may
the tree (the ground area under the tree’s girdle the tree.
canopy). The rule of thumb is to apply 1 ounce of
Herbicides containing glyphosate, such as
actual nitrogen to each tree per year of tree age,
Roundup or Kleenup, are the easiest to use to kill
but not to exceed 1⁄ 2 pound of actual nitrogen per
weeds growing around tree trunks. For young
tree annually. Be sure to include any fertilizer
trees, wrap the trunk with aluminum foil or plas-
applied to lawns under trees in your total annual
tic wrap before applying herbicide. Apply
amount.
glyphosate according to label directions and
To calculate the amount of fertilizer to apply, avoid getting spray on the trunk or leaves (or
divide the nitrogen needed, according to this you!). Be careful not to get glyphosate on vegeta-
rule, by the percentage of nitrogen in the fertil- tion other than the weeds you want to remove,
izer. For example, a 3-year-old tree should receive because it will kill whatever vegetation it touches.
3 ounces of actual nitrogen. To calculate how Spray herbicides only when winds are calm.
much ammonium sulfate (which is 21% nitrogen)
to apply, divide 3 ounces by 0.21 for a total appli-
cation of 14 ounces of fertilizer.

You may need to adjust the standard nitrogen

application to the tree’s actual growth. Shoots on
young stone fruit trees typically grow 15 to 20
inches each year, while shoots on bearing trees
grow 8 to 12 inches annually. If growth is less
than normal, apply 25% more fertilizer. If growth
is more than normal, don’t apply any nitrogen
for a year.

W EED MANAGEMENT
Management of the soil around the trunk of the
tree affects tree performance. Don’t allow grass or
other vegetation to grow within 18 inches of the
trunk. A vegetation-free zone of 2 to 3 feet is even
better. Grass and other vegetation compete with
trees for water and nutrients. Grass growing up Mulch
to tree trunks also makes it difficult to mow with-
out damaging the trunk. Mower injury frequently
kills home fruit trees.

Prevent weed and grass growth around tree

trunks by cultivating, mulching, or applying her-
bicides. Cultivate shallowly (no deeper than 1 to
2 inches) to avoid damaging tree roots. Organic
and inorganic mulches are ideal because they
F IGURE 3. To keep weeds away from trees,
prevent weed growth and conserve soil moisture.
Apply 3 to 4 inches of an organic mulch such as
pile organic mulch around the base and mold it in

shredded bark, bark chips, or wood chips. Spread

a donut shape. Don’t heap mulch against the trunk

the mulch in a donut fashion around tree trunks

because this can contribute to fungal rots or
attract rodents.

7
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

T RAINING AND PRUNING c

a
Annual training and pruning is essential for pro-
ducing large yields of high-quality stone fruits.
Training and pruning should be aimed at accom-
plishing these goals:
e
Light management. All limbs of the tree b
should receive light. The tree should not shade
d
■

itself.

Size containment. Don’t allow trees to F IGURE 4. Prune branches close to the trunk,
become larger than their allotted space, nor
■
as along line a–b. Be careful not to cut too close
too large to prune or harvest.
to the branch collar, as along line c–d, and do not

Renewal of fruiting wood. Apricots and

make stub cuts, like line a–e. Pruning along line
a–b allows the cut to heal most quickly.
peaches produce fruit only on 1-year-old
■

wood and must be pruned to encourage new

growth to provide fruiting wood. Once they
begin fruiting, make a few large cuts each year Use tools specifically made for pruning, such as
to encourage development of fruiting wood hand shears or long-handled loppers. Keep them
for next season. sharp and clean. Don’t use hedge shears—man-
ual or electric—because they make jagged cuts.
Stone fruit trees are pruned the same at planting
Do not leave stubs when pruning. Make cuts
and are treated generally the same the first year.
close to the trunk, but do not remove the branch
After the first year you’ll need to select one of
collar (figure 4). These cuts will heal most
three training systems: open center, central
quickly. Do not use pruning-wound paints or
leader, or modified leader. Each system is
coatings, as they keep the wound moist, allowing
described on the following pages.
insects and diseases to invade the tree. It is best
Regardless of the training system, each year you to allow the wood to dry naturally. The tree will
should remove any dead or broken branches, produce growth that covers the cut.
suckers, water sprouts, and branches forming
The best time to do major pruning is while the
narrow angles with the trunk that cannot be
trees are still dormant in spring (March and
spread. Remove the weakest of crossing or
April). Dense canopies can be thinned again in
closely parallel branches. Remove downward-
late summer (late July and early August), but
growing branches. Thin out dense areas, particu-
don’t prune after mid-August as this can delay
larly in the top of the tree. Thinning cuts (remov-
dormancy and predispose trees to winter injury.
ing an entire branch to its point of origin) are
better than heading cuts (removing a portion of a
branch) for making trees less dense. Keep the
height of tall trees manageable by cutting tall
branches in the tops of the trees back to a weak
lateral branch.

8
Open center Third year spring. Remove any branches
growing vigorously into the center of the tree.
This system will produce vase- or bowl-shaped Also remove any weak, downward growing
trees with good light distribution in the canopy, branches. Unless few lateral branches have been
but its structure may be weaker than that of cen- formed, don’t cut the tips off branches. Continue
tral leader or modified leader trees. Peach trees with maintenance pruning to prevent shading, to
are usually trained to an open center form. keep the canopy open, and to maintain tree size.
First year spring. During the first year of
growth, lateral branches should be encouraged to
develop strong, wide crotches. Do this by
spreading the branches with clothespins or
toothpicks when they are no more than 6 inches
long (figure 5). In the first dormant season after
planting, cut the central leader out of the tree just
above the uppermost scaffold limbs.

Second year spring. Remove about 25% of the

extension growth from branches by cutting just
above a strong, outward-facing bud to encourage F IGURE 5. Use clothespins or toothpicks to spread
further branching. branches that are no longer than 6 inches. Wedge tooth-
picks between the trunk and branches. Attach spring-
type clothespins to the trunk and position them against
branches.

O PEN CENTER

First year spring Second year spring Third year spring

9
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

Central leader remaining branches. If the lateral limbs have not

branched, you may wish to remove 25% of their
The central leader system calls for training a tree length to induce branching.
to grow with a Christmas tree shape (conically).
The tree has one major vertical trunk with three Second year spring. By this time the central
or four tiers of lateral scaffold branches. The leader should be tall enough to have a second tier
upper limbs should always be shorter than the of scaffolds. If branches have grown starting 25 to
lower limbs so the tree does not shade itself. You 30 inches above the top scaffold of the lower tier,
can easily train sweet cherries to a central leader. leave them. If not, cut the leader 25 to 30 inches
above the top scaffold. This will induce branch-
First year spring. Select four to six lateral ing for the second tier of scaffolds.
branches to be the lowest tier of scaffolds. These
should have wide crotch angles and should be Third year spring. When the central leader has
evenly spaced around the trunk. Prune out the grown 25 to 30 inches beyond the second tier,
repeat the procedure for the third tier.

C ENTRAL LEADER

First year spring Second year spring Third year spring

10
Modified leader
The modified leader is a hybrid of the open cen- R ECLAIMING AN OVERGROWN TREE
ter and the central leader system. The advantage
of this system is that there is more fruiting wood
so the tree should produce better than an open
center tree. Apricots, plums, and tart cherries are
frequently trained to a modified leader system.
P runing old, overgrown trees to restore produc-
tion of high-quality fruit is difficult if not impossible.
First year spring. Select four to six lateral Neglected trees will never produce as much high-
branches to form the lower tier of scaffolds. Look quality fruit as new trees.
for branches that have wide crotch angles and are
evenly spaced around the trunk. Prune out the To lower the height of a tall tree, remove one or two
remaining branches. of the tallest limbs. Make the cut where the limb joins

Second year spring. To produce the second

the trunk. Such heavy pruning cuts will stimulate the

tier of scaffolds, select four to six more branches tree to produce more vegetative growth, especially
beginning about 20 inches above the lower tier. near the cuts. Spread heavy pruning over 2 to 3
Once the second tier is in place, remove the cen- years. The interior of dense canopies may need to
tral leader. be thinned out in order to allow light throughout the
Third year spring. Remove weak branches and tree canopy.
any branches that grow inward, downward, or
that cross.

M ODIFIED LEADER

First year spring Second year spring Third year spring

11
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

Training bush cherries S PRING FROST PROTECTION

Nanking cherries and sand cherries are usually The potential for spring frost injury can be lim-
trained as bushes rather than as trees. New ited by planting stone fruit trees in only the best
shoots arise annually from the roots. These need sites (see “Site Selection”) and by planting late-
to be thinned out every year to retain productiv- flowering cultivars. However, in Wisconsin late
ity. Shoots older than 5 years are less productive spring frosts are common, and stone fruit trees—
and should be removed to allow room for apricots in particular—bloom early.
younger, more productive shoots. Cut old stems
In addition to plant and site selection, two other
as close to the ground as possible. Thin out the
techniques can be used to protect flowers or
total number of stems and branches in the
immature fruit from late frosts. Covering trees
canopy so that light is well-distributed and no
with tarps of some sort will hold heat in the tree
branches are continually shaded.
canopy. The tarp must be in place before the tem-
perature falls below 34°F and must remain in
place until temperatures are above freezing the
following morning. Secure the tarp to the tree or
the ground to prevent it from blowing off during
the night. You may provide additional heat by
placing a lighted, 60- to 100-watt light bulb inside
the tree canopy. The idea is to provide more heat
to keep the temperature under the tarp and within
the tree canopy above 30°F. The tarp must be
removed the next day before heat builds up inside
the canopy. Keeping the canopy warmer during
the day may hasten fruit development and make
the fruit even more susceptible to later frosts.

Low-volume sprinkling can also be used for frost

protection but is not recommended for home gar-
deners. Protection depends on keeping a continu-
ous film of unfrozen water on the tree branches
and flower buds for the entire night. As the water
Before

freezes into ice, it releases heat and keeps the

temperature at or above 30°F. Sprinkling must
continue until the air temperature is above freez-
ing. This method will protect flower buds to
about 20°F if there is little or no wind.

F RUIT THINNING
During years with favorable weather, stone fruit
trees may produce, or “set,” large quantities of
fruit. This will result in many small fruit at har-
vest. To avoid this situation, thin the crop by
removing some of the immature fruit. To improve
the size of the remaining fruit, thin as early as
After

12
possible after the fruit set and before they are You may need to protect fruit from birds that
dime-sized. The fruit of peach, plum, and apricot gather when the fruit begin to mature. Birds will
trees should be spaced at least 6 to 8 inches apart peck holes in the fruit or eat the entire fruit,
on a branch. Remove the smallest fruit and leave depending on alternate food sources and the
the larger ones. Large fruit early in the season number of birds. You can deter birds from eating
will be large fruit at harvest. Thinning will result almost-ripe fruit using netting or scare devices.
in fewer fruit of higher quality. Cherries and
Netting is the most effective means of protecting
cherry plums are usually not thinned.
fruit from birds. Bird nets are available from
many sources, and satisfactory nylon netting can
H ARVEST be purchased at fabric stores. To be effective, the
entire tree canopy must be covered and the net-
One advantage of home-grown fruit is that it can
ting secured around the trunks. If the bottom of
be picked at peak ripeness, when it is both sweet
the net is left open, birds can still get in. It is, of
and juicy. Fruit picked for commercial harvest
course, difficult to net large trees, but this is still
must be harvested after it is mature, but before it
the best way to protect fruit.
is completely ripe to withstand handling and
shipping. You can deter birds, at least temporarily, with
scaring devices. Aluminum pie tins hung from
Different stone fruits ripen over a long period
outer tree branches will protect trees for a few
ranging from early July through September. You
days. Mylar tape hung in trees can also be effec-
should harvest fruit when they are fully mature,
tive. Scare balloons have worked in some situa-
but before they begin to fall from the trees. As
tions. Propane-powered cannons and electronic
fruit mature, they become softer and their flesh
devices that emit bird distress sounds are effective
becomes sweeter and more juicy. The skin
for a time, too, until birds become acclimated to
changes from a bright green color to a softer
the sound. These noisemaking devices are not
green, then to yellow, and finally to orange, yel-
recommended in residential areas—no matter how
low, purple or red. Usually the best way to deter-
understanding your neighbors are. Rotate meth-
mine if stone fruits are ripe is to taste the fruit.
ods during a season and delay using any scare
All the stone fruits except sweet cherries are usu- tactic as long as possible for maximum effect.
ally harvested without stems. Try to harvest the
fruit by gripping it in the palm of your hand
rather than with your fingers. This is not possible
S TORAGE
with small fruit. Twist the fruit slightly while Stone fruits are highly perishable and will only
pulling. Avoid pulling spurs or branches from store for short periods of time, usually a few
the tree—these structures contain fruit buds for days to 2 weeks. Fruit will keep longer if it is
next year’s crop. Sweet cherries should be picked picked slightly before its peak of ripeness and if
with the stems if you plan to store the fruit for it is cooled to 32° to 40°F as soon as possible.
even a few days. If you plan to eat or process Store only sound fruit. Sort through the fruit and
sweet cherries soon, you may pick them without discard any that are blemished, diseased,
stems. Gently place the fruit into your picking bruised, or punctured. These will not keep well.
container. Never throw or drop fruit. If you must Store fruit in perforated plastic bags to maintain
transfer fruit from one container to another, do so high humidity levels. Table 2 shows storage
carefully to avoid bruising. times for stone fruits under optimal conditions.

13
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

cides only when necessary. This approach allows

TABLE 2. Stone fruit storage duration under the buildup of beneficial insects that naturally
optimum conditions, at temperatures of 32° to 40°F. help to control many orchard pests.
Fruit Duration Table 3 will help you determine when to monitor
for the most serious insect pests. It summarizes
Cherries
when insects are likely to be present, and the best
sweet 1–2 weeks
times to apply controls. Use the chart together
tart, sand, bush, and nanking 3–5 days with the detailed insect information below to
Apricots 1–2 weeks decide when controls are appropriate.

Peaches 2–3 weeks Several methods can be used to monitor insect

activity, including sticky traps, pheromone traps,
Plums 3–5 weeks, and visual inspection. Not all methods work on
depending on type all insects. We offer specific suggestions for moni-
toring each pest listed below.

I NSECT PESTS Pheromone traps are sticky traps with a synthe-

sized attractant that mimics the natural odor or
Many types of insects attack the foliage, fruit, or pheromone produced by female moths for
wood of stone fruit trees in Wisconsin. Not all of attracting males for mating. The traps catch
these occur at damaging levels every year or males and help identify the period when mating
even everywhere they occur. and egg-laying occurs. Traps can be purchased at
There are two approaches to insect management better garden centers and through mail-order cat-
on stone fruits: a preventive approach where alogs. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s
insecticides are applied routinely regardless of directions.
actual insect damage, and a curative approach Do not use insecticides during bloom. Stone
where controls are applied only when pests are fruits are pollinated by honey bees and other
present and capable of causing significant damage. insects. Broad-spectrum insecticides applied dur-
The preventive approach is often used by grow- ing flowering will kill these beneficial insects and
ers who are unable to do routine pest monitoring interfere with pollination.
or who are uncomfortable trying to identify pests The following descriptions are of the most seri-
and damage. A minimal preventive program uses ous stone fruit insects in Wisconsin. The insects
one to three insecticide sprays per year, timed at are grouped by whether they primarily damage
petal fall, 2 to 3 weeks after the first spray, and the fruit or the plant. More thorough and inclu-
2 to 4 weeks before harvest. This spray program sive descriptions and color illustrations of insects
usually protects a substantial proportion of fruit. and their damage can be found in Extension pub-
Where the best possible fruit quality is desired, or lication Common Tree Fruit Pests (NCR063). For
where insect numbers are high, a more thorough additional information on specific pests and pes-
insecticide program may be necessary, with ticides, see also the list of publications at the end
applications at 10- to 14-day intervals starting at of this book.
petal fall and extending to harvest.
The curative approach is the best way to manage
insect pests. It requires learning to recognize
common pests and the types of injuries they
cause, monitoring pest activity weekly through-
out the growing season, and applying insecti-

14
TABLE 3. Approximate dates for monitoring and controlling insect pests. Dates will vary depending on weather
and location in state. Do not apply insecticides during blossom period.

Monitor adult insects Monitor larvae and/or damage Control periods

ts
be

en
er
em
st

mm
h

tob
gu
ril
arc

ne
ay

pt
ly
Ap

Au

Oc

Co
Se
M

Ju

Ju
Fruit-damaging insects
Cherry fruit flies Hang monitoring traps in mid-June.
Damage can continue until harvest.

Apple maggot Hang sticky traps last week in June.

Control is most critical July through August.

Caterpillars
Fruittree leafroller Hang pheromone traps early June. Critical
monitoring time during bloom. Spray once at
petal fall.

Redbanded leafroller Hang pheromone traps mid-April and mid-July.

Spray once at petal fall and for second genera-
tion if necessary.

Green fruitworm Spray once before blossom or at petal fall.

Japanese beetles Apply sprays as needed or use floating row

covers as soon as adults appear.

Plum curculio Apply first spray at petal fall. Check fruit for
egg-laying damage in spring, feeding damage in
late summer.

Plant-damaging insects
Aphids Can occur throughout growing season. Not
usually damaging on established trees.

Caterpillars Several species can damage fruit and foliage

throughout season. Apply controls as necessary.

Scale insects Monitor fruit, foliage, and stems throughout

year. Spray before budbreak or during crawler
stage.

Spider mites Most damage occurs mid-June through August.

Apply dormant spray, treat as needed through-
out season.

Wood borers Hang traps according to flight periods of the

specific pests as indicated in text. Apply insecti-
cides during adult flight.

15
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

Fruit-damaging insects tiveness of this type of trap. Apple maggot traps

are not as selective as pheromone traps; they
The most serious insect pests of stone fruits are catch many different types of insects. For this rea-
those that directly damage the fruit. These son, it is important to be able to distinguish the
include cherry fruit flies, apple maggot, caterpil- apple maggot fly from other, similar insects. The
lars such as leafrollers and fruitworms, and plum two types of cherry fruit flies discussed earlier
curculio. are easily mistaken for the apple maggot fly. You
can identify them based on differences in wing
pattern (see illustration). For management pur-
Apple maggot
The apple maggot is a type poses, keep in mind that the cherry fruit flies
of fly closely related to the attack only cherry, while apple maggot damages
cherry fruit flies. The larvae plum and apricot as well as apple and pear.
tunnel throughout the fruit,
Prevention and control. Use, destroy, or bury
causing it to deteriorate. As
infested fruit as soon as they fall from the tree.
the name implies, the apple
Do not compost these fruit because the larvae
maggot is primarily a pest of apples. If uncon-
may survive.
trolled, it is the most serious insect pest of apples
in Wisconsin. It is also a summer pest of plum Apple maggots can be controlled by trapping.
and apricot from July until harvest. Native Use the round red spheres along with the com-
hawthorns are also hosts. mercial apple volatile bait. Research shows that
one trap per 100 fruit will catch most flies and
Type of damage. The adult apple maggot fly
will minimize fruit injury. In larger plantings,
lays eggs under the skin of fruit. It may lay sev-
ring the planting with traps by hanging them
eral eggs in a single fruit. The fruit decomposes
every 50 feet along the edges of the orchard.
around the site of this sting, causing a small,
darkened depression. Tiny, transparent larvae Apple maggots can be controlled with insecti-
hatch from the eggs and tunnel through the fruit, cides. In lightly infested areas, spray in early July
leaving slender, brown trails. Infested fruit start and repeat once or twice at 2- to 3-week intervals.
to deteriorate and eventually fall from the tree. Reduce the time between sprays in heavily
infested areas. Sprays can be timed by using
Description. The apple maggot fly is about
traps to monitor for adult fly activity; spray
two-thirds the size of a common house fly. Its
when the first flies are caught, and again after
body and wings are marked with black and
subsequent catches, but no more frequently than
white bands and spots. The larvae are headless,
every 2 weeks.
legless, cream-colored maggots about 1⁄ 3-inch
long when fully grown. Young larvae are very
tiny and virtually transparent, making them diffi-
cult to find within fruit, even with a microscope. Wing-banding pattern of fruit flies.
Monitoring. Hang sticky traps during the last
week in June and continue trapping until harvest.
Apple maggot
There are two types of apple maggot traps: yel-
low sticky boards and red sticky spheres. Yellow
traps are less efficient but pick up insects before Black cherry
they start to lay eggs. The red sphere trap is effi- fruit fly
cient for monitoring reproductively mature flies.
An “apple volatile” lure, available for hanging Cherry fruit fly
with the red sphere, greatly increases the attrac-

16
Caterpillars—leafrollers, fruitworms, Description. Leafroller larvae are pale yellow to
and others pale brown and have a yellowish, brown, or
black head, depending on the species. They grow
from 1⁄ 8 inch long at hatching to about 3⁄ 4 inch
1
⁄2–3⁄4"
long. Green fruitworms are much larger and
robust, growing to over 1 inch long. They are
green and may have small white spots or pale
The larvae (caterpillars or “worms”) of several
lines which run the length of the body. The adults
types of moths feed on stone fruit foliage and
of these insects are moths.
fruit. Leafrollers (especially redbanded leafroller,
obliquebanded leafroller, and fruittree leafroller) Monitoring. Check during the blossom period
and green fruitworms are the most common, but for signs of larval feeding, which may appear as
others include inchworms and cankerworms. tattered leaves or leaves with holes chewed in
Most of these are early-season pests, causing them. Also check for leaves that appear stuck
damage shortly after bloom; a few cause damage together; carefully separate these to look for
in midsummer. leafroller larvae. Pheromone traps are available
for redbanded, obliquebanded, and fruittree
Type of damage. The larvae feed on both
leafrollers. Traps will help determine flight peri-
leaves and fruit. Young larvae feed on leaves dur-
ods and therefore when eggs are being laid.
ing the blossom period, causing minimal damage
to the tree. Leafrollers use silken webbing to roll Prevention and control. Insect populations
leaves or tie two or more leaves together, creating vary from year to year, depending in part on
a refuge where they live and feed. Leaves are their numbers in nearby forests, wood lots, or
often tied around clusters of young developing abandoned fruit trees. In some years they may be
fruit, and the leafroller larvae feed on the fruit essentially nonexistent, whereas in other years,
surface, causing superficial smooth or corky noticeable defoliation or fruit injury may occur if
brown scars. Such damage caused early in fruit the trees are not protected. Insecticide sprays
development may heal naturally. Although the applied at petal fall (the very end of bloom, when
fruit is scarred, the flesh will remain usable and 75% of the flowers have fallen) will control most
won’t rot. In contrast, green fruitworms do not types of caterpillars. Traditional insecticides may
tie leaves together, and they feed deeper, in be used. Also, microbial insecticides containing
young fruit only. Feeding damage from green the active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis will
fruitworms may cause the fruit to drop from the usually provide satisfactory control as long as
tree. More mature fruit in summer are not able to they are applied when the larvae are very young.
heal the fruitworms’ feeding wounds, and they
usually fall from the tree and rot. Leafrollers, Cherry fruit flies
green fruitworms, and similar caterpillars do not Two closely related species of fruit fly attack
tunnel into fruit, but feed only from the surface. sweet and tart cherries, but no other stone fruits.
In addition to cultivated cherry, they also com-
These caterpillars feed on many types of
monly infest wild cherries. Black cherry fruit fly
broadleaf trees and shrubs, often in wooded areas
and cherry fruit fly have similar life cycles and
adjacent to where orchards are planted. Most
cause the same type of damage, and thus will be
types also feed readily on other cultivated fruit
discussed together.
plants, including apple, pear, and even berries.

17
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

Type of damage. The adult fly punctures the Prevention and control. If possible, eliminate
fruit and lays its eggs within. After the eggs wild hosts such as choke cherry growing imme-
hatch, the larvae (maggots) tunnel through the diately adjacent to the orchard. However, cherry
fruit. The fruit may appear normal for several fruit flies are strong fliers and can move consider-
days, but eventually sunken areas develop. able distances.
Usually only one maggot infests each fruit. If
In small plantings, baited monitoring traps can
substantial infestation occurs near harvest, the
be used to suppress cherry fruit flies, but several
damage may not be apparent externally. If the
traps need to be hung in each tree. Trapping is
cherries are used for preserves, the small mag-
not highly efficient and some fruit injury can be
gots may be a noticeable contaminant. Feeding
expected, especially in areas where populations
injury not only damages the fruit directly, but
are high.
also allows brown rot and other fruit diseases to
develop. Eventually, the fruit will be completely Cherry fruit flies can be controlled with insecti-
unusable. cides. In lightly infested areas, spray them in
mid-June and repeat once or twice at 2- to 3-week
Description. Adult cherry fruit flies are about
intervals. Reduce the time between sprays in
two-thirds the size of a common house fly. Black
heavily infested areas. If using monitoring traps,
and white bands and spots mark the body and
time the first spray 5 to 7 days after the first
wings. The larvae are headless, legless, cream-
catch, and then no more frequently than every
colored maggots, about 1⁄ 3-inch long when fully
10 days. Cherry fruit flies can continue egg laying
grown. Young larvae are very tiny and virtually
through the harvest period. If populations are
transparent, making them difficult to find within
high, it may be necessary to use an insecticide
fruit, even with the aid of a microscope.
with a preharvest interval of 1 to 5 days—check
Monitoring. Cherry fruit flies are best monitored the insecticide label for this information.
using yellow sticky traps. Black cherry fruit fly
can begin flight as early as mid-June and will
Japanese beetle
continue through mid-July, with peak flight in The Japanese beetle is a relatively
late June. Peak flight for cherry fruit fly is early to recent invader of Wisconsin. It is
mid-July, with some continuing flight into early most serious in the southern part
August. Therefore, traps should be hung in mid- of the state, but extends into cen-
June. Continue trapping until the end of harvest. tral Wisconsin, and will likely con-
Trapping efficiency can be improved by adding a tinue to be an increasing problem. Populations
spoonful of ammonium hydroxide to the traps. can build to very large numbers, resulting in sub-
Place the liquid in a small jar or vial and hang it stantial damage to fruit and foliage.
immediately under the trap. Some commercial
Type of damage. They feed on many types of
traps already include another attractant called
trees and shrubs. The USDA lists stone fruits
protein hydrolysate; if you use these traps, the
among the beetle’s top 10 favorite food plants.
ammonia bait is unnecessary.
Unlike other fruit crops, Japanese beetles prefer
Check the traps at least twice weekly. There is to feed on fruit of stone fruits. The beetles cluster
about a 1-week period between the time flies on the fruit and cause substantial injury, espe-
emerge and when their eggs are developed and cially within the 2- to 3-week period just before
ready to lay. Therefore, if you use an insecticide, picking.
the first application should be made about 5 to
7 days after the first fly is trapped.

18
Description. The 1⁄ 3 inch beetles are reddish nel through the fruit, causing considerable deteri-
brown and metallic green, with a series of white oration and, eventually, fruit drop. Adults feed
tufts of hair around the edge of the wing covers. on the fruit surface, causing small, shallow irreg-
The larvae are white grubs that feed on plant ular holes. The surrounding areas decay and rot.
roots and organic matter in the soil, especially
Description. Adult weevils are less than 1⁄4 inch
under turfgrass.
long and are gray-brown to dark brown. The
Monitoring. Japanese beetles are strong fliers plum curculio has three pairs of bumps on the
and can invade from considerable distances from back, and a long, curved snout on the front of the
outside the immediate garden area. Watch for head. The larvae are pale and grublike, with a
them from late June through early August. distinct, pale-brown head but no legs. Fully
Modest defoliation (10–15%) will not affect grown larvae are about 1⁄4 inch long.
mature fruit trees or yield, but higher levels of
Monitoring. Monitor for adult weevils from
damage will stress trees and reduce crop yield
mid-April through mid-June and again from late
and quality. Substantial defoliation to young trees
July through mid-September. To monitor, spread
will delay their establishment.
a white sheet beneath a tree, then sharply tap the
Prevention and control. Many insecticides branches with a padded stick. Adults will fall to
registered for use on stone fruits will kill the sheet and pretend to be dead. Check fruit for
Japanese beetle adults, but others may soon fly in 4 weeks beginning shortly after petal fall; look
from adjacent untreated areas. Japanese beetle for the characteristic crescent-shaped scars.
traps are available and can catch thousands of
Prevention and control. Collect and bury
beetles, but, because they can attract more beetles
windfalls as soon as they fall. Since the weevils
than they catch, research has shown that the use
can easily tunnel through soil, bury infested fruit
of traps can actually increase damage to small
at least 2 to 3 feet deep. If possible, remove vege-
gardens. If you use traps, they should be placed
tation from fence rows and eliminate other sites
at least 50 feet away from plants you wish to pro-
where beetles may overwinter. Chickens readily
tect. If you have just a few small fruit trees, you
feed on migrating beetles and may reduce their
may find success using the woven fabric “float-
populations some. Do not allow chickens to for-
ing row covers” that are available to protect gar-
age in areas treated with pesticides or where
den plants from flying insects.
there may be pesticide drift or runoff.
Appropriate insecticides applied at petal fall and
10 to 14 days later will provide good control.
Plum curculio
Plum curculio is a native species of weevil—
a type of beetle. As its name suggests, its pre-
ferred host is plum, but it attacks other stone
fruits as well as apple and pear. Plum curculio is
common throughout Wisconsin and is one of the
most damaging pests of stone fruits.
1⁄4"
Type of damage. Plum curculios damage fruit
in three ways: egg laying, feeding by larvae
within the fruit, and feeding by adults at the fruit
surface. The adult female scars the fruit surface at
egg laying by cutting small crescent-shaped flaps
egg-laying scars caused
in the skin of young fruit. This damage occurs
by plum curculio
when the fruit are smaller than 11⁄ 2 inches in
diameter. As the fruit grows, it becomes very
misshapen, with lumps and dimples. Larvae tun-

19
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

Plant-damaging insects Lacewing eggs can be purchased commercially

and released into the trees during bloom to aug-
Feeding by insects and mites on foliage or ment local natural enemies; we do not recom-
branches can hurt host trees various ways. The mend purchasing lady beetles because they dis-
damage weakens trees so that they grow poorly; perse too rapidly after release.
it reduces bloom and fruit set; and it results in
the production of small, low quality fruit. The An appropriate insecticide, applied at petal fall,
plant-damaging insects and mites include will control aphids. Insecticidal soap will provide
aphids, caterpillars, scale insects, spider mites, good control if coverage is thorough. Again,
and wood borers. moderate aphid activity will not hurt established
trees and usually does not warrant the use of
Aphids broad-spectrum insecticides.
Several types of aphids feed on the
foliage and young stems of stone
Caterpillars

fruits throughout the growing sea- Various caterpillar species are important defolia-
son. Those most commonly found tors of fruit trees. Some feed on fruit as well as
on stone fruits include the black leaves. Eastern tent caterpillar and fall webworm
cherry aphid (on cherries), green are common problems. Both caterpillars are rela-
peach aphid (on all stone fruits), and 1
⁄8" tively large and hairy. Eastern tent caterpillars
apple grain aphid (on plums). Apple spin densely webbed “tents” in early spring,
grain aphids may heavily infest buds and very soon after the first leaves have formed. The lar-
young growth in spring, but they cause no injury vae first feed in groups, outside of their tents and
and do not require treatment. return to their tents when not feeding. Several
colonies can completely defoliate a tree. Fall web-
Type of damage. Aphids often cause newly worms produce large, loose tents that surround
developing leaves to twist and curl. They feed by the colonies of feeding larvae. There are two gen-
sucking plant sap from leaves and small succu- erations: spring and late summer. For a discus-
lent stems. During feeding, they inject saliva into sion of control, see the previous section on cater-
the plant to aid in feeding and digestion. Aphid pillars in “Fruit-Damaging Insects.”
saliva is often toxic to the plant, resulting in
stunted, twisted, or curled leaves. Scale insects

Description. Aphids are usually less than 1⁄ 8 Scales are tiny insects that feed by sucking sap
inch long and are generally found in large from branches, leaves, or fruit. During most of
colonies, often on the undersides of the leaves. their lives, scale insects are motionless and cov-
They vary in color from pale yellow to light ered by a hard, waxy coating. The shape and size
green to pale rose to dark purple. Occasionally, of the coating varies with species. The San Jose
winged individuals can be seen in the colony; scale and oystershell scale occasionally infest
these may differ in color from the wingless Wisconsin stone fruit trees. Both types can also
forms. infest apple trees.

Monitoring. Check leaves throughout the grow- Type of damage. Newborn scales, called
ing season. Infested leaves will be curled, with crawlers, can settle on fruit. Their feeding leaves
the aphids feeding on the lower leaf surfaces. small, red halos (1⁄ 8 to 1⁄4 inch in diameter) on
Clusters of small aphids are easy to see. green or yellow fruit. These marks appear more
distinct as the fruit mature. In addition to injur-
Prevention and control. Native natural ene-
ing fruit, heavy infestations can stress trees and
mies, such as lady beetles and lacewings, help
kill stems and branches.
control all aphids that attack stone fruit trees.

20
Description. San Jose scale is very tiny, only Spider mites
about 1⁄16 inch when fully grown. Its covering is
Spider mites are very tiny creatures
circular and looks from the side like a broad, flat-
that are more closely related to scorpi-
tened cone. It overwinters as a partially grown
ons, spiders, and ticks than they are to
scale on the tree; females mature and produce
insects. There are many different types
crawlers by mid-June. Crawlers seek appropriate
of spider mites, all of which are plant
places to settle and start to feed. A second gener-
feeders. Two types, European red mite Size of a
ation occurs in summer. Because of their tiny size
and twospotted spider mite, com- period. 1⁄ 50"
and brown color, San Jose scales are difficult to
monly attack the leaves of stone fruits.
see on branches or trunk, and they are usually
European red mite is most common on plum, but
noticed first when they start to infest fruit. By
also occurs on other stone fruits. Twospotted spi-
this time, the tree is usually infested heavily.
der mite can be found on all stone fruits. Both
Oystershell scale is less common than San Jose also occur on apples, where they tend to be both
scale but causes similar damage. It is slightly more common and more damaging than on stone
larger and elongated in the shape of a mussel fruits.
shell. It overwinters in the egg stage under the
Type of damage. Mites suck sap and nutrients
scale covering of the mother. Eggs hatch 1 to 3
from leaves. Their feeding damages leaf surfaces,
weeks after blossom and crawlers move about
causes moisture loss, and reduces the plant’s
until they find an appropriate place to settle on
capacity to grow and produce fruit. Damaged
the stems or branches of the tree; occasionally
leaves first become slightly yellow, then take on a
they will settle on young fruit. The scales grow
purplish or bronze coloration.
slowly throughout the year, and there is only a
single generation per year. Description. Both species of spider mite are
very tiny—only about 1⁄ 50 inch long when fully
Monitoring. Because of their small size, scale
grown. Twospotted spider mites are pale yellow,
insects are often overlooked unless they are
with a large dark spot on either side of the body.
abundant. If you notice the characteristic haloes
These mites produce very fine silken webbing
on fruit, carefully examine the tree trunk and
along the leaf edges and veins, which becomes
branches for scale colonies.
quite noticeable where their population is dense.
Prevention and control. Lime sulfur sprays or European red mites are a dark, reddish brown,
superior oil applied during dormancy controls and they do not produce silken webbing. Both
both types of scale. Crawlers can be controlled types of mites have many generations each year
with one to two applications of a conventional and can build to very high levels. They repro-
insecticide, timed 2 to 4 weeks after petal fall. duce more rapidly in warm, dry weather and can
average more than 100 per leaf.

Monitoring. Because of their very small size, it

is helpful to have a 10- or 15-power magnifying
glass when checking for mites. If you see leaf dis-
coloration and suspect mites, check 10 randomly
selected leaves from each tree. Most mites will be
on the lower leaf surfaces. When smashed
1⁄ 8"
1
⁄16" between thumb and forefinger, or against a piece
San Jose scale Oystershell scale of white paper, the mites will leave a small
brownish stain. In early spring, check stems near
buds for eggs of European red mites. If eggs are
present, a dormant spray will control them.

21
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

Prevention and control. Spider mites rarely the tree as soon as the eggs hatch. They tunnel
damage trees in home orchards except where through the cambium layer right under the bark.
broad-spectrum insecticides are frequently used. The damage girdles the tree. When the infesta-
tion is in a branch, only that branch will show
Natural controls are important for regulating spi-
symptoms. If the injury is to the trunk, the entire
der mites. Heavy rains wash many from leaves,
tree will suffer. Symptoms include poor growth,
especially on smaller or well-pruned trees. Many
small, sparse, and off-color foliage, and poor
beneficial predators also occur naturally. These
bloom and fruit set. If left untreated, the infested
include tiny predatory mites as well as lady bee-
areas will continue to be reinfested over several
tles, lacewings, and other insects that feed on
years, and the tree will eventually die.
mites. These beneficials are more prevalent when
trees are not heavily sprayed with broad-spec- Description. The adult moths of peachtree
trum insecticides. borer and lesser peachtree borer have clear, scale-
less wings. They are slender moths, peachtree
A dormant superior oil spray applied at the time
borer being about 3⁄4 inch long and lesser
of “tight cluster” (as the flower buds first become
peachtree borer about 1⁄ 2 inch long. The general
noticeable) will kill overwintering eggs of
body color of both is a dark blue-black. Peachtree
European red mite. However, this treatment is
borer females have a distinct, orange band across
ineffective against twospotted spider mites,
the midpoint of the abdomen. The larvae of both
which do not overwinter on the tree. Insecticidal
these species are cream colored; the head is pale
soap and certain types of conventional insecti-
to dark brown. Peachtree borer larvae attain a
cides will suppress mites during the growing sea-
length of about 11⁄ 2 inches whereas those of lesser
son, but may not provide complete control. If
peachtree borer grow to about 1 inch.
numbers are high, two applications 5 to 7 days
apart may be needed. Commercial orchardists The adult American plum borer is a moth about
have access to specific miticides that provide 1
⁄ 2 inch long. The wings are covered with scales.
effective control. The front wings have a pale gray-brown back-
ground color, with a broad, dark, irregular band
a little more than halfway from the wing base.
Wood borers
Several types of wood borers can seriously dam- The larvae grow to about 1 inch. The larval color
age and even kill stone fruit trees. The most can vary from dirty white to grayish purple to
important of these are peachtree borer, lesser dark red. The head can also vary in color from
peachtree borer, and American plum borer. The pale to dark brown.
adults of all of these insects are moths. The
Monitoring. All three insects can be monitored
peachtree borer lays eggs from late June through
with pheromone traps. Also, look for signs of
mid-August. The lesser peachtree borer lays eggs
necrotic or loose bark that may have oozing sap,
from early June through early September. The
or holes with sawdust-like material. When such
American plum borer has two generations per
areas are found, use a sharp knife and carefully
year, laying eggs from mid-May to mid-June, and
cut away the bark to determine if larvae or their
again from mid-July through the end of August.
galleries (tunnels) can be found.
Type of damage. Eggs of all three species are
Prevention and control. Prevent injury to the
most commonly laid near wounded areas of the
trunk and branches of trees, so that wood borers
bark on the trunk or major branches. Injuries sus-
don’t lay eggs there. You can clean up isolated
ceptible to infestation include sun scald, frost
infestations by carefully cutting away the
cracks, lawn mower injury, injury from mechani-
infested tissue, being certain to remove all larvae.
cal cherry shakers, and previous borer sites.
You can then paint these areas with asphalt-
Wood borers lay eggs on the surface of the bark
based tree wound compounds, which will retard
or in bark cracks; the young larvae tunnel into
reinfestation. Insecticides directed with a hand-

22
held spray wand at the trunk and lower branches Brown rot overwinters in these mummies, on the
should be timed when the insects are flying and tree or on the ground. When warm, wet weather
laying eggs. This will require the use of returns in the spring, the fungus ejects spores
pheromone traps and also proper diagnosis of from mummies and other overwintering sites
the type of borer present. such as branch cankers. The spores spread by
wind and splashing rain, causing primary infec-

D ISEASES tions of blossoms and twigs. Later, fruit are

infected by spores from mummies, infected flow-
Many disease-causing pathogens (fungi, bacteria, ers, and previously infected fruits. Injured fruits
viruses, and nematodes) attack stone fruit trees. are especially susceptible to infection.
Diseases may damage the fruit directly, making it
Prevention and control. Management of
unattractive or inedible, or they may weaken
brown rot begins by removing any infected fruit,
trees by injuring or invading the leaves, trunk
mummies, and twigs from the tree and the sur-
and branches. Damage to the tree reduces pro-
rounding ground immediately after harvest. This
ductivity and increases susceptibility to winter
reduces the amount of overwintering fungus.
injury or attack by additional pests. Since
Applications of fungicides, particularly early in
Wisconsin is near the northern limit for stone
the season during flowering, is usually necessary
fruit trees, disease management is critical to pro-
to manage brown rot. Additional applications
duce quality fruit consistently. For specific recom-
beginning about 3 weeks before harvest may be
mendations on pesticide applications, see
necessary under heavy disease pressure. For
Extension publication Apricot, Cherry, Peach, and
more information see Extension publication
Plum Pest Management for Home Gardeners
Brown Rot of Stone Fruits (A8NYDS2).
(A2130).

Brown rot Cherry leaf spot

Leaf spot is a major disease of both sweet and
Brown rot is caused by a fungus (Monilinia fructi-
sour cherries in the Great Lakes area. It is caused
cola) and is the most common disease of stone
by the fungus Blumeriella jaapii. A related species
fruits in humid areas of the United States such as
attacks plums. The disease first appears as small
Wisconsin. All stone fruits are susceptible to
purplish spots on the upper side of leaves. The
brown rot, which damages flowers, twigs, and
spots then turn brown. Only a few lesions per
fruit. Warm, humid, and wet weather favor the
leaf are required before a leaf will turn yellow
development of brown rot. In years when these
and drop. Severe infections may lead to partial or
conditions prevail, entire crops may be lost in just
full defoliation of trees, which subsequently leads
a few days.
to smaller crops of soft, watery fruit with low
Infected blossoms wilt and turn brown but per- sugar content. This is accompanied by a loss of
sist into the season. Infected twigs show small vigor, which predisposes trees to winter injury or
cankers that eventually expand and may girdle attack by other pathogens.
the branch. This causes the new growth at the
The disease overwinters in infected leaves under
ends of branches, or “terminal growth,” to die.
the tree. The release of spores from infected
Mature fruit are more susceptible to brown rot
leaves coincides with the emergence of tender
than immature fruit. Initially, small, light brown
new leaves in spring. However, infection usually
spots develop on the fruit. Given favorable
does not occur until after petal fall, when minute
weather, these spots will expand rapidly and can
pores on leaves and stems, called stomata, open.
destroy an entire fruit in only a few hours. An
Infection occurs through the stomata. Once pri-
infected fruit may fall to the ground or persist on
mary infection has occurred, secondary spores
the tree as a “mummy.”

23
 A C P P
I
pricots,
N W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

may spread from the underside of infected Bacterial canker

leaves. With favorable conditions, secondary
infection can continue until leaf drop in the fall. Bacterial canker is caused by two closely related
species of bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae pv.
Prevention and control. Removing fallen syringae and pv. morsprunorum). The disease will
leaves from around cherry trees will break the affect virtually any part of a tree. Branches and
disease cycle by not allowing overwintering twigs will have visible cankers that may ooze a
spores to develop. If cherry leaf spot becomes gummy material. Note that gumming is not
established, treatment with fungicides at 10- to unique to this disease. Infection is most severe
14-day intervals from petal fall to harvest is usu- during prolonged periods of cool, wet weather
ally required. following bloom. Severely infected leaves will

Perennial canker
have reddish spots or a shothole appearance, and
the leaves may curl inward.
Perennial canker (also called Valsa, Cytospora, or The bacteria overwinter in infected woody tis-
Leucostoma canker) is caused by the fungi sues. For infection to occur, there must be some
Leucostoma cincta and Leucostoma persoonii. The opening for the bacteria to penetrate. The pre-
disease is most severe on peach but also affects ferred openings are leaf scars and bud scale scars.
apricots, cherries, and plums. Perennial canker The bacteria are usually spread by windblown
can kill limbs and entire trees. Cankers on trunks rainfall and pruning shears.
and branches are oval-shaped with swollen edges
and may ooze an amber-colored gum. Gumming, Prevention and control. Some cultivars are
however, is not unique to this disease. more susceptible than others to infection, but you
should assume that all cultivars are susceptible.
The fungi overwinter in cankers or dead wood. Removing cankers reduces the population of the
Fungal spores are released during cool, wet pathogen. Spraying trees with copper compounds
weather. Mechanical and winter injuries, insect in the spring before bloom and in the fall after
wounds, and leaf scars provide sites for spores to harvest can suppress the bacteria. However, cop-
cause new infections. When a tree is growing vig- per can be toxic to plant tissues and should not
orously, it produces a wall of callus tissue that be applied to developing fruits. Training trees to
limits canker expansion. However, when a tree is have wide crotch angles helps prevent cankers.
dormant or stressed, fungal growth is favored
and cankers enlarge. Bacterial spot
Prevention and control. The most effective Most apricot, peach, and plum cultivars are vul-
way to prevent perennial canker is to keep trees nerable to bacterial spot, a widespread problem
in good health. Prune out cankered tissue from in the eastern United States. Bacterial spot may
the tree by cutting near the base of the branch. infect leaves, fruit, and tender shoots. Leaf symp-
Remove infected material from the site. Do not toms begin as small, angular, water-soaked areas
plant new trees near cankered trees. Avoid on the underside of leaves. Severely infected trees
mechanical damage from lawn mowers. Winter may be defoliated, leading to stress and loss of
injury can be minimized by applying white latex vigor. When fruit are infected early, deep pits
paint to the southwestern side of trunks and form in the flesh. Later infection of fruit results in
large limbs. To promote wound healing, delay a mottled skin.
extensive pruning until spring when warm, dry
weather is forecast.

24
The disease is caused by the bacterium Crown gall
Xanthomonas campestris which overwinters in
cankers on the trees. In the spring, when growth Crown gall is caused by the bacterium
resumes, bacteria ooze out of the cankers and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The pathogen persists
spread via wind-driven rain. The bacteria must in the soil for many years and affects a wide
enter the plant through wounds, such as those range of herbaceous and woody plants. The bac-
caused by hail, or through a natural opening, teria invade roots and crowns through wounds
such as a leaf scar. Periods of frequent rainfall such as those caused during planting or by insect
and moderate temperatures favor development damage. The bacteria stimulate an over-
of the disease. production of plant hormones, causing tumorlike
galls that can grow to 4 inches in diameter. The
Prevention and control. Keeping trees in galls are initially fleshy and white but become
good health by controlling other disease and firm and tan to brown when the tree is dormant.
insect pests and fertilizing properly will help pre-
vent infection. Some cultivars are more resistant Prevention and control. There is no known
than others. Copper applications in the fall or control for crown gall. Therefore, to prevent
early spring may suppress the disease but will introducing it into your soil, carefully inspect the
not eliminate it. roots and crowns of new trees for any abnormali-
ties. Do not plant trees in soil where plants previ-
Black knot ously had crown gall.

Black knot, caused by the fungus Apiosporina mor- Viruses

bosa, can be a severe pest of plum and cherry
trees. It is commonly found on wild plums and Stone fruits are particularly susceptible to
cherries, and this is an important source of infec- viruses. Viruses are very host-specific, so those
tion even for backyard fruit trees. The most that attack stone fruits will infect only stone
noticeable symptom of the disease is the produc- fruits. Symptoms may range from yellowing
tion of dark brown or black swellings on the leaves to dieback of terminal shoots to delayed
branches of plum and cherry trees. The knots bud break and leaf emergence to general stunting
tend to be longer than they are wide. The fungus and loss of vigor. While viruses may be impli-
overwinters in knots on infected branches. In the cated in maladies that cannot be explained by
spring, the knots release primary spores, which other means, do not assume your tree is virus-
are carried by wind and rain to infect other infected just because you can’t find another
branches. Water droplets on limbs and tempera- cause. Tests are available to verify infection with
tures between 55°F and 77°F are required for common viruses.
infection to occur. Several months later new Sucking insects such as leafhoppers are usually
knots will begin to appear on infected branches. implicated in the spread of viruses. When insects
Prevention and control. Most cultivated, feed on an infected tree and then on an unin-
European-type plums and cherries are suscepti- fected tree they may pass the virus to the latter.
ble to black knot. Inspect trees several times per Prunus necrotic ringspot virus can also be spread
year for black knot and remove the lesions by by pollen. Wild Prunus species growing near
pruning 3 to 4 inches below the infection. your planting may harbor viruses which can then
Fungicides applied to control brown rot or cherry be carried into your trees. Some viruses are
leaf spot may help prevent infection, but spray- spread from tree to tree by root grafts. There is
ing fungicides alone will not control the disease. also evidence that some viruses can be spread via
For more information, see Extension publication pruning shears or other tools. Before virus index-
Plum and Cherry Disorder: Black Knot (A2588). ing programs were started at commercial nurs-
eries, the nurseries spread viruses through the

25
 A C P P
I N
pricots,
W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

budding and grafting processes used to produce incompatibility is another problem. Table 1 lists
trees. Modern sanitation programs have largely the pollination requirements of common stone
removed viruses as a problem in commercial fruits. If cross-pollination is required, a second
nurseries. This is an important reason to pur- compatible cultivar must be planted within 100
chase trees from a commercial nursery rather yards to be effective. Sweet cherries also can be
than try to propagate your own. cross-incompatible. Ask your nursery what
pollinizer will be effective for the main cultivar
Prevention and control. There are no cures for
you desire.
viruses in plants. If you have confirmed a viral
infection, the only remedy is to remove the plant. Tree age. Stone fruit trees must mature before
Otherwise, it can become a source of infection to they will produce fruit. The number of years
nearby stone fruits. required is not absolute. Some trees will bear
fruit the year after planting, while others may

P ROBLEM SOLVING
take 5 years to begin to bear. Be patient and elim-
inate all other causes before implicating tree age.

Why stone fruit trees fail to bear Heavy pruning. Too much pruning, particularly
heading cuts into 1-year-old wood, causes trees
Stone fruit trees can fail to bear fruit for many
to produce strong vegetative growth. Trees that
reasons—cold winter temperatures, spring frosts,
are vegetatively invigorated produce few flower
poor pollination, age of trees, too much pruning,
buds. Heavy pruning can also remove flower
and too little training. This section describes the
buds once they have formed. Prune trees only as
most common problems and how to avoid them.
needed to train the tree to the desired shape and
Winter injury. Perhaps the most common prob- to ensure good light distribution within the
lem of peaches and sweet cherries is bud injury canopy. Don’t prune trees with hedge shears or
from cold winter weather. Fruit buds are the similar tools.
most sensitive part of stone fruit trees. Winter
Poor training. Trees that have strongly vertical
temperatures below 0°F will kill fruit buds, and
limbs will produce fewer fruit than limbs with a
temperatures below about –10°F will injure or kill
more horizontal orientation. Training branches to
the trees. Planting on favorable sites is virtually
grow out, rather than up, will increase their fruit-
the only method to help avoid winter injury.
fulness. See the “Training and Pruning” section
Spring frosts. Another very common problem for advice on correcting the problem.
for stone fruits is spring frosts. Temperatures at
Too much fertilizer. Trees that receive too
or below 30°F during or after flowering will kill
much nitrogen fertilizer produce excessive vege-
the flowers and prevent fruiting. Apricots are
tative growth. This growth comes at the expense
particularly susceptible to frost damage. Stone
of fruit production.
fruits generally flower earlier than apples or
pears, so they are even more prone to spring frost
injury. Planting on only the best sites and plant-
Poor fruit quality
ing late-flowering cultivars will reduce the prob- In some cases stone fruit trees will produce fruit,
lem. See the earlier section “Spring Frost but the fruit is of poor quality. This section
Protection” for more information. describes several problems that may lead to poor
fruit quality.
Pollination problems. Poor pollination may be
due to poor weather conditions during flowering. Fruit from rootstock. Most stone fruit trees
Bees or other insects are required for pollinating are “two-piece trees,” composed of a rootstock
stone fruit flowers. If the weather is cold, cloudy, and a scion. If the scion is killed but the rootstock
windy, or rainy, bees do not forage well. Without continues to grow, the rootstock can produce
insects to transfer pollen, no fruit develop. Pollen fruit. Such fruit will typically be inferior in size,

26
color, flavor, and texture if it is edible at all. more winter hardy, but they can still be injured
Occasionally nurseries fail to remove a tree when by severe winter temperatures, particularly if
the scion’s budding or grafting was unsuccessful. there is no snow covering the ground.
If a stone fruit tree is girdled or dies back to
Winter-injured trees may leaf out and flower in
ground level, it is better to replace the tree than
the spring. The leaves may be small and narrow
to risk having the rootstock produce fruit.
and a lighter green color than leaves of undam-
Neglected plantings. Fruit quality suffers aged trees. Once hot days begin, the tree will wilt
when trees are not properly trained, pruned and and die. The layer beneath the bark (the cam-
fertilized, or if diseases and insects are not man- bium) is normally cream-colored but turns red-
aged. Trees may be defoliated prematurely, lead- dish brown when damaged. Other winter-injured
ing to low vigor and poor fruit quality. In other trees don’t leaf out or flower at all and appear
cases diseases or insects may attack the fruit dead from the onset of spring.
itself, rendering it inedible.
In less severe situations the trees appear healthy
Poor growing conditions. Trees planted in but weaken over time, and diseases are able to
poor sites will likely produce poor-quality fruit. invade and ultimately kill the trees. Bacterial dis-
Strong shade prevents trees from manufacturing eases in Wisconsin stone fruits are frequently
sufficient carbohydrates to produce quality fruit. associated with winter injury. You can minimize
Windy sites may promote the growth of wood winter injury by selecting hardy species and cul-
rather than fruit. Carefully consider site selection tivars, planting on only the best sites, controlling
before planting. For more information, see “Site disease and insect pests, and allowing trees to
Selection and Preparation.” “harden off” by not fertilizing after August 1 and
not pruning after August 15. Branches with nar-
Inferior cultivars. Inferior cultivars will pro-
row crotches have tender wood that may never
duce inferior fruit. Also, chance seedlings will
harden off fully. Spreading young limbs to create
likely produce poor-quality fruit. Bush cherries,
wide crotches can improve winter hardiness.
sand cherries, Nanking cherries, and cherry
plums will not produce fruit of the same quality Too much water. Stone fruit trees will not tol-
as standard tart or sweet cherries. Of course, erate “wet feet.” Poor soil drainage is common in
these species will thrive and produce fruit in cold soils with a high clay content and in low areas.
climates where conventional cherries won’t Standing water or soil saturation lasting more
thrive. For the best chance of success, plant culti- than three days during the growing season will
vars recommended in this bulletin or Extension likely damage the roots. Water fills the pores in
publications Home Fruit Cultivars for Northern the soil, depriving the roots of oxygen. Avoid
Wisconsin (A2488) and Home Fruit Cultivars for these problems by choosing sites with good soil
Southern Wisconsin (A2582). drainage.

Why plantings fail Too little water. Young stone fruit trees are
particularly susceptible to drought. When water
Plant death is usually caused by a number of fac- is scarce, roots cannot supply enough water to
tors interacting rather than by a single identifi- replace that lost by the leaves through transpira-
able cause. One injury may cause enough stress tion. Sandy soils can’t hold a lot of water and are
to allow other problems to kill the tree. Several particularly drought-prone. Prevent drought
common reasons for tree death follow. stress by watering regularly. Young trees should
receive 3 to 5 gallons of water per week.
Winter injury. Peach and sweet cherry trees are
Irrigation also benefits older, bearing trees during
not reliably hardy in Wisconsin. Tart cherries,
dry periods.
European and domestic plums, and apricots are

27
 A C P P
I N
pricots,
W I
herries,
S C O
eaches & lums
N S I N

Physical damage. Bark at the base of the trunk Insect and disease pests. Severe insect or
can be damaged by small animals feeding in the disease infestations will not only make the fruit
winter and by lawn mowers and string trimmers. unusable but may defoliate trees. This is particu-
If a complete ring of bark is removed so that the larly true late in the year. Thus, severely diseased
tree is girdled, death will occur shortly after trees go into winter under stress that may lead to
growth begins in the spring. If the tree is not gir- winter injury. While these problems seldom kill
dled but a large portion of the bark has been trees outright, they often contribute to death.
removed, the tree will weaken but may survive. Manage pests using the practices described in the
To prevent physical damage, keep the area around sections “Insect Pests” and “Diseases.”
the trunk free of grass and weeds. Don’t pile
mulch materials there. This will prevent rodents
and rabbits from nesting and will make the trees
less attractive as a food source. Keep vegetation
around the planting mowed short, particularly in
the fall. You can also wrap tree trunks with wire
trunk-guards made from an 18-inch square of
1
⁄4- or 1⁄ 2-inch mesh hardware cloth. For more
information about rodent control, see Extension
publication Meadow Mouse Control (A2148).

Deer will also feed on fruit trees. They tend to eat

the tips of shoots in late winter or early spring.
When deer browse trees heavily, it is difficult to
train and prune trees correctly. Deer may also
rub against young trees, scraping off the bark
and killing the tree. If deer pressure is heavy,
only fencing will keep them away from trees. But
if deer pressure is light, repellents can reduce or
eliminate injury. Inexpensive repellents include
human hair or slaughterhouse tankage hung in
fabric net bags in each tree. Small, hotel-size bars
of soap can also be effective repellents. Leave the
wrapper on the bar and poke a hole through the
soap, then hang it on the tree with a short piece
of wire. All repellents last only a few weeks to a
few months and need to be replenished often.
For more information see Extension publication
Controlling Deer Damage in Wisconsin (G3083).

28
 G LOSSARY

Branch collar Heading cut

A slightly raised ring of tissue A pruning cut that removes a
Stomata
Small openings in leaves
where a branch joins the trunk. portion of the length of a branch. through which water exits (the
When pruning be sure to leave Compare to thinning cut. transpiration process) and car-
the branch collar. bon dioxide enters.
Inoculum
Cambium A pathogen or pathogen part
A layer of quickly dividing that infects plants.
Sucker
A rapidly growing shoot aris-
cells, between the wood and ing from the roots or rootstock.
bark in trees, where new
Mummy
Dried or shriveled fruit that
growth appears.
may host pathogen inoculum.
Terminal growth
Growth from the end of a
Canker branch.
A localized diseased area, fre-
Pollinator
The agent of pollen transfer, for
quently roundish to oblong,
fruit trees usually an insect.
Thinning cut
Removing an entire branch at
surrounded by healthy tissue.
its point of origin on the trunk
or a scaffold. Compare to head-
Pollinizer
The plant that is the source
Central leader
The main vertical branch of a ing cut.
of pollen transferred by the pol-
fruit tree.
linator. Tier
Cultivar One of two or more levels of
A contraction of “cultivated branches, each level arranged
Rootstock
The below-ground portion of
variety” used to describe differ- one above the other.
fruit trees. Rootstocks are usu-
ent varieties within a plant
ally genetically distinct from
species.
the scions (the aboveground
Water sprout
A rapidly growing shoot, usu-
Extension growth portion) to which they are ally unbranched, growing on
Growth at the ends of shoots grafted. the trunk or scaffold limbs.
resulting in length, not girth.
Scaffold
A lateral branch arising from
Whip trees
Girdle Trees from a nursery that have
To remove a complete circle of the main trunk or leader, form- no branches.
bark from a tree thus stopping ing, along with other scaffolds,
the flow of nutrients from the the framework of the tree.
Winter hardy
Capable of surviving winter
top of the tree to the roots.
Scion temperatures encountered in
Harden off The aboveground portion of the planting area.
The process of adapting from fruit trees that is grafted or
mild growing conditions to budded to a rootstock.
more rigorous conditions, as in
the autumn.

29
 R ELATED PUBLICATIONS
Apricot, Cherry, Peach, and Plum Pest Organic Soil Conditioners (A2305)
Management for Home Gardeners
Meadow Mouse Control (A2148)
(A2130)
Plum and Cherry Disorder: Black Knot (A2588)
Commercial Tree Fruit Spray
Guide (A3314) Rootstocks for Fruit Trees in Wisconsin (A3561)

Common Tree Fruit Pests Sampling Lawn and Garden Soils for Soil Testing
(NCR063) (A2166)

Controlling Deer Damage in Wisconsin (G3083)

Diseases of Tree Fruits in the East (NCR45)

Fruit Crop Pollination (A3742-E)

Home Fruit Cultivars for Northern Wisconsin

(A2488)

Home Fruit Cultivars for Southern Wisconsin

(A2582)

Copyright © 1998 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System doing business as
the division of Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. Send inquiries about
copyright permission to: Manager, Cooperative Extension Publishing, 103 Extension Building, 432 N.
Lake St., Madison, WI 53706.

Authors: Teryl Roper is professor of horticulture, Dan Mahr is professor of entomology, and Patty
McManus is professor of plant pathology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of
Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension.
Produced by Cooperative Extension Publishing. Pruning illustrations and graphic design by Jody Myer.
Cover illustration by Catherine Baer, copyright 1998. Japanese beetle illustration by Dave Shetlar.

University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the U.S.

Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties, publishes this information to further the purpose
of the May 8 and June 30, 1914 Acts of Congress; and provides equal opportunities and affirmative
action in employment and programming. If you need this material in an alternative format, contact the
Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs or call Cooperative Extension Publishing at
608-262-2655.

This publication is available from your Wisconsin county Extension office or from Cooperative
Extension Publishing. To order, call toll free 877-947-7827 (WIS-PUBS) or visit learningstore.uwex.edu.

A3639 G ROWING APRICOTS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, & PLUMS IN WISCONSIN

SR-12-2006-(R12/98)-2M