Appleman
Bonide Fruit Tree spray contains the insecticide malathion 6%, the fungicide
captan at 12%, and Carbaryl (better known as Sevin) at 3% concentation. This is
a very weak mixture that offers some suppression of insect and fugal damage but
at the expense of better fruit quality and yields. I compare it to trying to kill 100 flies
on the kitchen counter with a single swat of a fly's swatter.
I purchase my chemicals through United Agi Products (UAP). The company was
recently aquired by Crop Production Services and located in most states
through the USA.
http://www.uap.com/uap/index.cfm?cid=7662
Use your zip code and product search to find a dealer near you. If you have problems,
let me know. I have a salesperson here in Vermont that I work with and will ask him
where there is a dealer near you.
For a broad-spectrum insecticide ask your dealer if he carries Imidan and/or Avaunt.
Both are very good choices for controlling insects. Imidan is cheaper, but is an
organophosphate, so therefore requires more caution when handling. Avaunt is
extremely affective, especially on Plum Curcullio, but at a higher cost. Having a
small commercial orchard, I prefer to alternate sprays for better efficacy and cost.
These products are non-retrictive here in Vermont, so do not require Applicator
certification. You will need to check with your dealer to see if there is any State
restrictions.
Captan, Imidan, & Carbaryl are compatable materials and can be mixed together.
Captan is packaged in a 6.5lb bag in granular form. Imidan is packaged in a 4 - 1lb
pouch. Sevin xlr comes in a 2.5 gallon container.
Developing a spray program for your apple tree plots is a very important step towards
producing a productive orchard that will be the envy of surrounding landowners and
bring hunting opportunity that was not thought possible. I know, I own one!