 Alternaria
leaf blotch: Alternaria blotch has been a serious problem in North Carolina since the
late 1980s. By 1993, growers in nine counties in southern and central Virginia reported
seeing this problem, some with as much as 50 to 60 percent defoliation on 'Delicious'.
Although leaf blotch severity may vary from year to year, there are strong indications
that it has spread to new areas in North Carolina and Virginia, and could become a problem
in more northern areas of the mid-Atlantic region. Disease severity is aggravated by mite
infestation. Maintaining good mite management is an important factor in preventing severe
disease development. No fungicides currently are registered for the control of this
potentially devastating disease. |