We get a lot of questions about the proper timing and products to use as a dormant spray on backyard fruit trees. Dormant sprays control diseases such as peach leaf curl, brown spot, scab, etc and insect and mite eggs.
Liqui-CopĀ® is a true liquid copper that is widely used in agriculture. It is a replacement for the old Bordeaux sprays and Lime Sulfur. Mixing with lime is not required for this product. For fruit trees, we recommend multiple applications. Apply once in the fall after leaves have fallen, and another in the spring or late winter just before the buds begin to swell. Do not apply Liqui-Cop during the bloom period. For a complete list of diseases and plants that Liqui-Cop can be applied to, see the label. Liqui-Cop is very rain resistant. Once the application dries on the tree, it is very persistent.
Monterey Fungi-Max Brand can also be used on stone fruits to control leaf curl, brown rust, and other diseases. For leaf curl, apply at leaf fall, again at Christmas, and just before bud break in the spring. It can also be combined with Horticultural Oil.
Controlling Insects
Scale is a problem on most fruit trees as well as overwintering eggs from mites, aphids and other insects. These can be handled with an application of Monterey Horticultural Oil, a spray oil emulsion made with highly-paraffinic based petroleum oils. Monterey Horticultural Oil should be applied while the trees are dormant. Thorough coverage is necessary because direct contact with the scales and eggs is required for it to be effective.
The above products, if properly applied in a timely manner during dormant months, should provide you with a disease-free harvest the following summer.
Helpful hint: Many people apply Monterey Horticultural Oil and Liqui-Cop together in a tank mix to save time.
