A very important step in orchard care is being aware of what is going on in your orchard. For more information specific to your region, please contact your local Giving Grove affiliate. If you would like more information like this sent straight to your inbox, consider subscribing to The Serving, The Giving Grove’s quarterly newsletter.
Scouting
Make it a habit to scout for any pests, diseases, or insects while maintaining your orchard.
Look often!
Look under leaves
On new growth
On the bark of limbs and trunks
On fruit
Is the pest or disease isolated on one tree or affecting multiple trees and species?
Be aware of the surrounding environment: weather, people, time of year, etc.
Pest & Disease Identification
Problem identification can be difficult. Is it caused by an insect, weed, or disease? Consider all possibilities, including human-made or weather-related problems that might mimic biological problems.
How to Identify the Problem:
Examine- use a magnifying glass if necessary
Take a picture or a sample.
Put the sample in a plastic bag and put it in a refrigerator.
Use guidebooks, the internet, your local Giving Grove staff, or University Extension Service to assist in diagnosis. (Also see the pest resources page and disease identification page.)
Know before you treat! Don’t kill off your beneficial insects!
Cutting into young fruit can help identify the pest.