Employing Biological Elements of Orchard Ecosystems for Enhanced Tree Health

Prior research identified cultural and biologically active methods, which when applied independently, provide partial control of the pathogen complex that incites apple replant disease and enhanced yield of Gala on M.26 rootstock in orchard trials. In previous studies (Mazzola et al., 2001. Phytopathology 91:673-679), soil amendments were identified that effectively controlled certain elements of the causal pathogen complex and have demonstrated the ability to enhance growth of apple on replant sites. During the three year funding period of this program, studies were conducted to integrate multiple methods identified in previous studies into a systems approach with the goal of achieving levels of disease control and initial tree growth and yield on replant sites comparable to that obtained via pre-plant soil fumigation.