Scab of Apple
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Scab (Venturia inaequalis) primary lesions appear on undersides of leaves as early as flowering. Symptoms begin as velvety, brown or olive spots with feathery, undefined edges. Later, spots appear on both sides of leaves, become more distinct, and turn black and corky or scab-like with age. Fruit lesions resemble those on foliage. Secondary infections occur if primary infections are not properly controlled and spores (conidia) from these infections infect healthy tissue.
Early stage of apple scab on foliage.
(Photo: Nicole Ward Gauthier, University of Kentucky)
Advanced stage of apple scab on foliage.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Apple scab fruit lesions.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Sanitation (removal of infected leaf debris and fruit)
- Resistant cultivars
- Fungicide sprays beginning at bloom
