When spring 2018 rainfall and Psa infection event data from Plant and Food Research’s Te Puke Research Station is compared against 2016 and 2017 data, it shows less than half the rainfall has fallen, Psa infection events have been fewer and infection events have also been less severe. View the data in easy to read graphs here.

This relatively dry weather since budburst has resulted in fewer Psa symptoms being reported, with this pattern similar in other regions also. There are always exceptions though and growers should continue to respond to their individual orchard risk.

Labour weekend often brings the first signs of Hayward leafspot and growers should watch the Psa risk model. Take advantage of good spray windows to apply ongoing protection before high-risk periods. Similarly, dry spells are ideal for applying preflower girdles to green blocks with a history of flower-bud infection. Correct timing is 30 days before flowering.