Q.I have an Independence nectarine tree which I have been nurturing for two years.
This is the first year I have had fruit! On the fruits I kept I am seeing
something that looks like dried droplets of sap coming out of the skin. It is
not sticky to the touch. Are you able to determine if I have some sort of
blight with the fruit? Will I just need to take this plant out?
A.
Your nectarine fruit has damage caused by Western Flower Thrips. This is a very
common problem with nectarine fruit here in the valley and elsewhere. Once you
see your fruit damaged by this insect, you will see it in future years as well.
Be prepared to spray.
Damage to the fruit starts before
they are the size of a pea. The only control is to apply sprays to the fruit
and leaves to protect the fruit from thrips damage. The most effective sprays
are insecticides for organic production contain Spinosad in the list of
ingredients. Follow the label precisely.
they are the size of a pea. The only control is to apply sprays to the fruit
and leaves to protect the fruit from thrips damage. The most effective sprays
are insecticides for organic production contain Spinosad in the list of
ingredients. Follow the label precisely.
 |
| Readers nectarine fruit with dried sap due to thrips damage |
If you don’t mind applying an
effective conventional insecticide, then look for one containing synthetic
pyrethrins, sometimes called pyrethroids. The label must say it is approved for
tree fruits. Again, it is very important to read and follow the label for best
results.
effective conventional insecticide, then look for one containing synthetic
pyrethrins, sometimes called pyrethroids. The label must say it is approved for
tree fruits. Again, it is very important to read and follow the label for best
results.
These sprays must be applied to the
fruit and leaves starting very early in the season when the fruit are still
very, very small. Sprays must be repeated through the season for total
protection. Chances are, you will still see some scarring of the fruit but it
will be greatly improved.
fruit and leaves starting very early in the season when the fruit are still
very, very small. Sprays must be repeated through the season for total
protection. Chances are, you will still see some scarring of the fruit but it
will be greatly improved.
I have encountered this problem for two years now on my prune plum and this year for the first time on one of my nectarines. Could not figure out what it was, as our UC IPM site did not mention anything about it. Luckily I read your blog and voila: instant recognition! Thanks for your helpful articles – I have learned a lot from them already!
I have had that for two years on my prune plums and now on one of my nectarines. Could not figure out what it is until I read your article! Our UC IPM site does not mention this problem. Thanks for your blog, I love it and have learned a lot from it!
Gabriele ONeill (UC Master Gardener Program of Lake County, CA)
Thank you for your insights!
Can the fruit be saved? Does it ever soften up?
It depends on how severe the infestation is. If there is slight damage, the fruit is normal and will soften the way normal fruit does. But if the infestation is severe, the fruit might never soften and ripen.