Even though beach plum is a native crop, it is subject to a number
of insect and disease problems typically found on other cultivated
plums—the most serious being brown rot, plum curculio, and
plum gouger. Consult guides on plum or stone fruit pests to find
more information on these problems and treat them as you would other
plums; also, consult the beach plum management schedule (Table 2).
Table 2. Beach Plum Management Schedule
Developed by David Simser, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and
Richard Uva, Cornell University
|
| February |
PRUNING and training as needed. |
| Late-April (white bud) |
Consider applying control measures for BROWN ROT (blossom
blight phase). |
| Early-May |
Apply FERTILIZER. As nitrogen is mobile, especially in sandy
soil, consider applying 1/2 of nitrogen on now and the other
1/2 on in late May or June. |
| Mid-May (Bloom) |
Were pollinators present and active during BLOOM? Start to
SCOUT FOR PESTS on a regular schedule. Prepare and activate
the IRRIGATION system if using one. |
| Late-May (after bloom) |
Consider applying control measures for BROWN ROT (blossom
blight phase) and for PLUM CURCULIO/PLUM GOUGER. |
| June |
Control small WEEDS now instead of big weeds in July. |
| Mid-June (shuck split) |
Consider applying control measures for BROWN ROT and for PLUM
CURCULIO/PLUM GOUGER. Fruit THINNING may be required to reduce
excessive fruit loads and to reduce biennial bearing. |
| Late-June (green fruit) |
Consider applying control measures for BROWN ROT and CATERPILLARS
(if needed). |
| Early-August (1st color) |
Consider Appling control measures for BROWN ROT (fruit rot
phase) as fruit begin to turn from green to yellow in early
August. Collect soil and foliage samples for nutrient analysis
at this time if desired. |
| Mid-August (pre-ripe) |
Consider applying control measures for BROWN ROT (fruit rot
phase) if needed. |
| Late-August (ripe) |
Begin fruit HARVEST. Because most farms are growing seedling
plants (which are all genetically different) there is wide variation
in ripening time from plant to plant. Consider protection from
BIRDS. |
| September |
Remove fallen fruit and premature leaf drop from orchard floor. |
| October |
Drain and WINTERIZE the irrigation system. Remove fallen fruit
and leaf drop from the orchard floor. Protect plants from browsing/girdling—DEER,
VOLES, MICE, etc.
|
| PESTICIDES--Pesticide recommendations are for
informational purposes only, read the manufacturers' recommendations
before use. We assume no responsibility for the use of any pesticide
or chemicals. For detailed information on plum pest control
consult your state extension service’s pest management
guidelines for commercial tree-fruit and follow the directions
for plum. For New York State the guidelines can be found at:
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/treefruit/ |
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