Flyspeck

Disease

Flyspeck

Schizothyrium pomi (Mont.:Fr.) Arx

Distribution: Sooty blotch and flyspeck occur almost everywhere apples are grown and often occur together; more severe in humid and warmer climates.

Photos

Sooty blotch and flyspeck appear together and affect only the fruit epidermal layer.

Sooty blotch and flyspeck appear together and affect only the fruit epidermal layer. William Turechek, USDA-ARS
A

Sooty blotch and flyspeck are found together on the same fruit and affect only the epidermal layer of the fruit (A). Flyspeck colonies appear as distinct groupings of shiny, black fungal bodies on the surface of the fruit (B). The number of colonies or "specks" range from a few to over 50 per grouping.

  • Crops Affected: apples, grapes, pears

    Management

    The primary means of managing sooty blotch and flyspeck is through the scheduled use of fungicides from mid-June through August. However, summer pruning and regular mowing helps to reduce disease pressure by lowering orchard humidity and promoting quicker drying of fruit surfaces. In addition, removal of raspberry and other brambles along the orchard border reduces outside sources or inoculum.

    Similar Species

    Sooty blotch appears as various shades of olive-green on the surface of the fruit. Colonies range in shape from nearly circular colonies with distinct margins to large, amorphous colonies with diffuse margins.

Related Content

About

Resources

Events

  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University
Michigan State University wordmark

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).