Dormant spraying is a very important action to take in preventing damage by insect pests, fungus, and disease.  Codling moth, for example, is a common pest of apples and pears, and Peach Leaf Curl is a common disease of peaches and nectarines in California.  Applying Horticultural Oil and Fungicide/Bactericide three times during the dormant season will greatly reduce the chance of infestation.

You can use the following guidelines and holidays as a reminder for spraying:
The first spray should be just after most of the leaves have dropped (Thanksgiving), the second at full dormancy (New Year), the third at bud swell (Valentine’s Day).  The holidays generally correspond with the life cycle of deciduous plants, but always use your own observation to decide when to spray.  It is also wise to research the specific species of fruit or nut for particular needs and precautions in regards to dormant spraying.

Peaceful Valley carries three choices for fungicide and/or bactericides:
Lime Sulfur, Sulfur, and Copper. Choose one along with the horticultural oil for dormant spraying.
We have offered information below for general information on each. However, the information provided is not meant as a substitute for the label information. Always read the label completely before spraying anything! Often, there are details and exceptions listed that you should be aware of.  For example, Apricots are not listed on the Lime Sulfur label, because it should not be used on apricots!  (Use copper for apricots instead).

You can read the full label information for each product Peaceful Valley carries at www.groworganic.com or visit our retail store.

Insecticide and Miticide for Dormant Sraying

Horticultural Oil

Also called dormant oil, insecticidal oil, narrow-range oil, superior oil.
Active ingredient: Paraffinic or Petroleum oil.

An insecticide and miticide used to kill soft bodied insects such as aphids, thrips, scales, and mites.  Also smothers insect eggs (including coddling moth eggs).  Must have contact with insects/mites or eggs, not effective after it dries.  May be applied while plants are dormant or as a foliar when not dormant.  Can be mixed with Lime Sulfur, but only when plants are dormant.

Hazards to people:

Very low

Hazards to wildlife:

Low

Hazards to beneficials:

Low, but “will kill soft-bodied predators or parasites exposed at the time of application”

PVF&GS products:

Saf-T-Side Spray Oil (POP8070, POP808), JMS Stylet Oil (POP900)

Fungicides and/or Bactericides for Dormant Spraying

Lime Sulfur

Active ingredient: Calcium polysulfide.

A fungicide and miticide used to control powdery mildew, apple scab, and other fungal problems.  May also control some overwintering insects as well as mites.  From UC IPM Online, “Lime sulfur is primarily used for a dormant or delayed dormant treatment.  It can cause injury to trees if applied after budbreak in spring or before mid October to early November in fall.  Don’t apply with oil before November 15.”

Hazards to people:

“High.  Corrosive to eyes and harmful if swallowed or absorbed through skin”

Hazards to wildlife:

Low

Hazards to beneficials:

Low to moderate

PVF&GS products: Polysul (PFM870), Green Cypress (PFM877), BSP (PFM885)

Sulfur

Active ingredient: Sulfur.

A fungicide and miticide used to control powdery mildew, brown rot, rust, and other fungal problems.  Also helps control spider mites.  From UC IPM Online, “As a fungicide, sulfur protects only healthy plant tissues and must be applied before the fungi arrive and begin the infection process.”  Sulfur should not be combined with oil or within 30 days of oil application unless plant is dormant.

Hazards to people:

“Low oral toxicity but highly irritating to skin and eyes”

Hazards to wildlife:

Low

Hazards to beneficials:

Low to moderate

PVF&GS product:  Kumulus DF Sulfur (PFM620)

Copper compounds and sulfates

Active ingredient: Various, including metallic copper and copper oleate.

A fungicide and bactericide used to control a wide variety of fungi and bacteria including peach leaf curl, shot hole, and leaf blight. From UC IPM Online, “Must be applied as a protectant before the fungi arrive and begin the infection.  May be used as dormant sprays or in the spring.  Do not mix fixed coppers with other pesticides as plant injury can result.”

Hazards to people:

“Causes severe eye irritation and can injure eye tissue; can cause skin Irritation”

Hazards to wildlife:

Highly toxic to fish

Hazards to beneficials:

Low

PVF&GS products:  Microcop (PFM315), Kocide 2000 (PFM271)

*All quotes from www.ipm.ucdavis.edu