Storage disease

Apple storage diseases can be caused by many different pathogens, most notably Penicillium (Blue mould) and Botrytis (Gray mould). Spores of these diseases usually originate within the orchard.

Symptoms on infected stored fruit include soft moulds and other lesions.

Prevention methods include:

• Keeping orchards free of long grass, weeds, and debris
• Applying calcium sprays to keep fruit firm
• Harvesting fruit at proper maturity - windfalls and cull apples on the orchard floor can act as sources of infection
• Avoiding bruising
• Ensuring soil does not get into harvest bins
• Keeping bins and packing house properly sanitized