THE PROBLEM
Peach trees and other orchard crops often face an issue known as the prunus replant disease (PRD), a soilborne problem that impacts trees planted in areas where Prunus species, like peaches, almonds, and plums, were previously grown. PRD leads to stunted growth, poor root development, and reduced productivity in young orchards. Symptoms like weak root systems, slow growth, and early tree decline are common, adding to the difficulties posed by nematodes.
Orchards and vineyards affected by this replant issue frequently experience reduced growth and vigor throughout the lifespan of the crop. As the trees struggle to establish healthy root and vegetative systems, yields are also affected. Even though using nematode- or disease-resistant rootstocks can help, no single rootstock can resist all nematode species.
For peach growers, managing both nematode infestations and PRD is crucial for maintaining robust orchards and ensuring high yields.
COMMON PESTS
TELONE™ SUPPRESSES:
- Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.)
- Lesion Nematode (Pratylenchus spp.)
- Ring Nematode (Criconemella spp.)
- Dagger Nematode (Xiphinema americanum.)
- Prunus replant disease
Nematodes can not only weaken plants and make them more prone to diseases like bacterial canker but can also act as carriers of pathogens, such as grape fanleaf virus. The replant issue, which includes nematodes and harmful soil organisms, spreads deep into the soil, making it difficult to control with conventional crop protection methods.
Signs of Nematode Infestation
- Lack of vigor
- Small leaves
- Dieback of twigs
- Sparse root system
- Excessive wilting
- Uneven growth
- Nematodes can cause a gradual decline in production over time, including lower yield and general tree decline.
- Nematodes can also transmit diseases like bacterial canker, which can weaken and kill trees
THE SOLUTION
TELONE™ soil fumigant is a valuable tool for peach growers facing both nematode pressure and Prunus Replant Disease. Prepping the soil with TELONE™ before planting targets nematodes deep in the root zone, allowing growers to manage their populations before planting young rootstock.
In addition to controlling nematodes, TELONE™ helps reduce the impact of Prunus Replant Disease by creating a healthier soil environment for newly planted peach trees. By lowering pest and disease pressure, TELONE™ enables young peach trees to establish stronger roots, promoting vigorous growth and long-term orchard health.
TELONE™ not only eliminates old roots and manages nematodes and soil-borne diseases but also creates a protective zone around the roots, allowing them to grow more robustly and quickly, free of nematode pressure. The increased growth resulting from fumigation, compared to untreated areas, is often so significant that the cost of fumigation is recouped with the first harvest. Pre-plant fumigation is crucial for orchard growers, as they have only one opportunity to fumigate before transplanting rootstock that will last for decades.
BENEFITS
Pre-planting treatment with TELONE™ helps to minimize soil-borne diseases and promote beneficial soil microorganisms, resulting in:- Healthier tree establishment w/increased trunk diameter and canopy size
- Reduced nematode populations and disease pressure
- Enhanced root growth
- Improved orchard yields
- Long-term orchard productivity
Application Method:
TELONE™ is applied before planting young almond trees, via targeted in-row or broadcast fumigation. By targeting the root zone, TELONE™ effectively manages nematode populations and mitigates the effects of Prunus replant disease, providing a cleaner, healthier soil environment for young trees to thrive. Consult your TELONE™ Specialist to determine the best application method for your peach orchards.Treated vs. Untreated
TREATED vs. UNTREATED
Left: almond trees planted in untreated soil
Right: almond trees planted in soil prepped with TELONE™ before planting (note larger trunk diameter and tree canopy); peach growers see similar results as compared to almond growers
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Tree & Vine Brochure
Learn more about managing nematodes and soilborne diseases in orchard and vineyard crops.
