Symptoms

• The fungus attacks apples and pears and enters the fruit through uninjured skin.
• Infected fruit are characterized by a firm rot which forms a circular light brown spot. With age the spots become almost black and have a saucer-shaped depression.
• The organism overwinters in decayed fruit and in cracks on the old bark. A broken limb or twig will serve as an overwintering site.
• Symptoms are first noticeable in mid to late July. A temperature of 85 degrees F and light rain favor development of the rot.

Management

• Good sanitation will help reduce losses from this disease.
• Remove all broken limbs and decayed fruit. Once the disease begins to show up, spray at seven day intervals for two or three applications.