Strategies to reduce sooty mould infection in organic apple production - Strategie per ridurre le infezione da fumaggini in produzione biologica di mele
The sooty mould consists of many pathogens that vary from year to year but also during the season. The damage can be seen by dark spots on the surface. During storage, the spots can increase in size. The use of field covers (e.g., Keep in Touch System) reduces the infestation. The use of brushing machines on the fruit after storage favours the cleaning of the fruit from spots. The risk of infestation is lower when the orchard is in airy areas and when early-maturing varieties are used.