Pockets of higher scab infection risk exist in Western and Northern PA as we wrap up May. Those growers who are working with highly susceptible varieties that are about to flower should consider a fungicide application on those crops. Generally, recent dry weather has driven down risk levels for most varieties across the state, but central and Northern growers should keep an eye on their risk map as rain-generating weather fronts become more frequent.

--Alyssa A. Collins, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University