Irrigation targeted to provoke ejection of ascospores of Venturia inaequalis shortens the season for ascospore release and results in less apple scab

Trials were carried out in apple orchards of Emilia-Romagna and Trentino-Alto Adige in northern Italy to investigate the effects of sprinkler irrigation on possible reduction in inoculum and subsequent disease pressure of Venturia inaequalis, the ascomycete causing apple scab. In spring, volumetric spore traps were placed above apple leaf litter containing pseudothecia with ascospores of the fungus. Pseudothecia matured more rapidly in irrigated plots, and 95% of the total number of spores trapped in a season was reached on average 164 degree days (base temperature 0°C) earlier in irrigated compared to non-irrigated plots. On average for seven location/year combinations, more than 50% of the ascospores were trapped following irrigations carried out for two hours on sunny days before a forecasted rainfall. Subsequently, a much lower number of spores were trapped on rainy days following irrigation. Field trials with scab susceptible apple cultivars were carried out in the two regions to evaluate the efficacy of sprinkler irrigation on disease. Irrigated and non-irrigated plots were either treated with different fungicide control strategies or not treated. Irrigation significantly reduced the incidence of apple scab at both sites, and the overall number of infected leaves and fruit was reduced by more than 50%. Mid-day sprinkler irrigation can significantly reduce the inoculum pressure of V. inaequalis in apple orchards. This may be a sustainable management strategy, especially in areas with extended dry periods