Bitter Rot (fungus - Glomerella cingulata): Symptoms appear first as small, circular, brown spots on both apples and pears. The lesion enlarges and becomes saucer-shaped. The fungus overwinters in mummified fruit and cracks or crevices in bark. Most infections can be traced to a broken limb. Infection normally shows up in mid to late summer. Young fruit are resistant to the fungus. Maximum infection occurs at 85oF and after light rain. Orchard sanitation and a regular spray program are extremely important. Broken limbs should be cut to prevent overwintering of spores in these protected areas.

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