Scab infection

To optimize the scab infection strategy and to reduce the use of fungicides against apple scab during the growing season, the  initial inoculum pressure and the amount of fungicide resistant isolates in the population in an orchard are quantified using molecular techniques (qPCR). Based on these data, detailed site-specific fungicide application schemes can be proposed. Additionally, the influence of the latent presence of apple scab in autumn on the initial inoculum pressure of the next season will be investigated.