Flyspeck is a fungus (Zygophiala jamaicensis) that causes areas of small black dots on apples. The fungus feeds on the apple cuticle. It does not harm the apple flesh, but it does reduce its commercial value.
Fungicide protection against apple scab will also protect against early season flyspeck infection. Flyspeck spores are present all summer. Noticeable flyspeck infections are most likely to occur on apples that are not protected by fungicide in the summer months.
Infection potential increases with wet weather. Trees that dry quickly after a rain are much less likely to have problems with this disease. Pruning to open tree canopies to sunlight and wind is the first line of defense. Brambles such as raspberry, along with many other plants, are alternate hosts. Removing alternate host plants in and around the orchard reduces flyspeck infection pressure.
Maintaining fungicide protection up to about 30 days before harvest is usually effective. Contact your local Extension Office for current pesticide recommendations.
