Mancozeb and kaolin applications can reduce russet of 'Comice' pear

Mancozeb (Manzate 200) and kaolin (Surround VVT) were applied individually and in combination in a commercial pear (Pyrus communis) orchard by air-blast sprayer in two growing seasons and in a research orchard by handgun sprayer in four growing seasons. Mancozeb was applied at 50% bloom, petal fall (PF), PF + 2 weeks and PF + 4 weeks, while kaolin and mancozeb + kaolin were applied at PF, PF + 2 weeks and PF + 4 weeks. Both materials reduced russet in both years of the commercial orchard trial and in 2 years of the research orchard trial. In one trial, kaolin treatment reduced russet to a greater extent than did mancozeb, and in one trial the combination of mancozeb plus kaolin reduced russet to a greater extent than either material alone. The year with the greatest amount of russet was the year with the most rainfall, and the year with the least russet was the year with the least rainfall. Considering that mancozeb may be used in pear orchards for suppression of pear scab (Venturia pirina) and pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyricola), and kaolin may be used for suppression of pear psylla, russet reduction by each of these materials adds to their multipurpose utility.