Question
QUESTION: Hi,how are you. We've got a plum as well as a peach tree and live in Zone 7b near Raleigh NC. Each year both tree's have lots of fruit,however by the time it is ripening the fruit is covered by spots and some holes and starts to fall off before completly ripening.I've heard that you should spray them in spring with both a fungicide and a pesticide,are there any in particular that you can recomend?
On another matter-is there any pesticide in particular that we can spray early on poison ivy?
Thanks in advance! Annette.

ANSWER: Hi Annette, Here at the nursery we only use pure Neem Oil spray from dyna grow.  It is a fungicide and miticide and does not wash off and organic.  This is the only spray for edible plants and trees.   In fact we use it on all our plants for at least 10 years now.  It does not kill the bugs but alters the leaf taste so they go somewhere else and does not wash off, so it builds up over time.  kat

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for you fast reply,we'll give the Neem Oil a try!
Any idea on the poison ivy,I'm highly allergic to it and was wondering if there's something we could use for early control? Thanks again!! Annette.

Answer
Hi Annette, You maybe able to get someone to help you on this project.  Large infestations of poison ivy can be controlled by mowing close to the ground in midsummer, then plowing and harrowing, or grazing sheep or goats.  For smaller patches, the roots may be grubbed out.  Poison Ivy will eventually die out if you keep it clipped to within an inch or two of the ground with your power mower.  If it is a harder to get to area, you could smother it out with plastic, cardboard, etc.  Deep mulch or straw.  Wear protective clothes when working in this area.  kathy