HEALTHY STATUS OF THE APPLE THREE (MALUS DOMESTICA BORKH.) ORCHARDS IN THE RUSCIORI DIDACTIC AND RESEARCH FARM, SIBIU COUNTY

Abstract

The maintenance of healthy status of a didactic apple tree orchard is very important for teaching students as well as for research purposes. Fungal diseases represent a significant threat to apple tree orchards, affecting both yield and fruit quality. The scope of this study was to evaluate the phytosanitary status of two apple orchards in the Rusciori Didactic and Research Farm, Sibiu County, for 2024 season, focusing on fruit brown rot caused by Monilinia fructigena (Aderhold & Ruhland) Honey.
Thus, an old apple orchard (i.e. planted in 1960) and a new one (i.e. planted in 2019) were investigated. The analysis of our results proved that the older orchard was more susceptible, with an infection rate of 43.58%, an intensity of 11.21%, and a damage degree of 4.39%, compared to the new orchard where accordingly were recorded 15.40%, 2.86%, and 0.28%.
Our preliminary study results support the idea that the age of apple tree can be a determinant factor for susceptibility to these diseases, that can be enhanced by some relevant environmental factors. Thus, it can be considered that high humidity, optimal temperatures range (15–25°C), and wind, may favour pathogen development, especially during the fruit ripening period. Preventive treatments applied within the framework of integrated disease management effectively reduced infection rates and consequently economic losses, particularly for the young orchard. Our preliminary study results highlight that the old orchard may act as primary inoculum sources, emphasizing the importance of cultural hygiene and timely interventions.