Brown Rot

[tonygw]

Is there a spray for brown rot? I have a large allotment type back garden with around 30 assorted vertical cordon fruit trees. Most of these are in the region of 4 - 7 years old. All of the stone fruits have degrees of brown rot in the summer, some becoming serious. it is now appearing on the apples and pears.
I have removed fruits as soon as I have seen it, cleared any windfalls and even pruned out spurs and branches. I have raked over the ground in the winter and removed all debris.
In spite of the investment I am now considering the prospect of removing and destroying the trees, which I really do not want to do. I do not generally use any sprays as I have, in previous years, given a lot of fruit to my Grandchildren.

[nickdub]

Is it possible to post a photo of one of the affected fruit please ? Whenever I have had a problem with rot on an apple it has been because the fruit was damaged first, usually by birds.

[fishpond]

The weather hasn't helped.
I am sure there is no treatment.
Make sure you remove any from the trees and the ground as you see them.
As nickdub has said, it is not unusual to find damaged fruit first before the rot sets in-----but not always.

[boundtothesoil]

The weather hasn't helped.

I think fishpond has hit the nail on the head. In many parts of the country it seems to be one of those 'rot friendly' years, with alternating episodes of wet and warm weather. I'd just take it on the chin, so to speak and hope that next year is a better one. It's definitely not a case of grubbing all the trees up. Commercial fruit growers can lose pretty much their entire crops to frost or hail in very bad years.

[Lardman]

It's fungal so I would imagine any fungicide would help ... not that there any available you're allowed to use any more. There are some suggestions at the bottom here Brown rot - additional information - Apple Best Practice Guide but I imagine you'd need a small holders license or similar to obtain them.

[Jungle Jane]

You could try spraying with a protective horseradish spray,there's info online to infuse the root or there's this method using leaves?
"Horseradish leaves - are known to have fungus- fighting properties, especially against brown rot on fruit trees. Mush the leaves or blend them to extract their juice, then strain and spray on plants and trees. You can use them in salads in spring when they are tender.
http://www.stephentvedten.com/11_Bas...l_Overview.pdf