About this episode
Kari Peter, Ph.D of Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Centre , talks about Sudden Apple Decline (SAD) or Rapid Apple Decline, which has devastated orchards in Ontario, New York State, Washington and Pennsylvania. Apple trees die for many reasons and diseases like fireblight can also spread quite rapidly. But this problem, which is called Sudden Apple Decline (SAD) or Rapid Apple Decline can be identified when the dying apple tree seems to be infected around its graft union. You might see the bark at the graft union peeling off. Then the problem moves up the tree, killing the tree, but the root stock will still be alive and well and unaffected by the disease. The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website http://www.orchardpeople.com . Formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show, from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, we have grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of our monthly guests, organizations, and audience from around the world. We offer something for everyone to support your fruit tree care journey, whether you prefer to learn through listening, watching, and/or reading. RADIO SHOW and PODCAST - FOUR WAYS TO TUNE IN Join our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments! Can’t make it live? No worries – catch the podcast later. Here’s how: Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday Live Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube Channel at 1:00 PM on Tuesday Audio Podcast: Download the podcast after the show Video Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist NEWSLETTER Do you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically, and beyond? Sign up for the free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/ PREMIUM EDUCATION For premium fruit tree care education, visit https://learn.orchardpeople.com/ if you are ready to dig deeper and further your relationship with your fruit trees. CONNECT AND GROW WITH US You can also connect with us in the various communities listed below in the footer! Let’s grow together. (00:00) - Introduction to Sudden Apple Decline (01:06) - Guest Introduction: Dr. Kari Peter (01:34) - First Encounter with Sudden Apple Decline (02:37) - Symptoms and Initial Observations (03:31) - Investigating the Graft Union (04:26) - Understanding Rootstock and Scionwood (05:51) - Field Observations and Grower Reports (06:43) - Listener Questions and Expert Insights: Potential causes and cures (09:54) - Regional Meetings and Broader Impact (13:45) - Potential Causes and Research Directions (15:54) - Preventative Measures and Grower Advice (28:32) - Concluding Thoughts and Resources (42:44) - Final Remarks and Show Wrap-Up