Apple Scab - could be the black spot you see in your apples. It is caused by a fungus called
venturia inaequalis which overwinters on dead apple leaves on the ground. Rake up discard fallen leaves and fruits. Prune the
tree to increase air circulation.
Dormant-oil Spraying - is usually done when the
tree is in a dormant stage (rest period)that is when the leaves and fruits have fallen to the ground. Oil sprays for winter spraying are heavier and are better able to coat the
tree, suffocating insects in their dormant states. Always follow manufacturer's directions printed on the label exactly. Consult your local cooperative extension agent to learn details about winter spraying.
Pruning mature apple
tree - the time to prune apple
tree is in late winter or very early
spring before new growth starts. Remove broken branches, crossing limbs, weak stems and any branches that grow toward the center or grow vertically or downward. Thin out enough new growth to allow light to filter into the canopy when the
tree has leafed out.
Thinning fruit. Thinning result in fewer but larger fruits; it should be done before the fruits are half-grown. Thin apples 8 inches apart or one fruit per spur. See Weezie's post.
Pears could be sprayed with oil as well as preventive measure against codling moth. Mature pear
tree requires annual pruning which consists mostly thinning. Remove weak, broken and dead branches. Thin out vigorous upright shoots to let the sunlight enter the
tree's canopy.
Grapes.
What kind of grape vines (variety) do you have? [Pruning method depends on the grapes' variety]
How old are the grape vines?
The grapes should be pruned when they are in dormant season [and past the danger of frost], depending on location is usually in the winter or in early
spring before buds swell. In Ohio, this done in March.
Two of the widely used method of pruning are:
Spur pruning and Cane pruning. Both can be used to train grapes on arbors.
Spur pruning is used for european table grapes and wine varieties.
Cane pruning is used for American varieties, French-American hybrids, muscadine grapes, Olivette Blanche, Rish Baba and Thompson seedless.
Basically, during the first year, you let the vine grow unchecked (don't try to train growth). The more leaves, the better the root development.
Grape vines will produce partial fruiting in 3 years and full fruiting after 4 years.