Cedar apple rust is a fungal disease that affects apple trees and requires both an apple tree and a cedar or juniper tree to complete its life cycle. Selection of apple varieties that exhibit resistance or immunity to this disease is a primary method of control. Cultivars displaying such resistance can significantly reduce the need for chemical intervention, promoting more sustainable orchard management.
The adoption of disease-resistant apple trees offers multiple advantages. It minimizes yield losses attributed to rust infections, reduces the financial burden associated with fungicide applications, and lessens the environmental impact linked to pesticide use. Historically, the development and utilization of resistant cultivars have been a cornerstone of integrated pest management strategies in apple production.
