Which fruit trees are commonly recommended for home gardens in Wisconsin due to cold tolerance, and what is one key disease concern for apples in Wisconsin?

Which fruit trees are commonly recommended for home gardens in Wisconsin due to cold tolerance, and what is one key disease concern for apples in Wisconsin?

• A. Apple, cherry, and pear are common; Fire blight is not a concern for apples.
• B. Plum, apricot, and nectarine are common; rust is a concern for apples.
• C. Apple, orange, and grape are common; citrus canker is a concern for apples.
• D. Apple, cherry, and pear are common; apples have diseases such as apple scab.

Answer: (C)

Choosing fruit trees for Wisconsin gardens hinges on winter hardiness and local disease pressures. Apples, cherries, and pears are commonly recommended because they withstand cold winters and have a long track record of success here. For apples, a key disease to watch in Wisconsin is apple scab, a fungal disease that thrives in wet springs and causes olive-to-black spots on leaves and fruit, thinning canopies and reducing fruit quality. Citrus canker, on the other hand, affects citrus trees and isn’t a concern for apples in Wisconsin, since citrus crops aren’t grown there due to winter temperatures. So the practical takeaway is to focus on cold-hardy options like apple, cherry, and pear, and to monitor and manage apple scab as a primary disease risk.