The wet weather is triggering a rare fungus. One, which could devastate Utah's apple crop. Those grown in the big commercial orchards, even the ones in your backyard. Central Utah Correspondent Robert Walz has the story.

State agricultural officials have issued an alert for what is called the "Apple Scab Fungus." It's not a common problem in desert states like Utah, unless things stay wet for a long period of time.

You can't see the apple scab on the trees yet. But the fungus is growing. The apple scab is common in wet climates like those of the Pacific Northwest.

It was not found in Utah until the flood years of 1983 and 84. It disappeared when things dried out, but the current wet weather is triggering the dormant fungus.

DR. TONY HATCH/USU EXTENSION SERVICE: "ITS JUST KIND OF HANGING AROUND, AND WHEN CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT, IT WILL SHOW UP AGAIN AND THOSE CONDITIONS WE HAVE BEEN HAVING ARE CONDUCIVE FOR THE APPLE SCAB."

The fungus does not affect the trunk of the apple tree, but grows on the leaves and fruit. If it isn't treated, it can cause severe damage to the apple crop.

HATCH: "IT WILL DEFORM THE FRUIT TERRIBLY THIS TIME OF YEAR BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST STARTING TO GROW AND THE DAMAGE WILL MAGNIFY AS THE FRUIT GETS FURTHER ALONG."

There are two ways to treat the apple trees: Either spray them before the next rain storm, or treat them afterward. But the treatments won't work if there is a strong wind. Fruit experts say Mother Nature could solve the problem through natural means.

HATCH:"AN 8 HOUR DRY PERIOD WILL NULLIFY AN APPLE SCAB ALERT THAT WE'VE PUT OUT." " AND WE HAVEN'T HAD THAT YET." "NOT SINCE LAST FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, WE REALLY HAVEN'T."

Most commercial fruit growers in the state already know about the apple scab problem.

If you have apple trees in your yard, you can call the USU Extension Home Hot Line at 370-8455 or find more information on the internet at ext.usu.edu/ag/ipm.