Quoted:
The 4 in 1's will get things done, but are limited to a large degree.
Generally, a guy can by with a couple good fungicides, and a GP insecticide, and Lime sulfur or Sulforix.
You will have to learn some agronomy skills, but that's part of the challenge right..
If you have an ag supply shop locally, stop in and pick up a "Fruit production guide" ,or get one through the MSUE extension, or online bookstore
Fruit production guide 2016.
The guide will have recommendations of what to apply, how much, and when, at every stage of the year.
They are a wealth of information, even for a hobbyist.
The MSUE Fruit growers page has crop specific scouting updates, and is handy as well.
Another tool that is handy. Click on a dot nearest you. Click on fruit. Select whichever you are interested in, and get up to date info on pests and disease driven by weather, as well as GDD cycles.
MSUE Enviroweather.
The problem with the 3-1 and 4-1 stuff, is you are applying the same thing every time, whether it's needed or not, just for the one needed component.
The smaller volume jugs and bags of unrestricted pesticides, can be a savings over the 4-1 or 3-1, especially when the Fungicide of the 4-1 is not very effective for some diseases, or you need a systemic insecticide due to rain pressure and to protect beneficials...that keep other problems from arising.
The local MSU Extension in your county will have a crapload of info for free, and just about all of them have a Garden specialist that is bored and looking to help.
The 3-1 Bonide "Fruit Tree spray" is Captan, Malthion, and Carbaryl.
The other multi's are similar, and just as limited.
All three or four can be purchased separately in home owner sized packages, lowering the cost of each application.
Additionally, when Captan for instance, is weak against a certain disease why apply it, along with Carbaryl and Malthion that isn't needed, when copper would work better and cost less?
The 4-1 and 3-1 stuff works, mostly, but with a little effort and info, you can save $$$ and have better results.
Thanks a ton for that info! I have some research to do. As with most things, I can see there isn't an "easy" way of doing things. Haha.
I'll stop by the county extension office and see what I can round up to start with.