Diseases of fruit treescan be caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses. Sometimes the causes of diseases may also be non-infectious factors, such as macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, or unfavorable growing conditions. The typical symptoms of diseases are discoloration, distortions and wilting of plants. Seephotos and descriptions of fruit tree diseasesand learn how to combat them.
Diseases of fruit trees - pear rust
Success in the fight against diseases of fruit treesdepends on the correct identification of the disease we are dealing with and choosing the appropriate method of plant treatment, minimizing the use of chemicals.Especially if we want our home and allotment gardens to be a source of he althy food, free from pesticides.It is also worth learning to recognize pests of fruit plants and distinguish the effects of their existence from the symptoms of diseases.
Diseases of fruit trees - prevention
Above all, however, preventive measures should be taken,preventing the spread of tree diseases , such as:
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- eliminating the source of the disease in the crown of the tree bycutting out infected shootseven in the early stage of infection, and regular x-raying of fruit trees, thanks to which the crowns breathe better and the risk is reduced spreading fungal diseases, "
- securing tree wounds immediately after pruningwith the use of garden ointments. This treatment accelerates the healing of wounds and thus reduces the spread of gangrene of the bark and bacterial cancer of fruit trees,
- removing the sources of primary infectionwhich are mummified fruits left on trees and leaves fallen from infected trees. Thanks to this, in spring they will not be a source of infection (spraying leaves with 5% urea solution accelerates their decomposition),
- after the onset ofsymptoms of fruit tree diseaseon trunks and thick branches,cutting out the affected cortex to he althy woodand securing the resulting wounds with ointments gardening, as well as securing wounds on shoots formed after a hailstorm by spraying trees with systemic fungicides,
- avoiding the transmission of pathogens on tools for cutting trees and shrubs (tools are disinfected in solutions of 70% alcohol or 10% sodium hypochlorite),
- if necessaryremoval of heavily infested trees .
Note!
Until recently, it was common practice to burn plant debris infested with diseases and pests to prevent the spread of pathogens. However, according to current regulations, smoking leaves and branches, even if they come from diseased plants, is forbidden. From gardens and plots, we should dispose of them in accordance with the principles of segregation and waste return in force in our commune. Cut branches and removed leaves are called green waste.
Diseases of fruit trees - descriptions, photos, spraying, combating
Descriptions of individualdiseases of fruit trees , most common in our orchards, are presented below, along with tips on how to spray and combat fruit tree diseases.
Walnut anthracnose
Anthracnose is one of the most dangerous diseases of walnut. As a result of anthracnoseinfection, large yellow spotsappear on the walnut leaves, turning brown over time, enlarging and merging, covering a large part of the leaf surface.The spots on the fruit and shoots are brown-gray in color and are slightly recessed. Young fruit buds rot and fall off. Older fruit affected by anthracnose ripen more slowly and fall off the trees prematurely.
Walnut anthracnose
Fig. Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0, source: Wikimedia Commons.
The infection is caused by a fungus attacking leaves, fruit and non-woody shoots. The disease poses a particular threat to walnut trees in years with heavy rainfall.
Combating walnut anthracnoseinvolves cutting down affected plant parts and removing them from the garden, raking up and removing fallen leaves and fruits.
In early May, as soon as they appear the first developed leaves are sprayed with Miedzian 50 WP.
In severe diseasethe walnut tree is also sprayedwith the Signum 33 WG fungicide. We can use it from the beginning of the flowering phase to the end of the development phase of the walnut fruit, making two sprayings with an interval of 14 days.
Apple and pear dirty blotch
This disease of apple and pear fruit trees develops especially in chemically unprotected ecological orchards. The symptom isdark gray spots appearing on the fruitin the run-up to harvest. Usually, the first spots are formed around the stalk cavity of the apples, from where they spread as streaks. Sometimes stains may appear on fruit already harvested from the tree during its storage period.
Dirty apple blotch
Fig. Jerzy Opioła, CC BY-SA 4.0, source: Wikimedia Commons.
Taapple and pear tree diseaseoccurs mainly in neglected and susceptible apple trees, such as 'Golden Delicious'. It can be caused by several different fungi.
Fighting the dirty spot of apples and pearsis first of all the proper cutting of apple and pear trees, ventilating tree crowns.In amateur cultivation on the plots, spraying with plant extracts of horsetail and chamomile is carried out. No treatment with chemical plant protection products is necessary if preventive spraying against other diseases of fruit trees
Brown rot of fruit trees
The symptoms of brown rot are : browning and dying off flowers, shoot dieback, fruit covered with brown rot and spore clusters. In spring, the source of infection are spores hibernating on shoots and mummified fruits. The fungus produces several generations of spores during the growing season.Brown rot is caused by Monilia fructigena and Monilia laxa. For this reason, the disease is also known as moniliosis. In the case of the infestation of apple and pear trees we are talking about brown rot of pome trees, while in the case of plums, cherries, peaches or apricots we are dealing with brown rot of stone trees.
Brown rot on plum fruits
Fig. depositphotos.com
Combating brown rotconsists in removing infected fruit and shoots. It is also worth fighting insects that damage the skin of the fruit. Spray cherries at the beginning of flowering with yarrow extract or horsetail decoction. The following preparations will be helpful in chemical protection: Switch 62.5 WG, Signum 33 WG and Score 250 EC.
In the case of brown rot in plum trees, spray the trees with Miedzian before flowering. In the event of prolonged rainfall, spraying should be repeated at the turn of May and June and four weeks before harvesting the fruit. Switch 62.5 WG and Signum 33 WG preparations will be helpful for this spraying.
Red Lumpiness
On dying branchesreddish bubbles the size of a pinhead This fungal disease can attack various species of fruit trees and shrubs. It spreads quickly on poorly cared for plants. The spores of the fungus, through the damaged bark, enter the plant tissues in which mycelial hyphae develop. They release poisons that cause the branches to die off.
Fighting red lumpinessinvolves cutting out infected parts of plants. Dead branches should be cut in places where the wood is he althy, and the cutting wounds should be covered with garden ointment. Remove cut branches immediately. Currently no protection measures are available for spraying against this disease.
Fine leaf spot
As a result of infection with this diseaseleaves are covered with small, brown-red spotsA fine leaf spot affects apple trees, cherries. In the case of apple trees, the disease is caused by the fungus Phyllosticta mali, and in the case of cherries, it is the pathogen Blumeriella jappi.
Minor blotch of stone leaves
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Fighting this disease of fruit trees is primarily the systematic removal of fallen leaves. Cherries can be sprayed after flowering with Syllit 65 WP. You should perform 2 or 3 treatments every 14 days. Especially in humid weather.
Pitted tree leaves perforated
Small spots, usually brown in color, appear on the leaves. Over timein the spots the tissue dies and crumbles, as a result of which holes are formed in the leavesIf severely infected, the whole leaves may die. This disease is caused by fungi hibernating on the surface of shoots, most often Clasterosporium carpophilum. Cherries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums are attacked.
The holes in the leaves of stone trees
Fig. Kühler Grill, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
Combating leaf holesmainly consists in cutting out infected shoots. Since the fungus hibernates on infected shoots and buds, it is recommended to spray with copper fungicides, such as, for example, Miedzian 50 WP, during the period of dormancy or at the beginning of vegetation (during the budding phase).
To combat pinholes leaves on plum treesMagnicur Gold is registered. It is recommended to use this measure when the first symptoms of the disease appear, from the flowering phase to the fruit harvest (but not later than 14 days before harvest). The recommended concentration is 1.5 g per 5-7.5 liters of water.
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Peach leaf curl
As a result of curl, leaves are strongly folded, discolored to yellow and red-carmine, and a delicate gray-white coating of the fungus appears on their surface. With time, the leaves fall and the trees bear fruit, but they are weakened and have a lower frost resistance.The cause of this disease is the fungus Taphrina deformans hibernating on the scales of the buds. Leaf curl attacks peaches and nectarines.
Peach leaf curl
Combating frizz is all aboutremoving affected leaves and cutting affected shoots. Before the beginning of vegetation (when the air temperatureexceeds + 6 ° C) spray with Syllit 65 WP, and in autumn (after the leaves have fallen), spray with Miedzian 50 WP. It is important to thoroughly cover the whole trees with fungicide - both the tops of the shoots and the cracks in the bark on the trunk.
Powdery mildew
As a result of infestation of fruit trees with powdery mildew, white-gray spots of the fungus appear on the peel of the fruit, turning brown. There is a white, fluffy coating on the leaves.Leaves can turn red over time, usually turn yellow and fall prematurely. The disease is caused by fungi whose spores are spread by wind and raindrops. Most often we deal with apple mildew caused by the fungus Podosphaera leucotricha, but similar symptoms can also be observed on other fruit trees and shrubs. Powdery mildew can attack most fruit plants and, apart from apple trees, is often found on peaches, grapes and gooseberries.
Apple leaves affected by powdery mildew
Fig. I. Sáček, senior, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
In controlling powdery mildewit is very important to avoid the cultivation of sensitive species of trees and shrubs. In amateur cultivation, it is recommended to cut out infected shoots during the winter pruning and during the growing season. It is also recommended to use natural preparations, such as Evasiol (horsetail extract), Lecitec (based on natural lecithin) and Limocide (the main ingredient is orange oil).Spraying should start in the pink bud stage, if necessary, especially if the diseased shoots have not been cut, the next treatments are carried out during flowering and after flowering, until the end of June.
If natural preparations do not help, plant protection products will help: Topas 100 EC, Siarkol 800 SC and Siarkol Extra 80 WP.
Apple floss
Symptoms of this apple tree disease include excessive breaking of side shoots from sleeping buds (the so-called brooms). Infested trees have enlarged bracts and distorted flowers. The fruit becomes smaller and has an elongated peduncle. Tree growth is stunted. The cause of the myoplasia are mycoplasmas transferred during budding and grafting of fruit trees. They can also be spread by some insects that eat the sap of diseased plants
In order to avoid apple tree leafiness, make sure that the nursery material you buy comes from a reliable source and is he althy. You should also fight mycoplasma-transmitting insects, such as for example leafhoppers.
Apple mosaic
As a result of infection with the virus , yellow, mosaic-like spots appear on the leaves of the apple tree , with time the tissue at the spot of the spots dies and leaves fall, tree growth stunted, fruit small, yield reduced. Apple mosaic virus can be transmitted during vaccination and budding. The only way to combat this is to plant only he althy, virus-free nursery material. Infested plants cannot be cured and should be removed from crops.
Apple and pear scab
Pear scab manifests itself similarly to apple scab. Brown-black spots appear on the leaves, fruit and young bark of a pear. The stains on the apple trees are olive-colored. The diseased fruit is small and distorted. At the spot where the stains appear, the fruit cracks and the peel becomes corky.
Apples affected by scab
Fig. depositphotos.com
Apple scab is caused by Venturia inaequalis and pear scab is caused by Venturia pyrina. These fungi infest all aerial and non-lignified parts of plants. Their spread is favored by moisture. They can hibernate on infected leaves and shoots.
Scab control is theremoval of infested plant parts (fallen and unraked leaves may be contaminating next season). When the first leaves appear, spray with Miedzian 50 WP, Syllit 65 WP, Kaptan 50 WP, Score 250 EC, then during flowering - with Magnicur Gold and Kaptan 50 WP.In order to reduce the amount of chemicals used against scab, it is worth reaching for the preparation Evasiol based on the horsetail extract. In addition to scab, it also helps against apple mildew.
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Bacterial cancer of fruit trees
In spring, infected flowers and shoots turn brown and die. Necrotic spots appear on the shoots around the buds, the bark cracks, thickened wounds with spills are formed, shoots die off. Bacterial cancer of fruit trees is a disease caused by bacteria, mainly affecting cherries, cherries, apricots and peaches, but can also affect other fruit trees.
Bacterial cancer of fruit trees
Fig. Rosser1954, CC BY-SA 3.0, source: Wikimedia Commons
Fighting bacterial cancer of fruit treesthe infested shoots should be cut below the infection site and the wounds covered with garden ointment. Spray the endangered trees with copper preparations (e.g. Miedzian 50 WP) in the periods of: bud swelling, flowering and leaf fall.
Pear rust
Bright red spots appear on pear leavesIn these places the leaves thicken and stiffen, and black hills are visible on the upper side of the discoloration. In summer, yellow clusters of fungus spores form on the lower side of the leaves. Leaves fall prematurely from trees.
Pear rust
Fig. Ogi, forum.PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Pear rust is a disease caused by the pathogen Gymnosporangium sabinae, which affects pear and quince in orchards.The intermediate host of the pathogen is the Sabine juniper, so it is worth taking care not to plant any junipers near the orchard. If juniper rust is already growing on junipers, the affected shoots should be cut below the site of infection, and if the infection is very strong and affects many shoots, unfortunately the entire plant must be removed.
ForPear anti-rust sprayingwe use the Magnicur Gold fungicide. It is also worth knowing that rust will not appear on pears sprayed with agents to combat scab, such as: Syllit 60 WP, Score 250 EC, Kaptan 50 WP suspension.
Plum rust
In rust-infested plumsleaves turn yellow and fall prematurelyThe underside of the leaves shows clusters of spores, turning rusty in summer and black in autumn. The Tranzschelia pruni-spinosae fungus, the spores of which spread with rain and winds, can hibernate in plant debris. The pathogen also affects apricots and blackthorn, but does not do much damage to these trees.
Combating plum rustin home and allotment gardens is spraying with Magnicur Gold. A concentration of 1.5 g of the agent per 5-7.5 liters of water should be applied, and the recommended date of spraying is the moment when the first symptoms of the disease appear from the flowering phase to the fruit harvest (but no later than 14 days before harvest). You can spray up to 2 sprayings at intervals of at least 7 days.The second host of the pathogen is the yellow anemone, so it is worth removing the infected anemones from the vicinity of plums.
Szarka plum
Yellow discoloration on plum leaves, in the shape of rings and streaks, and green fruits covered with dark purple spots, may indicate that the tree is infected by the bark beetle. As the fruit ripens, the spots darken and furrows appear, and the flesh around the spots is red and sour. Brown-red spots also appear on the seeds, and the affected fruit ripens and falls off prematurely.
Fruits and leaves of plum trees affected by shark
Fig. Markus Hagenlocher, CC BY-SA 3.0, source: Wikimedia Commons.
Sarka of plums is a viral disease. Plum pox virus is transmitted during inoculation and vaccination, and also by aphids. Plants attacked are: plums, peaches, apricots.
In order to prevent trees from being infected by the scarlet, the infested wild plum trees should be cut down and the aphids that are feeding in the garden should be combated. Take slips for grafting fruit trees only from qualified nurseries.
Plum cyst
Symptoms of plum cystsare baggy and wrinkled fruit, light green in color, usually seedless. Over time, a grayish bloom appears on the deformed fruit. This plum tree disease is caused by the fungus Taphina pruni, the spores of which attack the flowers of the trees. Here they develop and penetrate into fruit buds. The disease attacks in rainy weather with particular intensity.
Plum cyst
Fig. Markus Hagenlocher, CC BY-SA 4.0, source: Wikimedia Commons.
Combating this disease of plum treesconsists primarily in removing infected fruits, which take the form of a cyst. Spraying is performed when the buds are swollen and burst and in the white bud phase. Copper fungicides, such as Miedzian 50 WP and Syllit 65 WP, are recommended.
Fire blight
As a result of the fire blight, the affected parts of the plants die and take on a characteristic black color as if they had been burned. Elwinia amylovora bacteria penetrate inside the shoots and overwinter there. In spring they become infected, mainly by all kinds of damage to the bark. They are carried over longer distances by insects, birds and wind. The source of infection may be hawthorn, rowan, cotoneaster and firethorn growing nearby.Fire blight mainly attacks pome trees - pear trees, apple trees, and common quince.It appears less frequently on raspberries and stone trees.
Fire blight on the apple tree 'Gala'
Fig. Peggy Greb, Public Domain, source: Wikimedia Commons
Fighting fire blightis very difficult. Two weeks after flowering, we carry out an inspection of trees. We remove wild plants that may be a source of infection from the immediate vicinity of fruit trees. Remove heavily infested trees from the plot, and cut out affected shoots 20 cm below the site of infestation. Do not plant hawthorn near the orchard.
As a precaution, spray walnut leaf extract or vinegar sumac when the buds are bursting. If symptoms of thisfruit tree diseasewere found in the previous year, we spray Miedzian 50 WP.
Ring rot at the base of the trunk
At the base of the trunk there are extensive woundswhich, as the disease develops, cover the entire circumference of the trunk, leading to a rapid dying off of the tree.Collapsing brownish-purple spots are visible on the bark. The bark becomes necrotic, cracks and falls off. The pathogen also causes fruit rot. The disease is caused by the soil pathogen Phytophthora cactorum, which can also cause significant damage to strawberry cultivation. The most common infections occur through wounds of the cortex at the site of vaccination or budding. The same pathogen in the plantings of ornamental plants causes a disease known as phytophthora.
Of fruit trees, the most frequently attacked plants are apple trees, pear trees, and stone trees. Most often, this disease threatens trees growing in wet and heavy soils,
Combating stem ring rotis very difficult, and until recently the disease was considered incurable. During the flowering period, it is recommended to spray the base of the trunk and the soil around the trunk with agents designed to combat phytophthora, such as Polyversum WP. Repeat the treatment after about a month. In areas of greater severity of thisfruit tree disease , pay attention to planting trees on rootstocks that are not very sensitive to it.
Apple bark gangrene
Brown scale spots appear on the shoots. On infected shootsthe bark turns brown, collapses, peels and diesOn older branches there are longitudinal stripes of the bark with symptoms of necrosis. Dark bumps appear on the dead bark. With time, whole shoots die off.
Gangrene of apple bark
Fig. I. Sáček, senior, CC0, source: Wikimedia Commons
The cause of the disease is the infestation of Gloeosporium album and Gloeosporium perennans, which occurs most often during tree cutting and after damage caused, for example, by hailstorms. The disease is most dangerous for young trees.
Combating scale changesinvolves cutting out shoots with signs of disease. With minor gangrene on thicker branches, only the damaged bark can be removed, the shoot can be cleaned and the wound is rubbed with garden ointment.
