Cherry trees that are planted according to the variety and are well nourished are more resistant to pests and diseases than those that are in unfavorable locations and receive insufficient care. Careful choice of location and variety as well as protective measures prevent the diseases.
What cherry tree diseases and pests are there and how can they be prevented?
Important cherry tree diseases include tree canker, valsa disease, monilia, shotgun disease and pests such as frostbite, cherry fruit fly and black cherry aphid. Prevention can be achieved through careful choice of location and variety, protective measures, cutting and spraying measures as well as targeted promotion of beneficial insects.
Diseases
Most diseases of cherry trees are fungal diseases. This is why the selection of resistant varieties is particularly important. The affected trees are effectively combated through appropriate cutting and spraying measures. Pest infestations can be contained by specifically promoting beneficial insects (insects, birds).
Tree crab
Fruit tree canker is a fungal disease that attacks the wood and bark. The affected areas change color, the bark becomes dry and cracks, and over time thickenings form in the affected areas. To prevent this, good wound care and avoiding bark damage are important. The main possible control measure is to remove and destroy the affected areas.
Valsa disease
Valsa disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that spreads in the bark wounds. The surface of the bark develops warts, discolors and sinks, the leaves yellow and die, as do the fruits. The damage pattern is also characterized by rubber flow. Valsa disease can be prevented by avoiding unsuitable locations. To combat it, cut out the affected areas and close the wounds well.
Monilia
The Monilia appears as tip drought or fruit rot. In the former, the flowers at the branch tips wilt and dry up and the affected parts of the branches then die. Fruit rot affects the fruits, which first rot and later form the so-called fruit mummies. What is characteristic of both diseases is that the dried flowers or fruits remain attached to the branch. These are the breeding grounds for the fungus and should be removed as quickly as possible! The dead branches should be cut back to he althy wood.
Shotgun disease
The shotgun disease manifests itself in the fact that reddish spots initially become visible on the leaves, which gradually become darker and later turn into holes, so that the leaves appear as if they have been shot. If the infestation is very severe, the tree will drop its leaves prematurely. If the fruits are also affected, they become crippled and the shoots die. Chemical control of the disease on the leaves occurs before flowering. The affected shoots are radically cut back.
Pests
- Frost moth: the caterpillars of the butterfly eat the young leaves and flowers; The glue rings (€9.00 at Amazon) can help.
- Cherry fruit fly: sweet cherries in particular are at risk; Infestation of the fruits by the white maggot; Combat with yellow boards.
- Black cherry aphid: attacks shoot tips of sweet and sour cherries; growth inhibiting for young trees, only timely spraying helps.
Tips & Tricks
The birds in the garden are useful because they help fight pests. However, the blackbirds and starlings also like to eat the delicious sweet cherry fruits. To ensure that the damage is not greater than the benefit, protect the crown with a close-meshed net when the fruit is ripe.
