Protecting the cherry tree from fungal attack begins with selecting the variety and location. Moderate amounts of water and fertilizer and regular and correct tree pruning also help to make the cherry trees resistant to fungal attack.
How can you prevent and combat fungal infection on the cherry tree?
To prevent fungal infection on the cherry tree, choose fungus-resistant varieties, pay attention to a suitable location and good wound care. Cut out large areas of infected areas, destroy the infected material and use spray if necessary.
Most diseases on cherry trees are caused by fungi. For this reason, when buying a cherry tree for home cooking, preference should be given to fungus-resistant varieties. If the cherry tree has nevertheless become infected, the affected areas should be cut out to a greater or lesser extent and destroyed. Occasionally the use of suitable spray agents cannot be avoided.
The most common fungal diseases of sweet and sour cherry trees are:
- Fruit tree cancer
- Valsa disease
- Monilia
- Shotgun disease
- scab
Prevent fungal infestation
Since fungal diseases often spread through injuries to the bark, good wound care and prevention of bark damage is important. Furthermore, the mushrooms like to thrive where moisture can be maintained permanently. That's why the crown of the cherry tree should always be kept loose through the thinning cut so that rain and dew can drain away or dry out easily. In principle, locations unsuitable for cherry trees should be avoided.
Fighting fungal infestation
The most important control measure is cutting back the affected areas to he althy wood. The wounds caused by the cut should be disinfected or, if necessary, coated with wound closure agent (€24.00 on Amazon). The cut branches should be burned.
The cherries that are still hanging on the tree or have fallen and are affected by fungal infestation must also be removed and destroyed. Otherwise there is a risk that the fungal spores will overwinter in the fruit mummies and infect the new growth in spring. Chemical control of fungal diseases must be carried out before and never during flowering.
Tips & Tricks
Nitrogen over-fertilization can not only promote fungal infestation, but can also lead to strong shoot growth instead of the desirable flower and fruit formation. Therefore, fertilize the cherry trees moderately!
