A pink-white to pink-red flower display in spring can quickly become a tragedy if the flowers fall off prematurely. But other symptoms can also appear if the Japanese cherry is attacked by diseases
What diseases affect the Japanese cherry?
Common diseases of the Japanese cherry are shotgun disease, caused by the fungus Stigmina carpophila, and Monilia lace blight. Countermeasures include removing infected leaves and shoots as well as preventive measures such as thinning and planting with onions and garlic.
A robust foundation can be shaken
The Japanese cherry is usually robust. But if there are nutrient deficiencies, if it is under stress or if it doesn't like its location, it becomes susceptible to illness. Therefore, everything should be carefully thought out when planting in order to prevent later diseases.
Potential Problem 1: Shotgun Disease
One of the most common diseases affecting the Japanese cherry is the shotgun disease. It is the fungal pathogen called Stigmina carpophila, which can make life difficult for it and becomes a plague.
First, bright spots appear on the leaves. They turn reddish a few days later. Then red-lined holes appear from them until the leaves fall off. The name of the disease comes from the fact that the leaves appear as if they have been shot through with holes. The cause of this disease can be care errors and damp weather.
What you can do:
- remove affected leaves
- cut infected shoots back to he althy wood
- burn or dispose of the waste (not in the compost!)
- if applicable spray and water with a decoction of field horsetail
- Precaution: Apply a layer of mulch, plant the area with onions and garlic
Potential Problem 2: Monilia Lace Drought
Monilia infestation can occur during and after the flowering period. The result: the flowers die and dry up. When the flowering is over, the fungus spreads to the wood and leaves. How to proceed:
- cut off all affected branches (up to about 15 cm into the he althy wood)
- Burn or dispose of waste
Other diseases
In addition to top drought and shotgun diseases, there are other diseases that can afflict this plant if it is not cared for. But this usually happens in the rarest of cases. The following diseases can occur:
- Bacterial fire
- Tree crab
- Gnomonia
- scab
Tips & Tricks
In order to keep the risk of fungal diseases low, the Japanese cherry should be thinned out regularly. Due to the free space created in the crown, rainwater on the wood and leaves evaporates more quickly and fungi have no chance.
