No matter how good the garden is, everything doesn't always go according to plan. Diseases, primarily caused by a virus, bacteria or fungi, are becoming widespread. However, this is no reason to panic, because if the damage is recognized early enough, natural and mechanical measures can help. Chemical sprays, on the other hand, should always be the last possible option.
What diseases often occur on fruit trees and how can you combat them?
Common diseases of fruit trees include monilia fruit rot, twig monilia and fruit tree canker caused by fungi. Prevention and control include site selection, fertilization, resistant varieties, regular care, removing infected branches and wound care at interfaces.
Diseases on fruit trees
There are many special diseases that only affect certain types or varieties of fruit. These include, for example, pear scab on pears and curl disease on peaches. Many diseases can be prevented from the outset by taking good precautions:
- Choosing a suitable location
- Avoiding fruit species and varieties that are unsuitable for your own location
- Maintain planting distances
- Keep crowns light, cut fruit trees regularly
- Preference for resistant varieties
In the following we will introduce you to the diseases that frequently occur in many types of fruit and show you possible measures to combat them.
Monilia fruit rot
This disease is caused by the Monilia fungus, which is spread by wasps primarily during fruit ripening.
Malicious image:
Small rotten spots initially appear on the fruits, but these quickly spread. The ring-shaped, grey-brown cushion mold is typical. The fruits rot and can no longer be used.
Control measures:
The infected fruits should be collected and destroyed. During the winter fruit tree pruning, remove the diseased fruits that are still on the tree, as these mummies will infect he althy fruits next year
Branchmonilia
This is also a disease caused by a fungus. It occurs primarily in sour cherries and other stone fruits.
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During flowering, especially in rainy weather, the flowers wilt and dry up. As it progresses, the shoots and leaves die off, which is why the disease is often referred to as “peak drought”.
Control measures:
Immediately cut the diseased and dead shoots back to he althy wood. If a severe infestation is to be expected, spray an approved fungicide that is safe for bees into the open flowers late in the evening. In rainy weather, the treatment should be repeated after a week.
Fruit tree cancer
Fruit tree cancer primarily attacks apple trees. The pathogen is also a fungus, so the disease has nothing to do with cancer in humans.
Malicious image:
Cancer growths develop on the trunk or branches and expand. The shoot or branch above these growths usually dies.
Control measures:
As a preventive measure, the soil requirements of the chosen type of fruit should be taken into account. Also avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen and paint over larger cuts and other wounds, as this is where the fungus prefers to penetrate. Cut off affected branches and weaker branches a good hand's width above the cancerous area. Cancerous areas on the trunk and on stronger branches are generously cut out and applied with a wound care product (€24.00 on Amazon).
Tip
Many diseases are also transmitted by pests: another reason to declare war on aphids, wasps and the like.