Mirabelle trees are inviting, unfortunately, far too many diseases. We would like to describe three of them in more detail below. One of them cannot be “cured” and the tree must disappear from the garden. But we can defeat the other two if we interpret their signs correctly and know the antidote.
What diseases can affect mirabelle plum trees?
Mirabelle trees can be affected by diseases such as Monilia lace drought, Sharka disease and shotgun disease. While Sharka disease is incurable and requires removal of the tree, the other diseases can be controlled through timely care, pruning and fungicides.
Monilia Lace Drought
Monilia tip drought is a typical stone fruit disease. It is spread by rain, wind and insects. The pathogens enter the tree via the flowers. Entire shoot tips including flower clusters and leaves begin to wilt and eventually die. Occasionally, the so-called rubber flow appears at the interface between diseased and still he althy tissue.
As soon as you notice the first signs of this disease on your mirabelle tree, you should take action. For this you need the friendly support of your secateurs.
- cut back all affected shoots immediately
- cut about 15 cm deep into the he althy wood
- this also removes a large portion of the spores
- maybe. collect infected, shriveled fruits
- dispose of the material contaminated with the fungal pathogen
- It's even better to burn it
- is unsuitable for compost because the pathogen survives
Sharka disease
This disease caused by virus cannot be controlled. It is transmitted by pests, more precisely by aphids. Symptoms include white-brown spots or rings on both leaves and fruit. Infected trees must be completely removed from the garden and disposed of. Since Sharka disease represents a serious threat to he althy, neighboring trees, it is mandatory to report it to the responsible authorities in this country.
Tip
When planting new plants, make sure to choose a mirabelle plum variety that is less susceptible to this disease.
Shotgun disease
First, round, reddish-brown spots become visible on young leaves. Over time, this plant tissue dries up and falls out completely, creating more and more holes. The leaves look like they were shot in a shotgun. This is where the name of this fungal disease comes from. The pathogens tend to spread in spring and in damp weather. The symptoms are often more pronounced in the lower area of the crown.
Prevent by making crown thinning a regular part of your care. A rain-protected and well-ventilated location also prevents an outbreak of disease. The trade also offers resistant mirabelle plum varieties. If the disease has already broken out and is well advanced, ask a specialist retailer for a special fungicide.
Tip
If you observe curled leaves on your mirabelle tree, you should not immediately think of curl disease. This avoids the mirabelle plum tree. The tree will most likely have caught lice. Take a closer look.
