Apple trees are occasionally attacked by fungi, which become noticeable through growths or fruiting bodies on the trunk. Then quick action is required, because the mycelium has already penetrated large parts of the wood and, in the worst case, can even lead to the death of the tree.
Which fungi attack the trunk of the apple tree?
The most well-known fungal disease that appears on the trunk of the apple tree isFruit tree cancerThered pustule disease,thetree fungi, which act like UFOs, and thebark blight, which spreads in dry conditions, also affect the fruit trees and can massively weaken them.
How does fruit tree cancer appear on the trunk?
This disease caused by the pustule fungus Neonectria ditissima initially leads todamageof thewood tissueand thedeaththebark in several places on the trunk. Fruit tree cancer occurs particularly in regions with high rainfall.
The fungus penetrates the plant tissue through injuries, such as frost cracks or cuts. As a result, brown, sunken spots appear and the bark of the affected tree splits open. The apple tree tries to close the damaged area, so that thick, bulging overgrowths appear.
How can I prevent and treat fruit tree cancer?
- You can prevent this fungal disease of the trunk byworking very cleanly during upcoming cutting measures.
- Also make sure that there is no waterlogging in the root area.
- If you notice an infestation, you should cut the affected parts of the plant back to the he althy wood. Dispose of the clippings in organic waste so that the pathogens cannot spread in the garden.
Which fungus causes red pustule disease in apple trees?
Nectria cinnabarinais the Latin name of the causativewound and weakness fungus,which spreads from dead tissue to he althy stem areas. First, the fungus develops inside the wood and spreads through the sap channels. Only later do the orange fruit bodies appear on the bark.
Cut plant parts affected by red pustule disease back to the he althy wood and dispose of them with household waste. Unfortunately, chemical control is not possible.
How do you recognize tree fungi and what helps against them?
The mycelium of tree fungigrowsoften for manyyears in secret from the roots into the trunk. If this comes into contact with air, for example through injuries to the bark, the fruiting body appears like a UFO.
Unfortunately, once the mycelium of the tree fungus has grown in the apple tree, it can no longer be removed and the apple tree dies over time. However, you can delay this point by removing the fruiting bodies early. Dispose of these as well as infected clippings in the household waste.
Can an apple tree with bark burn still be saved?
Black bark burn (Diplodia) is also aweakness parasite,caused by increasingheatanddroughtin the summer monthsfunded is.
Initially the infection with bark gangrene is symptomless. As it progresses, the bark shows sunken spots and turns black, giving it the appearance of being burnt. Later the bark peels off into the he althy wood.
- Cut out diseased areas thoroughly.
- Then disinfect the cutting tool.
- Treat the wound areas with a wound closure (€11.00 on Amazon).
- Dispose of the clippings in the household waste.
Tip
Water and fertilize apple trees sufficiently
Mostly these are weak fungi that cause problems for the apple tree. You can prevent an infestation by watering the fruit tree thoroughly during long dry periods. A balanced supply of nutrients is also essential for plant he alth. Fertilize in early spring with a natural fertilizer and also mulch the tree disc with compost.