Dead shoots can weaken the apple tree and result in a loss of yield. You should therefore quickly identify the trigger and take appropriate countermeasures that will restore the vitality of the tree.
Why do the shoots of the apple tree die?
Plant diseases such as the dangerousfire blightor theMonilia peak droughtcan be responsible for this. But the variousaphid species also cause such damage through their sucking activity. Drought puts the tree under stress and can also lead to the shoots dying.
Is fire blight a possible cause of shoot death?
Fire blight caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora is one of themost serious diseasesthat can affect theapple tree. Shortly after infection, which usually occurs in late spring, the young shoots wilt and characteristically curve downwards in a U-shape.
The bark of affected areas sinks and looks moist. In dry weather, even old branches can die within a few days. They turn brown-black and appear burned.
Fire blight can only be fought in the initial stages and must be reported.
How does the Monilia peak drought manifest itself?
If the apple tree is affected by this disease,die fromthe fungal spores that have penetrated the tissue via the flowersfirst theannual shoots from. Whole flower clusters begin to dry up, the foliage hangs limply on the apple tree and dries up. This disease is particularly common in warm, humid weather.
As an immediate measure, it is recommended to cut all affected branches back deep into the he althy wood. Dispose of the clippings with household waste so that the pathogens cannot spread any further.
Why do shoots die when infested with aphids?
Apple aphidsuse their proboscis to drill into the pathways of the apple tree leaves andsuck the plant sap. The pests also lay their eggs directly in the tips of the shoots, so that the young shoots wither and die. This results in premature leaf drop and damage to the fruit.
Natural predators like:
- Ladybug,
- lacewings,
- Hoverflies,
- Birds
keep aphids at bay.
To protect the beneficial insects, you should avoid using insecticides and, to contain the plague, cut off heavily infected shoots and dispose of them with household waste.
Can drought cause apple tree shoots to die?
To reduce the transpiration area,throwApple trees that suffer from drought for a long time, theirleavesand even wholeshoots. Young fruit trees that are not yet well rooted are very susceptible to this.
You can avoid damage caused by drought by watering the tree sufficiently at the first signs of drought stress.
Tip
Prevent shoot death caused by diseases and pests
A he althy apple tree is less likely to become ill and can defend itself well against pest infestation. That's why it's important to fertilize the fruit trees in a balanced way. Regular pruning also has a preventive effect, as fungal spores and pest eggs that have overwintered on the tree are at least partially removed. The air can circulate better thanks to the loose crown structure, which also effectively prevents fungal diseases.
