If the apples are already rotten on the tree and are inedible, that is of course extremely annoying. This so-called brown rot or Monilia fruit rot is caused by the fungus Monilia fructigena. We explain here whether you can prevent this and how it can be combated.
How does brown rot manifest itself on apple trees?
Starting from a damaged area of thefruit skin, the invading fungal spores create abrown, rotting spot. A short time later, the characteristic ring-shaped spore beds appear, which are distributed over the entire surface of the fruit. The apples turn into hard fruit mummies.
How can I fight brown rot?
Since no spray is permittedagainst brown rot, the most important control measure is the consistentremovalof allinfested fruits:
- Collect apples with rotten spots and fruit mummies regularly.
- This also applies to fallen fruit and leaves.
- All plant parts should be disposed of with household waste. The spores survive in the compost and reinfect the tree.
Can brown rot on apple trees be prevented?
The best prevention ischoosing a resistant variety. Keep the crown of the apple tree loose by pruning so that there is no damp microclimate and the air can circulate well.
It is also important that you quickly eliminate sources of infection and in this way break the chain of infection. Therefore, consistently remove infected fruits and fruit mummies. Since only damaged fruit gets brown rot, fight the codling moth with traps (€15.00 on Amazon) that you hang in the fruit trees.
Tip
Strengthen apple trees
He althy apple trees can defend themselves better against fungal attack. For this reason, pay attention to balanced fertilization and water the trees during long dry periods. In addition, you can increase the resistance of the trees using plant strengtheners.
