Their robust constitution protects ornamental apple varieties from numerous diseases that regularly afflict cultivated apples. The magnificent ornamental tree is not immune to two fungal infections. We will be happy to explain what these are and how to combat the diseases.
Fungal diseases are ornamental apple's biggest enemy
Apple scab drops the leaves
One of the most important diseases in fruit growing is apple scab (Venturia inaequalis). In wet weather, the cunning fungal spores strike and settle on the leaves. This results in yellow-brown leaf spots, which later cover the entire foliage. Leaf fall occurs, whereupon the ornamental apple wilts and dies. Direct control is not very promising because the exact point in time must be known.
Effective prevention
So that your favorite ornamental apple is not killed by scab disease, we recommend the following preventive measures:
- Plant crab apples in a sunny, airy spot so the foliage dries quickly
- Spray with horsetail broth, liverwort extract, Oscorna mushroom prevention or Neudovital before sprouting
- Keep the root disc loose and mulch consistently for vital soil life
Furthermore, various malus hybrids have proven to be quite resistant. These include 'Butterball' and 'Evereste' as well as the dwarf variety 'Pom Zai'.
Combat apple powdery mildew with consistency - this is how it works
The powdery mildew fungus, known as Podosphaera leucotricha, has specialized in Malus species. The first symptoms appear as early as the sprouting in the form of splayed bud scales. In the further course, clusters of flowers and leaves take care of themselves. A mealy coating covers the leaves. The few decorative apples are covered with a net-like skin. How to fight the disease:
- When pruning in late winter, cut off any visibly infected shoot tips
- In the further course of growth, consistently break out all infection sites
- In addition, treat the ornamental apple with fungicides against powdery mildew
In organic fruit growing, a home remedy with milk has proven to be excellent in combating apple powdery mildew. To do this, mix water and fresh milk (no UHT milk) in a ratio of 2:1. Spray this mixture onto the diseased plant every few days. Please be sure to spray the underside of the leaves as well.
tips
If aphids dare to attack your magnificent crabapple, put an end to the beasts with soft soap (€44.90). Add 1 tablespoon of pure curd or soft soap and 1 dash of spirit to 1 liter of water. Applied to the leaves every 2-3 days, the plague quickly comes to an end.