Low-maintenance plum trees are regulars in home gardens. Their fruits delight with their sweet taste on fruit cakes or in jams. In order for the harvest to be successful despite the disease, early signs must be correctly interpreted and appropriate measures taken.
Fruit Rot (Monilia)
This fungal disease affects the fruits, shoots and leaves of Prunus domestica. Brown mold and white spore rings can be seen on plums that are still green. The latter are causes of other infectious diseases. The typical distinguishing features of Monilia include dried plums, which get stuck on the tree. Affected fruits are to be removed or picked up from the ground. Affected shoots can be generously trimmed.
Notice:
The cut goes at least ten centimeters into the healthy wood.
plum rust
The stubborn fungus affects plums as well as damsons. Rust-like spots form on the underside of the leaves. From late summer, the plum rust begins with yellowish spots on the upper side of the leaf. When you touch it, fine, rust-colored dust falls off.
When eating the plums, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned. If the Prunus domestica suffers from an extremely heavy infestation, a fungicide can help. Since the disease primarily occurs during the harvest season, attention should be paid to the effective time of the spray.
fool bags
This disease can be recognized by a white fungal covering. Not all fruits are affected by the infestation. The following signs are noticeable in the plums:
- elongated
- curved
- green coloring
- without stone
- wrinkled appearance
Remove affected fruit immediately. This way you avoid further spread.
buckshot
This disease can be recognized by changes in the leaves.
Leaves:
- brightened points
- shortly afterwards reddish colour
- Final stage: Holes outlined in red
The stronger the fungal infestation, the higher the number of holes. In addition, thin shoots die off. Small fruits and young leaves wither and fall from the plum tree. There are two methods of combating it.
Targeted pruning
Cut individual branches and shoots back up to about ten centimeters into the healthy wood.
Complete blend
In the case of severe infestation, a radical care cut of the entire Prunus domestica is recommended. This action should be taken immediately.
sharka
This is a reportable disease. It affects leaves as well as fruits.
Leaves:
- Ring spots
- Colouring: light green
Fruit:
- linear and annular depressions
- cripples (varying degrees)
In addition, the plums from diseased trees taste bitter. They ripen before the actual harvest time and fall to the ground.
tips and tricks
Damaged flowers, shoots or fruits must always be disposed of with household waste. On the compost there is a risk that other plants will become infected.
FT