Good care and the right location are not reliable protection against diseases. Fruit trees also suffer from pest infestation. It is important to identify diseases or pests at an early stage of development. Learn what to do.
plum rust
Signs:
- Time: harvest time
- black dots on the underside of the leaf
- dead leaves fall off
Helpful measures:
To prevent the spread of the fungus, remove foliage near the tree. Otherwise there is a risk that the fungus will overwinter on the ground. The following season would be expected to fall again. The plums still ripen into fruity delicacies.
Fool's disease or pocket sickness
The trigger of this disease is a fungus. It forms during rainy periods.
Signs:
- Fruits: banana-shaped growth, hard consistency
- at the beginning light green surface, in the course of the disease this turns gray
Helpful measures:
Remove all branches, shoots and inedible plums affected by the fungus. Some fruits ripen into delicious fruit despite infestation.
Monilia fruit rot
Insect bites damage the growing fruit. This fungus moves from the skin to the inside of the fruit.
Signs:
- Plums are provided with white pustules. These turn black.
- Fruits wither and are inedible.
Helpful measures:
Remove all infested plums and shoots in household waste. In addition, the use of pesticides has proven itself. If in doubt, you can consult experts for treatment.
pest infestation
aphids
These animals are not dangerous. In the event of a heavy infestation, they trigger sharka (a tree disease). Settle natural enemies, such as ladybugs, as a first measure. You can make your own natural pesticides. Nettle manure is suitable for this type of infestation.
plum moth
The moth of the same name lays eggs in late summer. Its larvae overwinter in the ground or on the trunk. They eat growing fruit. These turn bluish and fall off. In late spring, the moths hatch and the cycle begins again at the same place. Targeted use of a pesticide is possible. Before this, songbirds can help. Install a birdhouse on the infested tree.
tips and tricks
A regular cut ensures sufficient light and air circulation. The plum tree is developing splendidly. It is better at repelling diseases and pest infestations during the growing season.