Protecting the cherry tree from fungal attack begins with choosing the variety and location. The moderate amounts of water and fertilizer, the regular and properly executed pruning also help to make the cherry trees resistant to fungal attack.
Most cherry tree diseases are caused by fungi. For this reason, when buying a cherry tree for home cooking, preference should be given to the fungus-resistant varieties. If the cherry tree has nevertheless been infected, the affected areas should be cut out more or less extensively and destroyed. Occasionally, the use of suitable sprays cannot be avoided.
The most common fungal diseases of sweet and sour cherry trees are:
- fruit tree cancer
- Valsa disease
- Monilia
- shotgun disease
- scab
prevent fungal infestation
Since the fungal diseases often spread through injuries to the bark, good wound care and avoidance of bark damage is important. Furthermore, the mushrooms like to thrive where the moisture can remain permanently. For this reason, the crown of the cherry tree should always be kept loose when pruning, so that rain and dew can drain off and dry off well. In principle, locations unsuitable for cherry trees should be avoided.
combat fungal infestation
The most important control measure is cutting back the affected areas down to the healthy wood. The wounds caused by the cut should be disinfected or, if necessary, coated with wound sealant if they are large enough. The cut branches are to be burned.
The cherries that are still hanging on the tree or that have fallen down and are affected by the fungal infestation must also be removed and destroyed. Otherwise there is a risk that the fungal spores will overwinter in the fruit mummies and infect the new shoots in spring. Chemical control of fungal diseases must be carried out before and never during flowering.
tips and tricks
Excessive nitrogen fertilization can not only promote fungal infestation, but also lead to strong shoot growth instead of the desirable flowering and fruiting. Therefore fertilize the cherry trees moderately!