Well-nourished cherry trees that are planted according to the variety are more resistant to pests and diseases than those that are in an unfavorable location and receive insufficient care. Careful selection of location and variety as well as protective measures prevent diseases.
Diseases
Most cherry tree diseases are fungal. Therefore, the selection of resistant varieties is particularly important. The effective control of the infested trees and shrubs is carried out by suitable cutting and spraying measures. The pest infestation can be curbed by targeted promotion of beneficial insects (insects, birds).
tree cancer
Fruit tree canker is a fungal disease that affects the wood and bark. The affected areas discolour, the bark becomes dry and cracks, and over time thickenings form in the affected areas. Good wound care and avoidance of bark damage are important for prevention. The main control measure is to remove and destroy the infested areas.
Valsa disease
Valsa disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that spreads in the bark wounds. The surface of the bark warts, discolors and sinks, the leaves yellow and die, as do the fruits. The damage pattern is also characterized by rubber flow. You can prevent Valsa disease by avoiding unsuitable locations. To combat it, cut out the affected areas and close the wounds well.
Monilia
The monilia occurs as a top drought or as fruit rot. In the former, the flowers at the branch tips wilt and dry up, and the affected branch parts subsequently die. The fruit rot affects the fruits, which rot first and later form the so-called fruit mummies. It is characteristic of both diseases that the dried flowers or fruits get stuck on the branch. These are the breeding grounds of the fungus and should be removed as soon as possible! The dead branches should be cut back down to the healthy wood.
shotgun disease
The shotgun disease manifests itself in the fact that reddish spots are visible on the leaves at first, which gradually darken and later turn into holes, so that the leaves look like they have been shot. If the infestation is very severe, the tree sheds its leaves prematurely. If the fruits are also affected, they become crippled and the shoots die off. Chemical control of the disease on the leaves is carried out before flowering. The affected shoots are cut back radically.
pests
- Frost moth: the caterpillars of the moth eat the young leaves and flowers; The glue rings help.
- Cherry fruit fly: sweet cherries are particularly endangered; infestation of the fruit by the white maggot; Combat with yellow boards.
- Black cherry aphid: attacks the shoot tips of sweet and sour cherries; growth-inhibiting for young trees, only timely spraying helps.
tips and tricks
The birds in the garden are useful because they help control the pests. However, blackbirds and starlings also like to eat the delicious fruits of the sweet cherry. So that the damage does not outweigh the benefit, protect the crown with a close-meshed net when the fruit is ripe.