We are eagerly waiting for summer, for the bright orange fruits. Little attention is paid to the simple leaves, on the other hand. Without them, no sweet fruit is conceivable. Only when the green shows worrying symptoms do we take a closer look.
The intense green of the leaves contrasts nicely with the orange fruits
healthy leaves
Healthy leaves should be the norm for the apricot tree. Then it will develop to its full size and provide a bountiful harvest. Of course, only if the living conditions suit him and the weather cooperates.
The leaves of the apricot tree are not particularly noticeable. They have no particular ornamental value, they merely fulfill their function. They can be briefly described as follows:
- roundish-ovate
- rounded base
- pointed
- Edges mostly doubly serrated
- about 5-10 cm long; 3-5 cm wide
- 2 to 4 cm long, reddish petiole
The coloring of the foliage
In summer, the leaves of the apricot tree are colored medium green, without any pattern. Since the tree belongs to the deciduous trees, it turns its leaves yellow in autumn and then drops them.
In winter the tree stands in the garden with bare branches. The tree sprouts again early in the year. The tree is hardy, but its flowers do not tolerate late frosts. Therefore, shading the tree often delays the time of budding.
tips
Healthy apricot leaves that fall to the ground in the fall can be quickly swept up and added to the compost heap.
changes in appearance
Many diseases and pests can change the color and shape of leaves. These conspicuous leaf changes are also what first tell us about the presence of a disease. Here is how the different diseases change the leaves of an apricot tree:
- Bacterial blight: small spots on leaf edges; subsequent leaf death
- Powdery mildew: The upper side of the leaf is covered with a white coating
- Curl disease: curled leaves with green and red vesicles
- Monilia: Leaves wither already in spring
- Sooty mold: black, large spots on upper side of leaves
- Sharka: olive rings on leaves; become black dots
- Scab: causes brownish, translucent patches
- Scrapshot Disease: Leaves are punctured
- Frost moth caterpillars: eat large holes in them
Notice:
Diseased leaves should be collected from the ground as soon as possible and disposed of with the residual waste or burned. This prevents the disease from spreading.