Mirabelle trees are inviting for unfortunately far too many diseases. We would like to describe three of them in more detail below. One of them is not "curable" and the tree must be removed from the garden. But we can defeat the other two if we read their signs correctly and know the antidote.
Shotgun disease is easily recognized by reddish-brown spots
Monilia peak drought
Monilia lace drought is a typical stone fruit disease. It is transmitted by rain, wind and insects. The pathogens get into the tree via the flowers. Entire shoot tips, including clusters of flowers and leaves, begin to wither and eventually die off. Occasionally, the so-called gum flow can be seen at the interface between diseased and still healthy tissue.
As soon as you see the first signs of this disease on your plum tree, you should act. For this you need the friendly support of your secateurs.
- Cut back all affected shoots immediately
- Cut about 15 cm deep into the healthy wood
- this also removes most of the spores
- collect any infested, shriveled fruit
- dispose of the material contaminated with the fungal pathogen
- it is even better to burn it
- is unsuitable for compost because the pathogen survives
Sharka disease
This disease caused by virus cannot be fought. It is transmitted by pests, more precisely by aphids. Symptoms are white-brown spots or rings on both leaves and fruit. Infested trees must be completely removed from the garden and disposed of. Since the Sharka disease poses a serious threat to healthy, neighboring trees, there is an obligation to report them to the responsible authorities in this country.
tips
When planting new plants, be sure to choose a Mirabelle plum variety that is less susceptible to this disease.
shotgun disease
First, round, red-brown spots become visible on young leaves. Over time, this plant tissue dries up and falls out completely, creating more and more holes. The leaves look like they fell victim to a shotgun. Hence the name of this fungal disease. The pathogens tend to spread in spring and in damp weather. Symptoms are often more pronounced in the lower part of the crown.
Prevent by considering crown thinning as a regular part of grooming. A rain-protected and well-ventilated location also prevents an outbreak of the disease. The trade also offers resistant Mirabelle varieties. If the disease has already broken out and is far advanced, ask your specialist dealer for a special fungicide.
tips
If you observe curled leaves on your plum tree, you should not immediately think of curling disease. This makes a bow around the mirabelle tree. Most likely the tree will have caught lice. Take a closer look.