Plum rust
Signs:
- Time: harvest time
- black dots on the underside of the leaf
- dead leaves fall off
Helpful measures:
To prevent the fungus from spreading, remove the foliage near the tree. Otherwise there is a risk that the fungus will overwinter on the ground. Another case could be expected in the following season. Nevertheless, the plums mature into fruity delicacies.
also read
- Pests on the plum tree: prevention and detection
- Planting plum trees: practical tips for hobby gardeners
- Plum tree not blooming? Practical tips for gardeners
Fool's or pocket sickness
The cause of this disease is a fungus. It forms during rainy periods.
Signs:
- Fruits: banana-shaped growth, hard consistency
- At the beginning a light green coating, as the disease progresses it becomes gray
Helpful measures:
Remove all branches, shoots and inedible plums affected by the fungus. Some fruits ripen to tasty despite being infected fruit approach.
Monilia fruit rot
Insect bites cause the growing fruit damaged. This fungus moves from the skin to the inside of the fruit.
Signs:
- Plums have white pustules. These turn black.
- Fruits wither and are inedible.
Helpful measures:
Remove all infected plums and shoots in household waste. The use of pesticides has also proven its worth. If in doubt, you can call in experts for treatment.
Pest infestation
Aphids
These animals are not dangerous. If the infestation is severe, they trigger sharka (a tree disease). As a first measure, settle natural enemies such as ladybugs. You can produce natural pesticides yourself. Nettle manure is suitable for this type of infestation.
Plum moth
The butterfly of the same name lays eggs in late summer. Its larvae overwinter in the ground or on the trunk. They eat growing fruits. These turn bluish and fall off. In late spring the moths hatch and the cycle begins again in the same place. A targeted use of a pesticide is possible. Against this, songbirds provide a remedy. Put a bird house on the infested tree.
Tips & Tricks
A regular cut ensures sufficient light and air circulation. The plum tree is developing splendidly. It fends off disease and pest infestation better during the growing season.
