Brown leaves on the apple tree

Determination of the apple scab on the damage image

To delimit the problem and to determine possible countermeasures, the apple scab must first be clearly identified as such. Since the apple scab as Mushroom plexus overwintered on the leaves, it can first be recognized as a blotchy brown color on the leaves. Immediately after budding, the spots are still rather small, but subsequently enlarge quickly. There are also jagged, dark spots with cracks in the middle on the apples. If the disease occurs just before the harvest on, the fruit in the warehouse can shrivel and become stained.

Prevention and countermeasures

If an initial infestation with apple scab has been detected, it is usually not easy to get it completely out of your own garden. Chemical treatment usually makes little sense in private gardens, as this would have to be carried out very specifically by a biologist. However, various preventive measures can curb the damage and the spread. So tree tops should always be light and permeable

cut because the fungus is deprived of the vital moisture on the leaves.

The long-term fight against the problem

Frequent pruning of the apple tree not only increases the dryness on the leaves, but usually also the vitality of the apple tree. which is better able to defend itself against the fungal attack. In the case of old apple trees, it should also be considered whether they should be exchanged for scab-resistant varieties. These varieties include, for example:

• Kaiser Willhelm
• Jakob Fischer
• Boskoop
• Ontario
• Rewena
• Florina

It may also make sense if you go through a Refinement of branches of these varieties give the trunk of your apple tree a new and scab-resistant crown.

Tips & Tricks

If your garden is bordered by hedges, you should also want resilient ones Apple varieties rather than Half-stem or High trunkplants. The treetops are above the lee of the hedge and can dry off better after the rainy season.