AT A GLANCE
Why does the apple tree drop its leaves?
Premature shedding of leaves can be a result of longer periods of drought be. Another cause is fungal diseases, which are often favored by the weather. With suitable measures, you can effectively prevent or prevent the premature dropping of leaves.
Why does the apple tree drop its leaves when it is dry?
The drying up and shedding of the foliage is one stress response of the tree, with which he reacts to the lack of water. First, the leaves discolor, eventually dry up and are shed. In these phases you can help the fruit tree as follows:
- Remove the growth of the tree disc.
- To keep the water in the ground mulch them with organic materials.
- Water around the root system every few days with the weak jet of the garden hose for about 30 to 45 minutes.
also read
- pruning apple tree
Which diseases lead to premature leaf loss?
On an infestation with Scab fungus (Venturia inaequalis) or Phyllosticta the apple tree also reacts by shedding its leaves. The leaf damage is shown by patchy brightening and necrosis. Since photosynthesis in the affected leaves is greatly reduced, the tree releases a plant hormone to shed the leaves.
These fungal diseases can be prevented by regular thinning cuts and spraying with horsetail broth containing silicic acid. It is also advisable to remove all infected plant parts immediately and dispose of them in the household waste. Alternatively, you can scab resistant apple varieties cultivate.
What relatively new fungal disease causes leaf shedding?
Mostly it shows Marssonina coronari, a still quite new fungal disease of the apple tree, after long periods of rain. The foliage gets diffuse, converging spots on the upper side. It later turns yellow and is discarded.
Since it is to be feared that this fungus will continue to spread as a result of climate change, you should keep the crowns of your apple trees open. This allows the leaves to dry faster after a downpour. Finely dosed doses of calcium cyanamide have a preventive effect.
Tip
Iron deficiency can also lead to leaf shedding
If the apple tree lacks iron, there is a chlorophyll deficiency, which is noticeable by yellowing of the predominantly young leaves, necrosis and leaf shedding. A large amount of this trace element is found in bokashi fertilizer, which you can make yourself from kitchen waste. The advantage of the natural iron donor: it is non-toxic and provides the fruit tree with additional, valuable nutrients.