Detect and treat fruit tree cancer promptly

Recognizing the damage caused by fruit tree cancer and combating it at an early stage is crucial in order to save the plants affected. Find out how fruit tree cancer is treated here.

Affected fruit trees

Most commonly affected are Apple trees. An infestation is also possible with other species. These include, for example:

• apricot
  
• pear
  
• plum
  
• quince

But it is by far not just fruit trees that can fall victim to the disease. The following are also affected with increasing frequency:

• Birch trees
• Book
• Alders
• Ash trees
• Poplars
• Holly
• Walnuts
• Hawthorns 

Note: The tree canker can break out in both cultivated and ornamental plants. A completely resistant variety has not yet been found. However, there are variants that are more resistant. Therefore, you should recognize the fruit tree cancer early and initiate treatment.

root cause

The cause of the so-called tree cancer or fruit tree cancer is the fungus Neonectria ditissima. This is a so-called pustular fungus. It spreads primarily in wounds in the bark and is mainly found in regions with a high rate of precipitation or a dense population. Litter meadows and plantations are therefore more often affected.

Damage image

The damage caused by Neonectria ditissima includes various signs by which you can recognize fruit tree cancer. It refers to:

• The bark will die off
• brownish ulcers and spots on young shoots
• Early ripening of the fruits stunted plant parts and fruits
• tiny red fruiting bodies of the mushrooms in infected areas
• Growths on the bark

The signs are often very pronounced, especially in young trees.

Note: So-called open tree cancer is associated with a partial fall of the bark. In contrast, closed tree shrimp shows clear growths in the infected areas.

treatment

Recognizing fruit tree cancer by its symptoms and initiating control as early as possible is crucial for success. There are several steps to treating fruit tree cancer. These include:

1. Controls: Check the trees regularly for changes to the bark, young shoots and buds, and fruits.
   
2. Removal of infected parts of the plant: Using a clean and sharp cutting tool, cut off the affected sections as soon as possible. Make sure you cut directly into the healthy wood and clean the blades with disinfectant after or before each cut. This will prevent the mushroom spores from getting back onto the plant.

3. Disposal: The clippings must not be disposed of on the compost. Otherwise, the fungal spores could spread again through wind, rain or the compost soil itself.

Tip: Also collect infested fruits and dispose of them either with organic waste or household waste. Otherwise, a renewed distribution cannot be ruled out.

prevention

The best treatment for fruit tree cancer is to prevent infestation. Several measures are also necessary for this. These include:

1. Choose the right varieties: Choose resistant varieties. Although these are not completely immune, they are more resistant to the fungus.
   
2. Keep your distance: Give the trees enough space. This ensures the necessary ventilation.
   
3. Prevent waterlogging: Waterlogging and soil that is prone to compaction are ideal conditions for the fungus to spread. You should therefore prevent these conditions as well as overfertilizing the plants.
   
4. Offcut: Avoid crossing branches and make regular cuts. This keeps the crown airy and rain or dew dry off faster.
   
5. Prevent damage: Frost cracks, an existing disease or a pest infestation can promote fruit tree cancer. Because it is precisely in these wounds that it spreads. On the other hand, immediate care or treatment can prevent the infection.

frequently asked Questions