Apple tree diseases (with photos on leaves) and their treatment

The article discusses apple tree diseases, their description with photographs and methods of treating one or another disease.
Apple trees are one of the most common fruit trees in our climate. They grow in virtually every garden, and it's almost impossible to find anyone who wouldn't want to enjoy their juicy, sweet-and-tart fruits. Unfortunately, however, these plants often suffer from various diseases. Therefore, if you have an apple tree in your garden, you absolutely must know the symptoms of various pests and how to combat them.

Apple tree diseases (with photos on leaves) and their treatment

Scab or apple fungus

In most cases, it affects only apple and pear trees. The disease is spread by water droplets carrying spores. Therefore, scab should be considered if there are frequent and prolonged rains in the spring. The first sign is the appearance of an olive-brown coating on the leaves, followed by more noticeable dark spots on the fruit and cracks. This is the shortest route for the pathogen to enter.

Subsequently, the apples begin to rot. The fungus also attacks the leaf petioles, causing them to dry out and soon fall off completely. Remarkably, the tree itself doesn't dry out, but continues to grow. This creates additional favorable conditions for the disease to develop.

Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, focus on preventative measures. Starting in the fall, thoroughly remove dead leaves and fruit, and prune branches. In the spring, before flowering, it is recommended to apply special tree treatments. Some can be sprayed after flowering. Feed the plant with mineral fertilizers containing potassium salt, nitrate, and ammonium.

Find out, How to spray apple trees in the spring to prevent diseases and pests.

Fruit rot

Another name for this disease is monilithosis. It is most often noticed when the fruit has already begun to ripen. Humidity also favors the development of the disease. If apple scab is already present on the tree, there is a risk that the rot will spread. The disease spreads from one fruit to another when it touches healthy fruit. At first, only a small spot may be noticeable, but very soon it will spread to the entire fruit. The apple changes color, becoming brown and softer, indicating rot. This disease is frost-resistant.

The first rule of combating fruit rot is to immediately pick the infected fruit. Fallen apples should also be collected and buried. After harvesting, treat the tree with a 5% urea solution. Moniliosis is best known for its pests, such as geese and codling moths, so be sure to protect your plant from them. As a preventative measure, spray apple trees with Borsky solution in the spring. Products such as "Hom," which can be recommended at specialist stores, also work well against the problem.

Cytosporosis

This is a no less common disease that affects the bark. This occurs due to improper watering or unsuitable soil. Weakened trees, especially those with damaged bark, are particularly susceptible. Dark ulcers appear on the branches and bark. Over time, these ulcers become more visible and deep. Subsequently, the branches begin to dry out and fall off.

Be careful when pruning apple trees. Wounds should be treated with drying oil or garden pitch. Preventative measures include treating the plant with copper sulfate or special preparations containing potassium and phosphorus.

Bacteriosis or fire blight

It is caused by a gram-negative bacterium. It is destructive to both young and mature trees. The disease is easily transmitted by infected cuttings. Favorable weather conditions include high temperatures and rainfall. It can appear during flowering, in which case the blossoms drop. Subsequently, the entire tree becomes covered in dark spots, and the leaves appear scorched. When branches are affected, dark, water-soaked marks appear on them. Affected leaves may persist for a long time.

To prevent this disease from infecting your garden, carefully inspect planting materials. Control small tree pests, as they can be carriers. A copper sulfate solution is best for disinfection. It's also important to promptly remove and burn any affected parts of your apple trees.

Milky shine
It's caused by a basidiomycete fungus, which has a detrimental effect on branches and leaves. If you notice milky, shiny spots on your tree, take action immediately. Infected branches lose their ability to bear fruit. The disease is most often noticed in midsummer, when the plant is deficient in fertilizer. Milky shine appears on apple trees growing in poor soil and not receiving adequate water.

To prevent this problem, prune trees promptly and burn diseased parts. If a tree is severely damaged, it should be completely removed. In the fall and before flowering, it is recommended to whitewash garden trees with lime. Ensure proper drainage, timely watering, and fertilization.

If you want a beautiful and bountiful garden, carefully monitor the health of your apple trees. Then they'll reward you with an excellent harvest.

You might also find this article useful - Cherry tree diseases: description with photos and treatment methods.