Is apple scab dangerous to humans?

Before discussing whether apple scab is dangerous to humans, we need to understand the nature of this fruit disease. It's quite common in our climate zone and is caused by a pathogenic fungus. It attacks not only the fruit but also the leaves of the tree.

The presence of this disease will negatively impact the tree's yield. However, some gardeners believe that affected fruits are still safe to eat. However, it's important to consult a specialist to determine whether they are safe to eat. apples, infected this fungus.

Important! Scab appears on fruit as raised dark spots, often brown. Over time, the spots increase in size, and if the fruit isn't picked and used, the apple will simply rot. An infected tree may not have serious fruit damage, and the fungus may only manifest as isolated lesions on the fruit. So, is it safe to eat?

Is apple scab dangerous to humans and why?

It's worth mentioning right away that the answer to this question is controversial and, unfortunately, there is no consensus. Gardeners are confident that these apples can be eaten and preserved for the winter, and they pose no health risks. However, medical literature sometimes contains information that these apples can damage gums and enamel, and the fungus itself, when ingested, negatively impacts the digestive system.

Important! Doctors do not recommend eating infected apples raw. However, there is no specific, strict prohibition.

Recent studies show that these fruits contain toxins. Although the dose is minimal, they still have a harmful effect on the human body, and, understandably, the more apples you eat, the more dangerous the consequences. These toxins can accumulate in the body, leading to various diseases.

Substances contained in contaminated apples, which are minimally toxic when accumulated in the body, can cause acute damage to the skin, mucous membranes, and negatively affect the cornea of ​​the eye.

According to regulations in Western Europe, eating apples and other fruits infected with scab is strictly prohibited. Such fruit is discarded immediately, and infected fruit trees are treated, or if treatment fails, destroyed. Knowing what scab looks like and its dangers will help consumers choose only healthy, high-quality apples. A visual inspection is sufficient; the skin should be free of dark, raised, or rough spots.

Dentists also have negative opinions about apples that are even slightly contaminated. Furthermore, for dental health, it's not recommended to eat ripe, sour apples too often. Because malic acids actively destroy tooth enamel, leading to such a widespread problem in modern society as tooth decay.

How to reduce fruit toxicity

Of course, it's difficult for gardeners who have tended their harvest with such care and devotion to pick out all the affected apples. In such situations, it's important to know if there are any ways to reduce the fruit's toxicity if the scab infestation is minor.

There's no comforting news here; the toxins produced by the fungus are not broken down by heat treatment. Therefore, canning, making jams, or preserves will not make these fruits healthier. If the disease has spread widely, the entire harvest should be destroyed this year and efforts made to cure the tree so that the fruit can be eaten next season.

About treatment and prevention

If you take appropriate preventative measures, you can avoid the development of this disease. This is much more effective than trying to cure the tree later. In the spring, mandatory garden cultivation Antifungal fungicides. When purchasing planting material, do so only from trusted gardeners.

It's essential to prune trees thoroughly in the spring and ensure adequate watering. Treatment will be lengthy, and again, a copper-based fungicide will be required. Alternatively, a 5% ferrous sulfate solution can be used to treat scab.

Important! If this treatment is carried out, there is a high probability that the scab will not spread to the fruit, and apples from this year's harvest can be used for food and canning.

So, scab is a common garden fungal disease, and it very often affects apple trees. If an infected tree is left untreated, the fungus will eventually spread to the fruit, making it unfit for consumption. In Western Europe, apples infected with scab are completely banned from sale. In our country, there are no such strict restrictions, but the fungus releases toxic substances into the fruit, which, when accumulated in the body, can lead to the development of various diseases.