Cherry and other fruit trees sometimes develop dried leaves and fruit. The fruit appears scorched. This is a symptom of a fungal disease called moniliosis. Affected parts of the tree can spread the infection. They must be mechanically removed and destroyed. Modern treatment methods are essential, otherwise the fungus can spread throughout the entire orchard.
Causes of moniliosis infection and its symptoms
Fungal cells that survive in infected berries and branches release spores during the formation of inflorescences on the tree. These spores further spread the infection. The process is accelerated by high humidity. A drop in temperature also facilitates the spread of the fungus. A lack of sunlight is a favorable factor for the development of monilial blight. Parasitic insects are the carriers of the fungus.
The disease can be recognized by its characteristic signs. Leaves on the tree turn yellow and dry out. Branches also dry out and become dark. Inflorescences typically fall off and are few in number. The fruit of the affected tree fails to ripen. After they form, they begin to dry out, becoming deformed, discolored, and bitter. Gray-brown spots appear on the bark.
You may be interested in:Treatment and prevention of monilial burn of cherry
Folk remedies are ineffective in this case and can only be used as a preventative measure. Chemical and biological treatments are necessary to treat the affected cherry tree.
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Chemical treatments can be used during and after flowering. Bordeaux mixture, Zineb, Topsin-M, Horus, and iron sulfate are all suitable. To enhance the effect, grated laundry soap can be added to the treatment solution. Biological treatments can be used during berry formation, as they are less toxic. Fitolavin and Fitosporin-M are suitable for treating moniliosis.
You may be interested in:Drug treatment
During the early stages of development, when buds are forming, the tree should be sprayed with Bordeaux mixture. The concentration of the product in the total solution should be 1-3%. Before flowering, spraying with the chemical Zineb is possible. The concentration of the chemical in the working solution is 0.4%. Two treatments at the beginning of flowering should be carried out with Topsin-M at a 1% concentration. The minimum interval between sprays is 7 days. Chemical application should be stopped after the cherry tree has blossomed. The final treatment can be with Horus.
All treatments for cherry trees should be alternated to prevent tolerance. When chemical treatment is not possible, biological products such as Fitolavin or Fitosporin-M are required. Treatment is carried out in 2-3 stages. Spraying is permitted during berry formation and growth.
To prepare a working solution, you will need:
- 10 liters of water;
- 20 ml of one of the indicated drugs.
Preventive measures
Lime can be used to disinfect the soil. 400 g of lime is required per square meter of soil. Iodine is also suitable for spraying cherry trees. 30-40 drops per bucket of water is sufficient. Apply the treatment twice, three days apart. Proper tree care will help prevent the spread of fungus.
Regular inspection of cherry trees is essential for detecting damage. Affected branches should be pruned with clean tools and destroyed. Tools should be disinfected after use. Treat cuts with garden pitch. Any oil-based paint will also work.
Regular collection of fallen leaves is necessary. Avoid excessively dense branches; seasonal pruning is required. The planting site should be well-ventilated and sunny.
When planting, give preference to cherry varieties that are resistant to fungal diseases:
- Novella;
- Bystrinka;
- Turgenevka;
- Chocolate Girl;
- Toy.
Cherry monilial burn - dangerous disease, which is caused by a fungus. Spore growth is facilitated by dampness, lack of sunlight, and pests. Treatment should begin at the first signs of the disease. Proper care and preventative treatment are essential.

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