Every year it's the same; my Granny Smith apple tree starts to produce leaves, then some disease or bug (ger) comes along and causes them to die off in clumps (you may need to enlarge the picture to see what I mean).
Of course it doesn't destroy all of them; just enough to be bloody annoying. Nor does it seem to affect the fruit, which always does reasonably well. It's just so very frustrating to see lush new growth dying back so early into its annual life-cycle.
Any advice, help, or recommendations would be most welcome! I should add that this ONLY affects the Granny Smith; all my other apple trees are fine.
Phytophthora rot disease - most effective prevention good drainage and to practice good water management. The fungicide fosetyl-al (Aliette) may be used on a number of ornamental plant species to help prevent Phytophthora infections - not sure with Granny Smith apples, tho. It is absorbed by foliage and moves into roots. However, do not rely on fungicide applications alone to control root and crown rot diseases.
ReplyDeleteApple, cherry, peach, and apricot trees are usually attacked, whereas pear and plum trees appear to be relatively resistant. Trees declining from Phytophthora root and crown rots are frequently misdiagnosed as suffering from "wet feet" (root asphyxiation) and are sometimes confused with those suffering from winter injury.
Sounds like this year, with all the rain, is its worst nightmare. Thanks John.
DeleteThe Granny Smith apple was first grown in the orchards near where I grew up at Macquarie Fields, between North Ryde and Eastwood. Many of my family had Granny Smith Apples in their orchards and I use to help pick them as a boy (for all I could eat lol!)
DeleteI think that's „Fire blight“ (the neighboring fire? ...) Caused by a bacterium,
ReplyDeletean illness that looks very sad.
Grüße Jasmin
I just had a look at your link. It looks exactly like that. Thanks. I'll have to get pruning!
DeleteYes! It could be fire blight from - looking at that link - but in my defence I must say that up until now we have banned the importation of apples from countries where fire blight is established - much to the ire of our EnZed cousins - so I have no 'hands-on' experience with it!
DeleteFire blight originated in America and spread to many world countries with poor quarantine provisions.
thoroughly disinfect your tools after pruning and burn the prunings asap...fireblight is nasty stuff and you don't want it spreading
DeleteI'm beginning to wish I hadn't asked; it sounds dreadful!
DeleteFor me, fruit trees have always been a complicated thing, but I sure do love Granny Smith Apples!
ReplyDelete