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Deformed Plum Blossoms #747772

Asked May 03, 2021, 5:18 PM EDT

I have 2 Italian plum trees. One of them has small malformed blossoms and one of them only has one bunch of blossoms on the entire tree. The one with malformed blossoms had a ton of blossoms last year but had fruit set issues and really didn't bear much fruit last year. The one without plumbs didn't get any flowers/plums last year either, but had significant foliage growth. Both have been in the ground for 3 years, receive regular watering, and adequate sunlight. I fertilize through the summer with fish/kelp emulsion. I purchased both from local nurseries and I believe they were 3yo trees when I got them (in 20gal pots). I planted them both in slightly raised beds (due to lava rocks) with fresh organic soil and mulch with about 4" of composted wood chips. My pears, apples, and peaches are all treated the same, grow in similar sunlight, planted in "raised" beds, and the flowers are amazing this year. Would love any thoughts you might have. Thanks!

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Based on your description, I'm going to offer several possibilities for your plum trees lack of flowers and fruit. 

Problems are generally divided into two categories, biotic or abiotic.  Biotic include bacteria, fungi, pests (bugs and animals).  Abiotic are non-living factors, such as weather, light, water, minerals, soil temperature, or mechanical.

Let's discuss possible abiotic factors first.  

1.  Weather can be inhibiting fruit set.  Tree blossoms need to be pollinated, and late frosts can damage blossoms, preventing this. Also, if there is a frost just after pollination has occurred, the initial stages of fruit formation can be damaged.  Your plums may have been in the critical stage, while your other fruits were not.

2. Proper pruning techniques are key to fruit production.  Your tree may be putting a lot of energy into making leaves, so remember to prune the tree once a year, in early spring or late winter, to remove unwanted growth. This will also maximize fruit-bearing surface and permit sunlight and air to circulate through the branches. Bear in mind that, with plum trees, flowers bloom on wood that is at least one year old, so proper pruning technique is essential.  

Now for biotic factors.

1. Pests.  As I look at the picture, I cannot see any gall formations or bug infestations, but you should do a close inspection to rule those out.

2.  The other possibility is root damage.  Voles and gophers can cause damage to the roots and girdle the trunks of trees, which will prevent the uptake of water and nutrients into the tree needed for blossom and fruit production.

I'm attaching several publications that provide more detail and offer other factors that could be impacting your trees.  


Why is there no fruit on my Tree?

Growing Fruits and Nuts in the Home Orchard

Training and Pruning your Home Orchard

Cristi Replied May 05, 2021, 12:15 PM EDT

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