Italian Plum Tree - Diseased?! - Ask Extension
Images are of our 3 year old Italian Plum tree. I noticed some yellowing last year, but this year it is much worse. The tree is not producing fruit. I...
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Italian Plum Tree - Diseased?! #874812
Asked June 26, 2024, 2:03 PM EDT
Images are of our 3 year old Italian Plum tree. I noticed some yellowing last year, but this year it is much worse. The tree is not producing fruit. I tried giving it plant food and bone meal, but no change. I have been watering every few days during the hot and dry spell we are having. Any advice on what I could do to save the tree and bring it back to wellness would be appreciated. Thank you!
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi- we think the leaf symptoms are most likely caused by cherry shot hole disease. On plum, the lesion centers dry and fall out giving leaves a shot hole appearance. Growers often assume that the holes are made by insect feeding.
This can be a significant disease. Repeated partial defoliation can weaken trees. Remove and discard all fallen leaves during and after the growing season.
For serious pest and disease problems, we recommend that fruit gardeners follow VA Extension recommendations (click "Home Fruit" in the right sidebar):
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-018/456-018.html (see especially 3-7, 3-15, and 3-16).
Remove dead branches now and prune excess branches in the fall to improve air circulation around foliage to hasten leaf drying and reduce disease incidence. Remove mulch and groundcover plants around the base of the tree. The root flare at the base should be visible.
Jon
This can be a significant disease. Repeated partial defoliation can weaken trees. Remove and discard all fallen leaves during and after the growing season.
For serious pest and disease problems, we recommend that fruit gardeners follow VA Extension recommendations (click "Home Fruit" in the right sidebar):
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-018/456-018.html (see especially 3-7, 3-15, and 3-16).
Remove dead branches now and prune excess branches in the fall to improve air circulation around foliage to hasten leaf drying and reduce disease incidence. Remove mulch and groundcover plants around the base of the tree. The root flare at the base should be visible.
Jon
