Knowledgebase

Browning and falling Apple leaves #879174

Asked July 29, 2024, 8:35 AM EDT

The leaves on a few of my apple trees (Dabinette and D'Arcy Spice) are turning brown on the edges and falling from the tree. Recent sprays have been neem oil and spinosad. Soil testing was performed last year showed below optimum phosphorus (30 ppm), above optimum potassium (71 ppm) and above optimum magnesium (155 ppm). Fertilizer applications were per soil testing recommendations through MSU extension. Thoughts about whether this is disease or nutritional deficiency?

Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Mark,

Soil testing doesn't always reflect what is actually present in the leaves- the specific potassium (or other element) containing minerals affect the mobility of the needed nutrients along with soil microbiology and structure. This leaf curling looks like it could be potassium deficiency, which is inconsistent with your soil test results. If you're concerned you can submit a leaf sample and see what difference there is between your soil analysis and a nutritional leaf sample. We have an older article on leaf sampling from MSU Extension which needs updating, but you would need to submit a sample to a third party lab. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tissue_analysis_for_monitoring_fruit_nutrition


My experience with Dabinett is that as a tree it always looks a little bit ragged but continues to produce good fruit. I'm not too concerned about the leaves in the pictures. D'Arcy Spice does a little bit better in dry conditions and we've had a pretty wet season, which could stress the tree a little bit. I would wait and see how the fruit turns out later on in the season (if it's bearing fruit this year) and re-evaluate next season if similar issues arise.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 9:34 AM EDT

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