Italian Prune - Ask Extension
Our Italian prune is suffering this year. We have massive fruit drop and worms as well. We also noticed many of the leaves are turning yellow or are s...
Knowledgebase
Italian Prune #880408
Asked August 06, 2024, 1:56 PM EDT
Our Italian prune is suffering this year. We have massive fruit drop and worms as well. We also noticed many of the leaves are turning yellow or are streaked with yellow. We are wondering if we can save this tree, and, if so, what we need to do to help it.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Ann,
thank you for using Ask Extension.
The chlorosis in the leaves can indicate a pH that is either too high (too alkaline) or too low (acidic) for the tree. That can contribute to certain micro-nutrients that either are too low or are not available to the tree. You may also want to review how much water your tree is getting. lack of water can also inhibit uptake.
A soil test is the best method to determine micronutrient concentrations but a simple pH kit from the garden center may be a good place to start. OSU soil testing resources
How do I test my soil? | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
Get Actionable Results from a Soil, Plant or Environmental Testing Lab | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
I found this article from Iowa state that describes the most common micronutrients
Micronutrients – Introduction to Soil Science (pressbooks.pub)
the trick is the iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) have similar symptoms (yellowing leaves with green veins.)
I'm not sure I would be too worried about the fruit damage. It's probably caused by these pests
Plum and prune-Lygus bug and stink bug | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (pnwhandbooks.org)
thank you for using Ask Extension.
The chlorosis in the leaves can indicate a pH that is either too high (too alkaline) or too low (acidic) for the tree. That can contribute to certain micro-nutrients that either are too low or are not available to the tree. You may also want to review how much water your tree is getting. lack of water can also inhibit uptake.
A soil test is the best method to determine micronutrient concentrations but a simple pH kit from the garden center may be a good place to start. OSU soil testing resources
How do I test my soil? | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
Get Actionable Results from a Soil, Plant or Environmental Testing Lab | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
I found this article from Iowa state that describes the most common micronutrients
Micronutrients – Introduction to Soil Science (pressbooks.pub)
the trick is the iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) have similar symptoms (yellowing leaves with green veins.)
I'm not sure I would be too worried about the fruit damage. It's probably caused by these pests
Plum and prune-Lygus bug and stink bug | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (pnwhandbooks.org)
