Plum tree problem - Ask Extension
Plum trees had their early greenery die off, so that there is robust growth at the ends of the branches, but not nearer the trunk (see foto 1).
No vi...
Knowledgebase
Plum tree problem #794027
Asked June 03, 2022, 12:37 PM EDT
Plum trees had their early greenery die off, so that there is robust growth at the ends of the branches, but not nearer the trunk (see foto 1).
No visible pests or infestations. But trees overall do not look healthy (foto 2).
Thanks for any advice.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello,
To me it looks like the damage is from the cold weather we had in April when the first buds were breaking.
However, take a close look at the damaged tissue to see if there are other symptoms of brown rot (a common disease for stone fruits): https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-brown-rot-blossom-blight-fruit-rot
Look for gumming and other signs. If you determine the cause might be brown rot, then you might want to spray fungicide next spring.
Regardless do some summer pruning to remove the dead stems/leaves and also do a bit of thinning. See: https://homeorchard.ucanr.edu/The_Big_Picture/Pruning_&_Training/
To be safe, you might want to sterilize your pruners> 70% isopropyl alcohol is a good choice: https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2018/1/cleaning_pruning_tools/
To me it looks like the damage is from the cold weather we had in April when the first buds were breaking.
However, take a close look at the damaged tissue to see if there are other symptoms of brown rot (a common disease for stone fruits): https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-brown-rot-blossom-blight-fruit-rot
Look for gumming and other signs. If you determine the cause might be brown rot, then you might want to spray fungicide next spring.
Regardless do some summer pruning to remove the dead stems/leaves and also do a bit of thinning. See: https://homeorchard.ucanr.edu/The_Big_Picture/Pruning_&_Training/
To be safe, you might want to sterilize your pruners> 70% isopropyl alcohol is a good choice: https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2018/1/cleaning_pruning_tools/
