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Honeycrisp Apple Tree Disease? #840626

Asked July 14, 2023, 10:28 AM EDT

Hello, Thank you for taking the time to read my inquiry. I planted a potted Honeycrisp apple tree that I bought from Jared's Nursery fall of 2022. At planting I mulched it with the free mulch provided by Jefferson county - note that around the same time I also planted an additional apple tree and a pear tree, both of which are also mulched, receive the same care, and are not exhibiting the same issue. It seemed to have been growing well. Kept the watering over winter to a minimum. I am watering the Honeycrisp apple tree about every three weeks or so with about 5 gallons of water or so - the other two are different sizes so the amount of water used for the other two is different. I have not used any fertilizer on any of the trees as I was told that it would be best for root development. They are all on a slight slope and are located on the south side of the property, not sure if that makes a difference. Around the time we first started having some hail (~June timeframe), I started seeing some damage to the leaves, I attributed it to the hail and didn't think more of it. It now seems to have spread some more and it simply does not look right. Hoping you can help me diagnose the issue and perhaps guide me with a solution. Thanks again a bunch in advanced, looking forward to hearing from you.

Jefferson County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Obdulio,

The symptoms you're seeing appear to be consistent with fireblight, which is a bacterial disease that will affect certain cultivars of apple trees. With our cold and wet spring, fireblight has been more common this year. Honey crisp tends to be moderately resistant to fireblight, so I think it would be best if you could bring in a sample to our plant clinic to confirm the diagnosis. Here is information regarding our clinic: https://jeffco.extension.colostate.edu/horticulture/services-overview/our-services/.

Here is a helpful resource about fireblight and fireblight management: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fire-blight-2-907/. The best way to control for fireblight is to prune out infected branches, making sure to sterilize the pruning tools in between cuts. 

Thank you!

Hania

Hania Oleszak Replied July 14, 2023, 2:23 PM EDT

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