Knowledgebase
Plum tree cross-pollination compatibility and disease #843492
Asked July 31, 2023, 3:21 PM EDT
Hi, last year I planted a sapalta and waneta plum tree thinking they were both japanese hybrids and would cross-pollinate. This year, I only have a few fruits on one and none on the other. Will these species cross-pollinate?
My other question is that one tree is looking pretty diseased (looked like leaf spot and splits in the trunk) and I'm looking to get it replaced. Unfortunately, I took the tags off and so I don't know which is which.
A) Can you tell me what disease affecting one plum and is it likely to fully recover?
B) Can you tell which species is which?
C) Will they cross-pollinate or do I need to replace one with something different?
Thank you!
Unfortunately, I can only upload 3 photos. I have more if that will help distinguish between the two trees.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
I don't see any signs of disease - unless you're referring to the trunk of the tree? In this case, I don't think it's disease but something hit or damaged the bark - lawnmower? Animal? It's hard to say if the tree will survive, depending on how deep the damage is into the trunk. But it's not a good start for this young tree. It also looks like it might be planted a little deep. When you pull back the mulch, do you see a flare at the base?
If the trees were just planted last year, it's not likely they will flower and fruit on a reliable basis until they are established. Generally plums need 3-4 seasons to allow for root development before they will set reliable fruit.
Unfortunately I can't tell the difference between the species - the fruit would be the determining factor, but the trees will look similar, if not identical. The good news is these are self-sterile and don't need to pollinate with each other - they will flower and fruit on their own. Waneta will have large, red plums.
