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Protect Your Orchard: Common Fungal Diseases of Fruit Trees

Author libre libre
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Amateur gardeners need to be aware of pests and diseases of fruit trees that are common in gardens. One of the most prevalent fungal diseases includes apple and pear scab and fruit rot.

Apple and Pear Scab

Apple and pear scab is a fungal disease. It is common, especially in wet years, and harms not only the harvest but also the health of the tree.

Fungal diseases of fruit trees
The fungal fruiting bodies, appearing as black spots, overwinter on fallen leaves. The scab fungus on pear trees also overwinters under the bark of young branches. In the spring, as the weather warms, spores mature, and when moisture is present in the form of rain or dew, they are released onto young leaves or fruits, where they germinate and penetrate the tissue.

Inside the tissue, the mycelium develops, and on the surface of leaves or fruits, summer spores appear, infecting the plants throughout the summer. Infected leaves show spots covered with a velvety layer, while fruits develop cracks alongside the spots.

Severely affected leaves or fruitlets drop. The bark of affected pear branches peels, and the branches often wither. Spores overwinter on fallen leaves, infecting trees in the spring.

Fruit Rot

Apple fruit rot
Fruit rot is also a fungal disease. It penetrates apple and pear fruit through the skin. Affected apples and pears turn brown and develop grayish warts arranged in concentric circles. These warts consist of fungal spores.

The spores are distributed by wind and insects. The flesh of infected fruit loses its taste and becomes spongy. The infected fruits fall or dry up on the tree, remaining a source of infection the next year. It is essential to systematically combat fruit tree pests and garden diseases. In the following article, read a description of the pest and disease control system in gardens, available here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common fungal diseases for fruit trees?
Common fungal diseases for fruit trees include apple and pear scab, and fruit rot.
How does apple scab affect trees?
Apple scab affects trees by causing spots on leaves and fruits, leading to leaf drop and cracked fruit.
How can fruit rot be identified?
Fruit rot can be identified by brown discoloration and grey wart-like spores on the fruit surface.
What is the lifecycle of apple scab?
Apple scab overwinters in leaf litter; spores spread in spring, infecting new leaves and fruit.
How can I prevent fungal diseases on fruit trees?
Prevent fungal diseases by removing fallen leaves, pruning infected branches, and applying fungicides as needed.

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