DiseasemediumApr–Sep

Shot hole disease

Wilsonomyces carpophilus

This description was machine-translated.

How to spot it

Shot hole disease is caused by the fungus Wilsonomyces carpophilus and attacks above all stone fruit such as cherry, plum, peach and apricot. Typical are round spots with a red brown margin on the leaves, out of which the dead tissue falls, leaving the perforated, shot riddled look of the foliage. In addition, sunken spots with gummosis appear on the shoots, along with corky spots on the fruits. Where the attack is severe the tree loses its leaves early and is weakened.

Prevention

Choose tough varieties suited to the site and plant stone fruit in an airy, sunny place so that the leaves dry off quickly after rain. Thin the crown regularly, remove infected shoots and mummified fruits consistently and gather fallen leaves thoroughly in autumn, so that the fungus cannot overwinter. Avoid excessive nitrogen feeding, because soft, sappy tissue is more susceptible. Sufficient planting distance and a sunny, airy position also help to keep the foliage dry.