Planted a Grimes Golden about 2 weeks back after removing a Gala that had (mostly) died after being planted in early April. Now this latest tree seems to be (or I am just being very paranoid) developing a similar issue. I believe I am providing sufficient water (a good soaking every week to 10 days) and the McIntosh planted about 15 feet away is fine. Any thoughts on what the cause may be and how to possibly correct it would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Links to some images of the leaves -
http://picasaweb.google.com/seanparcel/ ... 2721308530
http://picasaweb.google.com/seanparcel/ ... 2721308546
http://picasaweb.google.com/seanparcel/ ... 7016275858
http://picasaweb.google.com/seanparcel/ ... 1311243170
Central Ohio - Grimes Golden - Any Idea What The Problem Is?
Moderator: appledude
-
hartsorchards
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:30 am
Your photos show two different problems. I suggest that you consider these possible causes:
1. The leaves with the irregular cuts, splits, etc. and pale scars may be the result of wind damage when the leaves were particularly tender. The scar pattern and irregularity does not support an insect problem. Wind and associated flying debris can leave all sorts of spotty damage to young leaves. Your watering schedule will not stop this damage. Older mature leaves, say from late June on, rarely show this problem.
2. I'd be willing to bet the black 'smears' on the other leaves are the beginning of fire blight infections in your trees. I believe you'll have to plant varieties with low or no susceptibilty to this disease. As fire blight builds up in your apple plantings, you will have some real battles trying to control it. Only very desireable varieties are worth the effort.
3. It also looks like you may have aphids (the undercurling tip leaves).
1. The leaves with the irregular cuts, splits, etc. and pale scars may be the result of wind damage when the leaves were particularly tender. The scar pattern and irregularity does not support an insect problem. Wind and associated flying debris can leave all sorts of spotty damage to young leaves. Your watering schedule will not stop this damage. Older mature leaves, say from late June on, rarely show this problem.
2. I'd be willing to bet the black 'smears' on the other leaves are the beginning of fire blight infections in your trees. I believe you'll have to plant varieties with low or no susceptibilty to this disease. As fire blight builds up in your apple plantings, you will have some real battles trying to control it. Only very desireable varieties are worth the effort.
3. It also looks like you may have aphids (the undercurling tip leaves).
I would agree with the Fire Blight diagnosis.
Looks like what we call trauma blight. Happens after a hail storm. FB is a passive bacteria. Needs an opening in the plant tissue to enter (tattered leaves, open blossom, growing tip of limb)
Seeing the tattered peach leaves makes me believe you had some pretty severe weather of some sort (eg wind, hail)
The Gala variety that died is very suseptable to FB. McIntosh is resistant. Grimes is somewhat resistant.
Did you see the shephards crook on the ends of the limbs of the Gala before it died? That is the tell tale sign for FB.
To see a photo of crook:
http://www.caf.wvu.edu/KEARNEYSVILLE/di ... ot2-21.jpg
Another possibility would be magnesium deficiency. You would need a soil test and leaf analysis (Ohio State Extension) to determine for sure. The McIntosh would probably show signs of this though.
Looks like what we call trauma blight. Happens after a hail storm. FB is a passive bacteria. Needs an opening in the plant tissue to enter (tattered leaves, open blossom, growing tip of limb)
Seeing the tattered peach leaves makes me believe you had some pretty severe weather of some sort (eg wind, hail)
The Gala variety that died is very suseptable to FB. McIntosh is resistant. Grimes is somewhat resistant.
Did you see the shephards crook on the ends of the limbs of the Gala before it died? That is the tell tale sign for FB.
To see a photo of crook:
http://www.caf.wvu.edu/KEARNEYSVILLE/di ... ot2-21.jpg
Another possibility would be magnesium deficiency. You would need a soil test and leaf analysis (Ohio State Extension) to determine for sure. The McIntosh would probably show signs of this though.