Forum home› Problem solving

Fungal infection on Damson

MaltMasherMaltMasher Posts: 5
in Problem solving
I have a well established damson tree in my garden, but the fruits are suffering with a fungal infection causing them to elongate and shrivel up. When we moved in the tree was very overgrown so I’ve pruned quite a lot of the dense growth from the inside of the tree to help improve light and air flow. Can anyone comment whether they’ve experienced this before and advise whether the tree can recover from this? There are still some healthy fruits, so all is not lost this year, but hoping to improve it for next year.

Posts

  • pansyfacepansyface PEAK DISTRICT DerbyshirePosts: 21,177
    edited June 2019
    Do they look anything like this? 



    No stones inside?

    If so, you have a disease called “pocket plum”.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
  • MaltMasherMaltMasher Posts: 5
    Yes, that’s the one. Do you have experience of the disease? Interested to know what I can expect from the tree next year.
  • pansyfacepansyface PEAK DISTRICT DerbyshirePosts: 21,177
    No, fortunately, not yet.

    There is loads of info on the disease. It’s not the end of the world. Here is one typical example.

    http://shropshireprunedamson.com/tag/how-to-treat-pocket-plum/


    I should add that the mention of spraying with Bordeaux Mixture is somewhat irrelevant as the EU banned its sale to gardeners some years ago though, I believe, it is still available to commercial growers.🙄
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
  • MaltMasherMaltMasher Posts: 5
    Thanks. Good to know it’s not fatal to the tree. Fingers crossed!
Sign In or Register to comment.