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  • Dying plum tree.

    I have two plum trees a few metres apart bought and planted last year. One is a giant red plum and the other is a dual plum tree. Both have grown well, the red plum tree had a couple of flowers this spring which didn't set whilst the dual had several flowers. one set and the fruit began to swell. In the last couple of weeks whilst the red plum has continued to grow vigoursly the dual plum tree's leaves began to wilt then go brown and crispy. this first happened on one branch only then each branch in turn has down the same. What has killed this tree? Is it not strange it died off branch by branch? Watering or lack of it cannot be the problem as the two tress were always watered equally and at the same times. There are no obvious pests on the stricken tree or damage to the branches. Help!

  • #2
    What kind of soil are you on? plums and other stone fruits like lime, when you say dual plum would this be a tree with another variety grafted on to it?, the branch by branch die-back sounds viral, unless you just had a big fire near to it?, no?, oh well, cant grow plums here in Cornwall, too much silver leaf, not enough frost in winter and acid soil, so no damsons for me......used to get lots from rellys in Cheshire.
    P's, funnily enough the place is swarming with sloes, makes great wine but needs 12 months maturing, otherwise its teeth curlingly undrinkable.
    Last edited by ohbeary; 06-07-2009, 07:18 PM.
    Eat well, live well, drink moderately and be happy (hic!)

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    • #3
      Yes the stricken dual plum tree is one with another grafted onto it. All the leaves are now a rich brown and dry. It must be completely dead as i broke off a twig and it was not green inside and snapped off easily. Against all hope i was going to leave it til spring and hope it would burst back to life bit if you suspect a viral problem i might be wise to dig it out. Would hate to see the other plum tree beside it go the same way. Am not sure sure what the soil type is [i live in Thornton Heath [Croydon] but surely it cant be soil type as the other plum tree is healthy and vigorous. Thanks for taking the time to try and help.

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      • #4
        I've got it on one of my plums too. A local nurseryman thinks it is indeed viral. Plum leaf curl. I've been attacked by peach leaf curl (on my peach ) which is treatable with Bordeaux mixture but peach leaf curl is a fungus and plum lc is viral. Unfortunately there is no cure if that is what it is. Mine is less advanced than yours Cheops and so I am leaving it till spring but I'm afraid it will end up as a dig out and burn.
        Why didn't Noah just swat those 2 greenflies?

        Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
        >
        >If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

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        • #5
          thks for that information Sarraceniac. You say it probably is viral [plum leaf curl]. The leaves on my tree never curled. It started on one branch then spread to each branch in turn - that is - the leaves visibly drooped, then yellowed til they became crispy rich brown. I could attach a photo of it if you think it would help. My other query is - if it's viral does that mean that every day i leave the tree standing i am risking the health of the other plum tree closeby? In other words should i dig it out now and cremate the poor thing. I can replace it of course but is the same spot where it grew - is the soil infected too? It's all very disappointing, for next year i would have expected a reasonable crop whereas to start again with a new tree means a crop is at least two years away.

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          • #6
            May not be leaf curl then. Are there any signs of lesions or darkening areas on the bark?
            Why didn't Noah just swat those 2 greenflies?

            Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
            >
            >If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

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            • #7
              The bark is sound and free of anything unusual. Reckon the cause will remain a mystery.

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              • #8
                If the tree is not yet completely dead I would prune out dead twigs and branches and burn them and spray the tree with Bordeaux mixture. If it is capput then dig it out and burn it and do not plant another in the area for a few years. Dieback may be just a temporary condition but your's sounds terminal I am afraid.
                Why didn't Noah just swat those 2 greenflies?

                Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
                >
                >If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

                Comment


                • #9
                  I will dig it out now [when the rain stops here lol] as every twig and branch has dead leaves. Thanks for your advice and help. Much appreciated.

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