Apple scab is a fungal disease on apple trees. Fight apple scab by picking up affected leaves and fruit and pruning the crown.
Apple scab can occur worldwide and is a well-known fungal disease affecting apple trees. The disease can be a major problem, especially in fruit growing. If one tree is infected, a second one can quickly become infected.
Apple scab occurs mainly in summer when there is a lot of precipitation. Both leaves and fruit then show the typical signs, as they get spots in a dull olive green colour.
Brown spots from apple scab
These spots later turn brown or even black. The leaves and the fruit then fall off the tree prematurely. A special feature are the star-shaped cracks, which mainly appear on the apples themselves.
It is not the scab itself that is dangerous, but rather the rotting agents that can get to the fruit more easily. As a result, the apples can be stored for a much shorter time. The disease is not dangerous for humans and the fruit can still be eaten.
The risk of infection is greatest in spring.
Fight apple scab
- Foliage and fruit infested with apple scab should be picked up and destroyed. But definitely not on the compost heap.
- The crown of the tree must be cut so that the leaves and shoots can dry well.
- Sometimes it is unavoidable to use a scabicide, but the use of chemicals in the garden should be avoided as far as possible.