If the blossoms of the almond tree turn brown and the leaves wilt, this is usually due to the Monilia peak drought. In this case, you must act quickly.
Monilia leaf blight is a fungus[/caption] Monilia leaf blight is a dreaded fungal disease that commonly affects almond trees, with ornamental almond trees being particularly at risk. The best prevention is proper pruning and a sunny location. If you notice signs of peak drought, immediate pruning of the affected branches will help. In the case of a severe infestation, spraying with a fungicide is the last resort, but usually the safest option.
What is the Monilia Peak Drought?
The cause is a fungus from the genus Monilia. The peak drought occurs when the almond tree is attacked by the fungus Monilia laxa. The spores penetrate through the flowers and spread to the tips of the shoots. You can visually recognize the disease by brownish flowers and wilted leaves. The tips of the individual shoots dry up and eventually die off. Another sign is the so-called gum flow. It occurs at the transition points to he althy wood.
The Monilia Peak Drought is spreading very quickly. The greatest danger is that the fungal spores survive in the wood. Monilia can then break out again the following year, even after very cold winters, and spread to other stone fruit trees and roses. In the spring, the fungal spores multiply massively and spread at the slightest breeze.
How to effectively prevent peak drought
A sunny and sheltered location is important for the almond tree to develop he althily and vigorously. Make sure you have plenty of water during the summer months and avoid waterlogging - loose soil is ideal. Compost is sufficient as fertilizer.
The second precaution is the right cut. In very dense tree canopies, the moisture cannot evaporate, making the plant very susceptible to disease. Air must circulate between the individual branches and twigs. In order for this to work, you have toThin out the almond tree after flowering in May. In autumn you can cut again and remove old, dead branches.
Measures against peak drought infestation
As soon as you spot symptoms of Monilia tip drought, liberally prune the affected branches and shoots. At least 15 to 20 centimeters into the he althy wood. You must then immediately dispose of the removed parts! Incinerate the trimmings or dispose of them with household waste. Don't put them in the compost heap! You then have to supply the interfaces with tree wax so that no further fungal spores can penetrate here.
If the infestation cannot be contained, commercial antifungal agents (e.g. available here) can be used for spraying. Spray several times a week during the flowering period so that the Monilia pathogen cannot spread. This is particularly useful if it rains a lot during the flowering phase or if the flowering period lasts a long time in a cool spring.
Summary:
- choose a sunny and sheltered location
- no waterlogging is allowed
- regular cut ensures air circulation
- Cut off affected shoots and twigs generously at first infestation
- in case of severe infestation spray with antifungal agent
- Incinerate trimmings or dispose of them with household waste