Mirabelle plums are small, sweet and delicious. It would be a shame if crop yields were reduced by pests and diseases. To avoid this, you should act quickly.
The best protection against diseases and pests in Mirabelle plums starts with the choice of variety. Numerous parasites, fungi and typical tree diseases can occur in plums.
But if you choose hardy varieties from the start that are resistant to most diseases and pests, you are on the safe side. An infestation cannot be completely ruled out, but it happens much less frequently than with susceptible varieties.
Existing trees should be observed carefully, then you will notice changes immediately and you can intervene in good time.
Overview: Common diseases of mirabelle plums
Shotshot Disease
You can recognize shotgun disease by the round, red-brown spots on the young leaves. In the later stages, the leaves get small holes, then they dry up and finally fall off. The lower part of the plum tree or shrub is usually more severely affected. You can prevent it with regular pruning and a free, open location. An airy crown is good protection. In addition, moderate amounts of fertilizer are useful to strengthen the plant. A special pesticide helps with a permanent infestation.
Monilia Peak Drought
Monilia Peak Drought is caused by a fungus. The disease manifests itself immediately after flowering. Shoot tips, leaves and flowers look wrinkled. Rotten spots appear on the first fruits, which quickly spread to the whole fruit. The fruits get brownish spots. Always collect and dispose of affected branches, twigs and fruits immediately so that the disease does not progress. For prevention, a thinning cut is useful again.
Sparka Disease
Sharka disease is rare, but when it occurs, the tree is usually beyond saving. This is a viral disease transmitted by aphids. Leaves and fruits become white-brownStains. As a "first aid" remove all affected parts of the plant. Do not compost, but burn or dispose of with household waste! Sometimes the disease can be curbed in this way. Prune the Mirabelle back well, with luck it will recover and bear fruit again next year.
Overview: Pest infestation on mirabelle plums
Frost Spans
As early as spring, the winter moth or its larvae attack the leaves and shoot tips. You can recognize the infestation by clear feeding spots. The small, inconspicuous butterfly lays its eggs on the mirabelle plum. Small, green caterpillars will then be out and about from May.
Fight:
You can protect the Mirabelle plums on the stem with glue rings to stop the larvae from attacking them.
Aphids
Curled leaves often indicate aphids. The parasites reside on the top and bottom of the leaves. As mentioned above, aphids can transmit critical Sharka disease. But even if they don't, you need to get rid of the lice.
Fight:
Fight the pests with a nettle decoction - spray again and again every few days until the aphids are gone.
Red Spider
Another sign of the leaves: They turn yellow, curl up and fall off. Then the red spider is usually at work. The Red Spider is very small and almost invisible to the naked eye.
Fight:
The best antidote are natural predators, such as ladybugs, lacewings or predatory mites. If necessary, a chemical control agent will also work - but please use sparingly. Affected plant parts and fallen leaves must be disposed of thoroughly.
» The general rule is: The he althier and stronger the plum tree, the fewer chances pests, fungi and viruses have. In addition to choosing a resistant variety, the best protection is an airy treetop and plant fertilizer tailored to Mirabelle plums.