Red pustule is an insidious fungal infection. What does the damage look like and how can you counteract this disease?
If fruit or ornamental trees are affected by diseases, the hobby gardener immediately recognizes what is causing problems for his trees or shrubs. It is usually common fungal diseases such as monilia or powdery mildew that affect plants from time to time. However, there are infections that garden enthusiasts may not be so familiar with. This undoubtedly includes the red pustule disease (Nectria cinnabarina). It mostly seeks out weak trees. What does the damage look like? Which trees and shrubs are affected and what about prevention and control of this fungal disease? Find the answers in this post.
Red pustule disease - the damage is clear
Yellow to pale red, dense spores on the bark of dead shoots and branches are characteristic of the disease infestation. You will also find violet-red spherical fruiting bodies at the base of the bush. The red pustule fungus can also spread to he althy wood. Cuts or fractures form the "gateway" through which the parasite enters the wood.
Chemical control of this fungal disease is not possible.
From late summer to the following spring, the fungal infection then spreads when it rains. The plant tissue is killed by a poison. This toxin is a metabolite of the pathogenic fungus (Nectria cinnabarina) and clogs the sap pathways of the wood. Depending on the type of wood, the wood turns brownish or greenish. The bark can also peel off.
Caution: fungus attacks almost all deciduous trees
Trees and shrubs that are weakened by frost are primarily at risk from red pustule disease. Affected are apple, apricot, pear, cherry, plum, quince and walnut. However, it particularly affects berries such as raspberries, currants or gooseberries. Hedges such as boxwood, hornbeam or hawthorn can also be affected, as can various ornamental shrubs.
If the water balance of these plants is badly disturbed, the fungus spreads rapidly. So watch out for young trees and shrubsMake sure that the water content in the trees does not drop so much.
Prevent red pustule disease through optimal care
"Being smart about the damage" in this case means optimally caring for trees and shrubs and thus preventing a possible infection. But what is the best way to prevent erysipelas?
- Water young trees and shrubs regularly to ensure that the water balance in the plant is balanced. Avoid letting the young trees dry out and make sure that there is no waterlogging.
- Supply your trees and shrubs with sufficient potassium. It strengthens the plant tissue. This hardens the wood well and withstands severe frost.
- Use little nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen stimulates plant growth. The plant tissue cannot mature sufficiently and is vulnerable to frost.
- Avoid branch stumps when pruning your trees and cut back dead shoots deep into the he althy wood.
- Close up cuts on trees with tree wax. With this you seal the "entrance gate" for the red pustule disease.
Once the trees have been infested, cut out the infested wood as soon as possible after the end of vegetation and remove it from the garden. Ensure a balanced water and nutrient supply.