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Damson in distress

matt_fendermatt_fender Posts: 169
edited May 2019 in Problem solving
I have a Farleigh damson tree that is entering its second season. It went in as a pot-grown bush plant in winter 2017.
Last year we had a few blossoms and I let a small number of fruits ripen.
This year we had a huge amount of blossom, but then the leaves came through very stunted and curled and none of the fruit has set at all (not a single damson, as far as I can tell).
I initially diagnosed the problem as plum aphid, with the following advice from RHS:

  • Where possible tolerate infestations of plum aphid. Whilst infestations of leaf-curling plum aphid can be unsightly the effect on yield is limited
Given that 1. I prefer not to use chemicals wherever possible and 2. I am lazy, the decision to follow the above advice was easy to make. Unfortunately, it does indeed seem to have affected the yield and at the moment there isn't a single new leaf coming through either. Aphids (dark coloured, small) seem to be less in abundance than they were:



Do you think I made the correct diagnosis? If not, what could it be? I have an apricot and morello cherry in fairly close proximity which are doing fine. Pear tree in front garden also has significant aphid damage but has set fruit and is putting out plenty of new growth also.

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Did you keep it well watered during last year's drought?  They don't like to get thirsty.

    If it has been dry this spring you should also try watering it thoroughly, give it a good dollop of slow release tomato feed all around the roots and then a mulch to help retain moisture as well as deter weeds and thus remove competition for nutrients and water.  Do that and it may recover.

    Try placing bird feeders on or near your fruit trees and feed the birds all year.   That way you'll have healthy adults who lay lots of good eggs and then feed all your aphids to the resulting chicks.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • matt_fendermatt_fender Posts: 169
    Thanks @Obelixx. I did keep it well watered last year, and it is mulched with about a metre diameter cleared around it, with a bird feeder not far away - although I have to say not a heavily used bird feeder. I'll keep up with the water and feed now, but do you think this is the result of aphid damage? It blossomed beautifully earlier this year and, from memory, seemed healthy (although of course there were no leaves at that time).
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It could well be, hence the advice to feed and water to help it recover.   Must admit, it's not a problem I had with my damson in my last garden.  I hope yours recovers for you as the fruit is so luscious.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • matt_fendermatt_fender Posts: 169
    Hi all, I was just wondering if anyone had any more thoughts on this tree? It is giving me cause for increasing concern, as I cannot see any sign of new leaf growth at all now and there are also a few branch tips that are obviously dead. I know that losing the odd branch is quite normal, but I wonder if it is connected? There certainly were a lot of aphids when the leaves originally came out, although less so now. Tree looks pretty sad generally, and has had a couple of good drenchings over the last 10 days. Other trees are absolutely thriving in similar conditions, not too far away.
    I'm not about to up-root it or anything - happy to wait and see what happens - but if there is something I can do to help it on its way that would be good to know.




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