skip to main content

Fruit & Orchards

Plum trees leaves have holes after spraying

11 years ago

Something seems to be eating at my plum leaves. Does anyone know what could have caused it? Is it an insect or does it have some disease? Is there any spray I could use?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (14)

alan haigh
11 years ago
captan
andrew_swmo
11 years ago
harvestman, would you please elaborate more? I would like to know what is causing the holes. Is it captan or are you suggesting captan as a cure? Thank you.
Related Discussions
Aphids Plum Tree Soap Spray
Q
Comments (6)
It's been a little over week since I sprayed (wrecked) the tree. The dark green spots on the leaves ended up turning brown, and then became holes. It looked terrible! I ended up removing most of the damaged ones, and to my surprise there is a ton of new growth happening. Probably trying to make up for the damaged leaves. The small plums are still going strong so I think it will be in great shape in a few more weeks. Live and learn on this one!
...See More
Biting Satsuma Plum Tree Leaves
Q
Comments (15)
Daconil does leave a milky white residue and it will pretty much remain on the foliage until washed off at which point its no longer protecting the plant. Thats one thing to be aware of... daconil is a preventative that works by preventing fungus spores from attaching to the leaf surface. I'm not aware of it being able to "cure" fungal infestations that are already present. (Though it is certainly capable of preventing its spread to new surfaces.) Since you are interested in avoiding daconil's visible residue I might look into another fungicide for your trees and ornamentals. Immunox is one I've used that I don't recall leaving a residue. It doesn't list vegetable crops on the label so I would probably keep using the daconil for them... my own experience is that daconil is great at stopping the spread of early blight and septoria on tomatoes when used on a weekly spray regime (longer if you're in a dry period). Looking at your images though I'm not certain you need to spray the plum tree unless you are seeing new damage. Most of what I see in the picture I would attribute to weather related damage (possibly heavy rain tearing the leaves) and some sort of chewing insect, possibly a grasshopper or caterpillar.
...See More
When to spray plum trees?
Q
Comments (6)
Mammy, You don't spray while they are in bloom. If you spray a pesticide while the bees are pollinating your flowers, you'll either kill the bees or drive them away and then there will be no pollination and likely little to no fruit. The Oklahoma State University fact sheet that includes a spraying schedule is linked below. Note that they tell you the various stages at which spraying is/can be/should be done. To make understanding it easier, they have photos that properly identify each stage. Home Fruit Tree Management Someone who actually sprays their fruit trees will have to tell you what they you as generally I do not spray mine, but I know that if you look for fruit tree sprays in the pesticide sections in the stores, they are not hard to find. Oldokie, I think the early spring snuck up on a lot of fruit tree growers. It didn't bother me since I don't spray but I have neighbors who missed the pre-bloom spraying as well. I am not 100% adamantly opposed to spraying, but rarely have issues with plum curculio or brown rot so just don't do it. If I ever start having a problem with them, I'd likely spray with something. If they ever invent a spray that will stop the squirrels from stealing peaches, I would use it. Dawn
...See More
Money Tree leaves starting to curl and having holes
Q
Comments (10)
"Its still sitting in the original pot and I haven't added any fertilizer. For the past 2 weeks, I started to notice the leaves beginning to curl along with some brown spots which you can see in the pictures below." 4 months that span the most robust part of the growth cycle w/o fertilizing are predictably going to cause nutritional deficiency symptoms. When I look at the hooked leaves, I see a Ca deficiency that might be due to either an inadequate supply in the soil solution, or cultural conditions (soggy soil) that's known to inhibit uptake of Ca. The spots in the first picture seem to be from oedema, which would lend support to the idea that soil saturation and low fertility might be at the heart of the issue. I'd make sure the basics were covered. Flush the soil thoroughly, fertilize right after you do that with a quality fertilizer like Foliage-Pro 9-3-6, and make sure you get and keep your watering under control. Being careful to make sure the plant is warm enough and getting all the light it wants is very important as well. Between now and next June, I'd be planning a repot, which includes pruning roots and a complete change of soil - preferably to something that allows you to water correctly (so you're flushing the soil of accumulating mineral salts every time you water) w/o the plant having to pay a toll in terms of limited root function or damage to root health. If you want to learn more about soils and their impact on your ability to maintain a high state of vitality in your plants, just ask and I'll link you to the info. Al
...See More
MrClint
11 years ago
Captan is a fungicide, so you are correct to ask for clarification.

Your tree looks healthy to me, but you may have used some fertilizer high in N. This makes leaves/plants more inviting to sucking and chomping bugs. It wouldn't hurt to go out at night with a flashlight and see if you can spot your leaf munchers, but otherwise I wouldn't spray because of a few holes.
daemon2525
11 years ago
Just guessing with "shot hole disease"?
Jerseymec
Original Author
11 years ago
Yes you are right its happening over night. Some insect is eating it the same night I spray it with a homemade fruit tree spray I found on the internet. Does anyone have experience with this?
http://pestcontroloptions.com/insect-control/homemade-fruit-tree-spray#more-136
Jerseymec
Original Author
11 years ago
I spray early morning as the instructs suggest on the site.
alan haigh
11 years ago
Sorry, I was saying that some plum varieties get shot holes as a result of Captan application if my memory is serving me correctly. It was just a shot in the dark on my part and I should have mentioned that such tiny wounds are of no consequence unless they become much more prevalent.

My response was made while I was very tired and I apolagize for any confusion I created.
RUReddy
10 years ago
Hi. My plum trees have a lot of small holes as well, but much worse than yours. I haven't been able to find whatever is eating them in the act, but have sprayed several times with both neem oil and spinosad. Both helped a lot as long as I was on top of it, but neither has managed to work long term. Perhaps nothing does as we humans have been creating super bugs all over the planet. I think I'll go out and see if I can find anything besides slugs and snails this evening. Anyway, I doubt your damage is from aphids or trips as they both cause the leaves to curl, and that doesn't seem to be the case with yours. I'd rule out caterpillers as well because they don't mind the light of day. Personally, I'd be reluctant to use something as toxic as Captan, but perhaps you feel differently.
dsstavros
7 years ago
Sorry for this post being in 2016, but I have a plum bush/tree, and just noticed the the leaves, especially new growth, were being eaten. As it was daylight when I noticed it (it is now dark or I would attach a photo), I saw small bugs in flight. I shook the lower branches of the bush/tree and all of them flew out, but immediately returned. Doesn't appear to be affecting the fruit, but they sure are going crazy on the leaves.
dsstavros
7 years ago
This portion of the damage to the leaves on my plum tree applies, found at http://www.treehelp.com/citrus-insects-diseases/ I will make mention that the leaves are not curled, the outer edges of the new growth of leaves are chewed.

Citrus Whitefly

The citrus whitefly is a
tiny white winged insect that is about 1/12 of an inch in length. It is
most commonly found feeding on the underside of the tree’s leaves. When
the branches are shaken, the Citrus whitefly will rapidly take flight
and can be seen fluttering around the tree. In addition to feeding on
the citrus tree, the whiteflies also lay their eggs on the underside of
the leaves. When the eggs hatch, the juveniles are small oval, almost
transparent larva, which attach themselves to the underside of the
leaves and begin sucking the sap from the leaves. As a result, the
tree’s leaves begin to curl and appear to be covered with a sticky,
sooty mold substance.

The mold like substance is actually
honeydew that is excreted by the whiteflies because they are not able to
metabolize all of the sugars contained in the leaf sap. The honeydew
can often be seen dripping from the tree’s leaves and becomes an
attractant to other insects such as ants.

Over the growing season, several
generations of whiteflies can emerge. To effectively control Citrus
Whiteflies spray the tree with Bug Buster or Trounce.
It is hard to achieve full control of the adult flies, but several
sprayings of the tree with either Trounce or Bug Buster will
significantly reduce the juvenile population and in doing so the overall
population.
Ged King
3 years ago
I can't see bugs on my plumb tree leaves,but some leafs are curling,yet I can't see mites,what is this,and would spraying with detergent soap help
Ged King
3 years ago
And there's small
Ged King
3 years ago
There's small
Ged King
3 years ago
Holes

Related Stories

FRUIT TREES How to Grow Your Own Juicy Plums

By Marianne Lipanovich

Easier than other stone fruits and with a variety of colors to choose from, plums are a versatile garden addition

HOLIDAYS 10 Ways Your Christmas Tree Can Live On After the Holidays

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn how to recycle your Christmas tree and reap benefits for the environment

DECORATING GUIDES 9 Easy Ways to Decorate With Autumn Leaves

By Vanessa Brunner

Give your home a burst of color that can be used Halloween through Thanksgiving

FALL GARDENING 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden

By Therese Ciesinski

Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on trees

HOUSEKEEPING Quick Fix: How to Patch a Drywall Hole

Dents and dings disappear, leaving your walls looking brand new, with this fix that even a novice can do

MATERIALS Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn what exactly spray foam is, the pros and cons of using it and why you shouldn’t mess around with installation

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Healthy Ways to Handle Fallen Leaves

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Once nature's beautiful bounty is spent, these ecofriendly strategies for leaves will put your yard in the clear

GARDENING GUIDES What's Wrong With My Plant? Leaves Often Hold the Clues

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn how to identify common plant ailments by reading their leaves

CHRISTMAS Real vs. Fake: How to Choose the Right Christmas Tree

Pitting flexibility and ease against cost and the environment can leave anyone flummoxed. This Christmas tree breakdown can help

BEFORE AND AFTERS Before and After: 19 Dramatic Bathroom Makeovers

By Becky Harris

See what's possible with these examples of bathroom remodels that wow

Sponsored

Buckeye Carpentry & Renovations

Industry Leading General Contractors in Pickerington

More Discussions

Peach trees need help!

1

Small pomegranate for container?

1

No flowers on my apricot tree?

6

Beginner apple tree initial care

0

New leaves on apples trees shriveling up

1