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Fruit & Orchards

Why are my apple leaves turning brown?

9 years ago

Hi,

I have 2 apple trees I planted about 3 years ago. A few weeks ago I notice a few leaves turning brown. Then it started spreading and now a large portion of the leaves have turned brown and are falling off. It seems to happen in the middle of the branches - the leaves on the top and bottom of the branches look green for the most part but most of the leaves in the middle have died. I have attached some pictures. Is there anything I can do to save these trees?

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

chilipete
Original Author
9 years ago
Here's another pic of the other tree
ltilton
9 years ago
Right now, every problem looks like a borer to me. You could check for them.
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fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
9 years ago
The only thing I've seen like that is webworms. Are there or where there worms on those leaves? Does the leaf look like it was foraged on by worms? Sometimes there is just a skeleton of the leaf left. The pic isn't close enough to tell but kinda looks that way.

Your tree isn't about to die, at least doesn't look that way. If it were fire blight then they would be in trouble. If worms and they are gone just keep an eye out for more. Spray BT when the worms are little or squish by hand.

This post was edited by fruitnut on Tue, Jul 15, 14 at 14:58
chilipete
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the responses. I took a picture of one of the leaves and attached It here. Most of the leaves are just brown and dried out but some have white patches on them. Is this powdery mildew? I didn't think that would cause so many of the leaves to turn brown like this.
appleseed70
9 years ago
It is powerdy mildew on those leaves in the last pic. Question is, did the mildew form on the leaves after death or was the mildew the cause for the trouble. Usually powdery mildew forms on the new tip growth or in areas of poor air circulation. In your case it appears as though it is plenty open and the new tip growth doesn't "appear" to be infected.
You likely had a ton of rain right? Have you recently applied a fungicide. If so, what did you use?
What type apple is this chiilipete? Check that new tip growth to the right in the photo. It looks kinda white...is there any sign of white powdery/fuzzy stuff?
The more I look at the pics, I think powdery mildew was the culprit. Looks like there is still some there on the good foliage...can't tell. Sulfur is the best remedy for powdery mildew in my experience.

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