[Eisor4]

Hi,

I have a poorly plum tree, can you tell me what is wrong and if there is a cure.

Last year I had a branch suddenly die towards the end of the summer, so I cut it out and it was burnt incase it had anything nasty. This year started well with plenty of flowers and nice green leaves as always. Then on the side of the tree that had the dead branch last year the plums went mouldy on the branch. There appeared to be a circle of white fungus radiating out over a whole side. The other side of the tree the plums are fine, but the leaves are not. All over the tree the leaves are covered in bright orange speckles. The underside of the leaf feels rougher to the touch than a normal plum tree leaf.

Polly

[SG6]

The orange speckles are rust.
The leaves will fall early, they should be gathered up and burnt.
Usually a sign of weakness so mulch the tree and keep it watered and fed.

Unfortunately it sounds as if there may be further problems - the dead branch and white fungus.

Prune out anything that looks infected, I would also spray with a systemic fungicide, it may help but should do any harm.

Any more information?

[Eisor4]

yes :-) so next question, I try to grow my fruit organically so which systemic fungicide would you advise? Sorry new gardner here so don't really know.