[Eblana]

Hi All,

Looking for some advice on what might be wrong with my plum tree.

I have a 5 year old Victoria plum.  Last year I got so much fruit on it that I was giving it away to anyone who would take it.  This year the tree flowered well and I got quite a few fruits forming on it but then I noticed that the leaves were all full of little holes.  When harvest time came for the fruit they all developed a mould on them (light brown/creamy spots).  I managed to grab about a dozen off the tree one evening but by the following morning these were covered in the mould as well.  There were loads of tiny little flies around the tree while it had these mouldy fruits on it.

The tree is planted in a shrub boarder but has plenty of room around its base.  I fed it last year with Growmore.

It looks a little sad at the moment but leaves etc. are still green just lots of little holes in them.

What should I do - has it got some disease that will eventually kill it or is it just something related to the horrible weather this year.

[8doubles]

I think a lot of the problems are caused by aphids . When the little bug`s* are sucking the sap from the leaves and developing fruit they make tiny holes which allow the brown rot spores to get in.
A few sprays with soapy water normally thins them out and lessens the damage.

* 3 letters missing 

[Kleftiwallah]

Our plum tree (which may or may not survive my serious talking to) was in the habit of taking every other year off and holding back with the fruit. 

Cheers,    Tony.

[Yorkie]

The 'mould' you describe sounds like brown rot.

[Eblana]

The 'mould' you describe sounds like brown rot.

That is it alright. Will try the controls in the article you attached - thanks a million.