In this article, we’ll discuss some of the natural ways you can help protect your trees from shot hole disease (coryneum blight). We’ll also provide some tips on how to spot the symptoms of this disease and what to do if your tree is infected.
What Is Shot Hole Disease?
It is a fungal disease that affects certain trees and shrubs. It’s important to be able to identify shot hole fungus early on.
It causes the leaves to develop brown spots that eventually turn into small holes. The fungus is spread by spores, which are spread by wind and splashing water [1].
Life Cycle
Shot hole disease can occur from spring to fall and starts with infected leaves from the previous season.
Spores from infected leaves can spread to healthy leaves by splashing water or blowing wind. This cycle then repeats as the infected leaves produce more spores that can spread further.
Plants Commonly Affected By This Disease
This leaf disease can affect a wide range of plants, so you’ll want to look out for any symptoms on the plants in your garden.
Some of the most commonly affected plants include stone fruits like apricots, plums, nectarines, peaches, and cherries. It also affects trees such as laurels and some ornamental shrubs.
The good news is that there are a few natural ways to tackle the issue.
How to Get Rid of Shot Hole Disease Naturally
If you suspect that your tree may have shot hole disease, you can take steps to correct the problem or protect other trees from it. Below are some home remedies and natural products you can try.
1. Drip Irrigation
For those of you with larger landscapes, drip irrigation is a great way to get more water to the root systems of your plants.
This is a method that slowly delivers water directly to the soil at the roots instead of spraying it over the foliage as regular sprinkler systems do.
Not only does this reduce water waste, but it also helps improve aeration and encourages deep rooting.
Drip irrigation also helps reduce diseases like shot hole as it allows for more precise application and less wet foliage, making it harder for fungi to reproduce.
2. Pruning
Pruning is one of the most effective ways to control shot hole disease organically.
It involves cutting off infected branches, twigs, and leaves with a pair of sharp pruning shears. Pruning helps prevent the spread of the disease and encourages new growth.
Cut away the infected area and discard any affected material; never compost it or leave it near your trees or plants.
It’s also important to sterilize your tools after each pruning session to avoid spreading the infection from one plant to another.
3. Rake Up Fallen Leaves
Raking up fallen leaves is one of the most effective steps you can take to ensure shot hole disease goes away. This is because infected fallen leaves can re-infect the plant later on.
Raking them up eliminates locations where the disease can survive, so it doesn’t continue next spring.
4. Baking Soda
One approach is to treat the infected plants with baking soda. Baking soda is an antifungal agent, and some people find that it works well as a natural shot hole disease treatment.
To make a DIY shot hole disease spray, mix about a tablespoon of baking soda in one gallon of water and spray it directly onto the affected leaves. Adding a tablespoon of liquid soap will also help the solution stick to the leaves.
This home remedy will help reduce the number of spores that spread from one plant to another.
5. Practice Good Sanitation
Practicing good sanitation is key to preventing the spread of shothole disease. This means keeping your garden clear of debris such as fallen leaves and twigs, as well as any remaining fruit that may harbor the fungus.
Also, remove mulch from around trees, as it can provide a hospitable environment for the fungus to thrive.
It can also help to keep your trees pruned and groomed. If you do happen to find a branch that’s infected with the disease, consider removing it completely and disposing of it away from your garden or yard so as not to risk spreading the infection further.
6. Regalia Biofungicide
Regalia Biofungicide is an all-natural product that is said to help prevent shot hole fungus, brown rot, bacterial canker, and other plant diseases.
One neat thing about Regalia is that it’s OMRI-certified organic, so you know you can trust that it’s safe for the environment and won’t cause any harm to your plants. It’s also very easy to apply.
For best results, use Regalia early on. It is a preventive application and not a curative treatment.
7. Fixed Copper Fungicides
You can also apply a fixed copper fungicide like Cueva in the early winter or late fall.
You can purchase copper fungicides and spray them on the trees. These will help prevent further damage and improve the health of the tree.
Takeaway
When it comes to shot hole disease, there are a variety of natural ways to get rid of it. From fungicides to home remedies, there are a number of options available to you.
However, the most important thing is to take action as soon as you notice the disease. This will prevent it from spreading.
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