Sasha CampbellApple trees can be such a joy to grow. You could be tending to a large orchard or simply enjoying a single tree in your backyard.
However, apple scab often stands in the way of a good harvest. This common fungal disease affects not only the fruit but also the leaves.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to control apple scab. This means you will not have to depend solely on synthetic chemicals.
Identification
Apple scab is a fungal disease that thrives in cool, wet conditions. The fungus produces spores that spread easily by wind and rain splashes, landing on leaves, blossoms, and fruit.
Once infected, leaves develop olive-green or dark brown spots that may eventually lead to curling and early leaf drop. The fruit, meanwhile, can develop rough, scabby patches that make it look unattractive.
Although the disease rarely kills a tree, it weakens its overall health and reduces the quality of your harvest.
While this disease primarily affects apple trees, it does not limit itself to just one type of tree. Crabapple trees are also highly susceptible [1].
Additionally, loquat, pear, mountain ash, hawthorn, and firethorn can suffer from apple scab disease [2].
How to Treat and Prevent Apple Scab Naturally
Even if you don’t grow edible apples, managing scab in nearby crabapples or other affected trees helps to prevent the spread of spores.
Here are some natural remedies and prevention tips you can use.
1. Remove Fallen Leaves
One of the simplest natural strategies to manage apple scab is removing fallen leaves.
The fungus overwinters in leaf litter. This means the leaves become a breeding ground for spores. These spores can reinfect your trees in the spring [3].
Therefore, rake up and dispose of infected leaves. By doing so, you significantly reduce the amount of fungus present in your orchard or garden.
However, don’t be tempted to add diseased leaves to your compost. Instead, discard them or burn them where it is safe and allowed to do so.
2. Prune Trees
Proper pruning also plays an essential role in controlling apple scab.
Dense canopies trap moisture. This moisture creates the perfect environment for fungal spores to thrive.
So, by thinning out branches, you can reduce humidity levels around the foliage. This makes it much harder for the fungus to establish itself.
Pruning also allows for better penetration of any sprays you may decide to use.
3. Space Trees Properly When Planting
One crucial apple scab prevention technique is to space your plants properly. Spacing is a critical factor in plant disease prevention.
Trees planted too close together create shady, damp conditions that fungi love.
Therefore, give your trees enough space to mature without crowding each other. Doing so ensures that air can move freely through the branches.
This natural airflow also helps leaves dry more quickly after rainfall or irrigation, reducing the risk of infection.
4. Overhead Irrigation
The way you water your trees can also influence the severity of apple scab. Overhead irrigation, while convenient, often leaves leaves wet for long periods.
Prolonged moisture on leaves creates the perfect breeding ground for fungal spores to germinate and spread.
Therefore, instead of spraying water over the canopy, opt for drip irrigation. You can also use soaker hoses that deliver water directly to the base of the tree.
This method not only conserves water but also keeps foliage dry, limiting the conditions that apple scab needs to thrive.
Modifying your watering technique may seem small, but it can have a significant impact on disease prevention.
5. Compost
Another effective home remedy you can employ is to spread a thick layer of compost on the soil around trees. However, please keep it away from the tree trunk.
Well-managed compost is a valuable tool for improving soil health. Spreading compost on the ground will also prevent the disease from spreading.
6. Dolomitic Lime
Another natural method worth considering is the use of dolomitic lime.
Sprinkle this powdery substance over fallen leaves. It will help accelerate their breakdown while reducing the fungal spores that cause apple scab.
Lime raises the pH of the leaf litter, creating conditions that are less favorable to the fungus.
7. Bonide Captain Jack’s Orchard Spray
For those who want an extra layer of natural protection, Captain Jack’s Orchard Spray by Bonide is an option.
This product is a fungicide and pesticide that contains sulfur and pyrethrin. These ingredients can help combat a range of fungal diseases, including scab.
Use as directed. Carefully read and follow the instructions that come with your purchase.
8. BONIDE Liquid Copper Fungicide
Another natural commercial apple scab spray option is BONIDE Liquid Copper Fungicide. Copper has long been used in organic gardening to help manage fungal diseases.
Moreover, this product gives you value for your money. It can be applied to fruit trees, vegetables, berry bushes, and more.
Follow the instructions that come with your purchase for proper use.
Takeaway
Apple scab may be a persistent problem for growers, but it doesn’t have to ruin your harvest.
To prevent fungal growth, remove fallen leaves, prune wisely, and avoid overhead watering. With a combination of good cultural practices and natural treatments, you can reduce the chances of infection.
Try a few of these natural remedies to see which one works best for you.
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