Question From:
Angela May in rural SA, Minlaton SA
Nature of problem:
sick nectarine tree
Type of Plant (if known):
nectarine tree
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
gummy miss shapen fruit, spots on leave and yellowing of leaves
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
loam
How often do you water the plant:
1 x week slow drippers
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
8
What type of plant is it:
stone fruit tree
How long since you planted it:
approx 9 years
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
specialised fruit tree fertilizer in August
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
outdoors
What other treatments have you given the plant:
iron chelate, mancozeb and carbaryl (All on the advice from my local nursery)7
Upload photo if available:
nectarinetree.jpg
Other Comments:
any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Answer: Great photo Angela, This is called (predictably enough) Gummosis of stone fruits. It is usually caused by injury or canker diseases in the immediate area. A balanced, healthy tree tends not to get it. South Australia has difficult soils and a difficult climate. I suggest that you ask a local farmer what deficiencies the local soils have. Add some of what is missing eg manganese (available at the local nursery) or some other obscure micronutrient. Check that your soil isn’t water-repelling. If it is use Seasol Super Soil Wetter and keep the water up to the tree during dry periods,. Prune in Spring just as the growth buds are starting to shoot. Good luck, Don.
