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Quick read / the essentials on the Coryneum of fruit trees

Coryneum beyerinckii, or shot hole, is a fungal disease that primarily affects stone fruit trees, such as apricot, almond, cherry, nectarine, peach, and plum. Caused by Coryneum beyerinckii ( Stigmina carpophila ), it affects leaves, branches, and fruit, causing significant yield losses. The disease spreads easily in humid conditions and requires careful management to limit its impact.

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of fruit plants , we know that prevention is the key to limiting the development of Coryneum. Choosing more resistant varieties is a first line of defense. Careful maintenance of the orchard helps reduce the presence of the fungus: removing fallen leaves and mummified fruit, pruning that promotes air circulation and careful irrigation management are essential to limit the humidity that favors its development. Balanced fertilization, without excess nitrogen, strengthens the resistance of the trees and reduces their vulnerability.

In organic farming, Bordeaux mixture applied as a preventative and natural extracts such as horsetail or willow bark can help protect trees. In conventional farming, treatments based on copper or baking soda can slow the growth of the fungus. The rational use of these solutions, combined with rigorous monitoring, helps prevent the spread of the disease.

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of fruit plants , we offer plants selected for their vigor and disease resistance. Buying peach, apricot, cherry, and plum plants from a specialist guarantees better adaptation to local conditions and increased protection against pathogens.

Coryneum (Criblure) of fruit trees: identification, prevention and control

Coryneum beyerinckii, also known as shot hole, is a fungal disease that primarily affects stone fruit trees. Caused by the fungus Coryneum beyerinckii (syn. Stigmina carpophila ), this disease causes damage to the leaves, fruit, and branches of infected trees. Its spread is favored by humid conditions, and its control relies on a combination of preventative measures and appropriate treatments.

Fruit tree species concerned

Coryneum primarily affects stone fruit trees, including apricot, almond, cherry, nectarine, peach, and plum.

Pome trees, such as apple and pear trees, are generally not affected by this disease. However, arborists should be vigilant, as other fungal diseases can cause similar symptoms in these species.

Symptoms of the disease

Coryneum manifests itself with several distinct symptoms that vary depending on the organs affected.

Small, round, purplish-red spots appear on the leaves. These spots eventually become necrotic and fall off, leaving characteristic holes that give the foliage a pitted appearance.

On branches, the disease causes cankers and lesions to appear. These wounds can enlarge and weaken the tree, making the branches more vulnerable to secondary infections and drying out.

Corky spots develop on the fruit, sometimes accompanied by deformations. These changes reduce the commercial quality of the fruit and can lead to significant production losses.

Means of prevention

The fight against Coryneum is based above all on prevention, by implementing suitable cultural practices to limit the spread of the fungus.

Choosing resistant varieties is an effective strategy for reducing the risk of infection. Although not all varieties are equal when it comes to the disease, some are less susceptible and can help limit the impact of fungal attacks.

Eliminating sources of infection is essential to prevent the disease. It is recommended to collect and destroy fallen leaves and mummified fruit remaining on the tree, as they act as reservoirs of spores for the following year.

Regular pruning of trees improves air circulation and reduces humidity within the canopy, thus limiting the conditions favorable to the development of the fungus. It is also important to ensure good spacing between trees to promote optimal ventilation.

Moisture management is a key factor in preventing the appearance of Coryneum. Watering should be done in a way that avoids wetting the foliage and fruit. Good soil drainage is also necessary to avoid excess moisture, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

Balanced fertilization helps strengthen the tree's resilience. Excessive nitrogen intake promotes the growth of dense, tender foliage, which is more vulnerable to fungal attack. Moderate fertilization, tailored to the tree's needs, is preferable.

Regular monitoring of orchards allows for early detection of the first symptoms of the disease. It is recommended to inspect trees throughout the season and disinfect pruning tools between each operation to prevent the spread of the fungus.

Means of control and treatments

When Coryneum is established in an orchard, several control strategies can be implemented, depending on the cultural practices and the production method adopted.

In organic farming, Bordeaux mixture is an effective preventative treatment. It should be applied in low concentration as soon as bud breaks and repeated after petal fall. A horsetail decoction can be used in addition to strengthen the trees' resistance.

Biocontrol products can be used, such as baking soda, which acts as a cure by blocking the growth of the fungus, or talc, used as a preventative to limit the adhesion of spores to plant tissues. An infusion of willow bark, known for its natural antifungal properties, can also be applied to protect trees from infection.

In conventional agriculture, the application of copper-based fungicides is recommended. Copper hydroxide is particularly effective and should be applied according to a specific schedule: before leaf fall, before bud swelling, and just before flowering.

Baking soda is also used as a curative to stop the progression of the fungus. It should be applied at a concentration of 3 to 10 g/L, with a maximum of eight applications per season, spaced ten days apart.

Talc, applied as a preventative, prevents the growth of the fungus by forming a physical barrier on plant tissues. Its application must be renewed every two to three weeks, with three to five treatments per season.

Conclusion

Coryneum is a serious disease of stone fruit trees, which can cause significant production losses. Prevention is the best strategy to limit its spread, combining good orchard management, appropriate cultural practices, and the use of resistant varieties.

When the disease is present, biological or conventional treatments can limit its spread, but their effectiveness depends on rigorous application and continuous monitoring. An integrated approach, combining prevention and sustainable control, is essential to ensure the sustainability and productivity of professional orchards.

To summarize: how to protect your fruit trees against Coryneum?

Coryneum is a serious threat to stone fruit trees, causing damage to foliage, fruit and twigs that compromises orchard productivity. Its prevention relies on a combination of appropriate cultural practices, rigorous monitoring and targeted treatments .

Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of fruit plants , supports arborists by selecting robust plants adapted to the requirements of professional cultivation. Buying peach, apricot, cherry and plum plants from an expert is an essential strategy for limiting disease risks and ensuring quality production.

The first step in limiting the spread of Coryneum is to ensure proper orchard maintenance. Removing infected leaves and fruit reduces sources of contamination for the following year. Proper pruning improves air circulation, thus limiting the humidity conducive to the development of the fungus. Careful irrigation management, by avoiding wetting the foliage, also helps limit conditions favorable to the disease.

Applying preventative treatments is a complementary approach. In organic farming, Bordeaux mixture is an effective solution when applied at the right times in the growing cycle. Plant extracts such as horsetail or willow bark help strengthen the trees' natural resistance. In conventional farming, copper- or baking soda-based fungicides can limit the spread of the fungus, provided they are applied according to a specific schedule.

An integrated approach combining prevention, cultural practices and targeted treatments is essential to limit the impact of Coryneum and ensure the profitability of orchards. At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of fruit plants , we put our expertise at the service of producers by offering healthy and robust plants, selected for their tolerance to diseases. Purchasing peach, apricot, cherry and plum plants from a specialist supplier is a key decision to ensure sustainable and productive cultivation.