Plums Falling Off Tree Before Ripe
I have a plum tree that produces lots of fruit, but just before they get ripe they fall off.
Lack of pollination or brown rot could be the cause. Plum trees are very particular about their pollinators. They are generally not self-fruitful meaning they need a different plum and often a specific variety for pollination and fruit development. If the plums were not full size and lacked a seed (stone) this was the problem. If you don't know the variety you may need to add two plums you know cross pollinate and bloom the same time as yours and hope they also pollinate this one. If the fruit turned brown and shriveled it is brown rot. Remove infected fruit to reduce the source of disease for next season. Regular fungicide applications during flowering and three weeks prior to harvest can be done if sanitation does not solve the problem. Be sure to read and follow all label directions carefully.
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