• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Brown Rot on Plums, Peaches and Cherries

Shriveled plums, peaches, apricots and cherries are a symptom of brown rot fungal disease.

This disease can infect flowers causing brown spots on the petals. Infected blooms collapse. They often exude a sticky sap that can spread the disease causing twig dieback. Infected fruit are covered with powdery gray specks. As the disease progresses the fruit dries and shrivels into what are called mummies.

Remove and destroy or bury infested fruit. Prune out diseased branches. Make the cut at least six inches below the sunken or discolored areas known as cankers. Disinfect tools between cuts to prevent the spread of this disease.

Reduce future problems with proper pruning and care. Remove nearby thickets of wild susceptible plums, cherries and other stone fruit that can serve as a source for future infection.

Fortunately, the disease will not kill the tree, but it can greatly impact the harvest.

A bit more information:  If brown rot has been a yearly problem despite proper care and sanitation you may decide to use a fungicide to control the problem. Select an organic or synthetic product labeled for controlling this disease on the plants you are treating. As always read and follow all label directions.

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI

Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants

Register here

Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden

Register here

Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants

Register here

March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs

Register here

March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here


March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI

March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation

Register here

March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A

Register here

April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here


April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here


May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here


May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property

Register here

June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds

Register here

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win 3 Collections of Longfield Gardens
Dahlia Bulbs

ENTER NOW