How to Prevent Apple Tree Rot in Winter
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In winter, the immune system of apple trees is weakened, and many orchards show large-scale rot and bud dehydration. It is recommended that everyone supplement water and nutrients in a timely manner, both above and below the ground, to improve the tree's resistance to stress, rapidly restore the tree's vitality, and pay attention to the prevention and control of diseases and pests, especially rot, to detect and treat early.
Characteristics of Apple Tree Rot Disease
Apple tree rot, commonly known as smelly bark disease,烂皮病 (rotten bark disease), or 串皮病 (string bark disease), is one of the more serious diseases in apple-growing areas in China, mainly affecting trees that are 6 years old and older, causing weak tree vigor, dried branches, dead trees, and even destruction of the orchard. The disease is caused by Valsa mali. Symptoms occur on the trunk and main branches. Initially, the affected area appears light brown, slightly swollen and water-soaked, and when pressed, it indentation and exudes a wine-like sap. The diseased bark is easy to peel off, with scattered black specks. The pathogen overwinters on the bark and diseased branches, mainly spreading through wind, rain, and insects. The specific control measures are as follows.
1. Scraping control. After finding the lesion, lay a piece of plastic sheeting under the tree, then use a scraping knife to carefully remove the necrotic tissue along with 0.5 cm of healthy bark around the edge, down to the xylem, and then scrape the discolored part of the xylem clean. Next, cut the skin around the lesion into a smooth斜茬 (about 60 degrees), then apply a clove of garlic directly to the scraped wound, applying evenly and carefully to ensure a uniform layer of garlic mucilage. Repeat the application after 7 days for economic effectiveness.
2. Mud application. Take fresh soil and mix with water to a moisture level that allows it to stick to the bark when pinched into a ball. Apply 3-5 cm of this mixture to the lesion on the fruit tree, then wrap it tightly with plastic film to prevent water evaporation and soil falling off. Remove the plastic film and mud after 1 year. This method will cause aerobic pathogens to suffocate due to prolonged lack of oxygen. The cure rate is over 90%.
3. Saltwater immersion. Prepare a dilute salt solution by mixing 1 kg of salt with 40 kg of water (1:40 ratio), boil with fire, and let it cool. After scraping the lesion clean, use a brush or similar tool to apply the saltwater to the lesion, allowing it to soak into the bark to kill and disinfect. Repeat the application after two weeks. The cure rate is over 80%.
4. Alkali solution immersion. Prepare an alkali solution by mixing 1 part edible alkali with 5 parts water. After scraping the lesion clean, use a small brush to apply the alkali solution thoroughly to the wound, extending about 5 cm around the lesion to ensure the solution soaks into the bark. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic film. Repeat the process after 10 days, generally removing the plastic film after half a year. The cure rate is over 85%.
5. Garlic juice disinfection. Mash garlic into a paste and mix it with an equal amount of 10% saltwater to make garlic juice. First, scrape the lesion clean, then apply the garlic juice to the wound with a small brush or pen, extending 3-5 cm around the lesion. The cure rate can reach over 95%.
6. Traditional Chinese medicine preparation. When scraping the lesion, it is required to scrape 3 cm of good skin longitudinally and 1 cm of good skin laterally, then apply Aolike -溃腐灵 (Ulcer Rot Remedy) original liquid. Use a small brush or pen to apply the liquid to the wound, repeating the application every 7 days for severe cases. In addition to killing pathogens, the main effect is to heal the wound. The healing width can reach over 1 cm for strong trees, and it does not recur.
The above information provides a complete introduction to how to prevent apple tree rot in winter and detailed methods for prevention. We hope it can be helpful to you. Don't forget to check out more flowering experience and common knowledge!