Plum tree problem

Hello - I am really pleased I have found this forum - people are so helpful (well gardeners usually are arn't they?)

Anyway, I have an unusual problem with a plum tree. I have several plum trees including my username, marjoriesseedling. The problem tree is Dennisons Superb, planted about 3 years ago. I noticed yesterday it had blossomed leaving little plumlets, but only 3 sprigs of leaves.

There is only slight damage to the existing leaves, no evidence of anything wrong on the stems, and no leaves dropped to the floor. I have six other plum trees all with normal leaves.

I hope the photos will show something I may not have seen.

Any ideas? Thanks

Andrew

 

I did not manage to get any replies from this forum on the problem but did get a reply from another forum.......so I am putting the reply here so it may help others.


Andrew

Thanks for getting in touch and sending in the images â?? that always helps.

As you say there are no signs of pest and disease problems (apart from possibly a bit of plum leaf curling aphid) and with evidence from the images I have to conclude that the problem is a physiological one â?? that is, a problem with the growing conditions.

From only being able to see whatâ??s going on from the images, I would guess the tree has had some major shock at the root system. This would either be drought/underwatering, flooding/waterlogging or a root-bound disease, such as phytophthora root rot.

The tree would still flower and try to set fruit in an attempt to try and propagate itself by setting seed and then probably die.

Itâ??s still possible that it will come into leaf, but if nothing happens by the end of June I would certainly dig it up, have a look at the roots and check for physical problems.

You could try watering with a seaweed-based tonic, such as Maxicrop, but my suspicion is that it is on its last legs.

Sorry fro the bad news.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes & good gardening.

Geoff Hodge
Garden writer, broadcaster & PR