Sick damson tree

Hi all

I wonder if anyone can help identify a problem with a sickening damson tree. It's a Shropshire Prune, about 6 years in the ground, on heavy clay soil. It has always been heavily attacked by aphids on fresh growth in the spring, but that doesn't seem to have held it back. It has grown vigorously and fruited heavily, although most of the fruit fell before ripening last year. I've pruned rather little, generally around September after fruiting, never in winter.

Now, just as it comes into full leaf, there are patches that appear to be dying - leaves have turned brown and withered on the tree and the fruit is not developing -photo attached. The dieback is mostly restricted to a couple branches at the moment.

Any suggestions as what's happening and whether there's anything to be done about it?

Thank you!
Marcus

 

Well, at a guess I'd say it was aphids, unroll those green leaves that have curled and have a look inside.

 

Thanks Pete. I think you're probably right. As I mentioned, the new shoots have always been infested by aphids when they first emerge, but I'd never seen leaves on older growth being attacked, nor extensive leaf death like this, so was worried it might be some more progressive fungal or viral nasty. I guess it could be aphids transmitting disease?