Can anyone assist me in identifying whatever it is that is attacking our nectarine and, therefore, in determining what treatment, if any, would be appropriate? If so, it would be much appreciated. I have reviewed a great number of sites on the WEB without success. The owner of the nursery that provided the plants thinks that it is a fungus of some nature, but not sure what. The grid on the attached photo is 1/4". After developing the fungus as shown in the photo, the fruit stops developing and ultimately falls from the tree. The picture was taken last year and I had hoped that the problem might be a one-off. However, it appears to be back again this year! The plant is located on one of the BC Gulf Islands. Cheers!
I know nothing about the cause of the problem but when I spoke to neighbours about the sad state of my nectarine, which never ripened because the fruit became covered with a moldy white/grey, I was told that it is almost impossible to grow peaches or nectarines near the ocean in this part of the world. I live north of Sechelt insight of the water. One person had actually built a seethrough plastic extension to his garage to protect a peach tree. This appeared to work for him. My tree has now died totally. When we first bought the property about 5 years ago it was about 50% alive with the alive part growing up against a building. It flowered quite well with the most beautiful blossom but as soon as the fruit started to ripen the mold, or whatever it was, hit. Hope that you have better luck. I am sure that one of other members of the site will be able to give you more technical advice. I too look forward to their answers. Margaret
Thank you Margaret. We tried to protect this particular tree by placing it against a south facing wall and pruning it to a fan shape. While it gets full sun, it is under an eve, so is protected from most rain. Perhaps even this is not enough! Although a peach tree in a similar location about 10 feet away produced some nice peaches last year, with -- touch wood -- no sign of the fungus. Cheers!
It sure is ugly, why not try getting some funginex and giving it a couple treatments to see if it kills off any fungus that may be growing on the fruit? How are the leaves doing? Are you getting a lot of growth at all the nodes along the branches? Or is the tree looking spindly? Are there a lot of unusual holes in the leaves? If the tree itself is healthy, then it may be fungus on the fruit. I just called Ken Murray up in Sechelt, he's a local nursery, tree, arborist guy up there and he said that nectarines and peaches do fine up there, best out of the wind though. Well Good luck, Jim.
Please don't advocate applying a chemical treatment (Integrated Pest Management - Use of Chemicals is considered as last resort) before identifying the problem.
Especially systemic chemicals that are not intended for use on fruit trees. Try this site: (scroll to nectarines) http://www.caf.wvu.edu/kearneysville/wvufarm8b.html#PEACH
I dont believe Funginex is registered for use on fruiting plants. Nectarines and other 'fuzzy' fruits normally need some help in the lower mainland and surrounding area. a nice rock wall behind them, southern exposure and along season make a difference in proper ripening.
Thank you for all you comments. Re the query re the tree -- it seems very healthy, with no scars on the leaves, branches, or any other part of the plant. Cheers!
Hjq, glad to hear your tree is other wise healthy, which hopefully rules out any deadly bacterial blights like brown rot. Which funginex is registered for on peaches,plums, cherry,and basically all your fruit and berrys. Sorry Dan, I didnt mean to break any rules by advising the use of chemicals, b4 identifying the problem. So I take back my comment about giving your tree a couple treatments of funginex. Although, if I may say, funginex is much better as a preventitive control against fungi and diseases. Jim
Re: Nectarine fungus? -- Perhaps not After carefully watching the nectarines, it appeares that at the root cause of the problem is insect damage. I inspected the plants very early this morning, and found a few Earwigs on the tree. I am not certain if they are the cause of the damage, or if they were after whatever is causing the damage. In any event, it appears that the initial problem is an insect, not a fungus. (see attached) The insect damage then leads to the other problems. There are many suggestions on the WEB about how to control Earwigs, but if anyone has any comments or suggestions, they would be welcomed. Cheers!
Hello again, I find that Tanglefoot works really well on our apple and fig trees as it has the benefit of catching the bugs both coming and going on the trunks. It is also good because it does not damage the flying polinaters. Your tree seems to be basically healthy and happy, unlike my now dead poor old nectarine which has now taken on its second life helping to support for a very large grape vine! Isn't this weather beautiful - the plants seem to be growing as I watch them! Margaret
