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Silverleaf is a serious wound infecting fungus disease of fruit trees. In addition to fruit trees, it has a wide host range including many shelterbelt species. Willow and Poplar are also common hosts and potential sources of infection.
Species most at risk are cherries, apricots, nectarines, plums and peaches. Among apples, Royal Gala is particularly susceptible.
Infection occurs through airborne spores landing on unprotected freshly made wounds such as pruning cuts.
Host plants are most resistant to infection after harvest, during the late summer and autumn.
Silverleaf spores are produced from bract-like fruiting bodies which grow on dead infected host plant wood.
Active spore release only occurs from these fruiting bodies during periods of rain or high humidity.
By paying careful attention to these factors, problems from this disease in orchards can be minimized. The key points are:
- Orchard hygiene. Remove dead or dying trees and stumps before the pruning season starts.
- Store firewood from old fruit trees and other host plants under cover to prevent it becoming wet and producing silverleaf spores.
- Prune highly susceptible fruit tree species and varieties after harvest in the late summer/autumn period, or during cold dry weather in the winter. A good rule of thumb during winter is to not prune highly susceptible varieties on days when you are unlikely to be able to get the washing dry on the line.
- Apply a suitable fungicidal protectant wound dressing to all major pruning cuts, particularly those close to or on the main branches and leaders.
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