Disease
Bacterial Spot
A bacterial disease of stone fruits causing dark water-soaked spots on leaves, fruit, and twigs, leading to defoliation and surface scarring of fruit.
Symptoms to Look For
- Small water-soaked spots on leaves turning dark brown with yellow halos
- Spots falling out of leaves leaving a ragged shot-hole pattern
- Sunken, dark, scabby spots on fruit surfaces reducing quality and market value
Affected Plants
PeachNectarinePlumCherryTomatoPepper
Organic Solutions
Copper spray
Apply copper-based bactericide at bud break and again at petal fall, repeating every 10 days during wet periods to protect new growth.
Remove infected material
Prune out infected twigs with a dark blighted appearance during dry weather; disinfect tools between cuts.
Prevention
- Choose resistant or tolerant varieties - resistance ratings are listed in many stone fruit nursery catalogues
- Avoid overhead irrigation and prune to open canopy structure to reduce leaf-wetness duration
- Avoid high nitrogen applications that promote soft, susceptible shoot growth
Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.