Apple Tree - Disease Diagnosis

[mnjrutherford]

Before he passed, Mike father gave him one of those "5 in 1" apple trees from Carol Wright. It's a special tree for us even though I poo poo the source. There is also a Fuji apple tree about 100' away. Both trees were laden with blossoms and put on fruit. The 5 in 1 tree had the largest and most abundant fruit, but then again, it's been in ground for a year more than the Fuji. Any how, a few days ago I noticed that a small branchlet of the 5 in 1 had died. I didn't think much of it at the time. Then, next inspection, there were a couple more branchlets and now I'm very concerned. The following are photos that I also have posted on my blog in an album labeled "2010 May". I am praying that somebody can help us save this tree. If you need more info or photos, just ask. Thanks!

















The following images are of the Fuji apple:

[mnjrutherford]

Bad news here. I kinda had a diagnosis from looking around the net. But our friend who is the county extension agent was just here and he confirmed that this is a classic case of fire blight. He also said that this tree probably will not survive. But like I said before, this tree is very VERY special to Mike and I have to fight for it.

This is the plan of action. I'd like to get feed back and thoughts here, but we will be doing it tomorrow morning so if I don't take the advice, I hope you'll understand it was because we are already into a treatment.

1. Mix 1 t. NATURAL soap (it's supposed to have the most chocolate covered surfactants)
1 T. cider vinegar about 1/2 c. water
Use this mixture to fill a container that hooks to a hose and thoroughly wash the tree and allow it to dry.

2. Make a tea of thyme and bee balm and wash the tree with the tea.

I found the wound on the tree, it's near the soil. I have some more photos to post and I'll try to add photos as we proceed with treatment.

I really would be grateful if those of you who are into doing so would pray for this little tree.

[mnjrutherford]

Next step, start growing a fire blight resistant root stock for future apples. A bit of research presents Geneva 16 and M7 (M7a) as good possibilities. Further research presents additional recommendations for the M7 but no mention of Geneva 16. A check of GRIN for possibilities shows 4 accessions. I'm thinking that PI 589261, malus hybrid, which is described as "Very Resistant", is the most suitable for my needs.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

[plantsnobin]

Sorry to hear about your tree, since it is special to your husband. I have one of those 5 in 1's, it is a bohemoth that I want rid of but I can't get the chainsaw started, and I would probably cut off a leg if I did. Mine never produces any decent fruit, I have the 'antique' varieties. I believe in a survival of the fittest kind of thing for plants. If it gets diseased, out it goes. I don't want to have to spray anything. Even if it is with natural ingrediants. I'm sorry that I don't know any info for you, but have you checked out organizations like the North American Fruit Growers or something or other Exchange. Maybe there is a state group like we have the Indiana Nut Growers? Those groups are full of old guys who really are passionate about their trees and love to share info. They would be able to tell you the best trees for your area.

[mnjrutherford]

I just found a great pamphlet with a very extensive listing of apple varieties sorted according to fire blight susceptibility. I've seen other lists, but none so extensive. The list includes pear and crab varieties as well. No dungeness crabs...

www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/02907.html