Advice

Cherry leaf scorch

Plants affected

Probably all Prunus, but in particular wild cherries (P. avium), apricots (P. armeniaca) and possibly bird cherries (P. padus and cultivars).

Symptoms

In the summer, brown blotches with yellow margins develop on the leaves. Infected leaves are killed, and during the winter remain hanging on the tree in a withered state. Healthy new leaves are produced in spring, but may again go on to develop the disease.

Cause

Leaf scorch disease has become more common in recent years. It is unsightly, and repeated severe attacks may reduce tree vigour.

Control

There are no specific fungicide treatments, but applications of copper fungicide (Bordeaux Mixture or Murphy Traditional Copper Fungicide) used to control blossom wilt or bacterial canker may give incidental control.