How to fight shotgun disease successfully. Everything you need to know about reliable pesticides, natural remedies and how to prevent reinfestation.
Tissue infected with shotgun disease dries up and falls out
Preventive measures
The best preventive measure is to remove or at least reduce the breeding source of the pathogen. For this purpose, heavily affected shoots can be cut back. In particular, the fallen leaves and fruit mummies (which are often still hanging on the tree) must be removed. The fruit mummies in particular can be a dangerous breeding ground for other pathogens and should always be removed from all cultures before winter. The infested plant material does not belong in the compost, because from there it can infest your plants again.
Since shotgun disease breaks out almost exclusively in damp weather, it is important that the treetop can dry off as quickly as possible. Drying off can be positively influenced by a sunny and airy location and an open crown cut. Furthermore, treatments with horsetail extract can be carried out, as the plant-strengthening effect leads to better protection against Stigmina carpophila.
How to Fight Shotgun Sickness
The shotgun disease should be fought immediately after recognizing the first symptoms, otherwise the fungus can form spores again and infect other parts of the plant. Since fruit trees are often attacked, biological spraying is definitely the better choice. In the case of prolonged and damp weather in spring, several sprayings are usually necessary.
Monilia is also common on stone fruit. You can find out more about this disease here.