Ceder-Apple Rust - Will a nitrogen application help

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Africansky Matthews, NC Mar 31, 2011

We moved to our new home early June 2010 and after a few weeks discovered that our darling apple tree had very sever rust symptoms. After reading up on it, I realized that Ceders close by could be cross infecting but was dismayed to hear that even if I destroyed the ones in our yard (although not a fan of ceders, they are evergreen and living so would hate to do this anyway) the ceders in a 10 mile radius could also infect! I read that an application of nitrogen could help in the pink bud stage but the tree is in almost full blossom bloom. We have another, which did not appear to be impacted last year but has had VERY few blossoms thus far - not sure if that is something to be concerned about. Any advise on Ceder-Apple Rust would be very appreciated as I hear it can ultimately destroy the tree (besides not looking very attractive while under attack) Charlotte, NC

Post #8464076
Quote
lablarry Monroe, LA Apr 19, 2011

Well, I battle Cedar-Rust on mayhaws, closely related to apples. You must maintain a regular fungicide spraying schedule. I sprayed just as the blossums broke, and just after they dropped and after the fruits started growing - about every 10-12 days and it really helped last year. This year I was late and the fruits are 50% covered. Anytime I see a branch infected (swollen) I cut it off. Regarding the fungicide - I researched which to use, but to tell you the truth, none of the gardening stores knew what i was speaking of - so I just bought their "fungicide" - label said it worked on rusts. In short - attack, attack, attack. And then if you must, replace with a rust-resistant variety.

And I would cut down every Cedar you could, unless they are really old and nice looking. It will help, a tree 10 miles away COULD infect your trees but the odds are against it.

Post #8507887
Quote
pbyrley Wake Forest, NC(Zone 7b) Apr 25, 2011

Since I live fairly close to you, I am in the same boat - I brought one tree, a Gala, when I moved from Huntersville (in 2007) Wake Forest. I bought a Fuji to pollinate in 2009. Then I found out about the Cedar-Rust and got the same sad news that you got above. I am not a real fan of apples like you appear to be so I am planning to cut down the apple trees when they show signs of infection. Neither of these trees have even bloomed. Maybe a couple of peach trees will suit me better. I have a bunch of fig trees and blueberries and blackberries and I am happy with them.

Good luck,

Paul

Post #8520121
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP