Diseases

Apricot leaf spot

Prunus armeniaca L.

A group of apricot pathologies caused by a complex of fungal and bacterial pathogens, manifesting as necrotic spots, which often lead to the drop-out of necrotic tissue or premature leaf fall.

In the reference 28 varieties crop Apricot, where this is mentioned in the description.

The primary fungal disease is shot hole, caused by Clasterosporium carpophilum. Light brown or crimson spots with a reddish-brown margin form on the leaves; the necrotic tissue falls out, forming perforations. The pathogen affects all above-ground organs, including buds and fruits.

Bacterial spot is caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni and manifests as water-soaked angular spots, which eventually darken and may fall out. Brown spot, which combines Gnomonia and Phyllosticta infections, is characterized by the appearance of diffuse yellowish or brown spots that trigger leaf curling and defoliation.

Specific resistance genes to these pathogens have not been described; breeding is based on field assessment of the adaptive resistance of cultivars. The differentiation of pathogens into races is poorly covered in the literature; therefore, the susceptibility of cultivars is assessed empirically depending on climatic conditions.

General information about the subject — on the page Leaf spot diseases.

Sources8

Varieties of Apricot mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.