Posted by Arlys Jakob on August 19, 19100 at 10:43:45:
In Reply to: Re: loss of leaves after turning brown,crabapple trees posted by MEADOW VIEW on February 07, 19100 at 22:30:00:
: : in the spring my crabapples look great.after they flower the leaves turn brown then fall off.this contnues all spring summer and fall. this cycle has been going on for three years.i would guess the age of the crabs between six to ten years. i live in eastern iowa and our winters have been milder than normal for the last 5 to 6 years. if you have any suggestions for treatment of this problem i will be forever in your debt.they are great looking trees and we would hate to have to replace them. thanks for your time and knowledge
precy nichols
PERCY: The problem you are having is probably Apple Scab. This is a fungal disease that attachs any plant in the rose family, which includes flowering crabs. The first line of defense is to grow resistant varieties, it is too late for that.
Next is to spray with a fungicide like Ferbam, if you can get it. Timing is critical, it will be necessary to spray 3 or 4 times one week apart as soon as the buds begin to open in spring. It is too late to spray in the season when you see the problem.
Next....clean up any leaves that fall on the ground as they are a source for recontamination later in the season and next year.
Contact your Ag extension agent for a bulletin on control of Apple Scab, this will give you additional information for your specific area. MVG Plant Dr.