Apple Scab

Description

Apple scab is a fungal disease that causes leaves of ornamental crab apple and pear to prematurely drop early in the growing season. The cool, wet weather in early-spring allows the fungus to develop and infect trees during the time of flowering.

Signs & Symptoms

• Black spots on leaves and fruit
• Yellowing leaves
• Premature leaf drop
• Sparse canopy

Effects On Your Tree

Apple scab does not typically kill the tree alone but may weaken it if there are several years of chronic defoliation.

Management Options

Managing apple scab can be as easy as practicing good landscape hygiene (cleaning up fallen leaves and sanitizing garden tools after use) and pruning trees to encourage good air flow. Treatment with fungicides is effective and necessary in severe cases.