Rotting Plums

[Deleted]

I don't know if anyone can help me with the problem that I've got with my Victoria Plum tree. Every year the fruits go rotten before they are ripe enough to eat.
The tree is in grass near a couple of cooking apple trees which, admittedly, do need pruning, but that's another job. I did prune the plum in June after flowering, as it says in all the books, but this has not stopped the fruits from rotting.
I'd be obliged if anyone has any suggestions because they are nice plums when you can find a good one.
Regards.
David.

[veggardener]

Hi David!

I'm almost sure that what your Victoria plum tree is suffering from is 'brown rot', sadly my own are suffering from it too.

The first symptom is a small brown spot that enlarges to cover the whole fruit. Then concentric rings of pale grey or buff-coloured pustules appear - these are the spores of the fungus that spread the disease.
The affected fruits either fall or remain on the tree in a mummified state.
The fungus may spread into the spurs from affected fruit, causing dieback. Fruits in storage may also be affected.
The fungal disease enters fruit mainly through wounds.
Insect damage (especially codling moths and wasps), bruising during harvesting and damage from apple scab are all responsible for allowing the disease entry.
It is spread by spores (the buff pustules) that are carried on the wind, on insects or by physical contact between fruits.

Hope this helps.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the info David, that certainly sounds like what the problem is. Is there any cure, preferably organic as I'd rather not use chemicals if I can get away with it?
Kind regards.
David.

[veggardener]

Hi David!

A preventative measure for next year would be the use of winter tar oil wash, applied when the tree is fully dormant Dec/Jan.

*Winter tar oil wash may have been withdrawn from sale, if so just ask for its replacement.

[Deleted]

Thanks David. I'll give it a whirl.
Kind regards.
David.