Fruit – Page 5 – Homestead on the Range

Phytophthora Blight

Phytophthora blight, also known as late blight, is a fungal disease caused by several species of the genus Phytophthora.

Brix: What is It?

Brix is a measure of the sugar content of a plant or other substance. Brix expresses the weight of dissolved sugar as a percentage of the weight of the entire solution.

Peach leaf curl is a common disease caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans. Besides peaches, susceptible plants include nectarines and almonds. The peach leaf curl fungus spends the winter in the bark and buds of its hosts. It enters new buds as they begin to swell and open in the spring, spread by rain andContinue reading “Peach Leaf Curl”

Growth Cracks

Fortunately, this problem is structural in nature, and therefore will not cause an epidemic.

Fusarium Wilt

Fusarium wilt is a disease common to the southeastern United States. It is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and affects numerous garden plants, including vegetables, small fruits, and flowers. The most susceptible host species include: Tomatoes. Sweet potatoes. Cucumbers. Watermelons. The disease is spread through infected soil. Once it is introduced, it is nearlyContinue reading “Fusarium Wilt”

Fire Blight

Fire blight, found across North America, is a disease to be reckoned with. Caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, this blight affects pears, apples, cane fruits, roses, and more.

Downy Mildew

Downy mildew is caused by parasitic fungi of the family Peronosporaceae, a group of water molds. The resulting disease is quite common in humid climates.

Cedar-Apple Rust

Cedar-apple rust is a disease caused by fungi of the genus Gymnosporangium.

Brown Rot

Brown rot is a serious disease of fruits and almonds caused by fungi Monolinia fructicola and Monolinia laxa. The fruits most susceptible to the fungus are: Peaches. Nectarines. Plums. Apricots. Cherries. Almonds. However, apples and pears are infected with brown rot on occasion. The fungus grows and multiplies rapidly in wet weather, entering plants throughContinue reading “Brown Rot”