Almond Prone to Shot Hole Disease: How to Protect

Shot Hole Disease on Almond: What to Know?

Shot Hole Disease on Almond (Prunus dulcis) is a fungal condition with moderate severity. Almond has high susceptibility to this disease. Stigmina carpophila (syn. Wilsonomyces carpophilus) is a fungus that primarily affects stone fruits: peach, apricot, plum, cherry, and almond. It is activated by rain, humidity, and mild temperatures,...

Almond is a medium-care plant.

Almond is highly susceptible to Shot Hole Disease, unlike most plants in the same family. Unlike bacterial infections, Shot Hole Disease on Almond can be managed with organic fungicides. Without precautions, chemical treatments for Shot Hole Disease can be harmful to pets. Use organic methods for Almond in pet-friendly homes.

• ✓ Choose less susceptible varieties and rootstocks whenever possible.
• ✓ Plant in sunny, well-ventilated locations with well-draining soil and avoid waterlogging.
• ✓ Maintain an airy canopy with regular pruning and immediately remove infected debris.
• ✓ Reduce prolonged leaf wetting and limit water splashing by using mulch.
• ✓ Perform frequent checks in late winter and spring and intervene at the first signs of infection.
• ✓ Schedule any preventive treatments only at key moments, such as leaf fall and bud break, avoiding the flowering period.