Plum, Prune (Fresh): Plum pockets

Biology

Plum pockets is a fungal disease affecting fruit, twigs, and leaves. Infected fruit initially develop small, white spots which rapidly enlarge. The spots later turn reddish to velvety gray. The fruit become distorted, discolored, and much larger than normal. Pits may be absent in the spongy, bladderlike, dark brown fruit. The leathery skin may later become covered with a whitish coating of fungal spores. The fruit later turn dry and hard (mummified). Leaves and twigs show symptoms similar to those of peach leaf curl. Leaves and shoots may be discolored (reddish to yellow) and curled or twisted. The fungus can overwinter on twigs, bud scales, and infected fruit.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Plant resistant cultivars. The European plum (Prunus domestica) and the Oriental plum (P. salicina) are reported to be resistant, while American plums (cultivated and wild) are susceptible.
• Remove infected wild plums in the vicinity.
• Prune out and destroy infected twigs, branches, and fruit.
• Rake up and destroy fallen infected fruit.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended.