{Tool} How to recognize and control Cherry leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii) in organic orchards. Creator(s): Vávra, Radek and Kupková, Jana. Issuing Organisation(s): Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology Holovousy Ltd.. (2025)
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Summary
This practice abstract from the InnOBreed project provides practical, field‑ready guidance for organic fruit growers on identifying, understanding, and managing cherry leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii). The document outlines the disease’s infection biology—highlighting the distinction between primary infections arising from overwintered leaves and secondary infections driven by conidia during wet weather. It explains how rapid disease spread is often linked to rainy conditions in May and June.
| EPrint Type: | Practice tool |
|---|---|
| Teaser: | Keep your cherry orchards healthy and productive. T |
| What problem does the tool address?: | Cherry leaf spot, caused by the fungal pathogen Blumeriella jaapii, is a major disease in cherry orchards. It leads to premature defoliation, which reduces photosynthesis and directly impacts fruit size, fruit quality, and yield potential. In severe cases, trees can become fully defoliated by late summer, resulting in reduced fruit set for the next season and increased susceptibility to winter cold damage. The disease spreads rapidly under warm, rainy conditions. Both sweet (Prunus avium) and especially sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) are susceptible, with some sour cherry varieties being highly vulnerable. The infection cycle involves primary infections from overwintered leaves and fast‑spreading secondary infections via conidia during wet periods—making the disease particularly hard to manage in organic systems. |
| What solution does the tool offer?: | The practice abstract recommends an integrated organic strategy combining: 1. Preventive Orchard Management Choosing orchard sites with good airflow and maintaining open canopies through pruning. Practicing strong field hygiene, including removing or shredding fallen leaves in autumn to eliminate overwintering inoculum. Planting less susceptible varieties, as susceptibility varies significantly among cultivars. 2. Direct Control Measures Applying organic copper-based sprays (copper hydroxide or copper oxides) after harvest to prevent premature leaf drop. Using rain protection systems, particularly from the 2nd to 4th week after blossom—when infection risk peaks—to reduce moisture-driven infections. Consulting decision support systems such as RIMpro for optimal timing of interventions. Together, these measures help reduce disease pressure, stabilize yields, and maintain tree vitality in organic cherry production. |
| Country: | Czech Republic |
| Type of Practice Tool: | Practice abstracts |
| Agrovoc keywords: | Language Value URI English temperate fruits http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_7655 English plant protection http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_5978 English disease prevention http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_10394 English plant disease control http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_5960 |
| Subjects: | Crop husbandry > Production systems > Fruit and berries |
| Research affiliation: | Czech Republic > Other institutions Czech republic European Union > Organic Farm Knowledge European Union > Horizon Europe > InnOBreed |
| Horizon Europe or H2020 Grant Agreement Number: | 101061028 |
| Related Links: | https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/56835, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/44138, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/45872, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/44785 |
| Project ID: | ofk |
| Deposited By: | Dietemann, Lauren |
| ID Code: | 56835 |
| Deposited On: | 11 Feb 2026 13:49 |
| Last Modified: | 11 Feb 2026 13:49 |
| Document Language: | English |
| Status: | Published |
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