Fruit Tree dying from top down (forum)

Bluediamondred starts with ...
We have a recurrent problem with some of our fruit trees at our property. Unfortunately 100% of the time resulting in death of the fruit tree. We noticed on each of the trees that on one branch of the tree the leaves would fall off the very top and the branch would start to wither/looking like it is dehydrating from the tip and the branch continues to dry out/die off further and further down the tree until all of the tree dies. We have tried snipping the tree off to its healthiest point, spraying with insect spray to get rid of the ants, watering with seasol to help with tree health, even replanting one of the trees to another spot just in case it was the location of the tree. It has happened to a cherry tree, an apricot tree and now another variety of cherry tree all in different locations around our property. Each of the trees had been planted in the ground for a minimum of 12 months to two years, developed well and then all of a sudden start dying from the top downwards. Unfortunately I have noticed one of our trees starting to develop these symptoms and I would really love to save the tree from dying if I can. If you are able to help we would be greatly appreciative. Thank you
Pictures - Click to enlarge

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Time: 18th April 2014 4:26pm

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About the Author Bluediamondred
Gilgai
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MaryT says...
Sounds like a horrible problem, bluediamonded - can you id the problem from this site?

http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/pestsdiseases/horticulture/horticultural_crops/apricot_pests__and__diseases

Here's another:

http://westernfarmpress.com/management/causes-and-control-cherry-limb-dieback

Time: 18th April 2014 7:18pm

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Original Post was last edited: 18th April 2014 7:18pm
About the Author MaryT
Sydney
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JohnMc1 says...
Unfortunately, from the pic's supplied, I can't see anything wrong, they look healthy and alive. They look like they are abscissing to me being autumn?
Scratch the bark, if it's green under the bark they are still alive, whether dormant or not. The trees mentioned are all deciduous.

Time: 18th April 2014 7:23pm

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About the Author JohnMc1
Warnervale NSW
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Brain says...
One of my cherry tree had a die back problem from the top, as you described, it wrinkles and the branch/section dies from right at the top. Though mine is largely due to stress caused by the dry. However, looking at your pics, yours seems to be getting sufficient water and looks healthy.

My only guess is, the tree is not getting enough nutrition to cause the die back. Happens to my citrus all the time. What is your fertiliser and watering regime like? And the soil?





Time: 18th April 2014 10:57pm

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About the Author Brain
Brisbane
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Brendan says...
Hi Bluediamond, usually when a tree starts dying from the top down, it has Phytophthora root rot disease. I've lost a few avocado trees to it up here.
Yates make a product called Anti Rot, which does help with this disease. Might pay to check it out.

Time: 21st April 2014 9:27am

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About the Author Brendan
Mackay, Q
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Mike Tr says...
Phytophthora often has yellowing of foliage as well. Incompatible grafts also cause tip dieback.

Time: 21st April 2014 10:23am

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About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
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