ISHS Acta Horticulturae 130: XII International Symposium on Fruit Tree Virus Diseases
EFFECTS OF TETRACYCLINE INJECTIONS AGAINST APPLE PROLIFERATION |
| Author: | C. Schmid |
| Abstract:
In many European countries apple proliferation, a micoplasma-like disease (MLO), results in severe damage to apple orchards. Its main symptoms are small fruits, witches broom and early fall colouring. Injections with the antibiotic tetracycline HCl were made into tree trunks by using the Reil pressure pump. In late fall 0.5 to 2 litres, depending on the age and size of trees were injected with a pressure of 10 bars. Concentrations from 200 to 400 ppm were used. Diseased trees were injected 1, 2 or 3 years consecutively or twice with one year interval. At the concentrations used injuries in the form of yellow leaves appeared sometimes. After injections fruit size became normal and tree symptoms almost disappeared. This effect lasted for 1 and sometimes for 2 years, then the symptoms reappeared. Each additional injection depressed symptoms for 1 or 2 more years. Treatment of healthy trees did not prevent them from infection. Therefore such treatments cannot be recommended. | |
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