The earlier hand-thinning is completed, the more effective it will be in achieving the desired results. It is very difficult to grow top quality plums in the home orchard unless a rigid spray program is carried out. The spray program should begin with dormant sprays and be carried through the growing season. Brown Rot - Brown rot attacks flowers, shoots and fruit. Diseased flowers wilt and turn brown very quickly.
Fruit rot is the most common damage from brown rot.
A tan to brown spot appears on the surface of diseased fruit. In humid weather brownish tufts of spores appear on the rotted surface. Infected fruit will rot completely to become a mummy. The mummies carry the disease over the winter. Sanitation is a valuable part of brown rot control in the home orchard.