Scab diseases of trees and shrubs can disfigure plants by producing unsightly dark spots on the leaves. Blossoms and fruit can also be attacked and the vigour of the plant reduced as a result of premature defoliation

Plants affected include apple, pear, poplar, willow, pyracantha, olive, Sorbus, loquat, medlar, cotoneaster and some Prunus species

Main symptoms are dark spots or blotches on leaves, premature leaf fall, aborted flowers and scabby or shrivelled fruit

Scab is caused by a fungus mainly in summer.

• Do not allow fallen, scab-affected leaves to remain at the bottom of the plant over winter – collect them up and dispose of them
• Prune out affected shoots
• General pruning to open up the canopy will lead to better air circulation and more rapid drying of the foliage after rainfall
• Fungicides may help but changing environmental conditions are more significant