Apple tree problem - water stress?

[chris]

Missed a watering day on my m7 potted tree - its the only thing I can thing of, as the leaves wilted a bit but then perked up..

Any ideas?





Is there any remedy? Will the fruit to alright?

On a side note, are the leaves used for ripening fruit?

[Glutton4...]

Will one day make a difference? Wouldn't it be better off in the ground? FB is your Apple expert, you could try a PM if he's not on line.

[FB.]

Could well be the missed watering. There won't be much you can do now, other than wait and hope that the tree doesn't throw the fruits on the ground.
Sometimes trees will shed smaller and more shaded leaves because they aren't gathering enough light.
The yellowing is consistent with the tree deciding to shed inefficient leaves, while the browning on the edges is dehydration.

It is also possible that it is a response to scab damage on the leaves, or response to nutrient deficiency.

You mention M7 rootstock - I presume you mean M27? If you really have M7, I'd be interested to know who offers them.

[chris]

Sorry, yes M27 - blonde moment (ill at the moment). The tree did have marginal scab before this. It seems likely it was the water, as the leaves that wilted are the ones yellowing.

I've discovered a new nursery (first "proper" one I've found here) - I'll be visiting them shortly so will look out for any M7's