Fungus on Cherry Tree Branches

Identification

• Cherry trees are likely to get the brown rot disease caused by the Monilinia fungi. The disease not only severely damages twigs and branches, but also damages the flowers and fruit.

Symptoms

• Initial symptoms of brown rot include the appearance of brown areas on twigs and branches directly below the flowers. The infection then spreads to the flowers and foliage, causing them to shrivel and die. As the disease progresses, there is secretion of sticky gum from infected bark and twigs. A fuzzy spore growth develops on affected tree areas and often spreads to fruit.

Management

• Prune and remove all affected plant areas at the first sign of disease to prevent the development of fuzzy spores. Regularly prune the tree to allow air and light into inner branches. Avoid overhead sprinklers, as prolonged moisture on foliage leads to fungal development and plant resistant varieties.