Cytospora Canker
Scientific Name
Cytospora spp.
Description
Cytospora Canker is a fungal disease affecting stressed woody plants and trees, identified by sunken, discolored bark lesions. These cankers often exude sap or resin and cause girdling, resulting in branch dieback or even tree death.
Characteristics
Cytospora infections create distinctive elongated, sunken areas on tree bark, often leaking a gummy sap or amber-colored resin. It primarily attacks trees already under stress from drought, injury, or poor management.
Control Methods
- Organic sprays: Apply neem oil treatments at early signs of infection to inhibit fungal growth and protect surrounding healthy tissues.
- Cultural practices: Promptly prune and remove infected limbs to reduce disease spread. Avoid overcrowding plants to improve airflow and reduce humidity around susceptible plants.
- Preventive methods: Promote optimal tree health through proper watering, balanced nutrition, avoiding injury to bark, and regular monitoring for early detection of infections.
- Biological controls: Use beneficial microbes like Trichoderma spp. to suppress the fungal pathogens naturally.
- Mechanical physical: Sterilize pruning tools between cuts and remove infected debris promptly from the garden area.
Natural Enemies
- Trichoderma spp.
- Beneficial Soil Microbes
Plants Affected by Cytospora Canker
No associated plants found for this pest.