How To Treat Cherry Tree Fungus - About Tree (2024)

Background Information

Cherry tree fungus is a type of fungal disease, caused by a number of species belonging to the genus Monilinia, that can affect both wild and cultivated cherries. The disease manifests itself as a soft rot, causing premature fruit drop, fungal cankers and leaf lesions. In its most severe form, the fungus penetrates the cherry’s tree tissue and causes the death of the tree. As a result, the affected tree does not yield healthy fruit, leading to severe economic losses for farmers and growers.

Identifying the Disease

The most common signs of cherry tree fungus are the presence of lesions on the leaves, stems, blossoms and fruits of a tree. These lesions will typically appear dark and heal slowly, under the correct circ*mstances. In addition, a wet, slimy, yellow or brown rot will often be found on the stems, leaves or fruits of infected trees. This infection is usually preceded by premature ripening and blossom withering.

Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments are often used to control cherry tree fungus. The most effective of these is fungicidal spray which is used to coat the entire tree. Fungicidal sprays contain an active ingredient that will repel the fungus and prevent it from entering the tree and causing infection. These sprays should be used at least once a year, prior to the period of most active growth and when signs of the fungus first appear. When applying these sprays, it is important to ensure that the entire tree is covered and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the application rate and interval.

Cultural Practices

Integrated pest management is also an effective way to combat cherry tree fungus. This involves a number of management techniques, such as timely pruning of dead or diseased branches and thinning of dense foliage so as to increase air circulation and decrease moisture levels. In addition, it is important to maintain good orchard hygiene by collecting fallen leaves and fruit, and discarding them into the trash rather than into the compost. This will help to reduce the levels of fungal spores in the orchard, and make it more difficult for the fungus to spread.

Healthy Orchard Practices

To help prevent cherry tree fungus, it is important to establish a healthy orchard from the beginning. This includes choosing trees that are resistant to the fungus, proper planting techniques to make sure the trees are deeply planted and correctly spaced, maintaining the soil pH according to recommended levels and ensuring that irrigation is evenly distributed when needed. Additionally, mulching around trees will help to keep the roots cool and moist and limit the number of spores present in the area.

Natural Treatments

For those who do not wish to use chemical treatments, there are a number of natural options available. One such option is to apply a spray made with diluted solution of garlic, onion and nettle. This will help to repel the fungus and prevent it from entering the tree and spreading. Additionally, applications of diluted hydrogen peroxide can also be used as a fungicide to control the growth of the fungus. Both of these treatments should be applied every seven to 10 days.

Preventing Spread

When dealing with cherry tree fungus, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus to other parts of the orchard or nearby trees. The pruning of affected branches, as well as any dead or damaged branches, should be done promptly and the diseased material should be burned or composted away from other trees. It is also important to thoroughly clean the tools used with a disinfectant solution after each use.

Biological Control

The use of biological control is another effective way to manage cherry tree fungus. This involves the use of beneficial microorganisms, such as Trichoderma and Pseudomonas, which can be sprayed directly onto infected plants or applied to the soil. These organisms will help to control the growth and spread of the fungus, as well as prevent further infection.

Alternative Treatment Options

Other treatments that can be used to control cherry tree fungus include the use of propiconazole and thiophanate methyl fungicides, as well as the use of copper-based fungicides. These treatments should be applied as per manufacturer’s instructions and must be used with care as they can pose some risks to the environment. Additionally, it is important to ensure that any chemical treatments are applied during periods of low wind and cool temperatures, as this will help to reduce any drift, and ensure maximum effectiveness of the treatment.

Long-term Management

In order to ensure long-term control of cherry tree fungus, it is important to maintain an integrated pest management plan. This should include the use of cultural practices, such as regular pruning of infected or dead branches and thinning of dense foliage; chemical treatments, such as fungicidal sprays, and biological control methods, such as the use of beneficial microorganisms. Additionally, good orchard hygiene should always be maintained, and any chemical treatments should be chosen and applied only after careful evaluation of the risks and benefits involved.