Cherry Rust: A Common Fungal Infection in Fruit Trees
Introduction
Cherry rust is a common fungal infection that affects cherry trees, as well as peach, plum, apricot, and almond trees. It causes premature leaf drop, which can weaken the tree and affect fruit production. However, this damage usually occurs late in the season, so it doesn’t have a major impact on the fruit.
What Causes Cherry Rust?
Cherry rust is caused by a fungus called Tranzschelia discolor. This fungus infects the leaves of cherry trees, causing them to develop reddish pustules that host the fungal spores. These spores can then be spread to other trees by wind or rain.
Symptoms of Cherry Rust
The first signs of cherry rust appear in the spring as cankers on twigs. These cankers may look like blisters or long splits on year-old twigs and bark.
As the infection progresses, the leaves of the tree will develop pale yellow spots on their surfaces. These spots will then turn brighter yellow in color. The spots on the undersides of the leaves will change to brownish or reddish pustules that host the fungal spores.
In severe cases, the infection may also produce spots on the fruit.
How to Prevent Cherry Rust
The best way to prevent cherry rust is to keep your trees healthy and vigorous. This means providing them with plenty of water, fertilizer, and sunlight. You should also prune your trees regularly to remove any diseased or damaged branches.
How to Treat Cherry Rust
If your trees do become infected with cherry rust, there are a few things you can do to treat it.
- Apply a fungicide. A lime and sulfur fungicide is typically used for cherry rust control. It should be applied all over the tree, once the fruit has been harvested, to both sides of the leaves, all branches and twigs, and the trunk.
- Remove infected leaves. If the infection is severe, you may need to remove the infected leaves from the tree. This will help to prevent the spread of the fungus.
- Dispose of infected leaves properly. Do not compost infected leaves, as this can spread the fungus to other plants. Instead, burn the leaves or dispose of them in the trash.
Conclusion
Cherry rust is a common fungal infection, but it can be prevented and treated. By following these tips, you can help to keep your cherry trees healthy and productive.
