Beware of black knot disease on cherry, chokecherry and plum trees -- pictures

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By daughterson

Black Knot Disease
(Apiosporina morbosa)

The problem with Black Knot disease is that the tree is infected with this fungus two years before you see any sign of the problem. The fungus grows under the bark and is invisible until the branches begin to swell.

Check your tree each spring to make sure there are no swollen branches. If you find rough swollen branches cut them off. If you find black gulls growing on your branches you are in big trouble. These branches with the black gulls must be cut back at least six inches beyond the healthy part of the branch.. Every single branch with these gulls must be cut. The cut branches must be removed and disposed. You can show no mercy.

These are beautiful trees and if they bear fruit it is even more important to keep a close eye on them.

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