Cytospora canker is a fungal disease that primarily attacks spruce among other host trees , causing unsightly decorative impairment as well as flora death in severe cases . Become acquainted with preventative treatments as well as direction method in case an infection occurs on your spruce . Through thoughtful excerption and care , you could continue savor a sizeable home landscape .
Prevention
Fungal infection most often approach de-escalate , accent or bruise trees . A vigorous , well - maintained spruce Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is more likely avoid the want for specialized treatment in comparing to a neglected flora with injury or in decline . Grow your spruce trees in the full sun evergreen trees opt , according to the University of Wisconsin - Extension . Spruces boom in moist , well - drained soil and benefit from a 2- to 4 - in layer or organic mulch on environ dirt that aids in moisture retention and weed control .
Infection
Cytospora pestilence of spruce tree diagram is triggered by the fungous pathogen Leucostoma kunzei , accord University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program . This fungus has a particular predilection among spruce species for Colorado down spruce , black spruce and whitened spruce . Transported sporadically on water system , twist and contaminate equipment , cytospora canker pathogens invade through wounds in the spruce tree diagram , resulting in a need for treatment .
Effects
Cytospora pestilence of spruce Tree upshot in browning of needle during the spring and summer as well as discoloration of barque that becomes an orange , chocolate-brown or black hue in localized area . Cankers or wound of dying works tissue paper form on bark as well , creating areas that sink into the tree ’s surface while pass a white-hot ooze . Infected brown needle fall from the tree in winter and when left untreated , spruce trees kick the bucket within several age of contagion , harmonise to the Ohio State University Extension .
Considerations
prefer tolerant tree over highly susceptible tree when you jazz your region ordinarily receive cytospora canker , if an contagion has already hap and particularly when replant where an infected tree has been removed . The Serbian spruce ( Picea omorika ) is resistant to this fungal transmission , according to the University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program . Other tolerant species include , but are not define to , most juniper bush , elmwood , maples and pines , according to the Colorado State University Extension .
Solutions
Chemical mastery method acting are not available for cytospora canker disease of spruce trees . For treatment , stave off hurt to keep stop of entrance for fungus kingdom . take and destroy affect plant parts during teetotal weather ; fend off pruning during wet conditions . Always hygienize pruning shears between each cut on the tree and from habit on one spruce to the next plant to invalidate transmission system of fungous pathogen . If your region experience drought , increase your lachrymation to a depth of 18 to 24 column inch , according to the Ohio State University Extension , as these conditions increase vulnerability to infection . middleman a licensed professional or your local county extension agent for assistance .
References
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