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Fungal attack on cherry trees
The protection of the cherry tree from fungal attack begins with the selection of the variety and the location. The moderate water and fertilizer, the regularly and properly executed pruning also contribute to make the cherry trees resistant to fungal attack.
Most diseases on the cherry trees are caused by fungi. For this reason, when purchasing a cherry tree for home cooking, preference should be given to the fungus-resistant varieties. If the cherry tree has nevertheless been infected, the affected areas should be cut out more or less large and destroyed. Occasionally, the use of suitable sprays can not be avoided.
The most common fungal diseases of sweet and sour cherry trees are:
Prevent fungal attack
Since the fungal diseases often spread through the bark injuries, good wound care and prevention of bark damage is important. Furthermore, the mushrooms like to thrive where the moisture can last forever. Therefore, the crown of the cherry tree should always be kept loose by the Auslichtungsschnitt, so that the rain and dew can drain well or dry off. Basically, the unsuitable for cherry trees locations are to be avoided.
Combat fungal attack
The most important control measure is cutting back the affected areas except for the healthy wood. The wounds resulting from the incision should be disinfected or, if appropriate, should be coated with wound sealant. The cut out branches are to be burned.
Even the cherries still hanging from the tree or fallen down, which are affected by fungal attack, must be removed and destroyed. Otherwise, there is a risk that the fungal spores will hibernate in the fruit mummies and infect the re-emergence in the spring. The chemical control of fungal diseases may occur before and never during flowering.
Tips & Tricks
Nitrogen over-fertilization can not only promote fungal infection, but also lead to strong shoot growth instead of the desirable flowering and fruiting. Therefore the cherry trees fertilize moderately!