symptoms
Symptoms
- circleSmall purple-brown spots on leaves that dry out and fall away, leaving holes
- circleRagged, 'shotgun blast' appearance across the leaf surface
- circleCankers and gumming on twigs in severe infections
help
Causes
Caused chiefly by Wilsonomyces carpophilus (or related fungi), affecting stone fruit and ornamental Prunus species, favored by wet spring weather and spread by rain splash.
healing
Treatment
Prune out infected twigs showing cankers or gumming, remove fallen leaves, and apply a copper-based fungicide during leaf fall and again before bud break.
shield
Prevention
Avoid overhead irrigation, ensure good air circulation through pruning, and apply preventive dormant-season fungicide sprays in areas with wet springs.