How to Control Xanthomonas on Sour Cherry Trees
- 1). Provide appropriate, consistent care to your sour cherry trees, Prunus cerasus, as healthy, vigorous plants are less likely to develop, or suffer from, bacterial diseases than stressed or weakened trees. Grow sour cherries in areas that provide full sun exposure and moist, well-drained soil with good fertility for best growth.
- 2). Avoid providing too much nitrogen, which increases your sour cherry tree's susceptibility to xanthomonas bacterial diseases. Use a balanced fertilizer, steering away from nitrogen rich formulas like lawn fertilizer.
- 3). Avoid overhead irrigation and prevent waterlogged soil by maintaining good drainage. Wet conditions encourage xanthomonas bacterial growth.
- 4). Avoid planting other susceptible trees like stone fruits near an already infected tree to prevent further spread of wind- and water-borne bacteria throughout your home landscape.
- 5). Remove and destroy wild sour cherry or stone fruit trees within close proximity to the infected tree as a means of controlling the spread of xanthomonas infection.
- 6). Prune your sour cherry trees to improve air circulation, preferably during dry weather when temperatures are greater than 85 degrees Fahrenheit and xanthomonas disease is nearly inactive.
- 7). Contact your local county extension agent or a licensed professional to discuss potential fungicide control treatments like Bordeaux mixture that can aid in slowing disease progression, though chemical treatment will not cure xanthomonas bacterial spot disease.
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