I planted a multi-grafted DWN Apricot four years ago and its grown like mad. For some reason this year its had major canker issues that I can’t get under control. Each time I see one I scrub off the gyk, check for swadust to see if its borers and then spray the area with immunox. Any suggestions for addressing this issue?
The goo is the symptom, not the problem. Either leave it be or cut out the cankers with a knife – cut away wood until the wood looks good, no browns.
I never get canker on my apricots. When I get it on my peaches I leave it be and the trees keep on doing their thing like there is no problem. On cherries the trees will decline so I cut it out. It can be worth covering with paint or something after cutting it out so the wound doesn’t get re-infected with canker.
Thanks a ton for the feedback Scott! Any idea what causes cankers? Something in the soil? Something floating in the air? Are some rootstocks more susceptible to it than others? I’m trying to find an answer on the interwebs but the information is all over the place.
When you want to look for good info, you should use reputable university website. In the east, I’ve used Cornell, Penn State, North Carolina State extension services. Although they gear mostly toward commercial orchards, the info they provide is useful and can be applied to our backyard. Some of these universities have a section for home orchards, too.
Here’s what Cornell says about canker:
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/cytosporacankerfruit.pdf
Here’s Penn State for home orchard.
https://extension.psu.edu/bacterial-canker-of-stone-fruit-in-the-home-fruit-planting.
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