DiseaseHigh Severity

Ceratocystis Canker

Ceratocystis fimbriata

A serious fungal canker disease affecting a wide range of hardwood trees. The pathogen causes characteristic lens-shaped cankers that can girdle branches and stems, leading to wilting above infection sites and potential tree mortality.

Peak Season: Ascospore production: Moist spring weatherPrimary infection: Spring during wet conditionsSymptom development: Throughout growing seasonOptimal spread: Spring moisture conditionsCanker formation: Progressive through summer
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Ceratocystis canker symptoms

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Sunken or flattened, lens-shaped cankers at base of petioles
Characteristic crook formation in affected twigs
Wilting of foliage above canker sites
Sparse, yellowing, and stunted leaves
Black spots in bark around infection sites
Sticky cankers with dark staining
Red-brown to blue-black discoloration in inner bark

Potential Damage

Stem girdling leading to branch mortality
Progressive dieback from canker sites
Structural deformation from twig crooning
Bark sloughing and cracking, especially on sycamore
Potential tree mortality in severe infections

Lifecycle

Perithecia develop at bases of petioles from leaf infections. The fungus moves down into stems or concentrates around wounds. Sticky ascospores develop during moist spring weather and are released to create new infections through airborne spread or insect/tool transmission.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Fungisol applications for canker disease management

2

Address site conditions: improve drainage, nutrition

3

Remove and destroy infected branches when feasible

4

Avoid wounding during growing season

5

Sanitize pruning tools to prevent spread

Recommended Mauget Products

Fungisol

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against ceratocystis canker.

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