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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Seasonal development and life cycle—Crown gall

Crown gall is caused by the soil-inhabiting bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This organism can survive in the soil for at least 2 years in the absence of host tissue or for several years in decomposing crown gall tissue. Bacteria are released into the soil when galls are wet or when older gall tissue disintegrates. Seedlings may also be affected by the bacterium during germination; established trees and vines are infected only through fresh wounds such as those caused by growth cracks, pruning, damage by cultivation equipment, or freeze injury.

Bacteria survive in undifferentiated tissue
Bacteria survive in undifferentiated tissue

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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