How to Manage Pests

Eutypa dieback—Eutypa lata

Eutypa dieback, also known as Cytosporina, gummosis, and limb dieback, causes limbs or twigs to wilt and die suddenly in late spring or summer with the leaves still attached. Rough dark cankers may develop at pruning wounds. The bark has a dark discoloration with amber-colored gumming.

Solutions

Eutypa dieback occurs when fungus spores are spread by rain and infect trees through pruning wounds. Remove infected limbs at least 1 foot below any sign of the disease. Prune during July and August after harvest. Ideally, pruning should be completed at least 6 weeks before the first fall rains. Wound treatments with fungicides, paints, or sealants have not been satisfactory. Cauterizing freshly pruned branches with a hand-held propane burner may prevent infection.

Apricot branch killed by Eutypa dieback

Gumming on apricot branch