How To Get Rid Of Black Knot Fungus

Black Knot Fungus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Everything You Need to Know About Black Knot Fungus

How To Get Rid Of Black Knot Fungus

Black Knot Fungus is a common fungal disease that affects plum trees, cherry trees, and related species. The fungus, known as Apiosporina morbosa, causes the tree branches to swell and develop black, corky growths. The disease can lead to reduced tree yields and even death. In this article, we will delve deep into the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Black Knot Fungus.

Causes of Black Knot Fungus

  • Warm and humid weather: Black Knot Fungus thrives in warm and humid weather conditions, especially during the spring and early summer months.
  • Contaminated soil: The fungus can spread through contaminated soil, tools, and even insects that visit the infected trees.
  • Lack of air circulation: Trees growing in dense, shaded areas with minimal air circulation are more susceptible to Black Knot Fungus.

Prevention Techniques for Black Knot Fungus

  1. Prune and remove infected branches: Any infected branches or growths that you see should be pruned immediately and safely discarded to prevent the spread of the fungus.
  2. Boost tree health: Maintaining the health of your trees is crucial in preventing fungal infections. Provide them with enough water and nutrients to keep them growing strong and healthy.
  3. Monitor your trees regularly: Make sure to keep an eye out for any new signs of Black Knot Fungus. Regularly inspecting your trees can help you identify and treat infections early on.

Symptoms of Black Knot Fungus

Black Knot Fungus can infect leaves, twigs, and branches of plum trees and related species. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:

  • Dark brown or black swollen growths on branches or twigs.
  • Branches that become distorted in shape and may bend downwards.
  • Small tumors on leaves that eventually turn brown and fall off.
  • Excessive leaf drop or premature death of branches.

Diagnosis of Black Knot Fungus

If you suspect that your trees may be infected with Black Knot Fungus, it is always recommended to seek the help of a professional arborist. They will be able to diagnose the infection accurately and offer the best solutions for treatment.

Treatment for Black Knot Fungus

There are several methods of treating Black Knot Fungus. Depending on the severity of the infection, the tree may have to be pruned or even removed entirely. Here are some of the most common treatment options:

  1. Pruning infected branches: Any infected branches or growths should be pruned immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus.
  2. Chemical treatments: Fungicides can be used to kill off the fungus and prevent it from spreading.
  3. Tree removal: In severe cases, the infected tree may need to be removed entirely to prevent the spread of the infection to nearby trees.

Is Black Knot Fungus Harmful to Humans?

Black Knot Fungus is a plant disease and does not pose any harm to humans. However, if you come into contact with the fungus, it is always recommended to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of infection.

FAQs

Q: What trees are susceptible to Black Knot Fungus?

A: Plum trees, cherry trees, and related species are most susceptible to Black Knot Fungus.

Q: How can I prevent Black Knot Fungus?

A: To prevent Black Knot Fungus, make sure to prune infected branches, maintain the health of your trees, and regularly monitor for any new signs of infection.

Q: Can Black Knot Fungus spread to other trees?

A: Yes, infected trees can spread the fungus to other nearby trees through contaminated soil, tools, and even insects.

Conclusion

Black Knot Fungus can be a serious threat to the health of your trees. Although prevention is always the best strategy, early detection and treatment can go a long way in saving your trees. By following the prevention techniques and seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure that your trees stay healthy and free of Black Knot Fungus for years to come.

References

[1] “What is Black Knot Fungus”, Mr. Tree, Accessed 5 May 2021, https://www.mrtreepa.com/black-knot-fungus/

[2] “Black Knot Fungus”, DreamScapes, Accessed 5 May 2021, https://dreamscapesearth.ca/project/black-knot-fungus/

[3] “THIS WILL Kill Your Plum Trees – How To Get Rid Of Black Knot Fungus”, YouTube Video, Accessed 5 May 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrN11a-k6zU&t=164s