Sickly Fugu Apple tree - Ask Extension
3 1/2 year old fugi apple tree. Has white crusty growth on trunk bark with dark areas where bark is blackened (looks like it was burned. Looks sickl...
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Sickly Fugu Apple tree #866668
Asked May 01, 2024, 4:35 PM EDT
3 1/2 year old fugi apple tree. Has white crusty growth on trunk bark with dark areas where bark is blackened (looks like it was burned. Looks sickly, No fruit the last 2 years. What can we do to help the tree?
Ottawa County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
The symptoms you’re describing on your Fuji apple tree, such as the white crusty growth and the blackened areas on the trunk, could be indicative of a few potential issues. It’s important to accurately diagnose the problem in order to treat it effectively. Here are a couple of possibilities based on university resources:
Trunk Injuries and Cankers: These can be caused by diseases, herbicide damage, insect/animal activity, or winter injury. The University of Minnesota Extension suggests that diagnosing trunk cankers often requires expert assistance, as it can be complex. More information is at this link:
https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2020/04/diagnosing-and-managing-apple-trunk.html
Fire Blight: This is a serious bacterial disease caused by Erwinia amylovora that can result in symptoms like you’ve described. It can affect various parts of the tree, including blossoms, shoots, and branches, and can lead to darkened, canker-like areas on the trunk. More information at this link:
http://extension.cropsciences.illinois.edu/fruitveg/pdfs/801_Fireblight_of_Apple-2015.pdf
To help your tree, consider the following steps:
Diagnosis: Reach out to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab with photos and a detailed description of the issue. They can assist in diagnosing the problem and suggest specific treatments.
HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO! - THIS IS CRITICAL!
Send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab for a precise diagnosis and identification. The experts there can provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden> - Please include your name – The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent.
FYI – The lab may also ask for additional images too.
Their website is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
Their Contact Information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/contact
Pruning: Remove any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease. Make sure to sterilize your pruning tools before and after use to avoid contaminating healthy parts of the tree.
Cultural Care: Ensure that the tree is getting adequate water and nutrients. Adjust your irrigation and fertilization practices as needed to promote healthy growth.
Preventive Measures: Apply appropriate fungicides or bactericides, if recommended by a plant pathologist, and follow best practices to prevent future infections.
REMEMBER! it’s crucial to get a precise diagnosis before applying any treatment. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with a professional.
The symptoms you’re describing on your Fuji apple tree, such as the white crusty growth and the blackened areas on the trunk, could be indicative of a few potential issues. It’s important to accurately diagnose the problem in order to treat it effectively. Here are a couple of possibilities based on university resources:
Trunk Injuries and Cankers: These can be caused by diseases, herbicide damage, insect/animal activity, or winter injury. The University of Minnesota Extension suggests that diagnosing trunk cankers often requires expert assistance, as it can be complex. More information is at this link:
https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2020/04/diagnosing-and-managing-apple-trunk.html
Fire Blight: This is a serious bacterial disease caused by Erwinia amylovora that can result in symptoms like you’ve described. It can affect various parts of the tree, including blossoms, shoots, and branches, and can lead to darkened, canker-like areas on the trunk. More information at this link:
http://extension.cropsciences.illinois.edu/fruitveg/pdfs/801_Fireblight_of_Apple-2015.pdf
To help your tree, consider the following steps:
Diagnosis: Reach out to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab with photos and a detailed description of the issue. They can assist in diagnosing the problem and suggest specific treatments.
HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO! - THIS IS CRITICAL!
Send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab for a precise diagnosis and identification. The experts there can provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden> - Please include your name – The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI – The lab may also ask for additional images too.
Their website is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
Their Contact Information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/contact
Pruning: Remove any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease. Make sure to sterilize your pruning tools before and after use to avoid contaminating healthy parts of the tree.
Cultural Care: Ensure that the tree is getting adequate water and nutrients. Adjust your irrigation and fertilization practices as needed to promote healthy growth.
Preventive Measures: Apply appropriate fungicides or bactericides, if recommended by a plant pathologist, and follow best practices to prevent future infections.
REMEMBER! it’s crucial to get a precise diagnosis before applying any treatment. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with a professional.
