Snow crab issue - Ask Extension
I have 3 white snow crabs in my yard in Houston County and this year they seem to have a fungus? Not sure what it is- I have sprayed with Captain Jack...
Knowledgebase
Snow crab issue #870729
Asked May 30, 2024, 10:48 AM EDT
I have 3 white snow crabs in my yard in Houston County and this year they seem to have a fungus? Not sure what it is- I have sprayed with Captain Jack fruit tree spray - I’m wondering:
1- what’s wrong? Fungus?
2- what do I do about it
3- will it kill my trees
4- will it come back next year and how to prevent
* I have more pictures but the size is too large to attach
Thank you
Chase Johnson<personal data hidden>
Houston County Minnesota
Expert Response
This could be fire blight, a bacterial infection which requires a different treatment than a fungicide. If you see branches bending downward like a shepherd’s crook you likely have fire blight. See the website below for details.
Snow crabapples are especially vulnerable to apple scab disease. See the website for details. The fruit tree spray you mentioned is labeled for this disease but you must use it every 10-14 days from bud break until mid June according to the label for it to be effective for apple scab.
Compare what you are seeing with the following websites for a closer look at these diseases.
1.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/fire-blight
2.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/apple-scab
3. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/my-spring-snow-crabapple-bloomed-beautifully-spring-has-recently-begun-lose-many-its-leaves-why
Snow crabapples are especially vulnerable to apple scab disease. See the website for details. The fruit tree spray you mentioned is labeled for this disease but you must use it every 10-14 days from bud break until mid June according to the label for it to be effective for apple scab.
Compare what you are seeing with the following websites for a closer look at these diseases.
1.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/fire-blight
2.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/apple-scab
3. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/my-spring-snow-crabapple-bloomed-beautifully-spring-has-recently-begun-lose-many-its-leaves-why
