Knowledgebase
Cherry tree problem #870766
Asked May 30, 2024, 12:56 PM EDT
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
It is hard to diagnose a problem without seeing photos of the symptoms. If you could send some photos that would be helpful.
The spots on the leaves sounds like shothole fungus (or Coryneum blight). Spots on leaves first appear as small red spots that will then turn purple with a tan-white center. Eventually the center of the spot may fall out, leaving a shot-hole like appearance. There are non-chemical practices that will help prevent and manage shothole. Do not use overhead irrigation that wets the canopy of the tree. Use drip or micro sprinklers (or hand water). Prune out any infected or cankered shoots or branches. At the end of the season, rake up and destroy infected leaves. Shothole fungus requires two pesticide applications, the first at about 50% leaf fall (usually around Thanksgiving), and the second in the spring when petals fall. You will find a list of products approved for use in home orchards here: https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/cherry-shothole-coryneum-blight/.
Shothole will cause spots to appear on the fruit, but they don’t cause it to shrivel up and die. That may be brown rot, bacterial canker, or it could be a pollination or watering issue. Also, keep in mind that cherry trees naturally drop fruit around June (referred to as ‘June drop’). Do you see yellowing leaves, or dieback of any branches or stems? Did you notice any symptoms on the blossoms in the spring? Do you see any cankers on the trunk or branches of the tree? What are your watering and fertilization practices? If you could send some photos of the symptoms and a response to the questions noted here, I will take another look at the case. You can also send photos and a description of the problem to the Lane County Master Gardener Plant Clinic (<personal data hidden>).
Just following up to let you know that I have not received the photos. You can either post them in response to this message, or send them to <personal data hidden>.
On Jun 10, 2024, at 2:51 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Thank you for your attention and help.
On Jun 12, 2024, at 12:16 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: