Aspen Cytospora opinion? - Ask Extension
Howdy! Any thoughts on the orange areas in the attached photos being an indication of cytospora? I saw this article (https://gilpin.extension.colost...
Knowledgebase
Aspen Cytospora opinion? #874841
Asked June 26, 2024, 4:08 PM EDT
Howdy! Any thoughts on the orange areas in the attached photos being an indication of cytospora? I saw this article (https://gilpin.extension.colostate.edu/programs/natu/canker/) and will likely proceed with cutting and hauling the first 2 trees pictured if ID'd as Cytospora, and will attempt cutting out the impacted portion of the 3rd tree.
Gilpin County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Zach,
Orange-stained bark and sap flow indicate early cytospora canker infection. Some canker fungi are harmless and only cause problems when provided entry into inner bark via wounds, etc.
Prevention is easier and more profitable than attempts to control.
If you prune out infected branches, do it in winter when trees are dormant. Be sure to sterilize pruning shears before and after each cut with 10% clorox solution or Lysol disinfectant spray.
Spore production is greatest during wetter weather and can spread via wind, cutting shears, insects, rain. Some even root-to-root. Probably best to remove the ones infected in the trunk as prevention for the healthy ones.
Orange-stained bark and sap flow indicate early cytospora canker infection. Some canker fungi are harmless and only cause problems when provided entry into inner bark via wounds, etc.
Prevention is easier and more profitable than attempts to control.
If you prune out infected branches, do it in winter when trees are dormant. Be sure to sterilize pruning shears before and after each cut with 10% clorox solution or Lysol disinfectant spray.
Spore production is greatest during wetter weather and can spread via wind, cutting shears, insects, rain. Some even root-to-root. Probably best to remove the ones infected in the trunk as prevention for the healthy ones.
