Is there anything I can do for my cherry tree? - Ask Extension
I maintain a home orchard of approximately 50 fruit trees, and up to this point I've had little difficulty diagnosing and addressing most afflictions....
Knowledgebase
Is there anything I can do for my cherry tree? #249587
Asked June 04, 2015, 10:36 AM EDT
I maintain a home orchard of approximately 50 fruit trees, and up to this point I've had little difficulty diagnosing and addressing most afflictions. However, last year this Stella sweet cherry tree (I'm not sure on the root stock) began to appear quite wilted on one side of the tree. This year the entire tree looks very wilted, and I fear I'll lose the whole plant. Through research I suspect it could be verticillium wilt or a related fungal infection, but this is pure speculation. Do you have any idea what could be affecting this cherry tree? Is there anything I can do for the tree? Do I need to take steps in an effort to impede the spread of whatever this might be to my other trees (20' spacing between trees)?
Thank you for your time regarding this issue, and I hope to hear from you soon. I have additional pictures I can provide upon request as well.
Dallas County Iowa
Expert Response
The wilting or droopy foliage suggests a root-related problem, possibly a root rot. Phytophthora root rot attacks apple, cherry, peach, and apricot trees. It most commonly attacks fruit trees growing in poorly drained soils.
The best way to avoid Phytophthora root rot is to plant fruit trees in well-drained soils. Once a tree has become infested, nothing can be done to control Phytophthora root rot.
The wilting could be due to Verticillium wilt. However, I would expect the portion that wilted in 2014 to be dead by now if Verticillium wilt was responsible. As with Phytophthora root rot, there is no effective treatment for Verticillium wilt.
If the Stella cherry tree doesn't survive, Gold, Black Gold, and White Gold usually perform better than Stella in Iowa. Be sure to select a well-drained location if you decide to plant another sweet cherry tree.
The best way to avoid Phytophthora root rot is to plant fruit trees in well-drained soils. Once a tree has become infested, nothing can be done to control Phytophthora root rot.
The wilting could be due to Verticillium wilt. However, I would expect the portion that wilted in 2014 to be dead by now if Verticillium wilt was responsible. As with Phytophthora root rot, there is no effective treatment for Verticillium wilt.
If the Stella cherry tree doesn't survive, Gold, Black Gold, and White Gold usually perform better than Stella in Iowa. Be sure to select a well-drained location if you decide to plant another sweet cherry tree.
