Knowledgebase
Entire cherry crop is rotting #658000
Asked June 30, 2020, 10:34 AM EDT
I have a number of cherry trees which "planted themselves" along my fence as the original 3 trees in my yard slowly died. I estimate the original trees were likely about 50-60 years old. The young trees felt like a gift and were terrific sour cherry producers in recent years, producing great jams and pies. This year I thought I would have a bumper crop. Instead, I have cherries that are turning brown and shriveling even before they ripen. Photo attached. I think this year's crop is a total loss, but what can I do to prevent this from happening again? I am guessing it's a fungus. The trees have grown rapidly and overlap each other so something would easily spread. What do you think? Can you help? Thank you!
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
After examining the picture you attached, it is hard to tell for sure what is wrong with the fruit. One possibility is that it is weather/temperature related. You do not indicate where you live but it is possible that the distorted fruit could result from periods of temperature & moisture variations. Other possibilities could be insect or disease related. For a definitive diagnosis, you could submit samples of the damaged fruit and other plant material For a definite diagnosis, please contact the CSU Jefferson County Extension office Plant Diagnostic clinic to submit a sample. Please call<personal data hidden>. They now accepting mailed or dropped off samples. More information can be found here: https://jeffco.extension.colostate.edu/horticulture/clinic/
Also, the Plant Clinic at CSU is open and accepting samples via the mail, here are more details: https://plantclinic.agsci.colostate.edu/
