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Lapins cherry tree disease #752214

Asked May 26, 2021, 10:05 AM EDT

I noticed the deformed leaves on this Lapins cherry yesterday. I purchased this tree frin the Oceana Conservation District this Spring. I did not see any aphids but noticed a few ants which seems to indicate their possible presence. I also noticed the small red nodules on the petioles which I thought unusual and so scraped them off. Any suggestions? Thanks, Tom

Oceana County Michigan

Expert Response

Tom, thanks for the question.

At first look this looks like black cherry aphid damage, but no signs of the insects.  Cherry leaf curl is another possibility.  Aphids can be sprayed off with water.  Cherry leaf curl (also known as cherry witches broom) would require the infected branch to be removed. I am trying to get a better read on in from MSU and get back to you.  check out the following links:

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 26, 2021, 2:52 PM EDT
Hello Extension Expert,
  Thank you for your prompt reply.
   I suspected aphids due to the presence of ants. In the past I have seen them together. I am wondering if the red nodules are egg casings. I will check out your links,
Regards, Tom 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 26, 2021, at 13:52, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2021, 4:44 PM EDT

Tom, I apparently dropped off the part about the bumps.  They are a natural part of the plant known as extrafloral nectaries.  Ants are attracted to these.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 26, 2021, 8:16 PM EDT

Tom, is this problem limited to one tree?  Have you recently used any herbicides (near or far) from this tree? Have you had any frost freeze events since as the buds were coming out?

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 27, 2021, 11:12 AM EDT
Hello,
Thank you for your prompt reply.
  It is a single Lapins that I bought from the Oceana Conservation District. 
   It is located near Shelby (Grant & 28th) and i do use herbicides and don’t think that my neighbors do. 
   It’s possible that there was a freeze event, but none of the other trees that we planted in that location show any frost damage.
Regards, Tom 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 27, 2021, at 10:15, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2021, 12:34 PM EDT

Tom,  I forwarded the additional information.  They had suggested a frost freeze event.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 27, 2021, 8:12 PM EDT

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