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What is wrong with my Toka plum tree? Can it be saved and how? #773022

Asked September 25, 2021, 11:59 AM EDT

What is wrong with my Toka plum tree? Can it be saved and how? Called several arborists and they do not treat fruit bearing trees. The tree is about 6-7 years old. First notices the drops of sap, then the leaves beginning to lose vibrancy then the bark of smaller limbs starting to peel. Under the peeled bark there are tracks like an insect might make.

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

When a fruit tree oozes sap, the cause is most likely borers or cytospora canker.  With borers, small holes are usually present on the bark, but in your case the tracks under bark indicate they may be present.  Canker can result when a fungus enters the tree through injuries to its bark.  I'm attaching links to articles on both conditions, but your best bet is to bring or send a sample to the plant disease clinic at  the University of Minnesota  (pdc.umn.edu).  There is no known chemical control for  cytospora canker.  Borers can in some cases be controlled with insecticides when the adult borers are present.

https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden#diseases-2836762

https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7190

Diane M Replied September 26, 2021, 8:32 AM EDT

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