Knowledgebase
What is wrong with my Toka plum tree? Can it be saved and how? #773022
Asked September 25, 2021, 11:59 AM EDT
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