What is wrong with my North Star cherry trees? - Ask Extension
Hello! For the past three years my two North Star (dwarf) cherry trees have been stricken with some sort of disease or ailment. Every spring, some of ...
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What is wrong with my North Star cherry trees? #833187
Asked June 01, 2023, 1:29 PM EDT
Hello! For the past three years my two North Star (dwarf) cherry trees have been stricken with some sort of disease or ailment. Every spring, some of the branches lose their leaves (or growth is stunted), the blossoms shrivel, and the fruit that sets on is pitted and/or deformed. The problem is difficult to describe, so I have attached several pictures which will hopefully communicate what I cannot.
It is not due to drought or too cold winter (I've had three different years/conditions to test that theory unfortunately). I can see no pests. The trees are getting up there in age (they were planted 18 years ago). Do you have any ideas what might be ailing them?
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
According to the University of Minnesota, the NORTH STAR' SOUR CHERRY - PRUNUS 'NORTH STAR' - Problems - Possible diseases include brown rot, powdery mildew, black knot, leaf spot, and bacterial cankers. Aphids, fruit flies, sawflies, and scales can be a problem. At this link: https://trees.umn.edu/north-star-sour-cherry-prunus-north-star
I highly recommend you get a confirmed diagnosis from the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab. They have fruit tree experts that can identify the problem. Please email your digital images prior to bringing or sending physical samples. Images can be sent to <personal data hidden>.
MAKE SURE IN THAT E-MAIL YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER!!
Be prepared. The lab may ask for more images - THE LAB WILL LET YOU KNOW IF A SAMPLE NEEDS TO BE SENT - There is a $20-25 dollar fee (if they need a sample sent).
Lab email: <personal data hidden>
Lab phone:<personal data hidden>
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
PLEASE READ BELOW ON PREPARING YOUR SAMPLE (if the lab needs a sample)
From the lab: Please do not ship samples on Fridays. Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, please allow additional processing time. They thank you for your patience and understanding.
Every sample must be accompanied by a completed submission form. Please place the form in a separate resealable bag to prevent it from getting damp or soiled. The form is at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/General_Sample_Submission_Form_May2022.pdf
Complete details of submitting a sample are at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/
I hope this helps!
According to the University of Minnesota, the NORTH STAR' SOUR CHERRY - PRUNUS 'NORTH STAR' - Problems - Possible diseases include brown rot, powdery mildew, black knot, leaf spot, and bacterial cankers. Aphids, fruit flies, sawflies, and scales can be a problem. At this link: https://trees.umn.edu/north-star-sour-cherry-prunus-north-star
I highly recommend you get a confirmed diagnosis from the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab. They have fruit tree experts that can identify the problem. Please email your digital images prior to bringing or sending physical samples. Images can be sent to <personal data hidden>.
MAKE SURE IN THAT E-MAIL YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER!!
Be prepared. The lab may ask for more images - THE LAB WILL LET YOU KNOW IF A SAMPLE NEEDS TO BE SENT - There is a $20-25 dollar fee (if they need a sample sent).
Lab email: <personal data hidden>
Lab phone:<personal data hidden>
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
PLEASE READ BELOW ON PREPARING YOUR SAMPLE (if the lab needs a sample)
From the lab: Please do not ship samples on Fridays. Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, please allow additional processing time. They thank you for your patience and understanding.
Every sample must be accompanied by a completed submission form. Please place the form in a separate resealable bag to prevent it from getting damp or soiled. The form is at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/General_Sample_Submission_Form_May2022.pdf
Complete details of submitting a sample are at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/
I hope this helps!
