Apricot tree issue - Ask Extension
I'm wondering what's wrong with my apricot tree and how to address the issue. My apricot tree has numerous spots where it is emitting sap, the ends of...
Knowledgebase
Apricot tree issue #862925
Asked March 31, 2024, 1:54 PM EDT
I'm wondering what's wrong with my apricot tree and how to address the issue. My apricot tree has numerous spots where it is emitting sap, the ends of some of the branches are dying and some buds toward the end of the branches are drying out. However the tree is still budding and even beginning to flower in other sections. This all started happening a few weeks ago. I did prune the tree a month or two ago.
I have a cherry and pear tree that I planted at the same time and have given the same care to which are both healthy.
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Likely this is bacterial canker. Please see :
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/apricot-prunus-armeniaca-bacterial-canker-blast
You will need to click the link over to the same disease for cherry, the management recommendations are the same.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/apricot-prunus-armeniaca-bacterial-canker-blast
You will need to click the link over to the same disease for cherry, the management recommendations are the same.
Hello,
Thank you for this information. I've read the article and believe you are correct. Unfortunately this bacteria seems to have spread through the entire tree, with gumming cankers from the base of the trunk throughout the tree, and most all buds and branches deadening. Once again I have a healthy similarly aged cherry tree ~10 feet away. I believe I'm facing a situation where I need to remove the tree. Below is a quote from the article you referenced:
"Completely remove infected trees or branches girdled and killed by cankers. Do not allow trees to regrow from roots or trunks left after a major trunk canker has been removed."
"Completely remove infected trees or branches girdled and killed by cankers. Do not allow trees to regrow from roots or trunks left after a major trunk canker has been removed."
I have two questions then:
1. If I remove the tree and as many of the roots as possible, will it be okay to grow another apricot tree in the same location, or should I try replanting a new apricot tree in a different location?
2. If I need to seek out a different location for a new apricot tree, would it be safe to plant a tree that isn't affected by this bacteria (e.g. Carpathian walnut or Hall's Hardy Almond) in the same location that this infected apricot tree is?
Thank you,
James
In general it is best practice to not replant in the exact site where a fruit tree was previously due to a phenomenon known as 'replant disease', which is the result of other factors, not bacterial canker necessarily. Once you remove the old tree you are getting rid of the bacterial inoculum, but the pathogen is very common. Infections typically occur in response to some kind of damage or stress (pruning wounds, frost damage etc.). Apricots may not be the best choice for your hardiness zone (6a? - I can only see you are in Deschutes Co.), or perhaps this planting site is prone to frost damage or some other factor that is causing stress to the tree.
Thank you for all the information, this has been helpful. And yes, I'm in Redmond, OR, so perhaps on the edge with the apricot tree. I did prune the tree in late Feb/early March which may have been a mistake as well.
Thank you,
James
