Is this gummosis? - Ask Extension
A cherry tree is covered in gummy bear like secretions. Should I be worried about the tree?
Knowledgebase
Is this gummosis? #886876
Asked October 01, 2024, 2:39 PM EDT
A cherry tree is covered in gummy bear like secretions. Should I be worried about the tree?
Champaign County Ohio
Expert Response
From your photo it does look like your cherry tree has gummosis, which is not a disease, but the description of the symptoms arising from plant stress. The stress can be caused by mechanical injury, herbicides, pests, or diseases.
Here's a publication from Iowa State University Extension that details some of the causes of gummosis:
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2011/7-13/gummosis.html
Washington State University of Extension offers these management options:
Here's a publication from Iowa State University Extension that details some of the causes of gummosis:
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2011/7-13/gummosis.html
Washington State University of Extension offers these management options:
- Provide proper culture to maintain a steady growth rate. Avoid over-fertilization or other practices which produce large amounts of soft growth or sudden growth spurts.
- Control diseases which cause gumming.
- Prune or cut out disease cankers.
- Prevent injury to trunks and branches when possible. Sunscald can be prevented by shading or whitewashing trunks.