Nectria twig blight is caused by a fungus which invades plant tissues through wounds and natural openings in the bark. The infections typically occur on twigs and small branches. Cankers are initially small and sunken, gradually girdling the twigs after two or more seasons. Leaves above the canker wilt and die on girdled twigs. The cankered areas produce pinkish or coral-colored fruiting bodies of the fungus.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Avoid wounding trees.
Prevent winter injury.
Provide proper culture to maintain healthy trees.
Prune out and destroy infected tissues during the summer. Remove all dead wood.
Correct pruning practices minimize injury and improve wound healing. For more information on pruning fruit trees see PNW 400, Training and Pruning Your Home Orchard, or contact your WSU Master Gardeners or county Extension agent.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

None recommended

Images

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Caption: Nectria twig blight Photo by: C.R. Foss
Caption: Nectria twig blight Photo by: R.S. Byther

WSU Extension

Hortsense