Witches'-broom disease of cherry is a fungal disease similar to peach leaf curl. Infected branches develop large, dense, broomlike tufts of foliage. These branches typically do not produce flowers or fruit, making them particularly conspicuous during bloom. The leaves are discolored (red to brown), thickened, and curled or puckered. Whitish fungal growth may be present on the underside of curled leaves. Diseased leaves occur both in witches'-brooms and on normal branches. Diseased branches do not recover.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Cut out witches'-brooms at least 12" below lowest infected point.

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: Cherry Witches' Broom symptoms on leaves Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Cherry Witches' Broom symptoms on leaves Photo by: R.S. Byther

WSU Extension

Hortsense