Cherry: Gumming (Gummosis)

Biology

Gumming of cherry can be caused by several factors. It can be a physiological reaction to unfavorable growing conditions. Trees growing in damp conditions often produce gum, as do trees which have received excess water or nitrogen fertilizer (causing a sudden growth spurt). The gum often runs down branches or trunks, or may collect in branch crotches. Injuries often induce gumming, as well. Sunscald and mechanical injuries can be at fault. Gumming is also associated with cankers caused by diseases such as brown rot, bacterial canker, or Cytospora canker.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• 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.

Chemical Management

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

• None recommended.