Cherry: Shothole (Coryneum blight)

• Categories: Cherry Cherry Diseases Tree Fruits
• Last review date: 2026-03-25 10:39

Biology

Shothole is a fungal disease typically attacking leaves and fruit on cherry. Lesions on leaves are initially small, purplish, round to oval areas which expand into brown spots with light centers. The lesions are typically up to 1⁄4″ in diameter.

The infected spots on leaves often die and drop out in warm weather, giving leaves the characteristic “shothole” appearance of the disease. Fruit may develop one or more large brown spots which can involve large portions of the fruit.

The fungal probably overwinters on the bark and in infected buds. Spores are easily spread by water and wind.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Prune and destroy dead buds and cankered twigs if present.
• Rake and destroy infected leaves.
• Avoid overhead watering.

Chemical Management

• Apply at 50% leaf fall in late autumn before heavy rains to protect leaf scars (except sulfur products).
• Apply chlorothalonil, IMMUNOX, or sulfur products in spring when petals fall.
• NOTE: Bonide Fung-onil is for spring use only.
• Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft. tall. Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.

Approved Pesticides

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Bonide Fung-onil Multi-Purpose Fungicide Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil
  EPA registration number: 60063-9-4
• Bonide Sulfur Plant Fungicide Micronized Spray or Dust RTU [Organic]
  Active ingredient: sulfur
  EPA registration number: 4-62
• GardenTech Daconil Fungicide Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil
  EPA registration number: 67572-82-71004
• Monterey Liqui-Cop Copper Fungicidal Garden Spray
  Active ingredient: copper-ammonia complex
  EPA registration number: 54705-7
• Hi-Yield Snake Eyes Dusting Wettable Sulfur
  Active ingredient: sulfur
  EPA registration number: 7401-188-34911
• Ortho Max Garden Disease Control Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil
  EPA registration number: 239-2522
• Spectracide IMMUNOX Multi-Purpose Fungicide Spray Concentrate
  Active ingredient: myclobutanil
  EPA registration number: 9688-123-8845
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.