Ornamental Cherry: Coryneum blight (Shothole)
categories: Ornamental Cherry Ornamental Cherry Diseases Ornamental trees Ornamentals
revision date: 2022-11-26 01:46
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Biology
Shothole is a fungal disease typically attacking the leaves of ornamental (flowering) cherries. Lesions are initially dark brown, reddish, or purplish spots and may be surrounded by a light green to yellowish halo. They are oval to round and expand into brown spots with light centers. The lesions are typically up to 1/4″ in diameter. The centers of infected spots often die and drop out in warm weather, giving leaves the characteristic “shothole” appearance of the disease. Occasionally, twig cankers may be observed. The fungus probably overwinters on the bark and in infected buds. Spores are primarily spread by water. Coryneum can also attack stone fruits including peach, apricot, and fruiting cherries.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
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, as leaves must be moist for infection to occur.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Apply at leaf fall in late autumn.
- Apply again at shuck fall in the spring (when flower petals have fallen away).
- 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
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.
Additional Image
Photo by: R.S. Byther