True Fir: Grovesiella canker

categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases

revision date: 2023-02-07 12:00

Fir branch against a black background exhibits a swollen section and sap.
Fir Grovesiella canker
Photo by: R.S. Byther

Biology

Grovesiella canker is a fungal disease found mainly on the lower branches and stems of young trees or the lower branches of older trees. Sunken, dead areas develop on one-year-old and older branches or stems. The affected branch is swollen above the canker and twigs may die back. Young trees may die if a canker girdles the stem. The cankers continue to expand indefinitely. Cankers are not found on the crown or roots of affected trees. Grovesiella canker can be a concern on Christmas tree plantations. White fir and Shasta fir are more susceptible than Noble fir or grand fir.

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 infected branches on landscape trees. Make pruning cuts well below diseased wood.

Chemical Management

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

  • None recommended

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