Gummosis and Cankers: Causes, Prevention, and Management

"Gummosis" and "canker" describe bacterial/fungal diseases causing oozing, sunken lesions on trunks/limbs. Common on fruit trees; often starts at wounds (weed whips, mowers) or borer holes. Sunburned bark and excessive moisture also invite infection.

Prevention

• Avoid overwatering.
• Prevent mechanical injury.
• Protect young trunks from sunscald with loose burlap wrap.

Management

• Healthy plants often wall off cankers.
• On small limbs, prune well below canker; disinfect tools between cuts.

No chemical control.