Gummosis on Plumcot: Borer Damage and Tree Care

What the Gum Tells You

The honey-colored, golf-ball-sized globs oozing from your plumcot branches are gummosis—the tree’s resinous response to wounding. The most common wounders are wood-boring insects that tunnel into the branches.

Limits of Insecticides

Contact sprays rarely reach borers inside the wood. Systemic products that penetrate the wood work best as preventatives applied before borers enter. Once inside, the insect is well protected.

Cultural Practices to Prolong Life

• Remove dead wood promptly (sanitation).
• Maintain vigor with proper fertilization and deep watering.
• Monitor for fresh gum and treat early if borers are still active.

With good care, affected trees can persist for many years.