Weeping Cherry Leaf Curl: Witches' Broom or Environmental Stress?

Current Symptoms

Spring: blossoms gone, full leaves. Small leaf tufts emerging but not at tips. ¾ leaves curling, browning edges, dropping; new leaves replace until autumn. Fungal spray applied.

Witches' Broom (Taphrina cerasi)?

• Tufts ("brooms") appear later at branch tips after disease progresses.
• Not visible this time of year.
• New leaves inoculated by spores from infected stems.

Monitoring Plan (Next 4–6 Weeks)

1. Watch for pinpoint spots on leaves after petal fall.
2. During wet/humid periods, check leaf undersides for whitish-pink spores (conidia).
3. If spores seen → seek arborist/plant pathologist for ID and treatment.

Alternative

Environmental factors (water, heat, nutrients) can mimic symptoms. Fungicide application per label may suppress fungal diseases.