Fruitless Mulberry Bark Peeling in Las Vegas: Sooty Canker Suspected

A Las Vegas homeowner sees bark peeling on a fruitless mulberry with minimal rainfall. The tree otherwise looks healthy. The expert suspects sooty canker (Hendersonula toruloidea), a fungal disease favored by high temperatures (91–97°F) and sunburned bark.

Symptoms of Sooty Canker

• Wilted leaves
• Bark peeling and cracking
• Black spore masses under bark
• Cankers and branch dieback

Management

1. Reduce pruning—open wounds invite infection.
2. Disinfect tools with 20% bleach between cuts.
3. Prune infected branches; dispose of debris.
4. Apply fungicide to prevent spread.
5. Maintain canopy shade on trunk to prevent sunburn.

Organic Option

Atomic Grow (organic, raises plant brix/sugar) is recommended to boost tree health and resistance. Healthy trees resist pests and diseases better.

Source: University of Arizona Plant Pathology.