Bacterial Canker of Stone Fruit

Abstract

Bacterial canker of stone fruit occurs worldwide and is caused by Pseudomonas syringae for which distinct pathovars are known and associated with host range. In New York, the disease predominantly affects sweet cherry, but can also occur on tart cherry, plum, prune, peach and apricot. Young, newly planted trees are at greatest risk of damage from bacterial canker infections because of the disease’s impact on buds and shoots. However, any age tree can become infected and show symptoms