Black knot disease is easy to diagnose because of the distinctive black gall on the stems and branches of plum and cherry trees. The warty-looking gall often completely encircles the stem, and can be anywhere from an inch to almost a foot in length. Older knots may become infested with a pinkish-white mold that covers the black gall.
Black Knot Tree Disease Info
Black knot fungus (Apiosporina morbosa) is primarily a disease of plum and cherry trees, although it can also infest other stone fruit, such as apricots and peaches, as well as ornamental Prunus species.
Black knot disease spreads in spring. On rainy days, the fungus releases spores which are carried on wind currents. If the spores happen to land on new spring growth of a susceptible tree, and especially if the tree is damp, the spores germinate and infect the tree.
The source of the disease is usually wild, abandoned or neglected trees and finding and removing the source is an important part of controlling black knot tree disease. Fungicide sprays also help treat the black knot disease, but you may find that the black knot keeps coming back if you don’t use a combination of fungicide and pruning to remove the knots.
Black Knot Treatment
The first step in treatment is to cut away branches and stems that have knots. If at all possible, do this in winter while the tree is dormant. The black knot fungus may extend further inside the tissue than the visible width of the gall, so make the cuts 2 to 4 inches below the gall to be sure you are cutting back to disease-free wood. Burn or bury the diseased branches to prevent the spread of the fungus.
The second part of an effective black knot treatment program is to treat the tree with a suitable fungicide. Fungicides vary in their effectiveness from region to region, so contact your cooperative extension agent to find out which product works best in your area. Read the label and follow the instructions exactly for best results. Timing is very important, and you will have to spray the tree several times at carefully timed intervals.
Caution: Fungicides are toxic. Store them in their original container and out of the reach of children. Avoid spraying on windy days.