In the last two issues of Prunings we pulled out some of the findings relating to brown rot and botrytis in summerfruit. This time we will look at some of the main points relating to the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae, (bacterial blast /canker) and Xanthomonas arboricola pv pruni, (bacterial spot).
The research report states that the loss of chemical control for botrytis along with increasing bacterial issues ‘has the potential to seriously threaten the expansion of export cherry production in the region’ in reference to Central Otago.
Some work has begun to assess trunk protection of newly planted trees. It seems as though the visual signs of canker may take a year or so to express. Single or double height plastic spray guards, white paint and white plastic spiral spray guards were compared to doing nothing. This work is still progressing, and it seems that the double height guards are giving the best protection.
To view the full key findings summary go to the Portal main menu / Resistance Management / Bacterial Diseases Key Findings