Cherry Shot Hole Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

If you're a fan of cherries, you may have heard of the term Cherry Shot Hole Disease. It's a common issue that affects cherry trees, and it can lead to smaller, damaged fruit. In this article, we'll explain what Cherry Shot Hole Disease is, its causes, symptoms, and how you can prevent it from affecting your cherry trees.

What is Cherry Shot Hole Disease?

Cherry Shot Hole Disease is a fungal disease that primarily affects cherry trees. It can cause small, black spots on the leaves and fruit, giving the appearance of bullet holes. The disease is caused by the fungus Wilsonomyces carpophilus, and it can spread rapidly if left untreated.

Causes of Cherry Shot Hole Disease

Cherry Shot Hole Disease is caused by the fungus Wilsonomyces carpophilus, which can overwinter in infected twigs or buds. When the weather becomes warm and wet, the fungus can produce spores that are carried by wind or rain to healthy cherry trees. The spores then infect the new growth, causing the characteristic black spots.

Symptoms of Cherry Shot Hole Disease

The most noticeable symptom of Cherry Shot Hole Disease is the small, black spots that appear on the leaves and fruit. These spots can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a quarter-inch in diameter. As the disease progresses, the spots can merge together, causing larger areas of damage. The fruit may also become misshapen or stunted due to the disease.

Preventing Cherry Shot Hole Disease

Preventing Cherry Shot Hole Disease involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical treatments. Here are some tips to help prevent the disease:

• Plant resistant varieties: Some cherry tree varieties are naturally resistant to Cherry Shot Hole Disease. Choosing one of these varieties can help prevent the disease from taking hold.
• Maintain good hygiene: Keep your orchard clean and free of debris, including fallen leaves and fruit. This will help reduce the number of fungal spores in the area.
• Use fungicides: Applying a fungicide to your cherry trees can help prevent the disease from spreading. Be sure to follow the label instructions carefully, and apply the fungicide at the appropriate time.
• Prune infected wood: If you notice any branches or twigs on your cherry trees that are infected with Cherry Shot Hole Disease, prune them off immediately. This can help prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the tree.

Cherry Shot Hole Disease can be a frustrating problem for cherry tree growers, but it's not impossible to manage. By understanding the causes and symptoms of the disease, and taking steps to prevent its spread, you can help protect your cherry trees and ensure a healthy harvest for years to come.

An example of Cherry Shot Hole Disease on a cherry fruit.

fungi, disease prevention, plant health, pest management