Cytospora Canker

Overview

Cytospora canker is caused by a fungus, Leucostoma kunzei (formerly known as Cytospora kunzei). In its perfect stage, it is known as Valsa kunzei. It is a destructive disease of many of the spruces, especially Colorado blue and Norway spruces, from the Midwest to New England. The disease is more common on trees over 15 years old and trees under stress and of low vigor. Trees with shallow roots, weakened by mechanical injury, insect, or weather stresses, and trees growing on unfavorable sites are most susceptible. The disease destroys the symmetry of spruce trees and in time may kill them. Infections on Colorado blue spruces are usually confined to branches. Branches and trunks are damaged on black, Engelmann, Norway, red, and white spruces. Cytospora cankers have also been found on Douglas fir, hemlock, larch, and balsam fir.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Dying of lower branches is usually the first symptom. The needles turn brown and after a few months drop off, and white or light blue patches of resin become obvious on the dead bark of larger branches. As the disease progresses over several years, higher branches also die. Dead areas called cankers are formed. The infected inner bark tissue and cambium are brown in contrast to the normal light color of healthy tissue, but the wood beneath the infected bark is not discolored. As cankers enlarge and girdle the stem, parts above the diseased area lose color, make little growth, wilt or wither, and die back from the tips. Infected branches often start growth later in the spring. The resin exuded from cankered branches is visible on dead bark after infected needles are cast. This is the most obvious symptom on infected branches.

Life Cycle

The fungus overwinters in cankered bark. Spores from fruiting bodies formed in cankers are spread by rain, wind, insects, birds, and man. Infection occurs through wounds. The fungus grows and kills the bark, then expands until the entire branch is killed from the branch being girdled.

Integrated Pest Management Strategies

1. Prune out diseased branches. Prune out all infected branches and burn or remove them from the site. Prune in late winter when it is sunny and the trees are dry. Dip pruning tools into a solution of 1–part bleach and 9–parts water between cuts to reduce the spreading of the disease. After pruning, oil blades to prevent rust.

2. Avoid injuries to bark and stems. Wounds can provide entry points for the pathogen, especially during wet periods.

3. Improve plant health. Water during dry periods and aerate the soil around the tree to relieve soil compaction and facilitate water and nutrient penetration. Fertilize to maintain vigor.

4. Maintain good air circulation. Chances of infection are greater on plants that are crowded together. Space plants out when planting to accommodate mature growth.

5. Fungicidal sprays are seldom effective and are not recommended. Once the tree is infected, the disease is difficult to control. Copper-containing fungicides may help slow the spread of the disease. The best time to apply fungicides has not been established. Consider using fungicidal sprays only if the tree is very valuable and you are willing to pay for regular sprayings.

6. Remove the infected tree and plant a different species or variety. Blue and Norway spruce are most susceptible to Cytospora canker.

Organic Strategies

Strategies 1, 2, 4, and 6 are strictly organic approaches. Using an appropriate organic fertilizer would be a viable organic approach to Strategy 3. Of the fungicides listed in Strategy 5, consult the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI™) for appropriate organic copper products.