Sure, I can provide an article on control of canker in apple plants.
Apple Canker: Causes, Symptoms, and Control
Apple canker is a common fungal disease that affects apple trees at any stage of their growth. It is usually caused by the fungus Neonectria ditissima, which can penetrate the tree through injuries or wounds. If not properly controlled, the canker can cause significant damages to apple trees, reducing their productivity and longevity. Therefore, it is advisable to learn about the causes, symptoms, and control measures of apple canker.
Causes of Apple Canker
Apple canker is caused by the fungus Neonectria ditissima, which mainly attacks the bark, wood, and fruit of apple trees. The fungus lays dormant on infected plant debris and can spread through rain splash, wind, and insect vectors. The canker is more prevalent in warm and humid weather conditions, as well as in dense plantations, poorly drained soils, and poor pruning practices that create tree injuries.
Symptoms of Apple Canker
Apple canker can have several symptoms, but the most common ones include:
1. Sunken, seeping, or dead spots on the bark of apple trees, which may be circular or irregular in shape.
2. The presence of amber ooze or gum on the canker spots, especially during moist weather conditions.
3. Brown or black cankers that may extend from the base to the top of the tree.
4. Wilting leaves, dieback of branches, and reduced fruit size, quality, and quantity.
5. The formation of cankers on the fruit, which can lead to rot and post-harvest losses.
Control Measures of Apple Canker
Preventing apple cankers is easier than treating it when it has already developed. Here are some control measures that can help keep apple canker at bay:
1. Clean orchard practices, such as removing infected debris, healthy pruning, and avoiding wounding apple trees.
2. Regular inspection and scouting of apple trees to detect and control canker outbreaks as early as possible.
3. Chemical applications, such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides, which can help control the spread of apple canker.
4. Creating a conducive environment for apple trees to thrive, including proper drainage and irrigation, adequate air circulation, and proper nutrition and fertilization.
5. Growing apple trees resistant to canker, such as resistant rootstocks or scion varieties.
In conclusion, apple canker is a destructive fungal disease that can affect apple trees in different stages of growth. It is essential to identify the causes, symptoms and control measures of apple canker to prevent or control its spread. By adopting good orchard management practices and using appropriate chemical treatments, apple growers can successfully control apple canker and increase the yield and quality of their apple trees.