Dogwood Tree Bark Fungus
Diseases that commonly infect dogwoods include powdery mildew.
Dogwood tree bark fungus. Apply a fungicide during bud break to protect new flowers twigs and foliage. For more information on crown canker on dogwood trees read on. It is caused by the canker fungus that spreads inside the bark sucking away the bark s nutrition. This is a relatively new disease of dogwood in south carolina and it is caused by the fungus discula destructiva.
There are several types of fungus that can be found on different trees. Dogwood anthracnose is most severe only in areas of the state that are higher than 2000 feet. Insects such as dogwood borers twig borers and dogwood club gall midges are able to cause serious damage to an already stressed tree. A particular kind of canker disease called the diffuse canker is typical to dogwoods.
The fungus grows on the tree and can collect moisture which the algae needs. Crown canker is a fungal disease that attacks flowering dogwood trees. The main signs are rot on the truck of the tree which can mess up its structural integrity. Kousa and hybrids of kousa and native dogwood c.
One of the very common diseases of dogwood trees is the dogwood anthracnose which is caused by the fungus discula sp. The algae in return can create food from the energy of the sun which feeds the fungus. Lichen on tree bark is completely harmless to the tree itself. Dogwood cankers are commonly found on the main trunk area.
Other symptoms of fungal infection include sunken areas on parts of the tree s bark and discoloration on the bark. The initial symptoms appear as medium to large purple bordered leaf spots and scorched tan blotches. The infection is manifested in the form of leaf spots and stem cankers. Rake and destroy fallen leaves.
It was first noted in north carolina in 1987. The shoots are also killed in this disease. Dogwood anthracnose is caused by discula destructiva a fungus that was first noted in the 1970s in pennsylvania and new york. Dogwood anthracnose caused by the fungus discula destructive dogwood anthracnose attacks the tree causing masses of spores to appear on the bark.
The disease also known as collar rot is caused by the pathogen phytophthora cactorum. The first symptoms of dogwood anthracnose are. The most serious but rare trunk canker among dogwoods is caused by the phytophthora fungus. Thin trees with rot are likely to fall apart.
Florida are resistant to anthracnose and decline and should be used to replace dying trees. Protect trees from drought stress winter injury and dogwood borer attack. Eventually the disease spread throughout the appalachian mountains west virginia virginia and maryland.