RICHMOND —
Are you growing, plums, cherries, peaches, apricots or almonds?
If you are, then be sure to check the branches of your trees for a thick, black, irregular looking growth on the stem.
This growth has probably been there for quite a while, but went unnoticed because of the presence of leaves.
Unfortunately, what may be growing on your tree is called black knot. It is a fungus that disrupts the normal growth of twigs.
Infection may have occurred over a year before the characteristic tumor develops. Often, the tree has been infected for two years when the problem is finally noticed. It is especially common on plums.
The disease overwinters in the knots on the tree. Once the tree begins to bud out in the spring, the fungal spores are released during warm, wet weather. New green shoots and wounds on the tree are the most susceptible to this infection.
These knots continue to grow slowly and may appear as small galls by the end of the first summer. These small young galls appear as olive green with a velvety surface. By the second summer, the gall changes into a hard, coal-black structure. Once the tree is infected, the fungus can spread to other parts of the tree and new galls will form. Knots will continue to expand until they girdle the branch and it dies.
So, what can you do? The best thing is to check on your trees. If you don’t, you may be surprised to find something that has been going on for quite a while. When the leaves are off the tree in the winter, be sure to check them for anything out of the ordinary. If you find the growth, prune it out. Cut the stem at least six to eight inches below the knot. Discard and destroy all the effected wood. Fungicides are recommended only for sites with valuable trees or with severe infections.
Raised-bed garden class
There will be a class offered twice on Monday, Feb. 25, at noon and at 6 p.m.
This class will cover the basics of raised bed gardening including materials needed, soil mixtures, growing requirements, and plant varieties. Please call to register at 623-4072.
If you wish to learn more about this topic, but cannot attend the class, more information can be found at this website, including videos on the subject:
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Obama: 'Lives Have Been Saved' by NSA Programs
Obama: Friction in Afghan Talks No Surprise
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
