[Beetie]

Hi everyone. I have just diagnosed my cherry tree on the plot as having canker. I've looked into it and all advice says treat end of summer/autumn time. My question is: will the canker affect the fruit production in the quantity and quality I get? Just wondering whether to expect a crop this year. Thanks

[Goosegirl]

Not sure about this but, though quantity may be affected, quality shouldn't be. We have a very old Bramley which has canker but still produces well. By "treat" did it mean use a spray of some sort or cut out the affected branches? Personally, I would do the latter so it doesn't spread, but I'm no expert on this.

[Beetie]

The infection is mainly on the trunk so will have to spray.

[Sparkyrog]

I would plant a replacement now! so you can remove the other in a couple of years without crop loss .

[gobs]

Are you sure it's canker? For if it is, there are no efficient treatments available, I believe.

[Beetie]

I've looked on the page on the rhs website for bacterial canker and the symptoms and pictures fit.  It recommends a chemical treatment.

[gobs]

I've looked on the page on the rhs website for bacterial canker and the symptoms and pictures fit.  It recommends a chemical treatment.

Of course, but as far as I am aware, this is only useful on young and/or not badly affected trees. By all means try, but hold in mind, if the trunk is ill, you might have to follow Sparky's advice.

[Beetie]

Ok thanks.  I'll see how it goes over the next year... And if I'll be back asking for cherry recipes or advice on chopping a big tree down!