Anthracnose (Bull's-eye Rot)

Watch for reddish-brown cankers that form on small branches and expand over one growing season, girding twigs especially during wet springs. As the canker expands, surrounding healthy tissue reacts with a characteristic crack forming at the margin. Later you'll see bull's-eye rot on stored fruit, brown sunken spots with concentric rings and spore masses in the center. Prune infected branches well before fall rains, which spread spores from old cankers to developing fruit. Use certified disease-free stock and scout regularly for early canker detection.

Reduce moisture around affected tissue by improving drainage and air circulation. Remove rotted material cleanly and dispose of it away from the planting area. Avoid wounding healthy tissue during cleanup, as fresh wounds create new entry points. If the problem keeps returning, evaluate whether the site is too wet or poorly drained for the species you are growing.