Madrone Canker
[VERIFY]
1 host plant
Last updated
Madrone develops sunken bark cankers on branches and trunks, killing twigs beyond the lesion. Prune out cankers 4 inches below symptoms and destroy material. Sterilize pruning tools with alcohol after each cut, clean the wound with alcohol, and avoid inflicting new wounds with equipment.
Prune out cankered branches at least six inches below visible symptoms, making cuts into healthy wood. Sterilize your tools between cuts. Canker pathogens typically enter through wounds, so minimize pruning injuries and avoid working on trees when bark is wet. Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and avoid stress from drought or compacted soil, which makes trees more susceptible.
Quick Reference
Management
Cultural Controls
- Prune off dead twigs and branches at least four inches below the canker, and destroy them.
- Cankers on larger branches should be excised with a knife and chisel.
- Remove all discolored bark and wood plus a 1-inch buffer zone of healthy wood around the wound.
- After each cut, sterilize the knife and chisel with rubbing alcohol.
- Clean the wound with alcohol.
- Avoid wounding trees with tools and power equipment.