Phytophthora Canker and Shoot Blight

You'll see cankers on stems and branches with associated shoot blight and dieback. Prune out infected branches well below visible symptoms and disinfect tools. Avoid wounding plants and keep them healthy to minimize infection. Improve drainage and reduce soil moisture stress. This pathogen favors cold, wet conditions. This blight is most damaging during cool, wet springs when flower and shoot development is rapid. Monitor plants closely during vulnerable periods.

Prevent mechanical injury to trees, especially late in the season. Avoid leaving plants on the ground during rainy winter weather.