Twig Canker

Sporocadus lichenicola

12 host plants

Last updated

Data Maturity Structured

This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.

Blueberry twigs develop grey-white cankers with reddish margins and dark fruiting bodies, especially at nodes. Sporocadus lichenicola enters through winter-injured wood. Minimize winter injury through hardening-off practices and site selection. Prune out infected twigs and canes. The disease occurs sporadically in Oregon's Hood River and Willamette valleys.

Tactics that minimize winter or other injury to plants is encouraged. Prune affected branches well below visible symptoms and sterilize tools between cuts. Avoid pruning during wet weather, which spreads the pathogen through fresh wounds. Maintain plant vigor through proper watering and site management.

Quick Reference

Causal Agent
Sporocadus lichenicola
Host Plants
12
Favorable Conditions
Wound entry (pruning cuts, frost cracks, leaf scars). Cool, wet conditions fa...

Management

Vulnerability Window

Wound infection Oct–May during dormancy. Canker development during cool season (Oct–May). Symptoms visible spring (Mar–June). Prune only during dry weather. BBCH 97–09.

What Triggers Infection

Wound entry (pruning cuts, frost cracks, leaf scars). Cool, wet conditions favor canker establishment. Spring sap flow reactivates dormant infections.

Cultural Controls

  • Tactics that minimize winter or other injury to plants is encouraged.

Host Plants (12)