2014/10/08 by Jacqueline Joshua, Margaret T. Mmbaga
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Plant Disease Resistance and Genetics #Plant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases #Plant Pathogens and Resistance
paper · doi:10.1111/jph.12309
openalex publication_date 2014/10/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/27
Abstract Cherry leaf spot disease, caused by Blumeriella jaapii (Rehm) Arx., is an increasing concern to nursery producers of ornamental cherry in the south‐eastern United States. Spores were trapped starting in late March before symptoms were observed in the field, which indicates that leaf debris from diseased trees are an important source of primary inoculum. Previously infected trees of six cultivars (‘Kwanzan’, ‘Yoshino’, ‘Okami’, ‘Snowgoose’, ‘Autumnalis’ and ‘Akebono’), which were overwintered in a controlled environment protected from airborne spores, developed disease symptoms in late spring, indicating that dormant buds may also be a source of primary inoculum. Because ornamental cherry trees are propagated by budding and cuttings, disease management should incorporate cultural practices that focus on propagation from disease‐free trees and fungicide applications beginning at petal drop to protect emerging leaves.