Cherry leaf spot is a fungal disease of sweet, sour, and ornamental cherries. While this leaf disease is rarely a death sentence for trees, it can result in reduced blossoms, weakened trees, and increased risk for winter injury.
Symptoms include small, purple-colored leaf spots that are approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter. Over time, spots turn brown and may fall out of leaves, leaving "shot holes" in the centers of spots.
Severely infected leaves turn yellow and may drop prematurely with heavily infected trees becoming mostly defoliated by mid-summer.
The cherry leaf spot fungus survives winter in fallen leaf debris.
Primary infection occurs in spring during periods of warm (60°F to 70°F), moist conditions. Additional infections may occur in favorable conditions through the growing season.
It is caused by the fungal pathogen Blumeriella jaapi (formerly, Coccomyces hiemalis).
Management options are available for Kentucky growers.
Sanitation is critical for management of cherry leaf spot. Rake and destroy all fallen leaves at the end of the season. Do not compost diseased plant material.
Fungicides are not recommended for landscape or backyard trees.
Commercial producers should consult the Commercial Fruit Pest Management Guide (ID-232) for fungicide recommendations. Read and follow all label instructions.
Additional information to available:
Cherry Leaf Spot (PPFS-FR-T-06) at https://bit.ly/3n6b9jI
Backyard Peach & Stone Fruit Disease, Pest, and Cultural Practices Calendar (PPFS-FR-T-22) at https://bit.ly/3ucJ4vl
University of Kentucky Plant Pathology Extension Publications at plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/extension/publications
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables