My Rowan Tree

Hi wiseowl,

A quick glance at your pictures makes me think it's fireblight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. No control methods available. Prune out damaged parts with secateurs or small handsaw, cutting well below the infected parts. Wash the blade with meths or jayes fluid between each cut to minimise further infection.
Hope this helps.


Matthew

 

@wiseowl I've posted a link to the following thread that you might find interesting. Both Mr. Grinch and I have had similar problems.

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/sorbus-help.53716/

 

Yes the same has happened in my three Sorbus.

Last year it affected one badly but this year it seems the healthier of the three. I pruned back to a bud in the spring. The other two, one is bad, the other looks sick. Weird some branches not affected whilst others totally die. Will give it a winter, see what its like in the spring bud wise, if bad then will be binned.

Gutted as they are not cheap. Also annoying as you see Rowan growing in Tesco car park with little care and look strong and healthy.

G

 

@HarmonyArb is it possible for you to give us more information on this threat to Sorbus please. Is it likely to spread throughout the species nationwide? Or is it restricted to certain types of Sorbus?

There seems to be many devastating tree diseases in recent years. Here on the island the Forestry Commission are currently clearing plantations of Larch because of disease, huge areas being destroyed and it's very sad to see!

 

Dont you think that these "super diseases" are getting more a more prevalent ? Might aswell plant Leylandii and be done with it !!!

 

Yes I think they are Mr. Grinch and it's scary to think we are losing so many trees. I've had my own big issues with Leylandii, so no, you won't find any in my garden!

 

Cypress aphid will do-for them ...

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=492

 

Never make wine from Rowan berries, it's 'orrible.

 

Also i believe Sorbus suffer from canker as well which effects fruit so maybe not the next companion tree.

G

 

Do i hate Leylandii Kristan.

 

Fireblight was first recorded in this country in 1956/57, so has been well established here now. It affects many trees in the Rosaceae family, but causes most damage on Sorbus and Crataegus. Infection can be caused easily by the introduction of bacterial ooze transported to healthy trees by birds, insects, wind and rain. All the bacteria needs is a tiny wound on the tree to enter and away it goes.

There does seem to be an increase in new tree pathogens. Here in South Wales the hillsides have been decimated by Phytopthora with many hectares of larch plantations being felled. Parks here in Cardiff have had their Rhododendron population smashed due to Phytophthora also.

 

Thanks for posting.
Have you a pic of this ooze ? I have none on my tree and was curious.

G