Eutypa Canker and Dieback of Apricots

Eutypa canker and dieback of apricot trees, caused by the ascomycetous fungus Eutypa armeniacae Hansf. et Carter, has been recorded in Europe, North America, Australia and South Africa. Samples of diseased sapwood yield the imperfect Cytosporina stage in culture, whereas perithecia of E. armeniacae, immersed in a stroma, develop 2 or more years after death of a branch in high-rainfall areas. The fungus is a wound parasite. Air-borne ascospores, disseminated during and after rain, infect xylem tissues which have been freshly exposed by pruning. Cankers develop around the infected wounds; leaves on that part of the branch distal to the canker subsequently wilt and die during summer. E. armeniacae has been detected on a diverse range of host species, hence elimination of inoculum is not feasible; both biological and chemical approaches to wound protection and ultimate disease control are under investigation.