What you can do about Brown Rot and Phytopthera Root and Crown Rot

Brown Rot Biology and Control

The fungus that causes brown rot does not reside on weeds. Rather the infected fruit that drops from the plants harbors the fungus over the winter. Tiny “mushroom-like” fruiting bodies develop on the mummies in spring and produce spores which are splashed and blown to developing shoots. Fungicides must be applied to the beach plum plant to be effective in controlling this diseases.

For more information on brown rot, consult the IPM fact sheet on Brown Rot of Stone Fruits.

Phytopthera Root and Crown Rot

Phytophthora root and crown rot is quite destructive on a number of plants in the Prunus genus. Look for red-brown discoloration under the bark on affected and dying trees. This disease is particularly a problem in wet years and on wet sites.

For more information, see the IPM fact sheet Phytophthora Root and Crown Rots.

See also:

• How to grow beach plums
• Photo gallery
• Cornell Pest Management Guidelines for Commercial Tree Fruit Production

Information provided by:
Juliet E. Carroll, PhD
Fruit IPM Coordinator
NYS IPM Program, Cornell University
New York State IPM Program – Resources for Fruit
Cornell Fruit Resources