Bacterial canker
DISEASE
When it's active · UK
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Northern Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Central Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Southern Italy and islands
JFMAMJJASOND
How to recognise it
Sunken, dark patches on bark that ooze amber-coloured gum, with affected branches wilting and dying back above the canker.
Life cycle and conditions
Bacteria enter through wounds, leaf scars or pruning cuts, particularly in wet autumn and winter weather.
Prevention
Prune susceptible trees (mainly Prunus) in summer rather than winter; disinfect tools between cuts.
How to treat it
🌿 ORGANIC · RECOMMENDED
Cut out and dispose of affected branches well back into healthy wood, ideally in summer — timing and hygiene are the whole response.
🧪 CHEMICAL · IF YOU CHOOSE
No chemical treatment applies — correct pruning timing and tool hygiene prevent and manage this disease.
PLANTS MOST AFFECTED
Prunus (not yet a genus template — candidate for future tree/fruit expansion)