Strategy to control Bacterial canker (Pseudomonas ssp.) in organic cherry orchards

{Tool} Strategy to control Bacterial canker (Pseudomonas ssp.) in organic cherry orchards. Creator(s): Vávra, Radek and Lišková, Petra. Issuing Organisation(s): Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology Holovousy Ltd.. (2025)

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Summary

This InnOBreed practice abstract provides organic growers with a comprehensive strategy to recognize and manage bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae. The disease affects a wide range of stone fruits—including sweet and sour cherries, plums, apricots, and peaches—as well as occasionally pome fruits. The susceptibility of trees is highly influenced by rootstock choice, tree vigor, and environmental stress, making orchard design and maintenance key to prevention.

EPrint Type:	Practice tool
Teaser:	Protect your organic cherry orchard from bacterial canker.
What problem does the tool address?:	Bacterial canker in cherries is caused by Pseudomonas syringae subspecies, a pathogen favored by wet climates and freeze–thaw cycles. This disease poses a significant threat to organic cherry orchards because infection requires only a wound or natural opening—such as leaf scars, pruning cuts, frost cracks, or stomata—combined with moisture. Ideal conditions for infection occur at 18–25°C, making spring and early summer particularly risky. Symptoms vary depending on cultivar, tree age, and affected tissue. They include cankers on shoots and branches, gummosis, bud necrosis, blossom blast, leaf spots with yellow halos, and dark depressed fruit lesions—often leading to branch dieback and long-term productivity loss.
What solution does the tool offer?:	The practice abstract recommends a multi-layered organic management strategy: 1. Prevention-Oriented Orchard Practices Cultivar choice: Some varieties (e.g., Royal Ann, Bing, Lambert, Napoleon, Sweetheart, Van) are susceptible, while others (Regina, Rainier, Sam, Sue) show better tolerance. Rootstock selection: Rootstock type and grafting height strongly influence susceptibility. Tree health: Weak or stressed trees are more vulnerable, especially if affected by other pathogens or environmental stressors. Cauterization: Burning cankers with a hand-held propane burner in spring. Trunk whitening: Applying lime or calcium hydroxide between September and April to reduce new infections. 2. Preventive Spraying Copper-based sprays (copper hydroxide or copper oxides) at the beginning of bud break. Lime sulfur or sulfur sprays in autumn during leaf fall. 3. Curative Measures Removing infected limbs with gummosis or cankers. Sanitizing tools with 70% alcohol to prevent spreading the bacteria. Combined, these strategies significantly reduce infection pressure and protect the long-term health and productivity of organic cherry orchards.
Country:	Czech Republic
Type of Practice Tool:	Practice abstracts
Agrovoc keywords:	Language Value URI English temperate fruits http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_7655 English plant protection http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_5978 English disease prevention http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_10394 English plant disease control http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_5960
Subjects:	Crop husbandry > Production systems > Fruit and berries
Research affiliation:	Czech Republic > Other institutions Czech republic European Union > Organic Farm Knowledge European Union > Horizon Europe > InnOBreed
Horizon Europe or H2020 Grant Agreement Number:	101061028
Related Links:	https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/56834, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/56833, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/44785, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/44241
Project ID:	ofk
Deposited By:	Dietemann, Lauren
ID Code:	56834
Deposited On:	11 Feb 2026 13:58
Last Modified:	11 Feb 2026 13:58
Document Language:	English
Status:	Published

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