Botryosphaeria Canker and Dieback of Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape

TL;DRAbstract

Most trees and shrubs are susceptible to dieback and cankers caused by several species of the fungal genus Botryosphaeria. Botryosphaeria fungi are typically opportunistic pathogens. Opportunistic pathogens only cause disease on plants that are stressed. Therefore, avoiding plant stress, which predisposes plant tissue to infection and colonization by this fungal group, is the best strategy to prevent Botryosphaeria disease problems. Symptoms Symptoms of Botryosphaeria cankers and dieback are most commonly seen as wilting or dieback of a branch or branches on a tree or shrub that, in other respects, appears healthy (figs. 1a, 1b). Cankered twigs and branches may not be noticeable until wilt and die-

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