CHAPTER V 
CHERRY DISEASES 
THERE are several diseases of the cherry tree which, if left un- 
curbed, may prove a serious menace to the growing of this fruit. 
Most cherry diseases, however, yield rather promptly to control 
measures — a point very encouraging to cherry-growers. But 
brown-rot often runs rampant, doing considerable mischief. 
Other conspicuous and injurious troubles affecting the cherry 
are leaf-blight, powdery-mildew and black-knot. These along 
with several other cherry diseases are common to the plum 
and peach. 
Brown-Rot 
Caused by Sclerotinia cinerea (Bon.) Schrét. 
Cherries are subject to the same brown-rot that affects 
peaches and plums. The trouble is extremely common on 
all these fruits, although perhaps the cherry is less seriously 
damaged than peaches and plums. White sweet cherries are 
more susceptible than sour and native cherries. The general 
statement is also made by authorities that the juicy, best- 
flavored varieties are more commonly affected than others. 
The Heiderman sand-cherry and Governor Wood both are 
listed as especially susceptible to brown-rot ; on the other hand, 
the Montmorency is relatively resistant. Susceptibility gen- 
erally increases as cherries approach maturity. 
Brown-rot is the most destructive disease of cherries. It 
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