CHERRY DISEASES 189 
killing, of the affected parts (Fig. 51). Infected branches be- 
come more numerous and are more or less elongated (Fig. 51). 
Authorities disagree on the matter of whether affected twigs 
are thickened. In some cases the twigs become so numerous 
that they are not able to bear their own weight, and as a result 
the abnormal portion of the 
tree droops. In such cases 
the tips of the branches usu- 
ally turn upward (Fig. 51). 
The over-production of 
branches at a local region 
results in a broom-like 
growth. Some of the brooms 
are large enough and so con- 
spicuous that they are very 
noticeable from a distance. 
This is especially true when 
the tree is bare of leaves. 
These broom-like growths are 
also conspicuous at blossom- 
ing-time; for they bear few 
or no flowers, hence the af- 
fected portion stands out 
in bold contrast to the 
remaining blossoming- 
branches. Leaves also come 
out on brooms before they Fic. 51. — Witches’-broom on cherry. 
do on healthy branches. 
Affected leaves take on a crinkled shape and a reddish dis- 
coloration. The disease on leaves is usually referred to as leaf- 
curl, and the abnormalities exhibited are very much like those 
of the peach leaf-curl (see page 277). Affected leaves fall 
prematurely and later new foliage appears. On their lower 
surfaces a whitish coat may be found prior to defoliation. 
