Cherry buckskin (X-disease)
X-disease
Also Known As - X-disease (Cherry buckskin)What is Cherry buckskin (X-disease)?
X-disease, also called cherry buckskin, severely impacts sweet cherry trees. It is caused by a phytoplasma found in an infected tree's phloem cells. Diseased trees produce pale, pebbly, leathery-skinned fruit, noticeable at harvest. On Mahaleb rootstocks, symptoms are minimal, but trees suddenly wilt and collapse above the graft union. Infections occur during summer and fall (July-October), with symptoms appearing the following year.
How does Cherry buckskin (X-disease) occur?
X-disease, or cherry buckskin, occurs due to a phytoplasma organism infecting trees. The disease spreads through leafhoppers, which acquire the pathogen while feeding on infected cherries or other host plants. These leafhoppers then act as carriers, transmitting the infection to healthy trees. Within infected trees, the phytoplasma resides in the phloem cells, leading to the distinct symptoms mentioned above. X-disease poses a significant threat to cherry trees in affected areas.
Symptoms
1 - Plant Effects
Cherry buckskin cases weaken tree health, making them vulnerable to diseases and pests. This directly lowers fruit quality and yield, impacting cherry orchard economics. Nutrient uptake disruption further hampers growth, posing a serious threat with the potential for significant losses in affected regions.
2 - Soil Effects
The decline in cherry tree vigor and growth can indirectly affect soil health. Weaker trees may have reduced root growth and activity, leading to decreased organic matter input and nutrient cycling in the soil.
Solutions
1 - Sanitation
• Conduct annual surveys of the orchard to identify and mark infected trees for prompt removal. • Remove and destroy infected trees following postharvest treatment for leafhoppers.
2 - Leafhopper Control
• Implement postharvest treatment of the orchard to target leafhopper vectors. Refer to specific guidelines for controlling cherry leafhoppers and mountain leafhoppers. • Manage nearby ornamental hosts of cherry leafhoppers by removing them or applying appropriate sprays to control leafhoppers. • Target weed hosts that harbor the pathogen, such as clovers (burclover, clover, sweet clovers), dandelion, and curly dock.
3 - Orchard Management
• Avoid using clover cover crops in the orchard, as they can serve as a reservoir for the pathogen. • Maintain good orchard hygiene by controlling weeds and removing debris that may harbor the disease.
4 - Monitoring
• Regularly monitor the orchard for signs of disease and leafhopper activity. • Stay updated with local recommendations and guidelines for X-disease management.
