Twig or Limb Diseases

Bunch Disease (mycoplasm)

Key words: Mycoplasm, sucker growth

Although the cause of bunch disease on pecan trees is not completely understood, evidence indicates it is a mycoplasm. Effected trees exhibit the bunching symptom - excessive growth of slender succulent twigs from lateral buds that normally remain dormant on the main limbs. In moderately affected trees, one or several branches will show the "bunch" growth symptom. Bunching in severely affected trees may involve all main limbs, which produce thick masses of sucker-like growth and few, if any, nuts.

There is no known effective control for bunch disease. Early detection of the first symptoms of bunch and pruning out the affected branches may prevent spread of the disease throughout the tree. When pruning, make sure cuts are 2 to 3 feet below the infected area. When the tree is severely affected, it should be destroyed to protect nearby healthy trees from infection.

Next:   Fungal Twig Dieback

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