[College of ACES] [University of Illinois] [Illinois CES]

Bark canker on Loquat (Eriobotrya)

arbor@global.co.za
Wed, 26 Nov 1997 13:40:43 -0600

Hello.
I often come across Loquat trees (Erioborya japonica) that have cankers( I assume the areas of bark necrosis to be cankers). The cankers seem to spread along the grain of the wood, with long slithers of live bark running prallel to each other up the stem.
Some trees with large parts of their stems affected are in decline.
Cankers are not easy to treat at best, but early detection may help.

On aparently healthy trees I have noticed some uncharacteristic flaking of the bark. But the bark beneath the flakes seem sound if tender. Could this be early signs of the canker?
My Questions are: 1) What is this disease called( If it is a disease) ? 2) Is there a treatment? 3) Is the flaking an early sign?

I'd appreciate any help
Thanks
Anton Mvller
JHB South Africa