Cherry leaf roll disease Tree Removal and Virus Control

Keep viruses out in the first place! Buy certified virus-tested replants whenever possibleBuy certified virus-tested replants whenever possible Buy from reputable nurseriesBuy from reputable nurseries Ask questionsAsk questions –Are the trees virus-tested? –Which viruses were they tested for? –What does virus-tested mean? Pollinators are just as important as the fruiting varietyPollinators are just as important as the fruiting variety –Pollinators are sometimes symptomless carriers of viruses

Good tree removal technique The goal is to prevent spread of the virus

Good tree removal technique The goal is to prevent spread of the virus Insects transmit many cherry viruses Insects tend to be sedentary unless there is a reason to move As cut tree limbs start to dry, the insects (and viruses) may move to nearby trees

Good tree removal technique The goal is to prevent spread of the virus Prevent vector (and virus) movement Apply good cover spray of broad spectrum insecticide/miticide to the tree about 7 days before cutting

Good tree removal technique The goal is to prevent spread of the virus Or… Remove trees in winter while insects are dormantRemove trees in winter while insects are dormant Remove all the wood before mild spring weatherRemove all the wood before mild spring weather

Good tree removal technique The goal is to prevent spread of the virus Prevent sucker re-growthPrevent sucker re-growth –Kill or remove as much root as possible using a herbicide or fumigation

Newly infected tree may take 2-3 years to show symptoms Symptomatic tree to be removed How many trees need to be removed? Root graft

Remove symptomatic trees as soon as they appear Remove symptomatic trees as soon as they appear Carefully monitor nearby trees/blocks over next 2-4 seasons Carefully monitor nearby trees/blocks over next 2-4 seasons Good tree removal technique