When pruning diseased Cytospora canker branches, under what condition should you prune?

When pruning diseased Cytospora canker branches, under what condition should you prune?

• A. When foliage and wood are dry
• B. When wet from rain
• C. In the middle of an active humid day
• D. Only during winter dormancy

Answer: (A)

Pruning diseased Cytospora canker branches should be done when the foliage and wood are dry. The pathogen that causes Cytospora canker spreads and infects through pruning wounds, and moisture greatly increases that risk. When wood and leaves are dry, the cuts dry and callus over more quickly, reducing the chance of spores entering the wound and establishing infection. Cutting during rain or on a humid day leaves wet wounds that can easily be colonized and spread, making the pruning work any more likely to worsen the disease. Pruning during winter dormancy might be used for other reasons, but the key protective factor here is dryness, which minimizes spread and promotes quicker wound healing.

Pruning diseased Cytospora canker branches should be done when the foliage and wood are dry. The pathogen that causes Cytospora canker spreads and infects through pruning wounds, and moisture greatly increases that risk. When wood and leaves are dry, the cuts dry and callus over more quickly, reducing the chance of spores entering the wound and establishing infection. Cutting during rain or on a humid day leaves wet wounds that can easily be colonized and spread, making the pruning work any more likely to worsen the disease. Pruning during winter dormancy might be used for other reasons, but the key protective factor here is dryness, which minimizes spread and promotes quicker wound healing.