[CANUFNET] Black knot problems in Edmonton

[Jim Donnelly]

We have run a black knot program the last 10 years when southern Alberta
started to have major issues. 

 

1.       We inspect all public cherries in early May (before leaf) and
again in August (for new infections)

2.       If a plant is found we perform a concentric survey inspection
of both public and private parcel cherries and hand out information
leaflets to home owners

3.       We inspect all nursery stock we buy and what the local
greenhouses/vendors buy in May

4.       When an infected tree is found we find out where the tree was
bought (so far with the exception of a few Canadian Tire trees most have
been from respectable nurseries)

5.       Amur still get black knot here

6.       We deal with the diseased wood the same as noxious weed seed
heads. Landfill it and ask for "immediate cover"

7.       Black Knot hasn't been nasty enough here yet to trial any
biological controls and most trees are found before more than a few
braches need to be removed so tree mortality is at 1 or 2 per year.

8.       These measures have kept BK under control so far however the
number of cases has doubled each of the last 3 years so what really has
to happen is better regulation in the nursery trade. Hopefully the
Nursery Certification Program continues to gather momentum.

 

 

Jim Donnelly

Integrated Pest Management Coordinator

Parks Operations

City of Grande Prairie, AB.

Tel:  780-513-5226

Fax: 780-532-7588

Cell: 780-814-3763 

jdonnelly at cityofgp.com   

 

From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net
[mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Trevor Thistle
Sent: February 10, 2010 1:42 PM
To: 'canufnet at list.web.net'
Cc: Kim Bendle; Costigan; Marshall Mithrush; Travis Kennedy; Rogers;
Prutton; Megan; Dan Chouinard; Mark Wartenbe; Bonnie Fermanuik; Norm;
Suzana Bodnar; Doug; John Helder; Bev Minsky; Guy Nighbor
Subject: [CANUFNET] Black knot problems in Edmonton

 

To Whom It May Concern:

 

For the past few years the City of Edmonton has been experiencing an
outbreak of black knot (Apiosporina morbosa). Edmonton's urban forestry
unit, River Valley Forestry and Environmental Services (RVFES) has been
responding by pruning out the visible fruiting bodies, and by removing
trees that are beyond saving. However, if we continue these practices we
will eventually end up removing thousands of our valuable ornamental
trees of the genus Prunus. So, we are asking other municipalities about
their experience with this fungal pathogen and what steps they have
taken to battle black knot. RVFES would greatly appreciate if you could
aid us in our fight against black knot by taking the time to answer the
following questions.

 

*         Does your region have problems with black knot? If so do you
have a campaign or strategy for combating it? If yes, how do you
communicate your strategy to the public, and what do you do to encourage
citizens to take care of black knot on their own trees?

*         If your municipality does treat for black knot, what
treatments were and were not successful?

*         How serious is black knot mortality in your municipality?

*         Aside from Amur cherry, do you know of any black knot
resistant varieties? Have you had success with any of these varieties?

*         How does your municipality dispose of infected material?

*         Has your municipality tried or had any success with the
biological control agent, Trichothecium roseum (fungal parasite)?

 

 

Thank you for you time, 

 

Trevor Thistle B.Sc. (Forestry)

Urban Forester & ISA Certified Arborist

The City of Edmonton, Asset Management and Public Works

River Valley Forestry and Environmental Services

Email: trevor.thistle at edmonton.ca

Ph: (780) 944-7833

Fax: (780) 496-4978

 

 

 

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