Which statement about cytospora canker is true?

Which statement about cytospora canker is true?

• A. It causes dieback and cankers on branches
• B. It is not a plant disease
• C. It only affects roots
• D. It is treated with water only

Answer: (A)

Cytospora canker is a fungal disease that invades woody tissue and forms sunken cankers on branches, often leading to dieback as the infection disrupts the transport of water and nutrients. The branch dieback and the characteristic cankers along the bark are classic symptoms, which is why that statement accurately describes what the disease does. This disease is a plant pathogen, not something that isn’t a plant disease, so saying it isn’t a plant disease would be incorrect. It doesn’t only affect roots; while root issues can occur, the most visible and damaging effects are on branches and stems where the cankers appear. And treatment isn’t accomplished by watering alone—fungal diseases like cytospora are managed by removing infected wood, sanitizing tools, improving tree vigor, and, when labeled, applying appropriate fungicides; simply hydrating the plant won’t resolve the infection.

Cytospora canker is a fungal disease that invades woody tissue and forms sunken cankers on branches, often leading to dieback as the infection disrupts the transport of water and nutrients. The branch dieback and the characteristic cankers along the bark are classic symptoms, which is why that statement accurately describes what the disease does.

This disease is a plant pathogen, not something that isn’t a plant disease, so saying it isn’t a plant disease would be incorrect. It doesn’t only affect roots; while root issues can occur, the most visible and damaging effects are on branches and stems where the cankers appear. And treatment isn’t accomplished by watering alone—fungal diseases like cytospora are managed by removing infected wood, sanitizing tools, improving tree vigor, and, when labeled, applying appropriate fungicides; simply hydrating the plant won’t resolve the infection.