Potential VSD? (Trees)

Question: We received chokecherry seedlings from a nursery for our tree sale. All the seedlings have white fungal growth on the leaf scars. Can you test for Vascular Streak Decline? Or confirm that it’s not VSD?

I sampled a couple seedlings to look for the vascular streaking/mottling, but could not confirm that way. The tips also appear to be dying on some seedlings.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 10:25 AM EDT
response: Good morning, just wondered why there has been no follow up yet? Thanks. JoshOn Thu, May 4, 2023 at 2:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Dear Joshua, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0098419: Potential VSD? We received chokecherry seedlings from a nursery for our tree sale. All the seedlings have white fungal growth on the leaf scars. Can you test for Vascular Streak Decline? Or confirm that it’s not VSD? I sampled a couple seedlings to look for the vascular streaking/mottling, but could not confirm that way. The tips also appear to be dying on some seedlings. Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.-- Joshua Isaac FAP District ForesterCCF SAF Candidate Certified ForesterCertified Inspector with American Tree Farm SystemDickinson/Menominee Conservation DistrictOffice: <personal data hidden> ext. 100Cell: <personal data hidden><personal data hidden>- “Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching- even when doing the wrong thing is legal.”― Aldo Leopold

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied May 10, 2023, 10:33 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your patience in waiting for a reply. There is a vascular streak dieback known in redbuds, and symptoms of this would include streaking within the bark rather than on the outside. I'm not familiar with a vascular streak disease in chokecherry.   These white marks are likely storage mold. It is a type of growth that can occur on bare root plants before they are planted. It's unlikely to impact the growth of the plants.