Cherry Flowering Bushes Infestation

Question: Hello,
As you can see by the attachments, my 5 bushes are totally infested w/this black spotted fungus.  I cut these bushes back last August/2022 due to the info I could gather online.  I treated them & the soil w/Daconil spray as pictured.  I read how it is VERY hard to eradicate this problem.  So lucky me…..it’s all back this year.  I just got done cutting as much of the branches off so as not to have more spread before I can get some professional advice.  Also,  bagging these trimmings & being careful not to spread the spores.  Do you have any solutions to this problem?  I would certainly appreciate it.  Thanks!
Jan

responder: Thank you for your question!   Replied June 20, 2023, 12:40 PM EDT
response: Actually, you have scale, not black spotted fungus.  Which is why the Daconil is not helping.  Scale is an insect that has a hard shell to protect them while they feed on the plant.  Most likely, the crawling stage of the scale, which is much smaller, fed on the leaves in early spring.  Now you are seeing the adults on the stems.  If you saw black sooty mold on your leaves (which would reasonably lead you to believe the plant has a fungus) that is honeydew.  When the crawler stage feeds, they release a sticky substance called honeydew that collects dirt and debris from the air and makes the leaves look like they have a fungus.   I don't know which scale you have, there are many kinds, but usually you would treat your shrubs in the early spring just as the are budding out with a dormant oil.  If you decide to treat your shrubs, be sure it is labeled for use on scale and follow the directions for time of use.  If these are fruiting cherry bushes, be sure the product label states it can be used on fruit trees.   Pruning the bushes for more air circulation will also help.   Here is an article on scale for more information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/controlling_scale_insects_in_fruits

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 9:45 PM EDT
response: Hi Barbara, Thanks so much for your quick  response.  I really appreciate all of your detailed answers.  I’m disappointed that I cut all of my bushes back.  These cherry flowering bushes definitely have scale and honey dew.  I will treat them as the products suggest & hope for the best.  Hopefully I can eliminate this problem from my plants once & for all.Thanks again,JanSent from my iPhoneOn Jun 20, 2023, at 12:40 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Thank you for your question!   Replied June 21, 2023, 9:51 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!  It's okay that you cut them back, you have a pretty bad infestation.  When you have time, go to www.migarden.msu.edu then search Pruning.  Here you will learn lots of tips on pruning which will also help your shrubs.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 2:32 PM EDT
response: Thanks again Barbara, for all of your helpful tips.  It’s nice to know that I can get reputable information on any of my plant problems as opposed to searching online & not being sure of what to do.Take care,JanSent from my iPhone On Jun 21, 2023, at 9:51 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿