The symptoms appear only on infected fruit. Carpels of the fruit are replaced by sclerotia, which enlarge and extend beyond healthy berries. White mulberry varieties and hybrids are more susseptible to popcorn disease. This disease is not considered economically important on ornamental mulberries. However, popcorn disease on mulberries propagated for fruit production can cause high yield losses.
Control is achieved by taking sanitary measures.
Remove and bury the infected fruit on the trees and any ground debris as it appears during the growing season. Please contact your local county extension office for current information.