Cedar Apple Rust

Cedar apple rust is a common fungal infection in well- cedar and apple trees. The "galls" are brown. They have plenty of "tails or arms" so to speak. There shape is pretty noticeable. These galls only form on coniferous cedar and juniper trees. Apples, and sometimes other trees of the same genus, get leaf infections and infections in the fruit. The fruits can become deformed and taste really bad. It also reduces the potential yield. This is why the say to never (or try not to) to plant cedar or juniper near fruit trees. Junipers can handle the fungi pretty easily, but severe infestations could seriously compromise the health of the tree. Some cases may be fatal to unlucky trees. Juniper hosts seem to be the organism that sends spores out which infects fruit trees. The spores cause the fruit tree to become stressed, or destroys its leaves and fruit. There are not too many of these here in the area, but I will certainly continue to study these fungi. 
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=== Trees infected- ===
Juniper (most common host) , Cedars
Spores will infect apple trees, but has been seen on other fruit trees in the same genus. 
=== How to treat- ===
If the infestation is very minor, the host trees will not be harmed. If you have apple trees, or simply don't appreciate these galls, they are easily removed. You can easily cut the twig that holds the gall. Some trees may need regular pruning like this, as the galls may be more persistent, especially if there are a lot of neighbor apple or cedar/juniper trees. While cases are rarely severe, they make a spray you can buy that is said to kill the fungus and can help the host recover and fight off the fungus. If cases are extreme, and there are too many galls, the host will unfortunately need to be removed. This many galls can cause health hazards to the host and others the spores may infect. It is easily preventable by keeping cedars and junipers away from fruit trees.
Category:Plant Disease
Category:Nature