Occurrence and Distribution of Stem Pitting of Sweet Cherry Trees in Washington. G. I. Mink, Professor of Plant Pathology, Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Prosser, WA 99350. W. E. Howell, Agricultural Research Technologist III, Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Prosser, WA 99350. Plant Dis. 64:551-552. Copyright 1980 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-64-551.

Trunk pitting was observed on nearly 20% of 22,586 trees examined in 12 commercial sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) orchards located throughout central Washington. Pitted trees were found among all varieties examined, but reduced tree vigor was associated with severe pitting symptoms only for trees with Montmorency (P. cerasus L.) interstocks. In five foundation and mother block plantings maintained by Washington State Nursery Improvement Program, only 1.7% of 1,726 trees exhibited wood pitting. The incidence of pitting was lower in commercial plantings established with certified trees than in similar plantings established with uncertified trees.