Though witches’ broom on a cherry can develop from any damage, it can also be caused by a fungal pathogen known as Taphrina, specifically T. cerasi or T. wiesneri. This fungal disease causes close bunches of quick growing, small branches to form on other cherrytree branches. Tree For Health 11:115–120 Zinno Y (1981) Witches’ broomofcherry and its control measures (in Japanese, title translated by the present authors). We attempted to detect the fungus tentatively overwintering in shoots and branches ofcherrytrees both having witches` broom and healthy before flowering and leafing in spring using PCR with species-specific primer set (TwITSF and TwITSR). In Oregon, the disease is only on sweet cherrytrees.Prune out the witches' brooms. Trace the main stem of the "broom" to where it grows from the normal branch, then cut the branch at least 12 inches below that point. Witches' broom in common hackberry tree.Witches' brooming, chlorosis, and general decline are symptoms of these diseases. Phytoplasma diseases may also be responsible for witches' brooming in lilac, dogwood, willow, apple, black locust, honeylocust, papaya, peach, and sassafras. Shoji T, Sato K (1980) Control of witches’ broom on cherrytrees caused by Taphrina wiesneri by pruning of the diseased twigs and fungicidal application (in Japanese with English summary). Witches’-broom disease ofcherry is a fungal disease similar to peach leaf curl. Infected branches develop large, dense, broomlike tufts of foliage. These branches typically do not produce flowers or fruit, making them particularly conspicuous during bloom. But I was shocked at the extent of the witches’ broom in the flowering cherrytrees.A bit of timely intervention would save these pretty trees that bring pleasure to so many. Left to its own devices, the witches’ broom will take over and necessitate the removal of the entire tree. The WitchesBroom disease ofcherry is not a disease well-known to American cherry-growers. It occurs sparingly in New York, but is said to be common in Oregon.Stewart, F. C. Witches' brooms on cherrytrees. New York (Geneva). Cherrywitches’-broomCherry lethal yellow Tomato big bud. Brassica rapa virescence. Cherry fasciated Luffa witches’-broom Pear decline. Rice yellow dwarf. Sugarcane white leaf.
