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Diseases & Disorders of Cherry

Some of the same diseases attack apples, pears and cherries.  Many diseases of cherries  are significantly more serious during seasons in which rain cracking occurs.  Cracks in cherries act like wounds, and are entry points for fungal spores to enter the fruit. Two postharvest diseases unique to cherries are Cladosporium Rot (Cladosporium herbarum) and Rhizopus Rot (Rhizopus spp.).  Spores from these fungi enter the fruit through breaks in the skin, and proceed to decay the fruit. Careful handling, removal of damaged fruit, and rapid cooling are effective methods of decay management for these diseases.

To learn more about postharvest diseases of cherries, and orchard and packinghouse practices, visit the WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center Postharvest Information Network site.

 

Washington State University