Sudden Sorbus Deaths

[Tallgrass]

Hi all,

 

In Sheffield we've noticed several previously healthy whitebeam and rowan which have put on small amounts of growth earlier this year and then recently the foliage has suddenly withered, browned and growth has stopped entirely, giving the appearance the tree is dead.

 

We can only think it is some sort of bacterial infection (though no signs), or simply the dry period we had here around easter until recently.

 

Has anyone else noticed this in their locality?

 

We're wondering about leaving 1 to see if it will come back next year, but only if there's one in a safe location.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks

Leonie

[Chris at eden]

If it was an environmental issue such as drought it wouldn't really be targeting Sorbus, unless they are all newly planted I suppose.

 

As a guess possibly Fireblight which as you say is bacterial and is host specific to Rosaceae including Sorbus.

 

Any pics?

[Pinkfoot]

Fireblight i would imagine.

I noticed it on some whitebeam at a well known large tree nursery whilst cutting budding wood last summer.

I think they had to muller the lot.

 

sent from my phone but never in work time.