Is Black Knot Fungus Harmful To Humans?
There is no evidence to suggest that black knot fungus affects human beings. Black knot fungus primarily affects Prunus trees, and it is seen as a tumor-shaped sturdy, jagged, unkempt black galls on the branches and trunks of these plants. Tree branches and trunks are usually affected by the fungus. This plant disease is caused by a fungus Apiosporina morbosa (also recognized as Dibotryon morbosum and Plowrightia morbsum). ..
The fungus Trichothecium roseum attacks trees in the genus Prunus, including peach, mayday, flowering almond, amur cherry, Japanese plum, and apricot. The size of the knots can vary from 0.5 inches to 12 inches (1-30 cm), but one tree may have many infected knots. Sometimes knots appear whitish or light pink due to the fungal parasite. ..
Recognition of Black knot fungus
Black knot fungus is a fungus that can cause harm to humans. The fungus first appears as a tiny olive-green gall, and as conidia develop over the surface, it becomes harmful. After 2-3 years of ripeness, the swelling grows bristly charcoal black. The gall will transit the infection by forsaking hundreds of sexual spores called ascospores during early spring. ..
Black knot fungus is a fungal infection that can spread through heavy wind currents and rain. The fungus grows best in warm, moist environments, such as around trees that have been injured or bruised. ..
Concealment of Black knot fungus
Pruning or trimming of the infected areas of the tree is effective and easier because during late fall or winter trees become naked. So, it will be easier to identify the actual area of infection by the fungus. Early spring can also be an optimum time to lop off the infected parts. Loping off the infected area 6-8 inches to decrease the risk of spreading again and does not prevail over and embezzle the tree.
After completion of the pruning, make sure the tools gets sterilized so that the infection does not reach another tree. Dereliction of any of these steps will not conceal the growth of the Black knot fungus. The pruned part infected with the fungus should be buried under the ground or burned as the knot can release spores for up to four months after cutting. Plants need to get the care and must be monitored to prevent any further infection by the fungus. Avoid planting trees in areas already affected with Black knot fungus or deserted orchards, where the trees are audited with disease. For better plantation cut off the diseased or wild varieties of plants and trees which may harm the new young disease-free plant.
Treating of Black knot fungus
One effective way to treat the infection created by the Black knot fungus is to use a fungicide. Using a limited quantity of insecticides and pesticides can be useful for the tree as it will prevent the growth of unwanted infections and diseases. For trees bearing fruits, organic treatments can be helpful. But using a huge amount of fungicide or pesticide can become harmful as it will damage the internal tissue of the plant. The frequency of using the fungicide should match the level and depth of the infection.
Fungicides are typically used for more serious infections, but can also be effective for trivial ones. Pruning is usually the best way to control Black knot fungus, though some trees have a genetic resistance to it. Biological control with the fungal parasite Trichothecium roseum can be an effective way to knock down growth of this fungus. ..
Black Knot’s origin
The black knot fungus is a plant disease that is most common in America, especially in Northeast America. It is prevalent in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
There are few cases of the attack of the Black knot fungus harming humans in Asiatic countries. Researchers have discovered that the young twigs and leaves die during the first stage of infection, trunks and heavy branches get slowly damaged by the Black knot fungus. Trees that have multiple knots may lose their attractiveness and productiveness. It will result in stunted growth of the tree if the Black knot attacks the young plant.
Conclusion
Commercial and non-profit-making plants often suffer from plant diseases and infections. Gardeners must be aware of these diseases in order to prevent them from infecting the trees and the plants.
