Guangzhou Fuerle Health Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.fuerlegroup.com
How to control poplar bacterial ulcer and rotten skin disease
Poplar bacterial ulcer and canker diseases are primarily found in the northeastern, northwestern, and northern regions of China. These diseases are common and frequently occurring in shelterbelts, timber forests, and urban and rural poplar plantations. They are globally recognized as major trunk diseases affecting poplar trees and have been a persistent issue in many regions.
The causative bacteria of these diseases are widespread in nature and can remain dormant within poplar trees for extended periods. The occurrence of the disease is closely related to various stress factors such as frost damage, sunburn, insect infestation, salt injury, and drought. Trees that suffer from these damages are more susceptible to infection.
Planting large seedlings or saplings with excessive transplanting, long root exposure, or poor pruning techniques can weaken the tree’s vitality, making it more prone to disease. Additionally, in areas or years with unfavorable environmental conditions—such as drought, heat stress, sunburn, and frost—the disease tends to spread rapidly, causing significant economic losses.
Symptoms of the disease typically appear on the branches and trunks of poplar trees. In early spring and summer, dark brown, water-soaked lesions form on young shoots, leading to small tumor-like swellings. Over time, these swellings may dry out, shrink, and develop cracks. Beneath the bark, rotting occurs, and the phloem and xylem may show discoloration, often appearing brown on the surface.
As the disease progresses into summer, the infected area begins to crack, exuding a foul-smelling brown mucus. In later stages, the tumors continue to grow, and wounds do not heal. During rainy periods or high humidity, black spots may appear on the affected skin, from which a milky white paste emerges and gradually turns orange. If left unchecked, the disease can spread up the branches and down to the roots, causing internal wood discoloration, rot, and the formation of dead branches.
The pathogenic bacteria survive in diseased bark for many years and become active during wet, rainy springs. In northern China, the disease typically starts in mid to late March, peaks in May and June, and becomes less severe in July, ceasing completely by September. The spread of the bacteria is aided by rain, wind, insects, birds, and human activities. It enters through wounds, leaf scars, bud scales, and other openings.
To manage the disease, strict quarantine measures should be enforced. Diseased seedlings and cuttings must not be transported, and any suspicious materials should be disinfected. Before introducing new planting material, it should be quarantined and tested for disease-free status. Using disease-resistant varieties instead of susceptible ones is an effective preventive strategy.
Infected trees should be removed and destroyed promptly. For prevention, applying a mixture of Tianlin plant energy (600 times), Tianda 2116 cell membrane stabilizer (600 times), and Tianda organic silicon (6000 times) in early spring and late autumn can help strengthen the trees. For already infected trees, a combination of Tianda 2116 (50 times), Tianlin plant energy (50 times), and Tianda silicone (100 times) can promote recovery and enhance tree vigor.