Northwest Cherry Growers Asked To Watch Out For LCD

Last week, Washington State University said Little Cherry Disease was approaching epidemic numbers across the central and eastern portions of the state.  Scott Harper with WSU says LCD impacts not only the size of the fruit, but the taste and overall quality.

He said while the disease is nothing news, it’s been in the Northwest for roughly 50 years, this cycle is particularly bad.  Harper said it’s important that between now and the 2019 cherry season, growers get out, scout and look for symptoms of Little Cherry Disease.

“We need to identify these trees, mark them and take them out.  Because as long as they are out there, they cause the spread.  And until we can get on top of that spread and take out the affected material, we’re going to keep seeing this disease.”

Harper added it’s vital for the next couple of seasons that growers are proactive.

“Being on top of bug spraying to try and keep down the vectors and most importantly the only way to control this kind of disease is to identify and take out those infected trees.  Because as long as there are trees out there that are infected, they’re going to be spreading it to their neighbors to neighbors fields, across the entire area.”

For additional details about Little Cherry Disease, Click Here.

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