This winter in the arboretum we have been working towards bringing an endemic disease under control. The cedar-apple-rust, although entirely a native affliction, reduces fruit yields of the mayhaw trees and has definite aesthetic drawbacks. A large number of galls growing in
one specific Eastern Red Cedar brought our attention to the rust. After further investigation into the issue, it was determined that the best course of action is to interrupt the life cycle of the fungus by spraying a known host of the rust, the mayhaws. So far, three applications of the fungicide Immunox have been applied to
the four mayhaws. This week, we noticed that the galls in the eastern red cedars are undergoing a change, taking on an orange hue and becoming even more hideous. For educational purposes, pictures follow....
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| Using a pruning hook, galls were removed from the low-hanging branches of the eastern red cedars. Unfortunately, the largest galls are out of reach. The specimens pictured are sized between a walnut and a chicken egg. |
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| Three different stages of gall development. |
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| This gall is opening, preparing to release spores into the environment. The most disturbing form has yet to appear. |
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| Breaking the galls up into pieces, we see that the inside is changing colors, turning orange. Previously, the interior was green and white like the interior of an apple. |
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| The mayhaws were sprayed with Immunox again this week. The flower buds are opening up! |
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| The flower buds appear in clusters. |
