Fungal Researchers Fight Pathogens Killing Peach Trees
Cytospora has wreaked havoc among Colorado peach orchards for decades, and scientists at Colorado State University's College of Agricultural Sciences are trying to stop the tree-killing fungal pathogen.
Plant and fungal biologist and Colorado State University Assistant Professor Jane Stewart is leading a series of studies to arrive at a deeper understanding of the biology that makes up this pathogen, and to come up with an arsenal of best practices to ward off infections and help growers stay in the peach business. Strategies might range from choosing cultivars that are less susceptible to the fungus to changing how trees are cared for and pruned to limit the fungus's spread.