Crown rot disease is caused by the fungus that causes Phytophthora tot but causes decay at the tree roots or crown. Disease symptoms include delayed bud break and bark discoloration and twig die back. Carefully remove some of the soil from the plant roots, taking care not to injure the tree. Scrape away the outer bark to reveal interior wood that is reddish brown and water soaked, confirming that the apple tree is infected with crown rot. There is no cure for crown rot and the apple tree will likely eventually die. Plant apple trees in areas with good drainage, as recommended. Commercially grown apples are subject to a variety of chemical treatments because apples are prone to so many diseases and pests.
What is crown rot of Apple and what are the symptoms?
