Peach Jelly

[Zonsius]

While pruning a peach tree today, I found a jelly-type substance leaking from a small lower limb at the base of the tree. I amputated the limb but am concerned the entire tree may be diseased. Any thoughts on what may be causing this jelly-type substance, and any advice on how I may counter the problem and save my precious peach tree? Thanks in advance for any input.

Zonsius, SouthEastern Michigan

 

[Dadatwins]

Welcome, peach, apple, and many fruit trees sometimes get borers that cause a jellylike substance ( sap) that comes out of the entrance hole. There are chemicals to help but it will affect fruit production, and probably make the fruit unedible for the season. Difficult to diagnose exactly what the cause is without being on site and seeing it, some pics might help or hire an arborist to look at the problem.

 

[sloth9669]

kidding

Can it and sell its as all natural peach jelly....could get a good price with all the health freaks out there...as for the tree if you have many more just cut it and run. i myself would not risk the health of other trees to save one.

 

[Trinity Honoria]

why are you pruning a fruit tree in the season when the fruit is being formed???

just curious... stupid homeowner here...

 

[greg carr]

Peach Tree Borer. google it and you can find treatment options

 

[ROLLACOSTA]

could be canker,very common on prunus

 

[PWB]

why are you pruning a fruit tree in the season when the fruit is being formed???

just curious... stupid homeowner here...

He might be a little late, but not by a lot. Things are just starting to break dormancy up here! Crocus/daffodill just in flower, no sign of the tulips yet! Forsythia is in bloom.

 

[Zonsius]

Thanks to all for the many responses. I had feared it might be a borer. The tree sits next to a second (uninfected) peach tree and two cherries. I did google the peach tree borer and found that chemical prevention is the best bet for survival. Because there are merely four trees, I definitely don't want to down the infected peach tree, so I'll call an arborist instead. Damned borers. They've killed a large percentage of the ash trees here in Michigan. The only borer I would welcome would be the Cottonwood Borer. But I don't believe they exist...

 

[Dadatwins]

Thanks to all for the many responses. I had feared it might be a borer. The tree sits next to a second (uninfected) peach tree and two cherries. I did google the peach tree borer and found that chemical prevention is the best bet for survival. Because there are merely four trees, I definitely don't want to down the infected peach tree, so I'll call an arborist instead.

Look for someone with a pesticide applicators license and insurance. Be sure to ask what chemical treatment is used, if any and ask if the fruit would be edible this season. Many borer treatments make the fruit unedibile for 1 growing season. Good luck.