First Report of Gummosis Disease of Major Fruits in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Pakistan

Abstract

Gummosis is the most severe disease on the fruit trees of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region of Pakistan. In summer 2016, gummosis disease was observed on apricots, cherry, peach, plum and almonds trees in orchards of Nomal and Nagar Valleys in GB region of Pakistan. The diseased trees initially exhibited sunken lesions on the trunks, twigs and branches of fruit trees. Later these sunken lesions become darker in color and exudation of yellowish or whitish or transparent gum through these lesions become prominent. With the age of plants canker develops on the trunk and branches of fruit trees. Gummosis can result from infection by plant pathogen, due to climatic changes, injuries and pest infestations. The disease can be controlled by cultural, biological and chemical methods. To my knowledge, this is the first report of gummosis disease on apricots, cherry, peach, plum and almonds of GB. Key-words: Gummosis, Plant disease, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Fruit trees, cankers