Training and Pruning

• Start training young trees early to prevent broken limbs as a result of poor tree structure. Broken branches create susceptible sites for cytospora infection.
• Prune regularly so that large cuts will not be necessary. Prune during or after bloom; actively growing trees can protect pruning cuts from infection. Do not leave pruning stubs; stubs die and can harbor the disease, which can then infect healthy branches. Remove or spread narrow-angled crotches since they tend to split and serve as infection sites. Remove all weak and dead wood and fruit mummies. Spray newly pruned trees the same day if possible or before the next rain with a fungicide used to control brown rot.