Principles of Eradicative Pruning

Abstract

Excision of infected or infested branches from woody plants was recommended as a control tactic more than 150 years ago. The term "eradicative pruning" was first introduced for Dutch elm disease control. Eradicative pruning can eliminate local and regional branch (limb) infection or infestation to prevent further spread of a pathogen or pest in the tree. When combined with other chemical and cultural treatments, eradicative pruning fits well to the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or Plant Health Care (PHC). Timing of pruning, severity and extent of symptoms, location of pathogen or pest attack, stage of infection or infestation, and contamination of pruning tools all influence the success of eradicative pruning. This report presents a guide for selected disease and pest attacks that can be successfully eradicated from woody plants in California.