Branch Mutations or Fasciation

With Halloween just weeks away, we thought it would be fitting to discuss a phenomenon that manifests itself in fruit tree branches, causing them to flatten, twist and fork in abnormal ways. This mutation of branches is called fasciation and can be the result of several different factors. When the terminal bud is affected by insects, fungi, bacteria, or viral infections, the hormonal or genetic make up of the branch is changed, causing it to grow in a deformed manner.

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This abnormality is nothing to be concerned about. It only affects the tips of branches and will not spread like some fruit tree diseases. When you see branch tips that are flattened, curled, and/or abnormally forked you will now be able to identify it as fasciation.

How do you fix the problem? Simply prune it out. Tip small branches back to a healthy node or cut it back to a fork. Once removed, your tree will continue to grow and thrive as it did before. If you find enough of them, maybe you could make a fun, mutant, Halloween arrangement to set next to the candy bowl.

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