Kevin,
I had a number of apple trees that were collected, about 45 years of age and
they had the nodules on the roots. I never had one die or even suffer from
the disease. In fact, the appearance of the surface roots was so good I
tried to introduce it to other apples!
Jerry Meislik
Whitefish Montana USA
Zone 4-5
http://www.bonsaihunk.8m.com/
I have many Crab apples that have been grown from seed over the past 15
years. Some are now starting to thicken up and a couple are flowering.
Some of the best shaped ones have developed crown gall. After a lengthy
and disheartening Google session I found Brents article on Crab Apples.
The part I'm interested in states:-

"Crown gall is sometimes a 'problem'. This is a parasite that makes
warty nodules on the surface roots and crown of the plant. It seems to
cause no adverse symptoms, and some of my trees have lived with it for
years. The wonderful thing about it is that it creates spectacular
nebari. I have one plant in training that has about a two inch trunk,
but the gall covers about ten inches of root surface, which will nearly
fill the pot when it is finished"

I've seen no adverse effects in the growth of the trees either but many
of the Agricultural Extension Agents and other Tree disease specialists
state that the trees should be destroyed.

Just wondered what experience anyone else has, or if Brent still holds
this view.

Best wishes

Kev Bailey
Zone 9 Wales UK

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