DESCRIPTION: An ascomycete fungus is responsible for these galls known as Pocket Plum's due to the fact that the infecting species destroys the inner stone and seed and leaves a hollow (pocket) within each fruit. The galls are elongated and green at first but as the ascomycete fungus grows over the corrugated outside surface of the fruit the appearance becomes dirty grey to even orange-brown. During the summer months the spores infect stems and await the production of the following years fruit to start the cycle again. DISTRIBUTION: Occasional but where found can be quite plentiful. HABITAT: On fruit of Blackthorns, Plums, Almonds and other related fruits. |
