What is a canker?

A canker is defined as a necrotic area or lesion that develops on the bark of woody plants. This condition usually manifests as sunken, discolored spots or areas on the bark, which can lead to dieback of twigs, branches, or even the entire plant if the canker is severe. Cankers often result from various factors, including environmental stress, mechanical injury, or infections primarily caused by fungi or bacteria that invade the bark tissue.

Understanding the nature of a canker as a lesion helps in managing plant health. Recognizing these lesions early can be crucial for implementing appropriate treatments or cultural practices to help prevent the spread of the infection or improve the overall vigor of the affected plants.