Bacterial canker of peach (Xantomonas pruni) is an infectious disease and one of the scourges of peach culture, particularly in borderline growing areas with tree- damaging low temperatures. Apart from tree and soil management practices to minimize chances of infection, including peach borer damage, there is the standard curative attempt of cutting out the infected tissue with a sanitized knife or chisel, covering the wound with pruning compound and hoping for the best.

My experience indicates that better infection stop and healing is possible by brushing the cut and surrounding area with a disinfectant solution and letting it dry before applying pruning compound over it. I prefer Microklene* (USDA Reg. No. 1677-22) as a disinfectant. It is a complex iodine material with bacteriostic (and, possibly, some localized systemic) properties which affords longer protection than the generally recommended hypochlorite solution (Javex etc.). It is also less corrosive and contains surface-active ingredients which promote thorough wetting and tissue penetration. As a sanitizing material it is widely used in hospitals and food establishments. While it works for me in the everlasting battle against peach canker, I suggest that more exacting experimentation than a home garden can accommodate is desirable, especially in terms of phytotoxicity and long-term effectiveness. I use Microklene mixed with an equal portion of tap water.

*Manufacturer: Klenzade Division, Economics Laboratory Inc., Osborn Building, St. Paul, Minnesota

IBN BOTLAN: Tacuini Sanitatis. 1531.