Rough-surfaced, hard or soft, spongy, swollen tumors or galls up to several inches in diameter may form on stems or roots. Galls may be flesh colored, green, or dark. Galls are usually found near or below the soil line. Galls may form at wounds made during propagation. As galls continue to develop and enlarge, surface layers may become brown, woody, and roughened. Plants with crown gall usually become unhealthy and possibly stunted. Plant death may eventually occur.

Azalea leaf gall can be removed and destroyed to prevent spread.

For peach leaf curl, apply two to three fungicide treatments. At 50% leaf fall in late October, apply one to two dormant sprays in late winter before flower buds open.

Crown gall may be more severe in heavy soils where water stands. Avoid fields/planting sites with a history of crown gall. Destroy infected ornamental plants with crown gall. Fumigation may kill beneficial microbes that would inhibit crown gall bacterium. Biological controls are available for crown gall. Dip plants in biocontrol solution prior to planting.

For chemical control recommendations, consult the Insect and Plant Disease Control Manual, UT Extension Publication 1690, found here. Please contact your local Extension office for specific pesticide recommendations.