Fungal causal agent: Glomerella cingulata.The asexual stage of the fungus is Colletotrichum gleosporioides

Symptoms: Sudden wilting of branches is usually the first indication of the disease. Gray blotches appear on bark of stem or branches. Underlying wood dies and bark may split to form open wounds or cankers. Leaves on affected branches turn chlorotic and branch tips die back.

Management:. Prune off and destroy infected twigs, several inches below visible canker, use a commercial wound dressing on all cuts. Plant in well-drained soil that has proper pH and fertility level. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization. Fungicide application during wet periods mainly in the spring and during period of normal leaf drop will help control the disease.Check http://premier.cdms.net/webapls/formsloginRef.asp?/webapls for currently labeled fungicides.