2023-11-12 11:57:00
By Marike Stucke | November 12, 2023, 12:57 p.m
Similar to humans, plants can also get cancer. Tumors, i.e. growths or tumors, also form here. MyHOMEBOOK explains here how this happens and how plant cancer can be treated.
Unfortunately, cancer is one of the most common civilization diseases affecting humanity. This disease, in which cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors, also occurs in animal species. And plants can also form tumors. These can be caused by bacteria, pests, fungi or viruses, but genetic factors can also play a role. The tumors often form above the roots on the plant stem and can increasingly hinder the transport of water and nutrients as their size increases. Sooner or later this leads to the death of the plant. Plant cancer is therefore a feared disease, especially among fruit growers. But the disease can also affect plants in the home garden.
Causes of plant cancer
There are roughly three main triggers of plant cancer:
Acrobacterium tumefaciens: This type of bacteria lives in the soil beneath the plants and can enter the cells through wound wounds on the plant. Here the bacterium transfers genetic information into the cell nucleus. The altered DNA of the cells in question then causes them to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor.
Ascomycetes: This type of fungus also penetrates plants through wounds, usually in fruit trees. Here the infestation causes the bark to partially swell and form spherical tumors. Shoots and leaves that lie above such swollen balls usually die early.
Apfelblutlaus: This species of louse, originally from North America, prefers to suck on the trunks of apple, quince and sometimes pear trees. This causes so-called plant galls and woody outgrowths to form, which act like tumors. Because of their cause, these growths are also called blood louse cancer.
Can plant cancer be treated?
Unfortunately, there are only a few ways to combat plant cancer. Tumors are often initially mistaken for normal, benign plant growths, which are quite common on fruit trees. The basic rule is: If a tumor only occurs on a single branch that can be removed cleanly, it should be removed as early as possible. In the already weakened tree, the wound should be well cared for, disinfected and coated with wound closure agent. In this way, reinfection can be prevented in the best case scenario.
Also interesting: Should tree wounds be closed or should they be left open?
If the tumor is located directly on the trunk of a tree, it is usually not possible to remove it without destroying the entire plant. The only thing that can be done here is to strengthen the plant. To do this, weakened or dead branches and twigs should be removed. Sufficient fertilizer and water should also be given to strengthen the plant from within.
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Prevent plant cancer
As a preventative measure, it makes sense to ensure healthy and strong plants. Healthy plants are generally less frequently attacked by the various pathogens or are able to defend themselves better on their own if they are attacked. Prevention starts with the right location. A sun-loving plant will grow less vigorously in a shady location and will therefore be more susceptible to disease. Good ventilation of all parts of the plant should also always be ensured. For fruit trees, for example, this means that fruit trees are pruned regularly. Dead branches and too much moisture can otherwise promote the formation of diseases and the growth of plant cancer-causing fungi.
In general, good plant health ensures greater resistance to serious diseases. Pests such as aphids or fungal diseases should be treated as early as possible and as gently as possible. Once the plant’s defenses are weakened, other diseases such as plant cancer have an easy time.
Anyone who has ever had plants with cancer in their garden should exercise particular caution and hygiene. Cutting equipment must be thoroughly disinfected following cutting, especially of infected branches. Clippings from infected plants should under no circumstances be disposed of in the compost. Existing pathogens would only spread further and end up with new hosts with the next compost addition. Parts of diseased trees or other plants belong in the trash. This applies to all plant diseases or pest infestations, not just plant cancer.
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