New Elderberry Plant, 3ft Tall, 3 Mos, Ago. Now, What Has Caused The Main Trunk To Be Hollowed Out?

Question

I first noticed the leaves turning yellow, then brown, then fall off as a branch. Being young, it is not a very big bush. It is in a transplant pot as well.(I planned on planting it in the ground next spring) As I proceeded to trim off yellow/brown leaves I noticed the top piece of the trunk was like a shell. I cut it off, only to find that it was hollowed out even further down towards the pot itself. I ended up cutting it all the way to the soil before it was not hollowed out; white inside and woody outside. The plant still has 3 canes left that started growth below where I cut the trunk. The canes are green, with no leaves left, and are between 12 to 24 inches. I also spray painted the tips of the canes to prevent any new disease. I don’t know if that was a good thing; I do it for the trees. Thank you for any and all help. I really would like to know what went wrong as I couldn’t find any information on this situation.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. There are many heart rot and root rot fungi that will do this, and they have no cure, unfortunately.

Usually, once you find this, the plant will need to be replaced. Keeping it healthy will keep it from contracting the illness again.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/heart-rot-in-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/biofungicide-information.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/planting-elderberry.htm