Which insect is primarily responsible for gum deposits in cherry trees?

• A. Emerald ash borer
• B. Gypsy moth
• C. Peach bark beetle
• D. Asian longhorn beetle

Answer: (C)

Gum deposits in cherry trees are typically a sign of a bark beetle attack. When beetles bore under the bark, the tree oozes resin to defend itself, creating gum pockets and visible pitch tubes on the bark. The peach bark beetle is a well-known pest of stone fruits, including cherries, and its boring activity triggers this gum response as the tree tries to seal the wounds. The other insects listed don’t usually cause this gum behavior in cherry trees: emerald ash borer targets ash and leads to dieback rather than gum; gypsy moth mainly causes defoliation; Asian longhorn beetle damages various hardwoods but gum formation in cherry isn’t its typical symptom. So the insect most closely associated with gum deposits in cherry trees is the peach bark beetle.