Unfortunately black knot is very common disease, and easily vectored in by insects. You can protect the
tree against insects by giving it a ground drench of Merit. This may help, and also make sure you don't do any pruning until the late fall, after the insects have died off.
However, if your
tree does develop the disease, prune off any infected branches immediately! The sooner the better. If you can catch it while the galls are still green, you stand a better chance of the diesase not spreading as rapidly.
Do not dispose of infected materials (including leaves) in a mulch pile) It is best to burn it or if not possible at least dispose of it in the garbage.