How to treat seemingly-diseased apricot tree?

Question:We are new owners that moved in during summer of 06', and we noticed that there was a sort of dark, extremely glutinous sap near the bottom of the trunk of our apricot tree. This spring, the glutinous stuff was gone, but several branches are now devoid of leaves, even though they were fine during the spring. The fruit seems to be growing well.

Is the tree diseased? What should we do about it? Are there sprays available to treat this? Thanks!

Answers:
I hate to start out on a negative note, so let me say good for you for trying to save your tree!
I believe you have one of several types of boring insects, they are the larvae of beetles or maybe some kind of moth.
Usually they bore in right to the site were the trunk was grafted to the root stock. But no matter. It sounds like you have these borers/whitish colored worms/maggots in your tree.
My guess is that at this point NO saving the tree! Again not your fault. BUT, try, go to a garden store, explain the sap or gumming problem and ask for a systemic that will be either absorbed through the roots or the leaves,Roots are best,
This will ONLY save the healthy part of the tree, it will not restore anything that is all ready damaged! SORRY.