The term anthracnose refers to the dark blotching (necrotic) symptom common to these diseases. When expanding leaves are affected, leaf distortion frequently results (Figure 1). Defoliation (leaf drop) often occurs during severe infections. The disease is generally not fatal, and…
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The Dark Side of Black Root Rot in Ornamentals
Black root rot can affect a wide range of ornamentals in home and commercial landscapes, nurseries, and greenhouses. Black root rot is commonly observed on Japanese and blue hollies, inkberry, pansy, petunia, and vinca. Black Root Rot Facts Symptoms are…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs, Ornamentals
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust
Cedar-hawthorn rust is a common disease of apple, crabapple, hawthorn, and ornamental pear in Kentucky; it also affects quince, mountain ash, pear, and serviceberry. The pathogen overwinters as galls on its alternate hosts, cedar and juniper. Removal of these galls…
Posted in Fruit, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Volutella Blight of Boxwood
Volutella blight is the most common disease of boxwood in the landscape. Volutella blight is caused by an opportunistic fungal pathogen that attacks leaves and stems of damaged or stressed plants. Winter injury, poor vigor, and wounds increase risk for…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Dogwood Anthracnose Spotted
Anthracnose of dogwood is a common problem in Kentucky. Symptoms on landscape and forest dogwoods often first appear during wet periods in late spring. If left unmanaged, the pathogen spreads, eventually resulting in plant death. Selection of resistant varieties and…
Posted in Forest Trees, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Leaf Scorch and Winter Drying of Woody Plants
Leaf scorch occurs whenever water needed for growth and health of plant foliage is lost from leaves faster than it can be replaced from soil. Any factor that interferes with uptake or movement of water through plants cause water deficiency…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Avoid Introduction of Boxwood Blight into the Landscape
Boxwood blight can be devastating to American boxwood cultivars, which are common in Kentucky landscapes. Complete defoliation can occur within a week, and plants can die within a single growing season. Use of tolerant cultivars, cultural practices, and fungicides can…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
