General Plant Diseases
Angular leaf spot, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas fragariae, seems to be a problematic in numerous strawberry plantings this spring. This disease is favored by cold, wet conditions, so given the weather conditions we’ve had across the state this spring, it’s no surprise that we are seeing problems. The bacteria get spread within a planting by splashing of water droplets. Needing to use overhead irrigation for frost protection can make the problem worse.
Previously, butternut was thought to be not susceptible to Thousand Cankers Disease. Recent reports have clearly shown now that butternut is susceptible.
There are reports noting that in the sunny South, they are finding a lot of downy mildew on various plants...already!
While most nematodes are soil-dwelling, the foliar nematode Aphelenchoides lives only briefly in soil. More importantly, it lives on the above-ground portions of plants, often without causing any obvious symptoms.
Important information for all who work with greenhouse crops!
Over the last 3 weeks, the Plant Disease Clinic has received many greenhouse samples with root problems from a wide variety of plant material.
Two closely related viruses, Impatiens Necrotic Spot (INSV), and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), once called the I-strain and L-strain of tomato spotted wilt, have been widespread and devastating in the greenhouse industry.
There is some great information available for Christmas tree growers that could also be of interest to anyone managing conifers on landscape sites.
Look out Rudbeckia, here I come!
Over-fertilization of commercial pot or container-grown crops results in high concentrations of soluble salts in the potting medium.
During the holidays, many people make or distribute decorations that contain boxwood cuttings. If you work with boxwood, you should be aware of the potential for spreading this devastating disease.
This is a great tool to use when monitoring for any turf or landscape pests.
Spring is a key time for disease control. This is especially true for many leaf, needle, and flower diseases, regardless of the type of plant involved.
