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Leaf Spots and Shothole

Phyllosticta sp. and Dothiorella candollei (formerly Macrophoma candollei)

1 host plant

Last updated

Data Coverage 3 of 6 dimensions
Causal Agent
Host Plants
Symptoms
Management
GDD Threshold
Regional Notes

English laurel shows small spots that drop out, leaving holes in the leaf. Multiple fungi cause this; Phyllosticta is common. Cut out dead branches, thin canopy, prune during dry fall weather, and ensure well-drained soil at pH 6.8-7.5. Light shade can reduce injury. Remove fallen leaves in fall.

Leaf spot and blotch diseases are primarily cosmetic on established plants, though repeated years of heavy infection can weaken them. Rake up and remove fallen leaves to reduce the spore load going into the next season. Avoid overhead watering that splashes spores from the ground onto lower leaves. If the problem is severe, protective fungicide sprays during spring leaf emergence can help, but sanitation does more than chemistry for most leaf spots.

Quick Reference

Causal Agent
Phyllosticta sp. and Dothiorella candollei (formerly Macrophoma candollei)
Host Plants
1

Management

Cultural Controls

  • Cut out all dead branches. Remove dead leaves from crotch areas inside the canopy. Space and prune (thin) plants for good air circulation. Thinning is best done in the fall during dry weather using sharp bypass pruners. Grow plants in well-drained media or soil with a pH between 6.8 and 7.5. Light shade of 20% can also reduce injury from summer and
  • Remove and destroy old leaves, flowers, and other plant debris, especially under the camellias.
  • Choose to grow resistant cultivars. Rake and destroy leaves in the fall. Avoid overhead irrigation or apply such that trees are not wet for extended periods of time.
  • Tactics used to control Phytophthora Leaf and Twig Blight should work just as well for many of these leaf spotting fungi. Control weeds and brambles to help air circulation. Select a site that permits good air drainage. Space and prune trees to permit good air circulation. Remove and destroy fallen leaves and dead infected twigs during the summer.
  • Space and prune bushes to permit good air circulation. Remove and destroy fallen leaves during the summer. If few in number, remove from the bush. Avoid overhead irrigation that keeps leaves wet.

Host Plants (1)