Phytophthora Dieback
Phytophthora spp.
24 host plants
Last updated
Phytophthora causes dieback of branches and shoots, particularly during cool, wet weather. Once in soil, this disease is difficult to eradicate. Rotation to new land or resistant varieties becomes necessary for future plantings. Remove infected plants and improve drainage. Prevention through site selection is more effective than treatment. Monitor your plants closely and implement integrated management strategies. Prompt removal of infected material helps limit disease spread.
Good sanitation is your most effective tool against phytophthora dieback. Remove and dispose of infected plant material, clean up fallen debris, and sterilize your pruning tools between plants. Reduce leaf wetness by watering at soil level and spacing plants for adequate air movement. These practices reduce the pathogen load in your garden over successive seasons.
Quick Reference
Management
Cultural Controls
- Prune Asian pears during dry periods in the winter, or delay pruning until spring or summer. Summer pruning also helps slow down overly vigorous trees. Thinning flower spurs during dry periods reduces bloom, helps improve fruit size, and may reduce the amount of disease observed. Avoid planting Asian pears in frost pockets or low-lying areas. Do no