Pest & Disease Coryneum blight (Shot hole disease)

Coryneum blight (Shot hole disease)

Wilsonomyces carpophilus

Also Known As - Shot hole disease (Coryneum blight)

What is coryneum blight (Wilsonomyces carpophilus)?

Coryneum blight, or shot hole disease, is a fungal infection caused by the pathogen Wilsonomyces carpophilus. It affects various fruit trees such as peach, nectarine, apricot, almond (both ornamental and nut-bearing), and to a lesser extent, cherry trees (both sour and sweet varieties). The disease is characterized by developing small, circular lesions or "shot holes" on the leaves, which can expand and merge under warm and humid environments. These lesions may have a tan or gray center with a reddish-brown border.

How coryneum blight (Wilsonomyces corpophilus) occurs?

The fungal pathogen primarily occurs through the dispersal of fungal spores. It infects plants through wounds or natural openings such as stomata on the leaves. Spores of the fungus are spread by wind, rain, or through contact with infected plant material. Once the spores land on susceptible plants, they germinate and penetrate the plant tissues, establishing an infection. Warm temperatures, high humidity, and excessive moisture promote its growth.

Symptoms

1 - Impacts on Plants

• It can cause defoliation, premature fruit drop, and reduced fruit quality in stone fruit trees and ornamental cherries. • The loss of foliage and fruit can affect the aesthetics of orchards and landscapes. • The disease has a minimal direct impact on soil but can lead to the accumulation of infected plant debris.

Solutions

1 - Cultural Control

• Prune and remove dead or diseased branches, buds, and twigs. This helps reduce the potential sources of the pathogen and improves air circulation within the tree canopy. • Avoid overhead watering, as leaves must be moist for infection to occur. Use drip irrigation or direct water to the soil around the base of the tree. • Rake and destroy fallen infected leaves and debris to reduce the overwintering and spread of the disease. • Maintain overall tree health through proper nutrition, irrigation, and pest control practices. Healthy trees are more resistant to diseases.

2 - Chemical Control

Here are some commonly available fungicides for treating Coryneum blight (Wilsonomyces carpophilus) • Armada 50 WDG: Contains trifloxystrobin and triadimefon (Group 3 + 11). • Bonide Fung-onil Multi-purpose Fungicide: Contains chlorothalonil (Group M5). • Eagle 20 EW: Contains myclobutanil (Group 3). • Protect DF: Contains mancozeb (Group M3). Always follow label instructions and consult local experts for specific recommendations and availability in your area.

Susceptible Species

FAQ

Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?

Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.

How often should you water indoor plants?

Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.

Can my monstera plant get root rot?

Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.

Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?

No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.

What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?

If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.

Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?

Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.

Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?

Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.

Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?

No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.