Leaf blotch
Gnomonia fragariae
What is Leaf blotch (Gnomonia comari)?
Leaf blotch disease is caused by the fungus Gnomonia comari. The fungus also has an asexual stage called Zythia fragariae. It produces dark, spherical fruiting bodies and can be found on infected tissues. Furthermore, symptoms include tan to gray leaf lesions that expand and cover a significant portion of the leaflet surface. Fungal fruiting bodies are present within the lesions, and there may be brown decay on the calyx end of the fruit. Leaf blotch is generally considered a minor problem. Plants naturally outgrow the disease, which is more common after heavy rainfall early in the season.
How does Leaf blotch (Gnomonia comari) occur?
The fungus Gnomonia comari causes leaf blotch and reproduces both sexually and asexually. It forms dark fruiting bodies called perithecia, which produce ascospores for sexual reproduction. These ascospores are spread in the environment. Asexual stage produces tiny spores called conidia. These conidia help spread the disease. Gnomonia comari survives on plant residue in the soil and relies on splashing water to disperse its spores and infect new plants.
Symptoms
1 - Effects on Plants
• Leaf Damage: Leaf blotch disease causes extensive tan to gray lesions on leaves, affecting their photosynthetic capacity. • Reduced Yield: Severe infections can decrease yield by impacting fruit set and crop productivity.
2 - Effects on Soil
• Disease Recurrence: Infected debris in the soil contributes to the persistence of the pathogen, increasing the likelihood of future outbreaks. • Fungal Ecology: Gnomonia comari's presence affects soil microbial dynamics and nutrient cycling.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Control
• Avoid planting in the same area consecutively to break the disease cycle and reduce pathogen buildup in the soil. • Remove and destroy infected plant debris to minimize the survival of the pathogen between seasons. • Avoid overhead irrigation or adjust irrigation practices to minimize splashing water, which can spread fungal spores. • Provide adequate spacing between plants to promote airflow and reduce leaf wetness, creating unfavorable conditions for disease development.
2 - Fungicide Application
• In severe cases or when necessary, fungicides labeled for controlling foliar fungal diseases can be used. Consult local agricultural extension services or professionals for appropriate fungicide recommendations and application timings. • Regularly inspect plants for symptoms of leaf blotch disease and take prompt action if detected, such as removing infected leaves or implementing appropriate treatments.
Susceptible Species
Marina Strawberry Tree
Pacific Madrone*
Strawberry Tree
hybrid strawberry tree
strawberry tree
strawberry foxglove
strawberry bush
strawberry
junebearing strawberry
junebearing strawberry
everbearing strawberry
strawberry
strawberry
strawberry
everbearing strawberry
strawberry
strawberry
wild strawberry
everbearing strawberry
junebearing strawberry
everbearing strawberry
wild strawberry
woodland strawberry
scarlet strawberry
yellow strawberry guava
strawberry geranium
barren strawberry
barren strawberry
piedmont barren strawberry
Strawberry Leaf Raspberry
garden strawberry
coastal strawberry
Strawberry Ground-Cherry
Strawberry-Blite
Strawberry-Blite
Strawberry Firetails
Grecian strawberry tree
Strawberry Tree
Strawberry Tree
Strawberry Ice Bravaisia
Himalayan Strawberry tree
Strawberry Snowball Tree
Indian Strawberry
Strawberry Cream
Strawberry
Taffeta Plant
Blue Strawberry Flowers
Strawberry tree
Balloon Berry
Strawberry Begonia
Chilean Guava
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.
