Pest & Disease Anthracnose

Anthracnose

Fraxinus velutina

What is Anthracnose (Apiognomonia errabunda)?

Anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Apiognomonia errabunda (Discula quercina), affects various oak species, including black oak, white oak, northern red oak, pin oak, chestnut oak, scarlet oak, and swamp white oak. It has a wide distribution and can be found in different regions. Symptoms include water-soaked, blighted leaf margins or blotches along veins on new foliage, which turn dry, papery, and gray over time. Distorted or shriveled leaves may be shed prematurely. Twig infections can also occur, leading to branch dieback. Anthracnose poses a significant threat to trees in affected areas.

How does Anthracnose (Apiognomonia errabunda) occur?

The disease spreads through the release of spores primarily dispersed by wind and rainwater. Wet weather conditions during the early growing season create favorable conditions for infection. The fungus forms lesions on leaves and twigs, leading to blighted leaf margins, discoloration, and twig dieback. In severe cases, defoliation can occur. The pathogen can overwinter in resting structures and continues to infect new foliage in the following spring, perpetuating the cycle of the disease.

Symptoms

1 - Plants Health

• Severe infections of Apiognomonia errabunda can lead to premature shedding of leaves, impacting the overall health and growth of trees. • The disease can cause the death of twigs, resulting in reduced canopy density and potential structural weakness.

2 - Soil Health

• Defoliation and twig dieback can affect nutrient cycling in the soil as fallen leaves and twigs decompose more slowly. • The presence of the fungal pathogen may influence soil microbial communities and their functions.

3 - Impacts on the Environment

• Impact of anthracnose can affect biodiversity by reducing the health and vitality of populations. • Weakened or dead trees may contribute less to carbon sequestration, potentially affecting the ecosystem's ability to mitigate climate change.

Solutions

1 - Cultural Practices

Maintain overall tree health through regular pruning, removal of dead branches, and appropriate watering and fertilization practices. • Remove and destroy fallen leaves and infected plant debris to reduce the potential for fungal spores to spread. • Selecting and planting tree varieties that are known to exhibit resistance to anthracnose can reduce the risk of infection.

2 - Site Selection and Regular Monitoring

• Plant trees in locations that provide good air circulation and adequate sunlight, as this can help prevent prolonged leaf wetness and reduce fungal growth. • Monitor trees for early signs of infection, such as leaf discoloration or lesions. Prompt detection allows for timely treatment and prevents further spread.

3 - Chemical Control

• Fungicides: In severe cases or for high-value trees, apply fungicides labeled for anthracnose, Chlorothalonil, propiconazole, and thiophanate-methyl are commonly used fungicides for anthracnose control. • Consult with a certified arborist or horticulturist to determine the appropriate fungicide and application timing.

Susceptible Species

Flamingo Boxelder

Kelly's Gold Boxelder

Japanese Maple

River Birch

River Birch (clump)

Summer Cascade Weeping River Birch

Eddie's White Wonder Flowering Dogwood

Cherokee Brave Flowering Dogwood

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood

Cherokee Daybreak Flowering Dogwood

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood

Cherokee Sunset Flowering Dogwood

Red Flowering Dogwood

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Golden Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Variegated Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Leprechaun Green Ash

Patmore Green Ash

Sweet Gum

Round Leaf Sweet Gum

Silver King Sweet Gum

Slender Silhouette Sweet Gum

Worplesdon Sweet Gum

Tuliptree

Arnold Tuliptree

Yellow Variegated Tuliptree

Fastigiatum Tuliptree

Alexandrina Saucer Magnolia

Rustica Rubra Magnolia

horse chestnut

horse chestnut

snapdragon

European white birch

silver birch

false aster

false aster

false chamomile

false aster

camellia

tatarian dogwood

flowering dogwood

flowering dogwood

flowering dogwood

flowering dogwood

flowering dogwood

flowering dogwood

flowering dogwood

flowering dogwood

flowering dogwood

flowering dogwood

flowering dogwood

mountain dogwood

red twig dogwood

yellow twig dogwood

winter creeper

white ash

European ash

European ash

European ash

flowering ash

English ivy

common hop

common St. John's wort

black walnut

common privet

Chinese tulip tree

big blue lilyturf

star magnolia

spearmint

oriental plane tree

common pear

white oak

scarlet oak

pin oak

pin oak

willow oak

English oak

English oak

English oak

red oak

weeping willow

dragon's claw willow

rough goldenrod

European mountain ash

snowberry

David viburnum

Red-Flowering Currant

Vine Maple

variegated bulbous oat grass

silverleaf dogwood

Silver King euonymus

Idaho fescue

narrow-leafed ash

Transvaal daisy

Oregon grape

peppermint

London plane

Garry oak

tomato

Pink Pagoda mountain ash

piggyback plant

Pink Dawn chitalpa

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.