Stem cankers and dieback
Botryosphaeria dothidea
What are Stem cankers and dieback (Botryosphaeria dothidea)?
Botryosphaeria dothidea is a fungal pathogen that causes Stem cankers and dieback. This fungus is commonly known as the Botryosphaeria canker or Botryosphaeria dieback. It is widely distributed and affects a broad range of woody plants. Commonly affected plants include fruit trees, grapevines, ornamental trees, and shrubs. Symptoms include yellowing foliage and thinning of the canopy, followed by the appearance of brown cankers with gray centers on branches. Dead branches and black, spore-producing structures can be observed as the disease progresses. B. dothidea can stain the wood of infected plants dark. It is an opportunistic pathogen that infects stressed plants.
How do Stem cankers and dieback (Botryosphaeria dothidea) occur?
B. dothidea reproduces through sexual and asexual methods. Sexual reproduction produces ascospores that are dispersed in the air and infect susceptible plants through wounds. Asexual reproduction occurs through pycnidiospores, which are released during spring or early summer and spread by rain splash. The spores can remain viable in cankers and plant debris, ensuring long-term survival. This reproductive strategy allows for the continuous cycle of infection and disease development in various host plants.
Symptoms
1 - Impact on plants
• Botryosphaeria dothidea can have several effects on plants, soil, and the environment. It causes Botryosphaeria canker disease, leading to branch dieback, canopy thinning, and even death of affected plants. • This can result in disfigurement, loss of fruit production, and reduced plant vitality.
2 - Impact on Environment
The accumulation of deadwood from infected plants can impact the soil and contribute to increased fire risk.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Practices
• Provide proper cultural care to keep plants vigorous, including appropriate watering, fertilization, and soil management. • Avoid unnecessary wounding of plant tissues and protect plants from extreme environmental conditions. • Regularly inspect plants for diseased or dead tissue and promptly prune it off, making clean cuts at an angle in healthy tissue just above a node. • Water plants at the base to keep foliage dry and minimize the spread of fungal spores through water splashing. • Select plant varieties that are less susceptible to Botryosphaeria dothidea infection.
2 - Sanitation and Pruning
• Sanitize pruning tools between cuts and between plants to prevent the transmission of the pathogen. • Disinfect pruning tools with a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol or a household bleach solution. • Remove and dispose of dead or dying branches, pruning a few inches below the canker on infected branches. • Inspect pruning cuts for discoloration from fungal infection and disinfect tools if needed.
3 - Fungicide Treatment (as a last resort)
• In severe cases, fungicides containing phosphorous acid (such as Agri-Fos) can be applied. Fungicides may protect foliage and fruit and prevent new canker formation. • Consult with a local horticulturist or plant pathologist for guidance on appropriate fungicide use.
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.
