Anthracnose
Gnomonia leptostyla
What is Anthracnose (Ophiognomonia leptostyla)?
Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Ophiognomonia leptostyla (previously Gnomonia leptostyla), is a plant disease with a wide distribution, affecting various host plants. It particularly impacts walnut (Juglans spp.), leading to significant defoliation and reduced yield. Symptoms of anthracnose include circular to irregular reddish-brown to grayish-brown leaf spots, oval to irregular sunken dead areas on stems, and depressed circular to irregular dead spots on husks. This fungal disease poses a significant threat to crops and requires proper management practices for control.
How does Anthracnose (Ophiognomonia leptostyla) occur?
It reproduces through various mechanisms. It overwinters in infected leaves and nuts on the ground or in twig cankers. Spring rains trigger the release of ascospores from fruiting bodies in the old diseased plant parts, which are then dispersed by wind and cause primary infections. The fungus also produces conidia in twig lesions, contributing to secondary cycles of infection. The successive generations of spores facilitate the spread and persistence of the disease.
Symptoms
1 - Impacts on Plants
Ophiognomonia leptostyla severely defoliates plants, reduces yield, and impairs fruit quality, leading to significant economic losses. Infected leaves and nuts act as a fungal reservoir, perpetuating the disease in the soil.
2 - Effects on Soil and Environment
• Leaf and twig litter affected by anthracnose can impact nutrient cycling in the soil, potentially affecting the availability of essential elements for plant growth. • The presence of the anthracnose fungus and the decomposition of infected plant material can influence the composition and activity of soil microbial communities. • Anthracnose can impact the natural balance and interactions within ecosystems where host plants are present, potentially affecting biodiversity.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Control
• Rake and destroy fallen leaves and nuts to reduce the source of infection. • Prune and remove infected twigs and branches when possible. • Maintain adequate nitrogen fertility to promote plant health. • Remove and destroy infected plant debris to prevent the fungus from overwintering and spreading. • Avoid planting susceptible hosts in the same area consecutively to reduce disease pressure. • Select plant cultivars that have shown resistance or tolerance to anthracnose.
2 - Chemical Control
• Fungicides that are commonly used include Abound, Aproach, Bordeaux, Cevya, Copper hydroxide materials, Champ WG, Kocide 3000, Nu-Cop 50 DF, Flint Extra, Inspire Super, Luna Experience, Luna Sensation, Merivon, Miravis Prime, Pristine, Propiconazole-based fungicides, Bumper 41.8 EC, Propi-Max EC, Tilt, Quadris, Quadris Top, Quash, QuiltXcel, Rhyme, Syllit FL, Tesaris, TopGuard, and Topguard EQ. • Follow label instructions, including application timing and dosage. • Rotate or alternate fungicides to prevent resistance development.
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
Carpathian English Walnut
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
Gabon Nut
Colombian walnut
Persian Walnut
Otaheite Walnut
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.
