Pest & Disease Cherry leaf spot

Cherry leaf spot

Blumeriella jaapii

Also Known As - Leaf spot Cherry

What is a Cherry leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii)?

Blumeriella jaapii is a fungal pathogen causing cherry leaf spot, affecting cherry trees, as well as plums. Symptoms include circular lesions turning into "shot hole" patterns, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. Tart cherries are particularly vulnerable, experiencing purple-to-brown spots with leaf holes. Leaf loss increases winter injury risk, slows spring growth, and decreases summer fruit production.

How does Cherry leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii)?

Blumeriella jaapii survives winter in fallen leaves and releases ascospores in early spring. Germination occurs on wet leaves at 58-73°F. Leaf spots emerge within 10-15 days, with undersides producing spores. Wind and splashing water disseminate spores, causing new infections. Rainy seasons in May and June expedite the spread. By late summer, mature leaves become susceptible, potentially resulting in complete defoliation.

Symptoms

1 - Plant Health

• Blumeriella jaapii weakens infected plants, making them more susceptible to other stresses and diseases. • Severe infections can lead to defoliation, reducing photosynthesis and overall plant vigor. Causes blemishes and spotting on fruit, reducing market value. • Reduces fruit quality and yield, impacting the economic value of cherry and plum crops.

2 - Impact on Soil

Blumeriella jaapii has an indirect impact on soil and the environment. Defoliation contributes to increased nutrient cycling and organic matter accumulation as fallen leaves decompose.

Solutions

1 - Cultural Control

• Rake up and destroy infected leaves, ensuring they are completely decayed before spring. • Encourage leaf decomposition through practices like mowing or flailing. • Apply urea to fallen leaves in autumn to enhance decomposition. • Compost or properly dispose of the collected leaves. • By removing fallen leaves, you eliminate a potential source of disease spores. This reduces the chances of fungal survival and spread in the next growing season.

2 - Chemical Control

• Fungicides for controlling Cherry leaf spot are Bonide Captan 50 WP, Bravo Weather Stik, Captan 80 WDG, CaptEvate 68 WDG, Cevya, Cueva, Eagle 20 EW, and Echo 720 among others. • Managing Fungicide Resistance: Overuse of myclobutanil can lead to resistance development in leaf spot fungi. To prevent resistance, alternate between myclobutanil and captan for repeated fungicide applications. • Copper-Based Fungicides: Fungicides containing copper may offer some protection against leaf spot infection. Certain copper fungicides are approved for organic production. Note: Please follow label instructions and consult local experts for specific recommendations.

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.