Red Thread Disease is a fungal infection found on lawns and other turfed areas. It is caused by the corticioid fungus Laetisaria fuciformis and has two separate stages. The stage that gives the infection its name is characterized by very thin, red, needle-like strands extending from the grass blade. The other stage is visible as … Read more
This condition causes patches of thin, brown grass; the blades have small oval spots with bright red centers and darker borders. Most common on bluegrass and rye grass, leaf spot is caused by various fungi (some formerly known as helminthosporia leaf spot fungi). Use a fungicide when you first notice damage. Too-lush lawns and those … Read more
Typically infects Blue, Bermuda, St. Augustine and Rye Grass during the summer and fall, causing a distinctive orange rust-like appearance. The spores are easily spread by tools and foot traffic.
Snow molds show up in at least two forms; both prosper in wet, cold weather, especially if grass remains soaked for long periods. Gray snow mold causes irregular dead, bleached patches up to 2 feet across; gray mold is visible on the grass. Pink snow mold produces circular, light brown patches, sometimes blotched with pink … Read more
Most active during cool, rainy springs, this fungal disease slowly weakens infected trees. If left unchecked, afflicted leaves show a coating of white spores; these can reinfect the host tree the following year. Target: Peach, nectarine. Damage: Midribs thicken, causing the leaves to pucker and curl, leaves are tinged with red or yellow and drop … Read more
Brown to dull black, sooty blotches with an indefinite outline form on the fruit surface. These tiny creatures live above the skin of apple fruit, in the protective layer of wax. The fungi develop in the wax, using the apple juice that seep through the skin as nutrients. Sooty Blotch overwinters on twigs of various … Read more
While most fungi thrive in moist surroundings, the organisms causing powdery mildew flourish in dry conditions; they also prefer warm days, cool nights, and shade. The various members of the group attack different hosts and survive from year to year on perennial plants.
Causes infections that are found on the plant tissues that have been weakened, invaded or killed by pathogens or by mechanical means. Soft rot in tubers is favored by immaturity, wounding, invasion by other pathogens, warm tuber and storage temperatures, standing water and low or no oxygen.
Coryneum blight also called Shot hole diease affects peaches, apricots and sweet cherries and other fruit trees. Some flowering ornamental trees can be affected as well. Since little can be done to control shot hole fungus once the trees have been infected, prevention is essential in treating shot hole disease Disease takes place in spring … Read more
Most of the fungi known as “rust” attack ornamentals. Each is specific to a certain type of plant, although some cedar apple rust, for example, require two hosts. The spores are spread by wind and splashing water.