WHAT IS FUNGAL LEAF SPOT

Entmosporium fungal leaf spot is a common disease that affects various trees and plants with fungal spores most commonly following severe rainy weather. The fungus creates black fungal spots on leaves and may cause premature drop which can lead to defoliation of severely diseased leaves. Spores are typically spread by splashing water or contaminated leaf litter from rainfall or irrigation during the active growing periods of Spring (Feb-June). The disease develops most rapidly during the cool, wet weather leaving young, expanding leave susceptible to infection. In some plants, the fungus can remain year-round on leaves and splash spores from infected tissue to healthy leaves.

leaf affected by fungal leaf spot
example of fungal leaf spot disease
example of fungal leaf spot disease
example of fungal leaf spot disease

IDENTIFICATION

The appearance of tiny circular, reddish in color spots may be an initial symptom of this fungus on new foliage. As these spots continue to develop they can range from small discrete dots to raised patches in yellow or brown irregular areas that spread across the leaves surface. The lesions may develop a halo around them and create a spore-forming body in the center of the spots. Severe damage may cause leaves to fall off the tree or plant. These spots may darken and enlarge as the leaves mature. Long-term damage to trees is rare but these pathogens can affect part of or the entire infected leaf and easily spread to other healthy leaves.

TREATMENT

Fungicide treatments will not reverse or correct any currently damaged leaves. It’s important to note that there is no treatment to reverse appearance of any current damaged foliage. Treatments can help prevent new damage from occurring and spreading to currently uninfected foliage. Additional treatments may be needed if fungal growing conditions continue.

Commonly affected trees: Ornamental Pear Trees, Cherry Laurels, Loquat, Natal Plum, Hawthorn, Photinia, Rhaphiolepis, Toyon, Willow, and Roses, to name a few. Pruning can help increase air movement within a canopy and promote rapid drying of foliage. Managing removal of infected leaves can help to reduce the spread of disease.

Always remember to keep a close eye on your plants and trees. Contact our team to set up a healthcare plan via the link below.

plant leaves affected by fungal leaf spot