This disease is also known as Iris Blight and Heterosporium Leaf Spot . It is most unremarkably associated with its infection of various species of iris blossom industrial plant . Once think to be a computer virus , this is actually a fungal contagion call Didymellina poecilospora .
Host Plants
Most broad - leafed flora in which the foliage have no stems or “ bole ” such as iris are susceptible to this fungus . A very few and rarified occasions have establish some trees to be infected as well , but this is usually a short - lived , semi - seasonal infestation and is often spread from nearby iris plant life .
Fungus Symptoms
The infection will commence as brown spots on the confidential information and border of the leaves , distribute down the center of the foliage , downward . The outer edges of the septic area will be moist and “ reeking ” looking . As the foliage is destroyed , the leave will curl as if desiccate and the fungus will stay on circulate as the leaf deteriorates .
The first symptoms probable to be take note will be lilliputian brownish spots towards the top and center of the leaves . The “ splotch ” appearance will spread before serious damage begin .
Life Cycle
The Didymellina fungus last as most kingdom Fungi do . Its spore will overwinter in the ground on mulch and fallen leave and then reappear when the atmospheric condition are ripe . It devour the leaves it infest and is most often spread by splashing pelting and sprinkler pee or through septic plant stuff coming in contact with other plants .
How This Disease Impacts the Plant
During the time of year , the foliage spots will appear usually before the iris begins to bud and flower . It will remain light and nigh unnoticed until flowering start , at which sentence ( in most casing ) it will begin open quickly . As the plant ’s chemistry changes due to the florescence and reproductive process , the Didymellina will begin a speedy spreading .
Leaves will be destroyed , flowering will likely be stunted and short - lived , and the plant will well-nigh always be weaken and unable to sprout the following spring .
How to Prevent Leaf Fungus
As with most fungi , infections can be prevented with proper care . Proper aeration through good landscaping and space is a good start . shoot care not to enter infected items such as organ transplant , bulbs , or mulch is important . When plants shed farewell or in the dusk after cut , the deadened leaves should be remove forthwith . Infected detritus leave until spring can re - spawn .
Leaf Spot Control
intervention option are circumscribed , but there are several commercial-grade antimycotic available . Some natural options are also on the marketplace . Most will have practiced winner if used in good order . Some non - commercial , DIY remediation are also possible and have had limited success .
Resources : http://pestid.msu.edu / PlantDiseases / Didymellinaleafspot / tabid/104 / Default.aspxhttp://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450 - 600/450 - 600.html
Related
Creative Commons photo courtesy of PHOTOFARMER.
