Draft 2015 02 BAMGA Help Desk Photinia, Otto Luyken Laurel
Transcription
Draft 2015 02 BAMGA Help Desk Photinia, Otto Luyken Laurel
From The VCE-Bedford Master Gardener HELP DESK Feb 2015: Article for the Bedford Area Master Gardener Association (BAMGA) newsletter Editor: LindaE, Bedford Extension Master Gardener, Help Desk Coordinator QUESTIONS: 1. A client came in and wanted some advice about her Photinia shrub because the leaves had started dropping off. She said spots of bush are affected, that she noticed it last year, and it started out on one now spreading to second. 2. A client brought in a sample of Otto Luyken Laurel (an evergreen shrub) and said the plant has always looked stressed but didn’t see any bugs on the plant. (leaves with spots, with holes in spots) 3. A caller wanted information on erosion control. ANSWERS: 1. Photinia is a shrub belonging to the rosaceous family is widely grown in the eastern and southern United States. Photinia x fraseri, also known as “red tip,” is the most popular Photinia grown because of its bright red, immature foliage. All of the Photinia are susceptible to leaf spotting caused by the fungus Entomosporium mespili. Symptoms include leaf spots that first appear as minute, slightly raised dots on either surface of the leaf. Older spots have a slightly depressed center with raised margins. Leaf spots vary in color and Healthy Photinia shrub size depending upon the age/maturity of the affected leaf. The fungus overwinters as mycelium in fallen infected leaves from the previous year. Close-up of Photinia fungal leaf spots EDutky- U Md. pubs.ext.vt.edu it.wikipedia.org The client was advised to: A) Improve drainage if possible; B) Clean up debris / fallen leaves under plants in the winter to reduce sources of fungal inoculum before new growth appears in the spring; and C) A fungicide such as Thiophanate methyl (e.g. Cleary 3336) or myclobutanil (e.g. Systhane) can be used preventatively, but they must be applied on a regular basis throughout the season for effective control. (1), (2) 2. The symptoms were believed to be caused by a fungus, not by insects. The client was advised to A) Improve the drainage around and under the plants; B) Clean up debris / fallen leaves under plants to remove any fungal inoculum; C) Increase air movement within the plant by judicious hand pruning; and D) Avoid overhead watering. FEB 2015- BAMGA HELP DESK In addition use a fungicide – Daconil – may help control the fungus. Since she says "has always looked stressed" a soil test should be done. (3) (4) Cherry Leaf Spot T McCarmant, extension.umn.edu 3. Generally speaking, turf grass as well as many other low-growing herbaceous and woody plants work well in controlling runoff or erosion. If the slope is particularly steep a vigorous ground cover can be planted to reduce erosion and increase water penetration into the sod on the slope. Turf is often impractical on steep terrain because mowing is difficult and dangerous. Another option would be to build terraces or retaining walls. (5) (6) Healthy Otto Luyken Laurel pinterest.com REFERENCES: (1) “Entomosporium Leaf Spot of Photinia” http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-609/450-609.html (2) “Pest Management Guide: Home Grounds and Animals” 2014 https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-018/456-018.html Example of a terraced retaining wall pubs.ext.vt.edu (3) “Effect of Fungicide to Control Shot-Hole Disease of Cherry Laurel” http://www.canr.org/98013.pdf (4) “Cherry Leaf Spot” http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/fruit/integrated-pestmanagement-for-home-stone-fruit-growers/cherry-leaf-spot/ (5) “Reducing Erosion and Runoff” http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-722/426-722.html (6) “Selecting Landscape Plants: Ground Covers” http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-609/426-609.html Article written Feb 2012 by Bedford Extension Master Gardener Linda E. Updated for Feb 2015 website post by Bedford Extension Master Gardener Kathy N. Answers provided herein were based on specific situations and growing conditions. These recommendations may or may not be appropriate for all circumstances. For specific recommendations for your particular situation please contact your local Cooperative Extension Office. Bedford County Extension Office: (540) 586-7675 / Email: Help Desk @ [email protected] Join our free Community e-Newsletter (sign-up online) Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Bedfordmastergardeners www.BedfordMasterGardeners.org Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. An equal opportunity affirmative action employer. If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation, please notify Scott Baker at the Bedford Extension Office at 540-586-7675 (TDD number 800-828-1120) during business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. FEB 2015- BAMGA HELP DESK