How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Septoria leaf spot—Septoria spp.

Several dozen Septoria spp. fungi each infect a different group of closely related hosts. Azalea, cottonwood, hebe, and poplar are commonly infected.

Identification

Infection by Septoria, which may be named Mycosphaerella during the conidial (asexual) stage, causes round or angular, flecked, sunken, or irregular spots on mostly older leaves. Black dots of spore-forming pycnidia may become visible within Septoria lesions. Populus spp. severely infected by Septoria populicola develop both leaf spots and branch cankers (Septoria canker).

Life cycle

The biology and management of Septoria is similar to that of anthracnose. The fungi overwinter primarily in cankers and lesions in infected twigs. Spores are produced when infected tissue is wet. Spores spread by splashing and windborne rain, germinate, and infect new twigs and foliage. Disease can be common when prolonged, cool, rainy weather occurs during new leaf growth.

Solutions

Where feasible, prune off infected wood in the fall after leaves drop from deciduous hosts and rake up and dispose of fallen leaves away from hosts. Reduce splashing water and humidity within canopies if possible.

Septoria leaf spot on popular
Septoria leaf spot on popular

Septoria alnifolia infection of alder
Septoria alnifolia infection of alder


Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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